“…Cloud shadows rush over drying hay,

fences, dusty lane, and railroad ravine.

The first yellowing fronds of goldenrod

brighten the margins of the woods.

Schoolbooks, carpools, pleated skirts;

water, silver-still, and a vee of geese.”

~ Jane Kenyon, excerpt from “Three Songs at the End of Summer”

There are some things you just don’t want to shop for in this lifetime, Dear Reader. Namely, things involving car engine repair, adult diapers, caskets, and root canals. I made an emergency visit to the dental clinic I’ve gone to since losing insurance. Like clockwork, every six months I go get those clackers of mine cleaned and checked. One tooth had been bothering me, as if a popcorn husk was stuck under the gum.

Sticking glasses on, I aimed two mirrors and flashlight just so. Of course the glasses fell off, the light would drop, and frustration set in. Finally, after feeling worse, and no end to the popcorn husk feeling, I bit the bullet (so to speak) sitting on a hard plastic seat at the clinic for two hours hoping to get worked in. Turns out it was not good news and not a popcorn husk. I left with a recommendation for root canal and crown, which the clinic doesn’t do.

Which means if you want to keep your tooth, you start hunting ASAP for a place that’ll do it for less than an arm and a leg, or your first-born child—sadly there are no dental schools nearby. Some dentists will give you a ballpark quote. Only one informed me that they could never, ever give a quote over the phone (which means you have to give children, arm$, and leg$). Finally, I found a place down in South Carolina that had a bit lower fees — they only want one arm. Just as long as there’s no River dog involved in that pay-out!

Saluda Tailgate Market is open on Fridays from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the city parking lot off Main Street. 

Saluda Welcome Table is every Tuesday. Dinner is served from 5:30-7 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Saluda United Methodist Church. All are welcome; donations accepted.

Saluda Community Land Trust (SCLT) benefits from your donations or time as a volunteer for their many community projects. “Walks in the Woods” are on the first and third Sundays each month. Save the date for Nov.  4-5. SCLT will have a silent auction fundraiser at Saluda Inn featuring art, pottery, furniture and more. If you have items that would help raise money for SCLT, consider donating them for such a good cause! For more information, contact SCLT at 828-749-1560 or visit www.saludasclt.org. 

Saluda Train Tales are held at Saluda Historic Depot (HistoricSaluda.org) on the third Friday each month through October. The next one will be Sept. 23 with Rodger Stroup from the South Carolina State Museum at 7 p.m. The depot is open Thursday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.

Art Notes: The annual Art Trek open studio tour is Sept. 24-25 with a gallery show of all participating artists. The preview party/reception is from 5-7 p.m. on Sept. 23 at Upstairs Artspace, 49 S. Trade Street, Tryon. Saluda artists are Doc Welty and Bonnie Bardos.

The 5th Annual Ella Grace Race to End PKD 2016 Color Run/5K Walk (registration 7-8:45 a.m.) is Sept. 24, starting at 9 a.m. at Saluda Party Place & Event Center.

Happy September birthday to Wayne Thompson, Connie Woodruff, Courtney Hoots, Merci Weitzen, Dale McEntire, Joni Rauschenbach, Sonya Monts, Linda Kaye Hayes, Carol Kenfield, Debbie Fisher, Leslie Jespersen, Linda Mintz, Sheila Billeter, Cary Pace, Ross Arrington, Hop Foster, Chuck Hearon, Alexia Timberlake, Jason Justus, Beth Carson and Clark Thompson.

Thank you, dear readers for reading this column. It’s my goal to make you feel as if you were enjoying a ‘Saluda Time’ visit on the front porch swing watching dew sparkles, hummingbirds, and drifting leaves. Please feel free to contact me at bbardos@gmail.com or 749-1153. You may also visit bonniebardosart.com for more writing and art, or find me on Facebook.