“It all matters. That someone turns out the lamp, picks up the windblown wrapper, says hello to the invalid, pays at the unattended lot, listens to the repeated tale, folds the abandoned laundry, plays the game fairly, tells the story honestly, acknowledges help, gives credit, says good night, resists temptation, wipes the counter, waits at the yellow, makes the bed, tips the maid, remembers the illness, congratulates the victor, accepts the consequences, takes a stand, steps up, offers a hand, goes first, goes last, chooses the small portion, teaches the child, tends to the dying, comforts the grieving, removes the splinter, wipes the tear, directs the lost, touches the lonely, is the whole thing.” 

~ Laura McBride,

We Are Called To Rise

There are some things we need to toss such as over-use of the word ‘amazing’. We could also toss fish oil gummies and bad reality shows to the garbage heap along with fiber supplements that don’t dissolve easily. Junk mail. Posting photos of wounds and such on social media—we do not want or need to see your gaping wound or recent surgery scar to feel sympathy for you … way too much information.

There are some things we need more of like rocking chairs and porch swings on summer afternoons, and something involving creamy homemade ice cream. Ripe peaches. Cooling feet off in mountain streams, watching for silver trout flashing near rocks. Bright lemon slices in sweating glasses. A pile of library books. Daisies. Warm homemade bread with strawberry jam. Crimson watermelon. Turning off gadgets for a while and simply enjoying the blue sky overhead, breezes, and bird songs. Watching fireflies at night. Plucking fresh lavender to sniff. Snuggling a kitten, a baby, a puppy — something sweet, innocent, warm — and connecting with what really matters, a sense of wonder in this world.

Saluda Welcome Table is at Saluda Methodist Church Tuesday from 5:30-6:45 p.m.

Saluda Community Land Trust (SCLT) has “Walks in the Woods” on the first and third Sundays each month. On July 2, the walk will be to Saluda Nature Park. Meet at the library parking lot at 2 p.m. Visit www.saludasclt.org to learn more, donate, or volunteer.

Saluda Tail Gate Market is open 4:30-6:30 p.m. every Friday May through October.

Saluda Historic Depot is located at 32 West Main Street and is open Thursday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.; the next Saluda Train Tales event will be on July 21.

Top of the Grade Concerts scheduled at McCreery Park are: July 14 – Mercury Rising, August 11 – Casual Zealots, September 1 – Super 60’s. Music is from 7-9 p.m.

Ward’s Grill has a free breakfast for veterans on the third Thursday of each month.

Happy 60th Anniversary to Bill and Sheila Russell! Drop by from 2-4 p.m. June 25 at Saluda Fire Department to help celebrate their special day!

Saluda Center Potluck and Bingo night is June 26 at 6 p.m.

Saluda’s 54th annual Coon Dog Day is July 8 with live music, parade, food, crafts, and evening street dances. Parade starts at 11 a.m. and the 5K race starts at 8 a.m.

Happy June Birthday to Nancy Barnett, Verne Dawson, Peggy Ellwood, Anna Jackson, Charlie Jackson, Amy Violet Ford, Terry Arrington, Julie Arrington, Susie Welsh Hearn, Jeremy Edwards, John Savage, Eleanor Morgan, Mary Lu Price, Sigi Hendrickson, Edna McKee, and Lucinda Pittman. Add your birthday to the list—just call or email me. No ages mentioned unless you’re under 2 or over 100, that’s a promise!

Garden Tip: It’s a good time of year to divide daylilies, iris, and other hardy perennials. Keep fresh hummingbird nectar out (¼ c. sugar to 2 cups water, boiled and cooled). 

Thank you, dear readers, for reading this column. You can contact me at bbardos@gmail.com, 828-749-1153, or bonniebardosart.com.