The heat rises in distorted gold waves around fire but without fire, shimmering, twisting

anything seen through it. The heat rises, rasping the air it rises through, scuffing the surface, if the air has a surface.

The tall summer field is the keeper of secrets.

~ Maggie Smith,

excerpt from “Rasp”

Along back roads, The Turtle swishes along on July mornings. We run errands before humid afternoons with storms looming on the horizon pay a daily visit. The old truck, like me, is glad to arrive back home safe and sound.

River Dog stays home on hot days, along with Pikachu Cat who slips quietly to snooze nearby. It’s beneath her dignity to admit that she likes River that much, so he usually has no clue she’s there. A siesta: what else is there to do on a muggy summer day but be a tiger stretched out?

Summer grass stretches lush green blankets over the landscape. Hibiscus blossoms love the weather; white, pink, lavender spangle and sparkle beside houses down shaded lanes. Peepers peep. The iridescent green pond frog lazes on his mossy rock, boldly staying put as I stroll by. He’s a most handsome fellow, and I tell him so — after begging him to snack on the all-you-can-eat mosquito special, please. My tailgate market moonflower swirls in a cotillion around the front arch. It, too, loves the weather, and soon will pay me with sumptuous white blossoms.

Fields dance with life, mud puddles, and lines of life jumping toward sky, the scent of summer heavy on the day. An afternoon to find a book, quiet spot near snoozing critters, a cold glass of lemonade, and a few memories of summers past.

Saluda Tailgate Market is open on Fridays from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the city parking lot off Main Street. Fresh produce, baked goodies, plants, and much more! Thank you to our hard-working tailgate market volunteers who are out there on duty every week. Give ‘em a hug!

Saluda Welcome Table is every Tuesday. Dinner is served from 5:30-6:45 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. Contact SCLT at 828-749-1560 or visit www.saludasclt.org. 

Saluda School may be out for summer vacation, but you can still collect specially marked box tops! Collection containers are located in Saluda Library, Saluda Post Office, and at the school office.   

Saluda Historic Depot is located at 32 West Main Street and is open Thursday-Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Saluda Train Tales are held on the third Friday each month at 7 p.m. through October. Mike Lassiter will present the July 21 Train Tales (7 p.m.) “Our Vanishing Americana — A North Carolina Portrait” along with Scott Galloway, film director/producer for the PBS documentary. Also, Hobo quilters Verlie Murphy, Lynn Weidman, Geri Miller, Mar Kersten, Cam Alexander, Vikki Nelson, Irena Teal, Elaine Hewitt, Edna Miller, Edna McKee, Liz Taylor, Wendy Pecks, Lee Ellis, and Fay Chandler will be honored for their hard work the same evening. These events are free; donations much appreciated!

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

The Saluda Center Community potluck and bingo night is July 31 at 6 p.m.

Happy July Birthday to Doris Marion, Debi Thomas, Rheta Foster, Nancy Weinhagen, Lisa Obermiller, Kathy Thompson, Bill Jameson, Emily Rose Ford, Jeremy Ford, Mike Cass, Emma Jean McGraw, Nathen Pack, Melissa Justus, Hunter Justus, Alyssa Justus, Tona Justus, Lynn Savage, and Amanda Anderson.

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