We rise by lifting others.

~ Robert Ingersoll

Since discovering daffodils blooming along side streets, River Dog and I stop on our daily strolls to pick a few sunny blooms to bring home to the kitchen window, the living room table and other places that need a bit of cheer — bits of sunshine captured in those bright faces.

Lavender sprigs of vinca dance along mossy side paths; daylily leaves unfurling already, a tender green feathering of willows. It looks like an early spring from all counts, although Old Man Winter always gets a last laugh in.

By the time you read this, River and I will be leaving the daffodils alone and will be watching palm trees instead. A friend offered a sweet spot on Amelia Island, so when they said “River can go too,” how could that offer be refused?

Of course, the answer was yes! All I’d have to worry about would be getting there.

I’m still working on the logistics of driving, because The Turtle prefers to stay close to home and doesn’t like interstates. Me neither.

It’s been a few years since I headed to Florida, so a respite from winter is gratefully taken. The daffodils around here will be safe a bit longer.

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

• Learn more about Saluda Community Land Trust by visiting saludaclt.org or calling 828-749-1560. “Walks in the Woods” start on Sunday, March 18, with a guided hike at Twin Bridges to enjoy emerging spring wildflowers. Meet at 2 p.m. at Saluda Library’s parking lot to carpool. There won’t be a walk on April 1, Easter Sunday. For more information about walks, contact Chuck Hearon at 828-817-0364 or chearon@skyrunner.net.

At Saluda Historic Depot, Saluda Train Tales return on March 16 at 7 p.m. with Harold Williams. Donations to help support Saluda Historic Depot can be sent to P.O. Box 990, Saluda, NC 28773 or on the HistoricSaluda.org website. Visit saludahistoricdepot.com for more information.

• If you’d enjoy volunteering at the Historic Depot Museum, plan on attending a volunteer meeting there on March 6 at 10 a.m. Shifts are for two hours, and tailored to your schedule. Help share the stories and lore of the Saluda Grade, the steepest 3 miles of standard gauge main line railroad grade in the U.S. You don’t have to live in Saluda, and you need no experience: all that’s needed is enthusiasm, a big smile and a love for all that’s in our beautiful area.  If you have questions, contact Anita Moore, volunteer coordinator, at 828-749-3335.

• Saluda Singles (men and women over 40) have a potluck at 5 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at Saluda Center. The next potluck is March 8 — all are welcome. Men, don’t be afraid, just show up and enjoy good company and food!

• Saluda Get-Well wishes continue for Rita Igoe and Mary Ann Asbill. Cissy Thompson reports that she is feeling much better!

• Happy March Birthday to: Faye Chandler, Genell Jespersen, Charlene Pace, Valerie Mintz, Sheldon Mintz, Curtis Pace, Anita Odgen Moore, Charles Weinhagen,  Kevin Kerr, Dorrie McKinley, Catherine Ross, Jane Fox, Beverly Pickard, Monica Pace, Ken Justus,  Elizabeth Justus,  Arlene Klippel, Rachel Bradley, Chris Bradley,  Martha Stoney Anderson, Dawn Ward, Peggy Wolf, Dori Ray, Martin Anderson, Lucy Holman, Craig Bass, Laura Bass, Patty Martin and Dana Browning.

Thank you for reading this column dear readers; as ever, the goal is to make you feel like you’re enjoying small town life in a friendly mountain town called Saluda.  Feel free to contact me at bbardos@gmail.com, 828-749-1153, or visit bonniebardosart.com.