In The Mountains On A Summer Day

 

Gently I stir a white feather fan,
With open shirt sitting in a green wood.
I take off my cap and hang it on a jutting stone;
A wind from the pine-trees trickles on my bare head.

 

~ Li Po, 701-762 A.D. (translated by Arthur Waley)

 

Every now and then I get a reminder that it’s time to change my password for account protection. This applies to bank accounts, services, charge cards, etc.; some of them make you change passwords every six months.  

 

I won’t call names, but it’s hard for certain people to remember which password goes to what. You’re forced to use a certain number of characters, numbers, symbols, and add in whatever else demanded. No such thing as one-simple-easy-to-remember password—because hackers and evil-doers will figure it out when trolling. Whatever the new one is, I’m going to forget it. Then hunt through paperwork to see what I’d used last, and of course THAT doesn’t work either. 

 

Sometimes nothing works no matter what, and you want to bang your noggin on the keyboard in frustration. Maybe we need a system of no passwords. Just a finger pressed on keyboard. If it’s not your finger pressing the keyboard to access your account, you don’t get in. Simple. But, Dear Reader, that’s too simple. They got us. Enter 8-12 characters, 4 numerals, 2 symbols and…..sorry. Wrong password. 

 

You’re now locked out, and must call customer service at 1-800-NO-HELP. There will be a recorded message to punch #1 for help with account, #2, or #3 depending on what-you-want-to-complain-about: and you will be sent to the twilight zone. Finally after a purgatory of bad music, a robot recording will tell you “Enter password now”. You’re doomed, folks—to the no-man’s land. The no-password zone…. 

Saluda Tailgate Market is Friday from 4:30-6:30 in the city’s parking lot on West Main Street.

 

Learn more about Saluda Community Land Trust (SCLT) by visiting saludaclt.org or calling 828-749-1560.  For information on helping clear trails or joining “Walks in the Woods”, contact Chuck Hearon at (828) 817-0364 or chearon@skyrunner.net. The next walk is July 21 to Rutherford Trail, a moderate walk on private property. Meet at Saluda Library’s parking lot at 2 p.m. for carpool. 

 

Need a helping hand with groceries? Every Tuesday from 4-6 p.m., there’s a community pop-up food pantry at the Apple Mill, 1345 Ozone Drive (across from BP station). All welcome: friends sharing with friends! This started last Tuesday–I spotted Saluda’s new Episcopal priest Chip Broadfoot among other good Saluda folks helping with big smiles and hearts. 

 

The next Top of the Grade concert is One Leg Up on August 9, 7-9 p.m. at McCreery Park.

 

Saluda Historic Depot is open Tuesday-Saturday 10:30-5:00, Sunday 12-4. Saluda Train Tales is July 19, 7 p.m., with Ray Rapp discussing efforts to restore rail line connections in Western NC over the past 20 years.

 

Community potluck and bingo is July 29 at 6 p.m. at Saluda Center. Bring a dish to share.

 

Thank you to Cathy Jackson for 13 years of publishing Saluda Lifestyles! Cathy saw a need after Ruth Anderson ceased publishing the Saluda Signal, and made Saluda Lifestyles an on-line zine, as well as print copies throughout town. Greg Bryant has taken over from Cathy, and let’s wish him success steering the Lifestyles ship Cathy started. 

 

Saluda Community Table is every Thursday 5:30-7 p.m. at Saluda Center. 

 

Thank you to those who called, sent cards, gave hugs, emailed about the loss of River. To E.J. from Green Creek, Saluda had a power outage while we were talking, and my phone died. Your call was appreciated! 

 

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,  Nathen Honeycutt, Melissa Justus, Hunter Justus, Alyssa Justus, Lin Savage, Doug Taylor, Amanda Anderson, Gail Slaughter, Diane Ballard, Amber Grant, and Marianne Blazar.  

 

Feel free to contact me at bbardos@gmail.com, (828) 749-1153, or visit bonniebardosart.com