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Am I the only person who sometimes has a whole day of getting not-much-of-anything-done…no matter how good my intentions might be? Dear Reader, right now it’s a February evening–the sun’s slanting toward sunset through glistening pine branches. The blue cast-iron pot warms dinner on the stove as a cup of peppermint tea steams nearby. 

Truth be told, I have got pretty much nothing done today. This is embarrassing to admit—because I intended to dig, move potted plants, take my Valentine tree down, finish my writing and clean and sort stuff. Uh huh. 

Instead of finishing this column, I went down the rabbit hole of looking for dogs on pet adoption sites: a dog for me, and a dog for a friend whose husband recently died—she’d lost her dog a year before. 

It seems since I’m scrolling and weeding through mug shots of sweet furry faces, why not shop for her, too? You might think I’m overstepping, but she does long for a dog again The house is empty, and us dog lovers know they are the best medicine for grief and healing—and for just about everything else!

Some time ago, I gave up on dating sites, but kept trolling rescue sites, checking with friends and putting feelers out. Right now, I’m working on my friend’s dog search even harder than my own.

I snap puppy photos at the pet shop, I send forth. When I see ‘maybe’ candidates for what she’s looking for, I send forth. I thought I’d found the perfect dog for her, but that fell through. Another fell through today, so I told her that it’s rather like blind dates that don’t show up. Just say thank goodness, saved by the bell!! And keep on keepin’ on. 

Saluda Community Land Trust (SCLT) is busy year-round with land  conservation, trails, projects and more: visit saludaclt.org or call 828-749-1560 to learn more. You can support SCLT with donations, volunteering, and through Amazon Smile. Contact “Trail Boss” Chuck Hearon at chearon1942@gmail.com about ideas or willingness to lead a hike, or helping clear trails. 

 

Saluda Winter Market is every other Saturday through March at Saluda Center, 64 Greenville Street from 9 a.m to 12 p.m. 

Community potluck and bingo night is February 28, 6 p.m. at Saluda Center. A main dish is provided; bring a side dish to share! 

Saluda Pop-Up Pantry is Tuesday from 1-6 at Saluda Presbyterian Church, 54 Carolina Avenue (behind Saluda Library). Masks/safety precautions taken. To volunteer, call Saluda Church of the Transfiguration, 828-749-9740. You can mail tax-deductible donations to Saluda Pop-Up Pantry, P.O. Box 428, Saluda, NC 28773 or donate online at www.saludapantry.com    

 

Tickets for Saluda Senior Center Fundraiser Gala on March 20 6-9 p.m., and can be ordered from Louisa Williamson at (803) 707-8747 or Marti Wells (828) 749-9538. 

 

Pavers for Pace Park is a community fundraiser to support completion of public restrooms in a pocket park on Main Street by M.A. Pace General Store. The next phase is completion of the “dry in.” To purchase an engraved paver, forms are available from City Hall, City of Saluda’s website, from Catherine Ross at carnc@charter.net or 828-749-3534.

 

Saluda Congratulations go to Patty Martin, who was nominated for a volunteer award presented by Dr. Lisa Broyles. Patty is not only our volunteer community  nurse with SLIP (Saluda Living in Place), she volunteers with Meals on Wheels,  Saluda Pantry, Garden Club, supports SCLT, and regularly checks on many folks. I like to call her our Saluda Angel, because she is! 

 

Happy February Birthday to: Wylie Rauschenbach, Wesley Pace, Ginny Jones, Jenna Igoe, Suzanne Igoe, Pam Thompson, Catherine Raymond, Eva McCray, Ellen Rogers, Margaret Miller, Paul London, Ward Sandahl, Bill Klippel, Pat Bares, Dwight Smith, Ingrid Sandahl, Fred Baisden, Duane Bateman, Ragan Thompson, Laura Williams, Susan McMasters, Mark Gardner, Cappy Rearick, Linda Seagroves,  Irmy Chmielewski  and Edie Campbell. 

Feel free to contact me at bbardos@gmail.com, (828) 817-6765, P.O. Box 331, Saluda, NC 28773, Facebook, or visit bonniebardos.com