By Bonnie J. Bardos

 

 

“the glass doors of the house

remained closed

the days had turned cold

and out in the tall hickories

the blaze of autumn had begun

on its own

I could do anything”

 

~ Excerpt from “A Single Autumn” by W.S. Merwin

 

Every now and then, kind souls (bless ’em!) invite me out for a bite to eat, whether a dinner party or an outing at a restaurant. Starving artists never ever turn down food — at least this one doesn’t. I’m grateful. Plus, even better than a meal it’s a treat to visit.

Recently, it was a surprise excursion to Spartanburg to a popular chain restaurant; yours truly didn’t complain although if I’m allowed to choose, I’ll pick local spots every time. Never look a gift horse in the mouth, or dinner invitation either.

Walking through the crowded restaurant, I noticed a shining sea of black plastic thing-a-ma-jigs on every table in the place, sort of a cross between a television and computer. Again, I admit to being a dinosaur. Turns out this is a new-fangled kiosk contraption: you touch the screen to order drinks, summon help, scroll through menus, pay, and all sorts of other stuff. If you want to.

I don’t want this damn black plastic thing-a-ma-jig on my table! A vase of flowers would be nice, but this? What is the world coming too? What happened to food on the table? Service? (To be honest, I don’t love restaurants packed with TVs everywhere, or people cell phoning through their meals.) Now this. Excuse me while I take my grumpy dinosaur self somewhere and hide.

Saluda Tailgate Market is Friday from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the city parking lot off Main Street and continues through October. A holiday market is scheduled for Nov. 28 from 1-3 p.m.

Saluda Welcome Table is every Tuesday, with dinner from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Saluda United Methodist Church. All welcome; donations accepted.

Keep up with Saluda Community Land Trust (SCLT) by visiting saludaclt.org or calling 828-749-1560.  For information about SCLT’s ‘Walks in the Woods’ contact Chuck Hearon at 828-817-0364, 749-9886 or chearon@skyrunner.net.

At the Historical Saluda Depot, there’ll be a book signing with NY Times bestseller Dacre Stoker, Oct. 31 at 1 p.m. with presentations later in the day (tickets available).

Saluda Center Community Potluck and Bingo is Oct. 26 at 6 p.m.

The City of Saluda and Saluda businesses will host a Halloween Stroll on Main Street, Oct. 30 from 3-6 p.m. Our police department will be on hand to help make this a safe and fun event for families! After the stroll,  the Saluda Historic Depot (32 W. Main Street) will host a Halloween party starting at 6 p.m. Bring a dish to share and wear your favorite costume.

The City of Saluda will hold an Open House on Nov. 7 from 2-4 p.m.

Mark those calendars and get your tickets now: Saluda United Methodist Church’s annual turkey dinner is Nov. 14, 5-7 p.m. at Saluda School cafeteria.

Don’t forget to collect box tops for Saluda School! Collection containers are located at Saluda Library, Saluda Post Office, and Saluda School office.

Happy October birthday to Cissy Thompson, Patricia Case, Joan Barker, Gary Corn, Aaron Bradley, Amanda Burrell Anderson, Lisa Orr, Marilyn Prudhomme, Bubba Dawson, Kirby Jackson, Mary Ann Asbill, Sheila Billeter, Carol Thompson, Mildred Hipp and Dean Bradley. Please add your birthday to the list. No ages mentioned unless you’re under two or over 100! Promise.

Thank you, dear readers for reading this column. It’s my goal to make you feel as if you were enjoying a ‘Saluda Time’ visit on the front porch swing enjoying golden October mornings. Please feel free to contact me at bbardos@gmail.com or call 749-1153. You may also visit bonniebardosart.com for more writing and art, or find me on Facebook.