“…and for now it seems as though 

you are still summer 

still the high familiar 

endless summer 

yet with a glint 

of bronze in the chill mornings 

and the late yellow petals 

of the mullein fluttering…” 

 ~ W.S. Merwin, excerpt from “To the Light of September”

It’s hard to believe September’s here. For some reason, I’m stuck back in April, heels digging in, resisting winter. Fall’s cool sweet mornings soothe the spirit. Holding a warm coffee mug out on the front porch swing with River Dog nearby — there’s not much better than that! But I cringe, groan, and slump at looming thoughts of ice and freezing. So much for being tough.

Speaking of tough, I’ve ordered a new piece of carry-on luggage for a Santa Fe trip, something that fits rigid airline regulations. I haven’t had new luggage since dinosaurs roamed the earth, and I still remember the bright pink hard-shell Samsonite suitcase my parents gave me for college. The baggage claim at Heathrow Airport returned it wrapped in rope, strapped, and thoroughly beaten to a pulp.

Overwhelmed by sizes, styles, and descriptions, I finally made my confused mind up. The UPS guy brought the new tote/spinner today. Bright pink, no rope (yet). Now I just have to decide what to stuff in it. Tough decisions indeed!

Saluda Tailgate Market is open on Fridays from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the city parking lot off Main Street.

Saluda Welcome Table is every Tuesday, and dinner is served from 5:30 -7 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. For more information, contact SCLT at 828-749-1560 or visit www.saludasclt.org.

Saluda Train Tales are held at Saluda Historic Depot (HistoricSaluda.org) on the third Friday each month through October. The Depot is open Thursday through Sunday noon-4 p.m.

Top of the Grade Concerts end the season with Aaron Burdett, Sept. 2 from 7-9 p.m., at Ella Grace Mintz stage.

The Saluda Downtown Foundation will have Sound Investment play at the Mainline Sunday Concert, Sept. 4, 4-6 p.m. at Ella Grace Mintz stage. Proceeds from donations contribute to improving Saluda’s streets and sidewalks.

Saluda Living in Place (SLIP), aimed at helping seniors stay in their own homes, is sponsoring free health screenings/flu shots on Sept. 8, from 8-11 a.m. at Saluda Center, 64 Greenville Street.

The annual Charlie Ward Memorial Pig Out is Sept. 10, 5-7 p.m. at McCreery Park.

Support Saluda School by donating box tops at collection boxes located at the library, post office or school office.

Art Notes: The annual Art Trek open studio tour is Sept. 24-25 with a gallery show of all participating artists, preview party/reception 5-7 p.m. on Sept. 23 at Upstairs Artspace, 49 S. Trade Street, Tryon.

Garden Notes: Time to plan on dividing perennials, turning compost piles (hope you have one!), and keeping hummingbird feeders clean and full.

Happy September birthday to Wayne Thompson, Connie Woodruff, Courtney Hoots, Merci Weitzen, Dale McEntire, Joni Rauschenbach, Sonya Monts, Linda Kaye Hayes, Carol Kenfield, Debbie Fisher, Leslie Jespersen, Linda Mintz, Sheila Billeter, Cary Pace, Ross Arrington, Hop Foster, Chuck Hearon, Alexia Timberlake, Jason Justus, Beth Carson and Clark Thompson.

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 watching sparkling spider webs drift in morning sun. Please feel free to contact me at bbardos@gmail.com or 749-1153. You may also visit bonniebardosart.com for more writing and art, or find me on Facebook.