“The joys of my life have nothing to do with age. They do not change. Flowers, music, goldfinches darting about.”

~ May Sarton

Lush green tropical palmetto fronds float in my house on tables: posed regally in large glass vases to serve as reminders of island time in Florida: especially appreciated on a freezing March day here in the mountains.

River Dog and I came back from our trip to find icicles in the wind. After unloading the rental car of luggage, River, and art supplies, I greeted Pikachu, then headed back out to haul the car to a car wash before returning it back at the Asheville airport that night. You know, they charge $250 for dog fur.

It had been a long time since I rented a car, so when I’d rented this one, all the extra disclaimers you have to sign at the rental counter is akin to wading through tax forms. Not wanting to pony up $250 extra on top of taxes and other fees, I carefully wrapped River’s seat with sheets and blankets and told him “dog fur sure is expensive these days” before we headed to Florida.

Freezing in the dark, car dripping wet, I manned the car wash’s unwieldy vacuum hose at any offending bits of fur that might be hiding under seats, dashboard, cup holders or trunk. It’s a bit hard to see at night anyway, but I scrubbed and poked at every place I could get to, performing contortions out in the parking lot, teeth chattering.

So far, no extra fur charge has appeared on the credit card I had to fork over for the rental. It’s a good thing I don’t get charged a fee for appearing in public with dog and cat fur on my clothes.

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

• Learn 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 on joining walks, contact Chuck Hearon at 828-817-0364 or chearon@skyrunner.net.

• Saluda Historic Depot will have Saluda Train Tales on March 16, 7 p.m., with Harold Williams.

• The City of Saluda and the Parks Planning Committee are celebrating the second year of the fundraising campaign to make McCreery Park master plan renovations a reality. On March 24, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., bring the family to enjoy play, music, food and fun along with dancing, a raffle and a wood-turning demonstration by Mark Gardner at McCreery Park. Thank you to Clark Thompson, who will match donations up to $25,000. Want to help too? Tax-deductible donations can be made payable to the City of Saluda (ear-marked “McCreery Park) to City Hall, P.O. Box 242, Saluda, NC 28773.

• There’ll be a community potluck and bingo night at Saluda Center on March 26 at 6 p.m.

• Saluda Get-Well goes to Caroline Tindal, Rita Igoe, Cissy Thompson and Mary Ann Asbill.

• 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; 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.