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“An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.” ~ William E. Vaughan

 

Soft dove-gray skies whisper across these final days of December into the new year that awaits. There’s a simple pleasure in chill winter days: simmering soup and homemade biscuits to take forth to a shared gathering with friends. 

 

When I stir up a bowl of biscuit dough, I remember my grandmother’s old wood stove, her weathered tender hands, her metal dipper in the water bucket, and glass wind chimes with red designs tinkling on the back porch. I recall the fresh-churned butter she made, the rumbly hum of her ancient refrigerator. 

 

That love remains, despite the many years she’s been gone; her kindness is still remembered by those who once knew her, all this time later. Love and kindness are the way to start off a shining New Year ahead. 

 

As always, my list of resolutions is short and sweet. But, I do resolve to be kinder–and push Old Grumpy’s noggin down when she raises that head up. Maybe! 

 

Happy New Year, Dear Reader! Sometimes, it does our soul good to have a warm biscuit and a reminder of what love is. 

 

Saluda Winter Market is at the Saluda Center, 64 Greenville Street, on 2nd and 4th Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. through April. Local produce, jam and jelly, pickles, sauerkraut, fresh-baked goods, locally-sourced meat, homemade soup, eggs, honey, and crafts are among the offerings.

 

Saluda Garden Club won’t meet in January. 

 

As part of the Step Back in History program series, the Historic Saluda Committee is offering a repeat of Preserving Your Family Treasures “Trunk of Trouble” on  January 14, at 10 a.m. in the upstairs meeting room at Saluda Library. This free program will be presented by Heather South, lead archivist with Western Regional Archives, a branch of the State Archives of North Carolina. The do’s and don’t of preservation of books, paper, photographs and more will be discussed.  

 

Saluda Pop-Up Pantry is on Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Saluda Presbyterian Church, at 54 Carolina Avenue (behind Saluda Library). To volunteer at the Pantry, call Saluda Church of the Transfiguration, at 828-749-9740. The Pantry needs your financial support: mail tax-deductible donations to Saluda Pop-Up Pantry, P.O. Box 428, Saluda, NC 28773 or donate online at www.saludapantrycom; or through Amazon Smile. Paper goods, new or gently-used winter clothing, or other donations can be brought by on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.. 

 

Saluda Community Land Trust (SCLT) keeps busy with land conservation, trails, projects and more: visit saludaclt.org or call 828-749-1560 for information. Support SCLT with donations, volunteering, and Amazon Smile. Contact “Trail Boss” Chuck Hearon at chearon1942@gmail.com about hike info, leading a hike, or helping clear trails. Volunteers are needed to help with landscape and trail work at Henry’s Nature Center (HNC). 

 

Saluda Veterans’ breakfast is the first Wednesday of the month, 0900 at Saluda Fire Station. This is free to all veterans in the 28773 area. 

 

The Historic Saluda Depot and Museum will be closed for January and February. 

 

Saluda School will be on holiday break until January 3. 

 

Happy December birthday to Judy Ward, Holly Wilkes, Theresa Wilkes, Perry Ellwood, Donnie Hunter, Jeff Bradley, Preston Mintz, Carolyn Morgan, Susan Casey, Jeff Jenkins, Nikki Ammerman, Cas Haskell, Mary O. Ratcliffe, Laura Fields, Lord Blanton, Beth Brand, Jim Carson, Susan Ansley, Tom DeKay, and Ana Lilburn. Add your birthday to the list! 

 

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