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“Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat.”

 ~ Laura Ingalls Wilder

 

Crocuses and daffodils smile at the sky, bluebirds perch on fence posts then flit over to check potential house sites out up here in Saluda. Fingers crossed they’ll move in before chickadees beat them to it. Rent charge: hope, joy. Ah, spring and promise! 

A mound of haphazard clothing mushrooms on the end of my bed as I struggle to decide what to pack (or not) for a fly-fishing retreat down at John’s Island at St. Christopher’s, a 1000-acre Episcopal camp on the ocean. Dear Reader, I’d noticed brochures for the event at the cancer center—just because when I’m waiting my turn, there’s a tendency to peruse everything and anything nearby. 

Finally, after getting my name on the list and begging my oncologist for written approval to proceed, I’m packing. Thanks to Casting Carolinas, which supports women with cancer, everything from lodging to food and fishing gear is supplied for the retreat. A friend is coming along, and between the two of us, we’ll find our way there. 

Fishing is something I’ve enjoyed from childhood: whether a cane pole with a red bobber at the Green Pond or bass fishing—floating on a peaceful evening (whether I catch anything or not). Fly fishing is a new trick for an old dog! Hanging out in nature and daydreaming at clouds and water is the big draw; watching water shimmer over rocks, bird concertos, and whispering wind is the prize. I expect any fish is safe from me. Maybe I’ll take this sport up, trout for dinner, anyone? Or pizza…

• Saluda Community Land Trust’s next Walks in the Woods is on March 16 in Chestnut Ridge. Meet at 2 p.m. at the Saluda Library parking lot. For information, contact the SCLT office at (828) 749-1560 or email info@saludaclt.org. 
• On March 23 at 1 p.m., SLIP needs volunteers to help on a work day at Twin Lakes, 255 Linda Lane. Bring shovels and rakes; wear boots to work in a wet environment.
• Saluda Pantry is moving from its temporary location at Green River Adventures (thank you to the Bells!) to its former, now improved, permanent location at Saluda Presbyterian Church. After Hurricane Helene flooded the church fellowship space the Pantry used, Tim and Sara Bell stepped up and offered their building on Main Street across from the Saluda Post Office. Support from PCCF and many others also get a big thank you. 
• Saluda Living in Place will present “Spring Into Gardening: Tips for a Thriving Garden” at Saluda Center, 64 Greenville Street, on March 19 at 11 a.m. Local gardeners Luanne Matson and Mary Jo Wannamaker will share savvy gardening tips and inspiration. This event is free, but RSVP is recommended at slipnc.org.  
• Saluda Community Table is March 25 from 5:30-7 p.m. at Saluda Center, 64 Greenville Street. Friends from the Saluda Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration will serve a spring meal.
• Saluda Spring Pop-Up Market is on March 29, 10-2 at McCreery Park.
• At Saluda Community Library, story time for children ages 2-5 is on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m., and it includes books, songs, and a fun craft or activity. Kristen Mode is the artist of the month. 

Happy March Birthday to Genell Jespersen, Valerie Mintz, Sheldon Mintz, Curtis Pace, Anita Moore, Dorrie McKinley, Catherine Ross, Monica Pace, Ken Justus, Elizabeth Justus, Arlene Klippel, Rachel Bradley, Chris Bradley, Dawn Ward, Dori Ray, Martin Anderson, Lucy Holman, Craig Bass, Laura Bass, Patty Martin, Tangie Morgan, Melanie Keener, Tuula Veil, Erica Shanks, Savannah Curtis, and Paul Rhodes. 

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