…There will come soft rains and the smell of the ground,

And swallows circling with their shimmering sound;

And frogs in the pool singing at night,

And wild plum trees in tremulous white….

– Sara Teasdale

It’s hard to believe that heated days of sweet June are here already … not that long ago I was whining about freezing winter!

The other day, my old (really, really old) push mower balked at mowing the back yard. The mower got slower and slower, heavier and heavier with each hill. How I sympathized as it lagged – I know the feeling, old mower, I muttered as we struggled along.

Time to get a mower tune-up; rather than pack the old friend off to the dump. So, I called up Horace Pace right here in town, told him I’d get it over somehow to his place, along with the old Mantis tiller and loppers, all needing a Horace Fix. I could just feel Horace smiling through the phone. He loves a challenge – grumpy old mowers don’t faze him.

For those who don’t know, Horace is a Saluda Treasure. Hailing from a large family, he can tell you the best fishing stories imaginable – and doesn’t have to make a thing up. The very next morning, he called me to tell me everything was ready: tuned up and sharpened. How much do I owe you, Horace, I asked? He cited a number so low, that I asked again, just to make sure I heard him right.

Of course, it’s Horace we’re talking about. He’s retired, he’s got no overhead and he loves helping people out. People like me need a Horace in their lives. My billfold is perpetually thin, and the grass still needs mowing: thin billfold and grumpy mower or not – so he’s a blessing in this community.

I promised to come by and add in a hug along with payment; which I did that evening.

We stood out by his shed, Horace in a neatly-pressed khaki shirt, right at home with well-used tools, rows of old mowers – many older than mine – each carefully covered with a round metal trash can lid just in case of rain.

Nearby, kids played at the Baptist church, lightning bugs flashed in the evening breeze and we chewed the fat a bit between us, laughing and enjoying a bit of Saluda time.

Too much time goes in between those mower tune-ups. Sometimes life gets busy, but the sweetest thing about Saluda time is slowing down a bit to share a minute with someone else. One thing I know is Horace is a good man; a Saluda Treasure. My mower agrees.

Community: The Saluda Tailgate Market is Friday from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Support local folks. Smiles, fresh and delicious offerings will all be available.

The Historic Smith Hill tour of homes is Saturday, June 4 from 1 – 5 p.m., as part of Saluda’s 130th Anniversary Celebration. Tickets are available at City Hall and Heartwood Gallery. Amy Brucksch will play graceful music at Clara Carter’s gazebo. Lovely sounds, green gardens surrounding gracious Saluda homes … what more do you need?

Our very own Corinne Gerwe has a new book out! “The Strange Case of the Doyle Diary Murders” is available online at Barnes & Noble. Congratulations, dear friend. Corinne’s been writing in her ‘belfry’ room in the historical once-upon-a-time church she lives in, ever since I’ve known her. She usually specializes in textbook works, but this is a wonderful theme she’s always loved: mystery and a Sherlock Holmes feeling.

Happy June birthday to Nancy Barnett, Verne Dawson, Peggy Ellwood, Anna Jackson, Charlie Jackson, Amy Violet Ford and Terry Arrington. Did I forget anybody?

Thank you, dear readers, for reading this column. Each and every one of you is special to my heart – I want you to feel like we’re visiting on the leafy, flower-filled front porch enjoying tea together.

If you have something of note, feel free to contact me at bbardos@gmail.com; or 749-1153. You may also visit my website at bonniebardos.com.