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Saluda News & Notations

By Bonnie J. Bardos

 

Our spirit persists like a man struggling
through the frozen valley
who suddenly smells flowers
and realizes the snow is melting
out of sight on top of the mountain,
knows that spring has begun.

Jack Gilbert, excerpt from “Horses at Midnight Without A Moon”

The last time I ventured on a trip to the grocery store, I went prepared with face covering, alcohol-soaked washcloth plus hand sanitizer. A relief to see more people wearing masks of all sorts while there, and store employees wiping down carts and freezer door handles. While scoping out the produce section, an older woman walked up to me (mask on) and started a conversation.

 

I could just tell she had been (like the rest of us) cooped up too long and was looking for a human connection. So, I let her talk. Oops, she pulled her mask down to her chin, and went at full tilt talking. Every time I went past her in the aisles, she did it again, and again. Folks, the mask is supposed to stay over your nose and mouth. You really can talk through it. Practice. If you can’t, then use hand signals.

 

By the time you read this, I’ll be enjoying a piece of the bittersweet chocolate/ricotta Italian crostata I’m going to make to celebrate my birthday. Dammit, I am going to celebrate: maybe by myself, but with something chocolate. I’ve splurged and ordered a birthday present too: an indoor plant hose that coils up: that way I can get all my pets watered and reach ones out on the porch. Maybe it’ll be shipped before next winter…oh, I hope.

 

This year is definitely a do-it-yourself party, and I intend to be grateful for another year. Gratitude and delight at bees and butterflies on a sweet April afternoon is something that is learned with the passing of time. Nothing is taken for granted. The lessons just keep on coming, each year. Most of all, I’m grateful for you, Dear Reader.

 

The Saluda Tailgate Market’s opening is postponed until June. I like the idea of a drive-thru, one-way market along the lines of what Rutherford farmers are doing at their market. We all long for fresh, local goods and to support our small growers. Something to think about!

 

The Community Pop-up Pantry is suspended through April; stay tuned for updates.

 

Keep up with Saluda Community Land Trust latest projects: visit saludaclt.org or call 828-749-1560 to learn more.

 

Many Saluda businesses have readjusted days/hours in order to serve you; check their website or call and buy gift certificates to help them through tough times. Visit Saluda.com to see updates, plus take-out/on-line ordering information thanks to Saluda Business Association.

 

Itchy & Scratchy? Poison ivy/oak relief (thank you to Jane T. for this one!): soak brown paper bag strips in apple cider vinegar, apply to rash. Let air dry for 15 minutes.

 

Bake! Easy dinner rolls: 1 c. flour, 1 tsp. baking powder, ½ tsp. salt, pinch of sugar, ½ c. milk, 2 TB. Mayonnaise: combine, drop spoonful of dough on greased baking sheet /muffin pan. 350 degrees for 12-18 min. I made this one, Dear Reader, because the photos with the recipe show a yeast-like roll—and yeast has been a bit harder to get these days. After eating one, the verdict is these are glorified biscuits—and looked nothing like the photo. Might as well be those guys on dating sites!

 

Happy April Birthday to: Martha Ashley, Melody Gibson, Dave Prudhomme, Kaye Vazquez, Cindy Keeter, Betty Anna Brown, Hope Pace, Diane Pace, Greaton Sellers, Clay Arrington, Bonnie Bardos, Luther Connor, Gary Pace, Doug Honeycutt, Niece Lundgren, Julie Roy, Tommy Williamson, Rhonda Corley, Taylor Staggs, Loretta Cook, Hilda Pace, Elizabeth Taylor, and Laura Morgan.

 

 

Feel free to contact me at bbardos@gmail.com, 828–749-1153, or visit bonniebardosart.com