Peeping through my Venetian blind, I saw “Clydie” Clump, coming up my walk with two little bags of muscadines and scuppernongs, sent over by Miss Cora from the Covington arbors. I didn’t know till this year that scuppernongs are a type of muscadine and that the “Mother Vine” is on Roanoke Island, North Carolina.

Inviting Clydie in, I served up iced tea, watermelon, and pear cobbler.

Seen at David’s Catfish House were Mr. and Mrs. George Kelley.

Seen at Country Folks in Florala Tuesday night for the special buffet were Charles Jeffcoat, James and Euna Davis, Robert Lee Holley, Irene (Davis) Butler, Sonja James, Jim Martin, Michael Jones, Mike Jones, and many others there specifically for a Republican meeting.

Last week’s mystery person was identified correctly as Ruck Ashworth by Jeff Moore, who defeated Ruck in The Star-News’ Auburn-Alabama Facebook contest.

This week’s mystery person is tall, fiery, boom-voiced, authoritative, reddish, a champion of Troy, an improver-and-a-half, and a public figure.

The Portly Gentleman said the other day, “I haven’t seen an oyster in so long that I’ve forgotten what one looks like!”

Colonel Covington said at the last meeting of the Andalusia Lyceum, “A nation without character can’t last long.”

First Baptist is serving breakfast at 7 a.m. in its Fellowship Hall each Friday to the Andalusia High School football team.

In reading The Epistle, that excellent, monthly newsletter of the First Presbyterian Church of Andalusia, I came across a shocking statement that “people coming for aid have been getting more aggressive, hostile, and demanding.” I am reminded that gratitude is the shortest lived of all the flowers in the Garden of Virtues.

The Presbyterians plan to provide dinner for the A.H.S. football team Thursday, October 2l, according to Cathy (Powell) Powell.

The Presbyterians also plan to host the Community Thanksgiving Service this year, serving refreshments afterward. All will be done properly, I assure you, gentle reader.

The ever-popular and multi-talented Sam Fairley, a student at A.H.S., represented the local Presbyterian church as a young-adult, advisory delegate to the national 2l9th General Assembly of his church August 20 – 2l.

Scarecrows in the Park at Lake Frank Jackson State Park, Opp, which began three years ago, is set to be open for the public October l – November l7. The park is open daily, 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.. One takes a walk on the nature trail and comes across a variety of cleverly prepared scarecrows. Watch out, especially on Halloween! Don’t let one get you!

Miss Priscilla Primme, the English teacher, stated, “There are those who shouldn’t wear shorts in public.”

There is a rumor in Montgomery that Robert E. Lee High School may be closed and demolished.

The local camp (chapter) of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, the Covington Rifles, met September 2 at 6:30 p.m. in the Dixon Memorial of the Andalusia Public Library.

Commander (president) Sir Francis McGowin presided.

John Allen Gantt, chaplain, led in prayer.

Pledges to the American and Confederate flags were recited.

Larry Shaw led all, standing, in “Dixie.”

During business a monument to soldiers from Covington County who served in the Confederacy was discussed as well as the celebration of the Sesquicentennial of “the War.” This December marks the beginning of the l50th anniversary of “the War.” The celebration will run through five years.

Joe Wingard gave a detailed report of the state “reunion” (convention) of the SCV in Eufaula earlier this summer. He was the local camp’s only representative to that annual meeting.

Sir Francis followed with a program on flags of the Confederacy. He especially emphasized that “the battle flag” is always square.

Refreshments were provided by Jimmy Cobb and Sir Francis.

Others in attendance were Justin Seaman (a guest), William Blocker, Chip Adams, Derick Davis, Kelly Veasey, Vaughn Bowers, Fletcher Jones, and Tony Wells.

The next meeting is set for October 7 at 6:30 p.m. with a program on Confederate music by Larry Shaw.

Good things continue to happen to one of the grand, old men of Covington County, John D. Stokes, 94. This time his nephew (his sister’s, Bernice’s, older son), Robert Lee Holley, treated his uncle to a Labor Day get-together in John D.’s house.

Holley provided fried fish, baked beans, slaw, French fries, and hush puppies, while Linda Smithart, John D.’s helper, prepared potato salad and tea, and Irene (Davis) Butler contributed a pineapple side dish. A cousin, Pat Grissett, brought in a caramel cake; and Billy Stokes, some good memories. Stories of the old days were abundant; and, as the old newspaper editors used to write, “a good time was had by all.”

As long as I can remember, the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation on Mt. Meigs Road in Montgomery has sponsored a Labor Day barbecue, selling chicken, pork, and lamb and a variety of pastries to raise money for the church.

A typical plate has barbecue chicken, pork, or lamb, camp stew, slaw, and two slices of loaf bread. Pastries cost extra.

I drove up to Montgomery this past weekend especially to enjoy the Greek barbecue, a tradition of some 63 years now, and to stay a few days with my Aged Father and brothers.

The event was well organized with three walk-through lines and one drive-through line. Police were on hand to help with the traffic. Tents protected the crowds from the sun, although there was little need on such a mild and lovely day. There was a happy bustle of activity, a pleasantness, and, in the air, good nature, fun, and a touch of fall.

Among the church members, selling tickets, was Philip Davis, a friend and active SCV compatriot, who is helping plan the national celebration in Montgomery next year of the anniversary of the swearing in of President Jefferson Davis on the Capitol portico.

Seen also at the barbecue was a childhood friend, Charles Casmus, who is still active in Montgomery athletic competition and in his own band.

Have you eaten some watermelon yet? Do you like to sprinkle salt on it? The summer is almost over. Don’t let it go by without watermelon!

Now, gentle reader, let me encourage each of us to be in his place of worship this weekend.