Peeping through my Venetian blind, I witnessed o’er my gateway arbor the sweet autumn clematis, coming into bloom with its delicate, white, star-shaped buds and blossoms.

Mrs. Gotrocks of Greenville was over our way this week and took me for a ride in the countryside. One hillside we saw was covered with yellow bitterweed. Although some call bitterweed a weed and its very name labels it as such, to me it is a flower and makes a stunning blanket for any hillside.

Robert Lee Holley was seen out and about this week, delivering food to the ailing. He and many others in the “Dimple of Dixie” are always cooking and sharing meals with those in need. It’s a good place where we live.

Seen at Larry’s were James Jones and his guest, and that sweet-spirited Joyce Leddon.

Seen at Taco Bell were Candy Parker and her daughter, Ashli, on their way to dancing class. Also enjoying supper was Leslie James.

It was my first time to eat in the newly located Taco Bell; and I found it neat, clean, and attractive, with an efficient staff and delicious food.

As I’ve said before, I’m glad Hook’s has opened again. The Portly Gentleman told me the other day “who-all” (“whom-all”) he saw there this week – Eric and Jenny Searcy, whose daughter, Catherine Grace, had just moved to Auburn for schooling; David and Jill (Roach) Bryant, her parents, John and Jan Roach, Jill and David’s daughter, Anabell (some of the family had been to Auburn that day to move Jill and David’s son, Jonathan, into his housing); Ken Johnson, who was picking up supper for him and his wife, Helen; and Trent Taylor, his brother, Ray Wilson, and seven other football coaches, eating supper after a day of practice (this is Taylor’s first year as head coach at the Andalusia High School).

Jimmy Ponds, retired librarian at Straughn Elementary and past president of District 24 of the Alabama Education Association, attended the first meeting of District 24 Monday, August 10, in Evergreen at Reid State Technical College.

District 24 is made of members in AEA in three counties, Conecuh, Covington, and Escambia.

The business meeting was followed by a potluck supper.

Mr. Ponds attended as a guest.

Mrs. Gotrocks of Greenville told me that Rachel Searcy, formerly of Andalusia, now living in Greenville, is on a tour of the West.

Recently, while visiting in Andalusia from their home in Oxford, Mississippi, Clay and Carrie Thomasson entertained three of their parents with a birthday dinner at Clay and Carrie’s Andalusia home. The couple honored Carrie’s mother, Carolyn Turner, whose birthday is in August, and Clay’s parents, Curtis and Margie Thomasson, whose birthdays are August 18 and July 14, respectively. The menu consisted of grilled steak shish kebabs, browned rice, cabbage slaw, garlic bread, and homemade peach ice cream. Also enjoying the occasion were the couple’s little children, Hampton and Louanna Thomasson, along with Carrie’s sister, Amy Turner.

The Covington Rifles Camp 1586 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans assembled for their August meeting the sixth of this month in the Dixon Memorial of the Andalusia Public Library.

In a pre-planning session the executive board organized for the year.

Commander John Allen Gantt presided at the regular session that followed pre-planning.

Hank Roberts led in prayer.

Following pledges to the flags, “Dixie” was sung, led by Larry Shaw, as all stood.

Kelly Veasey spoke on how to recruit members.

Curtis Thomasson, former commander, delivered a word of challenge.

Joe Clark, Jr., brigade commander of Southeast Alabama and a member of the SCV camp in Enterprise, spoke.

Hank Roberts gave a program on Gen. Daniel Harvey Hill, a Confederate general and brother-in-law to “Stonewall” Jackson.

Roberts worded the benediction.

Refreshments were provided by Lady Ann McGowin, wife of Sir Francis McGowin, who sent a pound cake, still warm from the oven; Wanda Davis, mother of Derick Davis, who provided a variety of snacks; and Rosemary Gantt, wife of the commander, who sent two just-baked pound cakes.

Attending were Derick Davis, Tony Wells, Vaughn Bowers, Steve Frazier, Sir Francis McGowin, Joe Wingard, Larry Shaw, John Allen Gantt, Jimmy Cobb, Hank Roberts, Kelly Veasey, Will Bumpers, Ricky Harrelson, Joe Clark, Jr., Brandon Veasey, Dale Anderson, C. Rhett Harrelson, Joe Clark III, Chris Seaton, Curtis Hampton Thomasson, Jimmy Mott, Mark Fowler, and Christopher Fowler.

An informal, multi-class reunion for graduates of the Andalusia High School, 1963 – 1973, was attended Saturday, August 15, 3:00 – 11:00, at the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce.

The event was organized by Gerald Jordan of Jones, Alabama, and Susan Simmons Seay of Geneva, and advertised through Facebook.

The reunion coincided with the AHS Hall of Fame that evening at the high school.

The room was decorated with red and white carnations (school colors) on the refreshment tables and on the sign-in table, with “Go, Bulldogs!” posters, and with a “Welcome” banner.

Refreshments included homemade finger foods, iced tea, colas, and real lemonade.

Said one graduate, “This may be just the first annual gathering since everyone had such a good time, reminiscing and catching up on the years since their time at AHS.”

Once again, I ask the citizens of Andalusia to join the Covington Historical Society and pay its annual dues of $25 to help preserve the history of our county, whether you attend meetings or not. Mail to CHS, P.O. Box 1582, Andalusia, Alabama 36420.

The mysterian is Miss Mattie Waters. Who was she? I bet Sidney Waits, a local historian, knows.

A recent birthday is that of Curtis Hampton Thomasson, who celebrated his 75th day of birth August 18. Curtis, who writes the genealogical column in this paper, is an outstanding member of our community, living a Christian life, spreading his good influence in a variety of civic organizations, being a good husband, a good father, and a good grandfather. His life is rich with a knowledge of family history and awareness of his place in it.

Many happy returns of the day, Curtis.

Now, gentle reader, allow me to join Buffalo Bob Smith in encouraging each of us to be in his place of worship this weekend, Lord willing.

Fare thee well.