Peeping through my Venetian blind, I “saluted” the red spider lilies, standing at attention in my front yard with their red turbans, a familiar sight in autumn, especially September and October.

Miss Cora Covington had tea with me this week, and we shared our news.

Seen at Hilltop Restaurant were Todd Dozier and his grandmother, Ruby (Cowen).

Miss Birdie Purdy told me that she saw Joyce Leddon, the Ralls twins, and Randy Wahl at the Corner Market the other day at lunch.

When I was dining at Ofelia’s Italian Restaurant on River Falls Street this week, I became aware of the beautiful music played in the background. The Samurai is another restaurant in town that provides pleasant music during dining. Tasteful music goes with tasty food.

Some eateries play no music at all; and this is better than playing what passes as music, but is more like noise.

Irene (Davis) Butler and Joyce Leddon motored to Blakeley State Park in Baldwin County near Mobile this past week to attend the combined annual/regular meeting of the board that governs Blakeley State Park.

Mrs. Butler serves on the board, after having been re-appointed by Alabama Governor Bentley.

The meeting was attended at the Wehle Nature Center, one of the 14 points of interest in the 2100-acre park.

A lunch of barbecue with all the trimmings was served.

In the history of the board only two directors have presided, Mary Grice, the founding director, and JoAnn Flirt.

During the meeting an assistant director was voted in for future training.

Each year the Battle of Blakeley is re-enacted on the original battlefield, amid breastworks, earthen forts, rifle pits, redoubts, and battery sites. The battle was the last major battle of the War Between the States.

Also to be enjoyed are the Blakeley Cemetery, campgrounds, picnic areas, bird kiosk, squirrels nests, nature classroom, site of the first courthouse and jail in Baldwin County, town square, riverfront boardwalk, observation decks, boat dock, and special trees, such as one for hanging.

Anyone or any group in the “Dimple of Dixie” who has not yet visited Blakeley State Park has a treat in store.

The Covington Historical Society assembled the evening of September 24 in the Dixon Memorial of the Andalusia Public Library for its 410^th meeting.

Jan White filmed the gathering.

Dr. Morgan Moore, serving his third term as president, presided.

Bill Law offered the invocation.

Ottis Reynolds led the pledge to the flag.

Glen Powell led in two verses of the state song, “Alabama,” with Sue (Bass) Wilson, vice-president, at the piano.

Visitors were introduced.

Nancy Robbins, secretary, distributed minutes of the August 27 meeting.

George Harmon Proctor, treasurer, distributed the financial statement.

Mrs. Wilson, chairman of the Museum Committee, presented her report. She stated that John Hartin, a member of the state archives department, had visited the museum and made suggestions to her and to Sidney Waits, local historian.

Ward Taylor, “a hometown boy” and member of the Class of 1965 of the Andalusia High School, presented a program on “100 Years of the Andalusia Motor Company, 1915 – 2015.”

Ward provided a display of memorabilia to accompany his talk.

Ward, the son of Luther (deceased) and Mary Frances (Ward) Taylor, is married to the former Sue Franklin and is the older brother to the late Chris Taylor.

Ward was named for his mother’s father, Howard Ward, who inherited the Ford business from his own father, J. R. Ward.

J. R. Ward wanted a Ford and tried to order one from Ford himself. J. R. was told that he would have to buy at least two and a franchise, to boot. That’s how the family business began.

At one time the Andalusia Motor Company was the oldest in Alabama.

It was located on Church Street where the fire department now stands. Later in 1968 it was relocated on the bypass.

It was in 1969 that young Ward Taylor entered the family business.

Ward gave a detailed account of the local dealership.

Glen and Barbara Powell provided refreshments, especially boiled green peanuts and homemade vanilla ice cream.

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 the member of the AHS Class of 1926, still living.

Born this week was Thomas Nast, a German-born American, known for his cartoons. He drew for newspapers and created the modern-day image of Santa Claus with a round belly, fur-lined, red suit, and white beard.

Nast also created the donkey as a symbol for the Democratic party and the elephant as a symbol for the Republican party.

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.