Peeping through my Venetian blind, I noticed “Clydie” Clump, across the way at Covington Hall, scouting hiding places for the Easter-egg hunt later this month. Miss Flora had set Clydie this task. There she was, too, admiring her azaleas and other spring blooms.

Spring officially begins March 20. That’s just about four days away.

Tomorrow is St. Patrick’s Day. As a child I was told that if I didn’t wear green on March l7, then anyone who did wear green could pinch me; and I was to let him.

Seen at David’s restaurant were George and Emma Kelley, Debbie (Echols) Maraman, and Wayne and Angie (Baker) Sasser.

The Kelleys tell me that their son George is teaching algebra in the Nashville school system.

Seen at the Huddle House were Gary and Ann Goodson, Jane Weidler, Annalois Nall, and Wayne and Lenora Johnson.

I was saddened to hear that Jane is considering a move to Colorado, but her two children do live there.

In the Sunday-School assembly of the Baraca Class at First Baptist last week Martha (James) Givhan, pianist for the class, played a new hymn by Dan Shehan of Savannah as the special music. The new piece is called “Glorify! Glorify!” It was introduced for the first time in February at Bull Street Baptist in Savannah, which Mr. Shehan attends.

While the pastor of First Baptist, Dr. Fred Karthaus, recovers from his heart surgery, the Sunday sermons (morning and night) are being preached by Judson Blackstock, associate pastor in charge of church education, and Michael Rodriquez, minister to students, also charged with church activities.

A joint worship service for four local congregations is planned for March 24 at 6 p.m. at First Baptist on East Three-Notch for First Baptist on East Three-Notch, First Baptist on Whatley Street, Southside Baptist, and Bethany Baptist. Persons not in any of those congregations are welcome, too.

The Covington Rifles Camp (local chapter # l586) of the Sons of Confederate Veterans met March 7 in the Dixon Memorial of the Andalusia Public Library.

Presiding was 2nd Lt. Larry Shaw.

“Hank” Roberts, chaplain, worded the invocation.

Shaw led in the pledges and “Dixie.”

New SCV posters for 20l3, emphasizing Confederate events l50 years ago, were distributed.

The program was a round-table discussion, which included Larry Shaw, Curtis Thomasson, Randy “R” Kelley, “Hank” Roberts, John Allen Gantt, and Joe Wingard.

One of the most interesting points discussed was the “adoption” of a black boy off the streets of Richmond, Virginia, by the Jefferson Davis family.

Guests included Mack Lott and Brian Fleming from the Enterprise SCV camp.

The room was appointed with flags by Derick Davis, who also prepared coffee.

Representatives of public education in Conecuh, Covington, and Escambia counties (known as District 24 of the Alabama Education Association) attended their monthly meeting March ll at Reid State Technical College in Evergreen.

Jimmy Ponds, librarian at Straughn Elementary School and president of the teachers in Covington County, presided as interim president of AEA District 24. As vice-president of District 24, he replaced Jacqueline Earthly, president of District 24 for the last two years, who retired from teaching February 28. Mr. Ponds plans to serve out her term through May.

Those present enjoyed a potluck supper prior to the business meeting.

Attending were Margaret Herbert, Jimmy Ponds (interim district president), Dianne McKenzie (district treasurer), Beverly Wade, Teresa Hultz (interim district vice-president), Kimberly Gibson, Eugene Smith, Derrick Lett, Charlotte Ewing, Patricia Oates, Nathaniel Belcher, Janelle Riley, Joyce Belcher, Ethel Robertson, Holly Tullis, Joe Wingard (district secretary), and Vivian Jones of Brewton (AEA District 24 director).

Congratulations to the 40 members of the Andalusia Junior Woman’s Club, founded l974, upon their 30th presentation of the Red Garter Revue, a local talent show intended to raise money for local causes.

AJWC’s “Sweet Home Alabama” was staged March 8 – 9 in the Dixon Center of the Lurleen Burns Wallace Community College.

Decorations of the lobby and stage included cotton, hay bales, Spanish moss, and sunflowers. AJWC members wore boots to tie into the country theme.

A running gag between acts was modeled on the corny jokes of the old TV show, Hee Haw. AJWC members took turns, two at a time, swapping funny lines.

Walt and Hannah Merrell, a married couple, seated in rocking chairs, served as emcees. The two were as cute as buttons with their humor and ad-lib banter, an ideal combination of charm, wit, and cleverness.

Early in the show a “round-up” of former revues was shown on a big screen, bringing back happy memories.

One of the “acts” over the years, Danny Posey, was honored Friday night with the second AJWC Lifetime Achievement Award for his performances as Buford T. Nerdley, a buck-teethed, slow-speaking, wise-cracking, bicycle-riding, farmer-dressed, comical character, known for his comments on local issues and personalities.

Posey’s family and friends were on hand to recognize him and his popular alter ego.

The Red Garter Dancers performed “Sweet Home Alabama,” choreographed by Lindsey Reeves. The dancers were Mary Michael Bozeman, Katie King, Angie Miller, Kim Rasberry, Lauren Trammell, Catherine Hammett, Ali Hobson, Meg Shelnutt, and Lesley Thorn.

Paula Sue Duebelt, music director at the Andalusia High School, sang a medley, accompanied by Sue (Bass) Wilson, her assistant instructor at AHS. Both finished AHS with the Class of l965. Mrs. Duebelt came out of retirement to save the music program at AHS from being totally abandoned. Mrs. Wilson, still working, offered to help.

A skit set in a beauty parlor featured Julie Kyzar, Amy Dugger, and Tara Dalton, gossiping about locals.

Sisters by Grace, a female quartet, sang two songs, one, a cappella. The harmony of Gabrielle Baldwin, Beth Dean, Heather German, and Lori Godwin was remarkable.

Following an intermission, Jeff Sellers accompanied himself on a guitar as he sang “Hey, Good Lookin’” by Hank Williams, Sr., and “Dixie” by Daniel Decatur Emmett.

The Ritz Crackers, a group of male dancers, pleased the squealing women by moving to “It’s Raining Men.” Choreographed by Lynsey DuBose and Sarah Sightler were Jeffrey Douglas, Parrish King, Billy Bimbo (Mr. Cool), Troy Jones, Clay Elmore, Kyle Dalton, and Mark Chambers.

Lynsey DuBose and Katie King “strutted their stuff” as they sang “Hell on Heels,” next to a big screen, featuring pictures of local men.

Johnny Brewer, like Gabriel on his trumpet, played “Stars Fell on Alabama,” accompanied by Angie (Baker) Sasser, science teacher at AHS.

The show ended with a curtain call by all the acts.

Jerry Wishum and his family were recognized for their technical help.

The celebration of the 200th anniversary of the War of l8l2 continues.

Again, I ask that each citizen of Andalusia join the Covington Historical Society and pay its annual dues of $25 so as to help preserve the history of our county, whether you attend meetings or not. Mail to CHS, P.O. Box l582, Andalusia, Alabama 36420. Include your e-mail address if you wish to be reminded of upcoming meetings.

To commemorate the Sesquicentennial of the War Between the States, let us return to this week l50 years ago.

An outpost along the Mississippi River, Fort Pemberton, was constructed by Confederates to block General Grant’s Northern troops from reaching Vicksburg, a Confederate stronghold along the mighty river. The outpost, commanded by Col W. W. Loring, proved successful in retarding the Federals’ progress.

Southern women continued to replace men on farms, in offices, and in industry to release the men for military service.

Some Northern ships were able to slip past Port Hudson, Louisiana, on the Mississippi River to reach Vicksburg, which was bracing for a Northern attack.

A British ship successfully ran the federal blockade at Wilmington, North Carolina.

Buy stamps, recalling the Sesquicentennial, Mark Twain, O. Henry, and the War of l8l2.

Thanks to Gail Mullen for identifying our mysterian last week, none other than the popular Mable Beamon.

Our clue-gram this week is as follows: “He came to Andalusia to serve as principal of the high school. After six years there he moved on to be county superintendent. Only his daughter is left of his immediate family, which included him, his wife, and son.”

Birthdays this week include that of Kate Greenaway, an English illustrator and painter.

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

Be looking for a bit of palm to wear on Palm Sunday, for Easter baskets, dyed eggs, kites, and something green for tomorrow.

Fare thee well.