Peeping through my Venetian blind, I saw Mrs. Gotrocks of Greenville drive up in front of my ivy-covered cottage. She had arranged for us to drive about “the Dimple of Dixie” to see the May flowers that the April showers had brought.

We noticed along the sides of the country roads the sunny-faced coreopsis, patches of purple verbena, prissy primroses, sweet honeysuckle, climbing over rustic fences, and privet hedges, laden with tiny blooms, almost as invasive as kudzu. We recounted the days of our great-grandparents when yards were swept free of even a blade of grass and outlined with privet hedge, trimmed as if country boxwood.

We “ooed” and “ahed” at the thick growth of Confederate jasmine, covering the picket fences along Stanley.

We pointed out the grand magnolias and roses, especially the one known as Seven Sisters.

Spring makes a garden of the world.

Seeing the roses reminded us that tomorrow is Mother’s Day and that we planned to wear white roses to church in memory of our dear mothers. We thought of those who would be wearing red roses, blessed still to have their mothers.

As we rode around town, we gossiped about our little world.

The Covington Historical Society met April 28 at 6:30 p.m. in the Dixon Memorial of the Andalusia Public Library.

Dr. Morgan Moore, president, called the meeting to order.

Bill Law worded the invocation.

There followed a pledge to the flag.

Sue Wilson, vice-president, played the piano for the group to sing the state song, “Alabama,” which the members sang rather well.

The minutes of the last meeting were distributed on behalf of the secretary, Nancy Robbins, who had to be absent.

Harmon Proctor, treasurer, distributed his financial statement.

Sue Wilson announced that the CHS won a state-wide honor for its efforts to preserve and promote an appeciation of local history.

Sue Wilson also announced that the coloring book of historic Andalusia, an idea originally of David Walters, was to be reprinted, courtesy of the Covington County Bank.

A new cover for the coloring book was painted by local artist, Roger Powell, who took as his theme the museum exterior, once the railroad depot.

The original painting was given to the Society by the sponsor, Covington County Bank.

Sherwin Williams, a local paint store, has volunteered to paint the depot/museum in May. Linda Castleberry, a member of CHS, is organizing a fish fry for the painters0.

Sidney Waits, a local historian, announced that a new roof has been put on the log cabin in the historic district.

Dr. Moore thanked those who provided refreshments, Nancy Robbins, despite her absence, and Harmon Proctor.

Sue Wilson introduced the guest speaker, David Wyatt, plant manager at Central General for Power South.

Using PowerPoint, Wyatt presented a fascinating history of Horseshoe Lumber Company through script and photographs.

Seen out and about this week were Betty Copeland, and her sons, Madison and Robert, Larry Shaw, Cynthia Shaw, Chris Ammons, Wanda Davis, Bea Miller, Myra Johnson, Scotty Hooper, Thelma Thomas, Allen and Nell Wiggle and their daughter, Carol Haag, Curtis Thomasson, Wilma Moore, Bob Bush, Wayne and Lenora Johnson, Ken Johnson, Campbell Johnson, and Margie Thomasson.

Telephone visits were enjoyed with Ann Cushing of Montgomery and Nick Johnson of Andalusia.

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 P.O. Box 1582, Andalusia, Alabama 36420.

Several identified the mysterian, but Caroline Picking was first. Congratulations!

The new mysterian was business manager for this newspaper in the time of Editor Ed Dannelly.

Recent birthdays are those of Joseph Addison, English essayist; Robert Browning, English poet; Johannes Brahms, German composer; and Peter Tchaikovsky, Russian composer.

Addison’s style of writing was the standard for a hundred years after his death.

Browning was so popular at one time that Browning societies were formed to study his poetry.

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.