by PAULINE TOM
Mountain City will miss Ralph McClendon.
On Oct. 31, Mayor Tiffany Curnutt forwarded to those in the Mountain City email distribution a message written by her mother, Judge Beth Smith:
“We had a very dear and cherished neighbor pass away last evening. Ralph McClendon, a longtime resident and friend of Mt. City had been quite ill for the last few weeks. LaVerne, his wife, was our mayor for many years. Please keep them in your hearts and prayers.
Ralph was a retired DPS Officer and served with pride and dignity for many years. His loss will be mourned by all that knew him. He touched our lives in so many ways.”
Mountain Citians crowded into the Harrell Funeral Home chapel on Saturday morning with others whose lives were touched by Ralph. Story after story was told, with common threads about his character and about what a character he was. Many times was his slingshot mentioned, continuing on into the reception at First Baptist Kyle after the graveside service. LaVerne confirmed with a smile, “He was good.”
•••
After the service, it was good to come home to a yard brimming with butterflies, many species of butterflies. As a Christian, the butterfly represents to me the resurrection and life everlasting.
Ron brought to me my Pentax 6.5 x 21 Papilio binoculars. They focus to 18-inches, so they’re fabulous for butterflies (and hummingbirds). I downloaded the Audubon app for butterfly identification.
Most butterfly species are attracted particular plant species, so it’s possible to narrow down the probable butterfly species’ identity, if you know the identity of a plant on which it sits. Find lists through links at Austin Butterfly Forum’s website.
The Austin Butterfly Forum website mentions, “planting multiples of the same nectar plant near each other is more attractive to butterflies (and other pollinating insects) than planting the same number of plants separate from each other. Grouping of host plants provides nearby resources if one plant should be fully consumed.”
In recent days, RonTom noticed at least two butterfly species sitting on his car. Sap?
James and Dianne Polk noticed an male Eastern Bluebird on high wires down near our house near the end of Live Oak Drive and a pair hanging out at their house. How many more are around and not noticed?
We noticed a Granddaddy Long Legs spider on our front porch last week.
And, the black White-tailed fawn seemed to be playing “King of the Mountain” on the Medlock’s hill of grass clippings.
•••
What have you noticed? What’s happening in the life of your family or your neighbors? Please send tidbits. 512 268.5678 or [email protected].
