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GARDENER’S MAILBAG Dear Neil: We get these red and black bugs on the new growth of our Texas mountain laurels each spring. What are they, and how can we eliminate them? These are red mountain laurel mirids (Lopidea major).

I remember when I was trying to find a birthday card for my younger brother and as I was looking, I came across some cards for Mother's Day. I thought of the times I looked for a card for my mother, but I also remembered a few times that I almost forgot. I felt ashamed for the times that I didn’t show her the recognition that she deserved. Mothers are a special gift from God for the family. They have shown us that special love, unconditional and sacrificial repeatedly. Just as our mothers have shown us that unconditional love, God has also shown us a special unconditional love, (John 3:16, Romans 5:8, Psalm 36:5&7). We are to show our mother’s love and respect, (Exodus 20:12) just as we are to make extra sure we love and respect God, (Deuteronomy 6:5). This week, if possible, let’s call or send a card or flowers, take them to dinner or go visit them. We may even make our own little card that tells them how much we love and appreciate them. It may not be our mother but a stepmother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother or just someone that is special in our life. We could offer up a prayer to God for those that have shown us that special unconditional love. We might go to Church with them or take them to Church with us. Just don’t forget them! See you in Church next Sunday.

The unofficial May 4 general election results along with the early voting results are in. These results will not be official until each entity canvases their ballots.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is proposing a new ruling (31 TAC §65.950,) concerning mountain lions. This proposal is listed in the Texas Register, Volume 49 Number 16 for the week of April 19 under Title 31 Natural Resources and Conservation, Subchapter X. Mountain Lions. Of the 16 states that are home to breeding populations of mountain lions, Texas is the only state that does not currently regulate the hunting and trapping of the species.

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Off the coast of the South American country of Ecuador lie the Galapagos Islands. They are a wildlife lover, and coincidentally photographers’ paradise. Lee Hoy has made his childhood dream of being a wildlife photographer come to life, having visited these islands more than six times since he embarked upon the journey from dream to reality.

Recently, Texas state Senator César J. Blanco hosted a State Resource Fair in Fort Stockton in an effort to bring essential state services to rural communities. Blanco’s goal was to bridge the gap between rural far West Texas and the state government.

YOUR GUIDE TO LOCAL PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO Your guide to local places to go and things to do! If you have an event for our Do Something! listing, please e-mail litzy.rodriguez@fortstocktonpioneer. com APRIL 29- MAY 10 2024 Creative Youth Art Show.

John B. Poindexter was honored at a Houston event for his conservation contributions in West Texas. Poindexter is the owner of the acclaimed Cibolo Creek Ranch in Presidio County, south of Marfa. The Borderlands Research Institute (BRI) celebrated the third annual West Texas Conservationist of the Year award ceremony at the River Oaks Country Club on April 10, which was hosted by the Borderlands Research Foundation, the charitable arm of the Institute.