"Do Our Pets Go To Heaven?" by Neal Murphy

May 10, 2022 - Most of us, at one time or another has had a favorite pet in our lives. Be it a dog, cat, horse, or even a hamster, they eventually die. We miss them, grieve for them and even wonder what happens when they pass away. The eternal question has been, “do our pets go to Heaven?”

"Are Men Still Relevant?" by Neal Murphy

April 18, 2022 - It seems that the twenty-first century has produced a general feeling among the female of the species that men are no longer needed. I read articles and see programs on television produced by young, liberated feminists who espouse the idea that they have no need for a man in their lives. They are educated, own their own businesses, and only need a man for pro-creation. They can then rear their children alone – who needs a man around? Any time a program or commercial needs a dufus, guess who gets that part – the white guy.

“Being Dirt-Poor” By Neal Murphy

March 8, 2022 - I can recall my parents, Alice and Cecil, talking about someone being “dirt-poor”. At the time I did not think much about the saying. Now that I am old I look back at this saying and wonder about its true meaning.

Are You a “Down-To-Earth” Person? By Neal Murphy

February 18, 2022 - As a young lad I recall my parents, Alice and Cecil, discussing certain people's traits. I can remember that they often described someone as “down-to earth”. The phrase, to me,meant that the person so described was very nice. I still hear this phrase even today as people may describe others.

"Rocky Mountain Oysters" by Neal Murphy

February 14, 2022 - I grew up in East Texas during the 1940s and 1950s, and must admit that my culinary experiences were very limited. I ate mostly meat, potatoes, and other vegetables that my dad grew in our small garden.

“South of the Border” by Neal Murphy

January 28, 2022 - “You’re gonna love this restaurant, I guarantee it”, John insisted as we headed for the Mexican border. I was a little apprehensive about crossing over from Brownsville into Mexico and eating lunch. John was insistent that we should do this even though we were on a strictly business trip.

“What’s Happening to the Four-Door Sedan?” by Neal Murphy

January 21, 2022 - Years ago when I was a young lad my hobby was keeping up with the new automobiles that were introduced each fall. The various automobile makers always brought out their new models in October. At that time San Augustine had five car dealers. I would go to the show rooms and ogle the fancy new cars in all their manufactured splendor. I still like to do that, but many of those car dealers have disappeared.

“So, You’re Left-Handed” By Neal Murphy

January 14, 2022 - About 10% of the population is left-handed. Our daughter is left-handed even though both of her parents are right-handed. So, what happened? Is being born with the dominant hand being the left one blamed on genetics?

Lefties have had a tough time over the centuries overcoming their “handicap.” Beginning at the time of the Industrial Revolution, workers needed to operate complex machines that were almost certainly designed with right-handers in mind. This would make the leftie appear less capable and clumsier.

"The BB Gun" by Neal Murphy

December 17, 2021 - In the late 1960s, our family lived in Houston, Texas. It was about a three-and-a-half drive north to our parent’s home in San Augustine. Christmastime was always a hectic time for all of us. My parents lived about twenty miles away from my wife’s parents. We, therefore, had to share time with both sets of grandparents when we would make the drive up north.

"Chickens, Eggs, and Other Nonsense" by Neal Murphy

November 23, 2021 - The lowly chicken has provoked a number of interesting questions in the past, such as: Why did the chicken cross the road, and which came first – the chicken or the egg? These two questions have been pondered for many years, and every person must come to their own personal conclusion. I have decided that the real reason that the chicken crossed the road was because she wanted to get to the other side. Others have stated that she crossed the road to prove to armadillos that it COULD be done.

Shelby County Today

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Submitted by Neal Murphy