"Hoppin' John and Limpin' Susan" by Neal Murphy

December 5, 2019 - Another New Year’s Day is upon us and, as Southerners, we will be eating the symbolic meal of Hoppin’ John to assure a happy and prosperous new year filled with good luck. Most of you are familiar with the dish usually made with black-eyed peas (Texas Caviar), rice, chopped onion, and sliced bacon, all seasoned with a bit of salt. This dish has an interesting history.

"Have You Noticed?" by Neal Murphy

November 29, 2019 - I realize that I am now an old feller and things are much more complicated today than when I was a young man. Things change rapidly and old things pass away in the middle of the night. I have noticed a number of things that have changed hardly without notice.

The following are few of the things that I have noticed:

“What’s For Dinner?” By Neal Murphy

November 15, 2019 - In the early 1950s I was dating a young lady from the small town of Hemphill, Texas. Her father was the pastor of the local Baptist church. In those days pastors were paid very little in salary. However, there were other “perks” that automatically accompanied being a pastor.

"The Day the Texas Rangers Lost" by Neal Murphy

November 8, 2019 - The Texas Rangers have been known for always getting their man over the years. However, they did lose a battle right here in East Texas. In 1887 a squad of four Rangers entered Scrappin’ Valley with warrants to arrest the leaders of the feud going on there for a number of years. However they were ambushed by the Connor boys and all the Rangers were killed.

"The New Car" by Neal Murphy

November 1, 2019 - I had not anticipated buying a new car in this year of 2019, however an accident totaled my 2015 sedan. So, purchasing a new car became a necessity. I had only one day to find just the right one at the right price. So,I purchased a 2019 model. I was astonished to find so many “high-tech” features as are now on these new cars.

'Kilroy Was Here' by Neal Murphy

October 28, 2019 - If you were born prior to WWII you probably knew Kilroy. You might have had a yellow or orange lapel pin with his nose hanging over the label, and the top of his hands hanging over the label, too.

"The Fire Towers" by Neal Murphy

October 21, 2019 - Teenagers growing up in East Texas during the 1940s and 1950s were accustomed to being surrounded by towering pine trees, and sturdy oaks. I was one of those kids being reared in about the deepest part of East Texas.

“The Addiction” By Neal Murphy

October 11, 2019 - I suppose than anyone can get addicted to anything. People get addicted to alcohol, drugs, shopping, and all kinds of other things. My addiction happens to be to popcorn.

It started at an early age. My parents used to pop corn in a deep skillet with a lid. They usually put a bit of butter in with the oil and shake the skillet until the corn was all popped, except for a few “old maids.” I got addicted to that wonderfully tasting corn which has lasted a lifetime.

"Doings in the Doctor's Office" by Neal Murphy

October 4, 2019 - My wife, Clara, began her medical career in 1959 when she went to work for Dr. M. J. Buchele in San Augustine. She worked there several years along with Helen Farr until we moved to Houston in 1962. She then worked for several different doctors for the next twenty six years. She has the “inside scoop” of what really goes on behind the scenes in a doctor’s office.

“Clara’s Culinary Calamities” By Neal Murphy

September 30, 2019 - When we were married in 1958 Clara knew nothing about cooking. Since I knew a lot about eating she made it her mission to learn all about preparing food fit for a king. I knew she must have thought of me as a king because she was always presenting me with burnt offerings. My, how things have changed over the years. I no longer receive burnt offerings from her as she has become a great cook.

Shelby County Today

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Submitted by Neal Murphy