Texas Country Reporter

First, what is the difference between what is percieved and what is real? This is the sort of question that Glen Andrews of Caliente Hot Glass grapples with as he creates masterful glassworks. Then, Shiela Parker’s family has been making pies for her entire life. Passed down from generation to generation, her recipes are magic in a pie. Drawing people in with smell and bringing back childhood memories for her customers, Shiela’s old fashioned pies will bring you under her spell. Finally, Bob and Kelli sit down with Jahmicah Dawes of Slim Pickins Outfitters to talk about historical perceptions of POC and the outdoors. Jahmicah tells us about his mission to diversify the outdoors and change the narrative around the outdoors by making sure there are no gatekeepers.

First, Cam Dockery of Bearly Making It crafts wooden statues out of dead trees which capture the memories and emotions of simple moments. Cam’s chainsaw carvings cover animals, angels, machines, anything you can think of. He tells us how he tries to make each carving special to the person it is carved for. Then, Chamexican cuisine, a combination of traditional Chamorro and Mexican cooking, is the name of the game at C Rojo’s Taqueria where Carrie and Rojelio Tellez combine the flavors of their cultures to create their own unique style. Finally, Eva Ybarra is the Queen of the Accordion. Breaking through in a male dominated field with her own take on traditional styles, Eva has experienced pay cuts, microphone mutings, and discrimination. However through all of this, she has managed to inspire her fans with her music. Bob and Kelli sit down with her to talk about what her fans mean to her.

First, every morning Natalie Irish knows exactly what she is going to do that day, makeout with canvas. Natalie is a painter who uses her lips as her tools to create art that captures the intimacy of the process and push the boundaries of the technique. Then, every miniature bell that comes John Cockle crafts at The Bell Collection has a story behind it. John makes 200 bells for their hand crafted bell charms and jewelry every week. He speaks with Bob and Kelli about the importance of taking that first step into the unknown. Finally, Bob and Kelli visit the Lindale Candy Co., one of the last stores in the entire country that still hand spins their hard candy. Jeremiah and Katilin Cagle tell us about combining the store’s hard candy legacy of the founders, Jim and Ruby, with the handcrafted and painted chocolates made by Kaitlin.

First, stashed in an attic for safe keeping before its builder went to fight in World War Two, the sailboat, Play Baby, returns to the water after more than eighty years thanks to the efforts of Jim Loudermilk. Then, Mike Woody, a career forester, has found a new way to demonstrate his love of art and nature with his wire sculptures of trees adorning wooden landscapes. Finally, Linda Mason of Gateau de Jil makes cheesecakes that each contain a piece of her life. Linda makes use of everything she has learned from art to psychology to motherhood to put her everything into each exquisite cheesecake.

Bob looks back at some of his favorite moments from fifty years of traveling the Texas backroads.

First, Jeffie Brewer’s colorful, larger-than-life scupltures can be found all over the state. Their goal: to bring just a split second of happiness to each person passing by. Then, John and Andrea Havard wanted entertainment content for their kids that focused on real people teaching real lessons. When they couldn’t find that, they created “Cowboy Jack” a weekly children’s show providing educational entertainment. With more than 18 million views in just one year, “Cowboy Jack” is helping to teach a generation of children. Finally, Pitforks & Smokerings BBQ, Slaton’s only BBQ joint, was built on top of Cruz Arellano’s old service station. Isaac and Ashley Arellano will always be here, serving the community and continuing the legacy of Isaac’s father because, as Isaac says, “Being rich doesn’t mean you have money.”

First, Bob and Kelli give us a preview of the TCR Festival’s offerings including Patricia Castillo’s Day of the Dead art. Then, Bob and Kelli visit Dirt Road Cooking, a mobile pizza joint that serves up Texas sized pizzas that can feed 150 people. Finally, Willow City’s biggest achievement is being able to share music in the state they love together. The Proch Family tells us how important it is to them to be able to come home.

First, Mark Nesmith, a musician, artist and teacher at Port Neches Middle School, talks about the fallacy that you have to go to a big city and leave where you are from to make good art. Then, Nari Hodges, half of the team behind Ooyoo Pan, makes art with pastry at this San Antonio pop up. She tells Bob and Kelli about the Korean influences behind her baking. Finally, every quilt tells a story. In Linden, TX, the Pleasant Hill Quilters narrate how each quilt tells the story of people escaping slavery along the Underground Railroad. Flo Stephenson and Esther Blaylock tell us why what they do is important and how education about our history can help us lift up our communities.

First, Lynn and Nakia Price saw people throwing away bad turkey legs from the Houston Rodeo and thought “We can do that better.” The Turkey Leg Hut has since become a sensation, employing more than 175 people and giving back to their community. Then, former pastor John Urban has gone from fixing people to fixing trains. Urban, known as “the Train Doctor”, tells us why the most important thing to do is to preserve a sense of child-like excitement to meet the world. Finally, Bob and Kelli visit an underground skyscraper in Abilene, TX. The second largest building in this area of West Texas, this nuclear missile launch silo is being preserved by Larry Sanders, who hopes to remember the contribution of the young soldiers who sat anticipating the order to kick off global war for ten hours during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

First, Bob and Kelli meet the spelling team of Diamond C Trailers, who are looking to overcome all odds and end the Mt Pleasant ISD spelling bee winning streak of the Region 8 Education Service Center. Then, the Old Orange Cafe in Orange, TX is a gathering place for community. You can’t go without seeing several tables of regulars. There, Chef David Claybar spends every day making people happy. Finally, Bob and Kelli check in on their old friend “Shamrock” Cleaver, first featured on TCR 44 years ago. The Ford Edsel’s one man cheering squad, “Shamrock” hopes this unique part of automobile history will never be forgotten.

First, Bob and Kelli visit the original home of Skip-Bo in Brownsfield, TX where they learn the fascinating history of Texas’s best pasttime. Then, This is It has been serving soul food to the Houston 3rd Ward for three generations. Bob and Kelli stop in to talk about the history and passion behind this American treasure. Finally, Bob and Kelli arrive in libraryless Lexington, TX to meet Heidi Frazier of the Forty Acre Wood second hand book & curio shop. Heidi tells us about her mission to make sure books are in every step of the lives of the people in her community.

First, family owned and operated, Barbecue Inn has been a Houston landmark since it opened in 1946. The TCR team stops by to continue their debate over Texas’s best BBQ, but are instead wowed by the Barbecue Inn’s world class fried chicken. Then, Bob and Kelli visit the world’s largest collection of Miss America memorabilia at Texas Tech University, collected by Dr Marian Ann Montgomery as research for her book Miss America Fashion. What you wear and why you wear it says a lot about a person. Dr. Montgomery has spent her career researching what fashion says about women’s history when written records are not left behind. Finally, Peter Siegenthaler has considered himself “Half-Texan” since the 1970s. Bob and Kelli meet up with him and his wife Doris, TCR’s #1 fans in Switzerland, as they come home to Texas possibly for the last time.

Bob and Kelli introduce us to Arms of Hope, a non-profit Christian care organization that assists single mothers and children in need. As the winner of this years Mueller’s Helping Hand, we learn more about the organization and witness Mueller’s three day build of a new building for Arms of Hope.

First, Lyne Raff introduces us to a whole beautiful world of critters that has always been there, but we never bothered to see. Bob and Kelli get a first hand look at her fine art insect photography. Then, the only thing rarer in the restaurant business than a success is an overnight one, but that is exactly what Raymond Edwards had on his hands with Hobbit Cafe: A classic Houston staple that has been evolving and adapting for more than fifty years. Finally, Uniquka Johnson started the Student ICONS program because she felt called to help children learn about design and the fashion industry. Bob and Kelli stop in to see what it is all about.

First, twenty-four hours a day and seven days a week, the Long Island Village Swing bridge, the last swing bridge in Texas, is continuously operated. This Christmas Eve, Bob and Kelli meet with Silo Newton, the bridge’s elder statesman, who is making sure families get to be together on Christmas. Then, open only three nights a year since its construction in 1939, Pioneer Hall is the historic host of the annual Cowboys’ Christmas Ball, a tradition dating back to the 1885 western frontier. Bob and Kelli talk to historian and seventh generation Anson resident, John Compere, to learn more about this enduring tradition. Finally, the fiddle of Cross P Charlie, played at the first Cowboys’ Christmas Ball and immortalized in one of the first poems of the Cowboy poetry craze, arrives at the ball for its final performance after more than one hundred years.

First, the Cea family has been operating Orlando’s for over fifty years thanks to their consistent quality and inspired innovation. Bob and Kelli talk to David Cea to learn more about their unique Tex-Italian cuisine and Cea’s life growing up in the family business. Then, Bob gets his old band back together to sit down with famed music producer Larry Telford on Rick Tocquigny’s “Legends” podcast. Fifty-five years after “the Lads” were active, Telford tells them how their brief music career changed his life. Finally, Robert Lane has been practicing the “second oldest profession” since he was thirteen years old. His family has been running City Lane Shoes continuously since 1957. Even the equipment is the same. The last shoe repair shop in Palestine, Bob and Kelli go to find out what the Lane family means to the community.

First, Sloan Rinaldi of Texas Q talks with Bob and Kelli about the physically demanding and uniquely Texan nature of making good BBQ. We also learn about her family’s history in BBQ and her success in a male dominated industry. Then, Beki Morris loves working with corks. Her 3D cork artwork can be found across the world. Bob and Kelli stop by to find out why. Finally, Bob and Kelli meet with Laresha and Philip White to learn about Shankleville’s purple whole peas and what they mean to the town’s history and the families that live there.

First, deer antlers, also known as brown gold, are the fastest growing non-cancerous organic material on Earth. Deer grow a new set and shed it every year. Del Benedict has found a purpose for this abundant renewable resource: making chandeliers. Then, Kitt Williams is the mad scientist behind the cornbread sandwich. Years later, Kit’s Cornbread is bringing her cornbread and pie recipes to the public. Bob and Kelli drop in to discuss her innovations and the pursuit of the perfect bake. Finally, Bob and Kelli stop in with Earlie Hudnall Jr. to speak about his fifty years of work documenting life in the city of Houston through photographs.

First, world-renowned filmmaker Dale Johnson has been making nature documentaries for decades, working with the likes of National Geographic and NASA. Johnson tells Bob and Kelli why he feels called to documentary filmmaking. Then, Bob and Kelli talk with Kyle DeLaughter who took over the 35 year-old family store in Maude, TX. Kyle reflects on old memories at DeLaughter’s Grocery, new additions, and why, ultimately, people keep coming back. Finally, historian Gary Pinkerton has dug up the tale of Trammel’s Trace, the first road connecting what would eventually be the state of Texas with the North. Bob and Kelli speak with Pinkerton about what it was like to restore such a significant piece of Texas history.

First, Ana Lowry, the great great granddaughter of Crosbytown’s original pioneers, takes Bob and Kelli through the Crosby County Pioneer Memorial Museum. Then, Dale Acker has gathered the greatest gathering of guns this side of the Red River. Among the pieces at the Up In Arms museum are pieces that once belonged to Davy Crockett, Wyatt Earp, and Santa Anna, and it all started when Acker’s doctor told him, if he didn’t find something other than work to do, then it would kill him. Finally, Annemarie Sullivan returns home from the big city to follow in her grandfather’s footsteps by providing good, pure, farm fresh food to her community.

First, Ana Lowry, the great great granddaughter of Crosbytown’s original pioneers, takes Bob and Kelli through the Crosby County Pioneer Memorial Museum. Then, Dale Acker has gathered the greatest gathering of guns this side of the Red River. Among the pieces at the Up In Arms museum are pieces that once belonged to Davy Crockett, Wyatt Earp, and Santa Anna, and it all started when Acker’s doctor told him, if he didn’t find something other than work to do, then it would kill him. Finally, Annemarie Sullivan returns home from the big city to follow in her grandfather’s footsteps by providing good, pure, farm fresh food to her community.

First, legendary angler Ann Thomasson’s whole life has been fishing. Bob and Kelli visit Ann’s Tackle Shop and talk about Ann’s career as an angler, the equipment she has invented, and the place her shop has carved out in the heart of her community. Then, Casa Rio houses the oldest open doors along San Antonio’s bustling River Walk. Owner Bill Lyons celebrates being a part of San Antonio’s rich history, and looks back at the steps that his grandfather took to set up Casa Rio for what it is today. Finally, former US Army Ranger, Josh Eilers brings modern innovations to the cattle industry on a mission to raise the best beef in the world.

First, Caroline Korbell and William Carrington never thought that one day William would be “the Rabbit Guy,” but, when William quit teaching and began to share studio and gallery space with Caroline, he became just that. Now the two work together, hoping to continue making their respective art for as long as they can. Then, Susannah Cronin of Amelia Farm & Market manages every part of the food chain. From pecans to pigs to people, Susannah shows us how remembering the adage “You Are What You Eat” makes a better product for her customers and helps her protect her farmland from the development of the nearby cities. Finally, Karin McKay and Abner Eurestli have been bringing the news to Lubbock, TX for more than forty-two years. The longest running news anchor team in the country, Karin and Abner never meant to be news anchors. Bob and Kelli learn how and why they got to where they are today.

First, dining at Eculent is one of the hidden gems of Houston, TX. Chef David Skinner turns everything you think you know about resturaunts on its head. This “Willy Wonka of Food” choreographs a full sensory experience for each dinner. Then, the weekly radio show that’s helping to keep Czech culture alive in Texas. The only job he’s known for 50 years, David Kolar hosts “The American Czech Hour” every Sunday on radio station KHBR, playing Czech Polka and Waltz for thousands of Czech-Texan listeners. Finally, the family that’s produced the wool for every US military dress uniform for over 70 years brings us into the family business. From raising the sheep, to cleaning the wool, The Martins do it all, as they’ve always done, with purpose and love.

First, Paul Garrison helps owners to understand the much maligned and misjudged mule. Garrison talks Bob and Kelli through the mule’s unique mindset and abilities. Then, Lotoya Moppins went through Hell and back before discovering gods’ plan for her: to be the pickle mom. After making pickles with her children for years, she started Glorious Gherkins, known for their unique and varied pickle flavors. Finally, the Horned Lizard is one of Texas’s most iconic animals. Dr Andy Gluesnkamp is trying to bring the Texas Horned Lizard back into the most populated areas of Texas.

First, Cook’s Garage is Lubbock’s one stop spot for good food, loud music and vintage signs. Rusty Cook has collected the largest stockpile of signs that Bob and Kelli have ever seen. Cook has so many signs that he has brought on Rebecca Welch, a neon glass bender who makes light for a living. Then, Bob and Kelli meet Miguel Martin, one of the owners of the arts and crafts store Coleccion Mexicana. Miguel teaches us about Dia de los Muertos and how his store gives its visitors a better understanding of Mexican culture. Finally, for years trade jobs have been dismissed by the American public. At Casa Uber Alles, Richard Laughlin restores pride in the trades and teaches teens the skills they need to succeed.

First, International Shipbreaking is a team that can recycle anything. Chris Green and Bob Berry walk Bob and Kelli through how they recycle US Navy warships. Then, Bob and Kelli talk with US Navy veterans who have gathered in Brownsville to say goodbye to the USS Kitty Hawk as it heads to its final resting place at International Shipbreaking. Finally, bear witness to the final voyage of the USS Kitty Hawk, the tip of the US Navy’s spear for more than forty years.