Day Trippers Summer and Fall 2017

Not that we are complaining, but it seems we have had more company in the short time we have been in South Carolina, and particularly in our little house in Seneca, than we ever did in all the years we lived in Florida!   In addition to the overnight guests, we've had friends and family stop in to say hello.

Cousins Cindy and Wally on August 27

 

Brother Joe and SIL Bev on September 24 their way to Kiawah, a trip postponed from earlier in the month because of Hurricane Irma

And on October 15,  Jack and Angie, friends from Bonita, who were returning to Florida from vacationing in NC.  We celebrated their recent retirement at Peppino's.

 

KEEP COMING, FOLKS! 

 

 



Calabash and More Company October 3 - 12, 2017

The day after Bobby and Valerie left, Bob and I made our way to Calabash, NC, where we had made reservations to stay for three days at one of the condos in Brunswick Plantation for a reunion with long time friends Paul and Jay and John and Plish.   Weather was nice, although too cool  for a dip in the ocean.  Jay was still working, so we got together for dinner in the evenings.  The first night Jay hosted, then I did, then Plish.  Sorry, but I wasn't camera crazy this visit, and only later did I realize I hadn't taken any pictures of "the gang".  Plish and John were going to be at their seasonal condo for a month.  We had invited them to come and see us, and they decided to visit the next week and stay a few days.

Basking in the semi-sun near the pier at Sunset Beach on the Grand Strand

 

                              

 Roscoe's first-as-far-as-we-know walk on a beach.  Dogs are allowed after Labor Day until Memorial Day.

John and Plish at one of the outdoor pools nearest the condo.   John said he did go in the pool over the weekend.

The weather in Seneca the next week was unseasonably hot and humid.  Plish's knee was bothering her, and Bob had made appointments to have air conditioning guys give us estimates for a new system before we knew we'd be having company.  So, instead of our usual treks to the scenic wonders, I gave John and  Plish a tour of downtown Anderson.  

Anderson has several bronze artworks throughout the downtown area.

Barely visible in this photo is a little bronze Carolina Wren, one of over twenty placed in a scavenger hunt type pattern around Main Street.

Taking a breather...the next day we went junkin' and of course to Peppino's, which was as tasty as ever!  Plish & John left on Thursday.  Their next stop was to visit their niece outside of Charlotte, NC, and then they would return to their condo. We were hoping they would consider moving to our area, but if they ever do leave their beloved Bloomfield, NJ, it will more than likely be to move to Calabash.

 



Saturday afternoon & Sunday September 30 and October 1 2017

After the fair, we returned home to catch our second wind, and then it was time to hit the pool.  The temperature had reached the 80's, but the pool water was only about 78.  Still Valerie and Owen decided to go for a dip.

Why do you think I didn't go in, Valerie?

Owen is an honorary member of the Polar Bear Club, but even he got so cold we had to get him our before hypothermia set in.

  Bobby chose to do his chillin' in the sun!

Sunday, the second contingent arrived...Jennifer

 

and Mark, a friend Jenna knew from high school in Florida, who now lives here in Seneca!  Small world indeed.  

 

We had decided to have a Seneca birthday celebration for Owen before his official birthday party on Tuesday.  After Jenna and Owen and Mark left, there was more pinochle.  The Hrabovskys were the crowned champions...until next time.   

 

 

 



County Fair Time - Saturday September 30, 2017

Just as we hoped, Oconee's Heritage County Fair was a big hit with Owen. 

It was a brisk morning...perfect for touring the fair.

The rides didn't open till noon, so first stop was a booth where Owen could be "Farmer for a Day".  He got a basket to collect eggs, apples, dig up potatoes, and even milk a cow!

Across from that there was an exhibit of old time farm equipment where men were husking corn

 and ginning cotton.

We saw big and tiny bunnies

and young equestrians before the real fun began...

Hot dog

and candied apple.

 

First ride was the fire department obstacle course

From the look on his face, you can understand why he wanted to do that twice!

Then there was a tractor ride,

 

 a swing carousel

another slide

 

another carousel ride with NanaVee watching his sixes

the dragon coaster

 a horse and buggy

a boat ride

All while Grand Dad looked on

And then we decided to say "fare well to the fair".

 

 

 

 

 

 

  



"The Bobaries" Arrive - September 28 - October 2, 2017

Bobby and Valerie boarded up their house in Maine at the end of September, and began their trip home to Largo, Florida.  On the way, they spent a few days with us.  The game plan included having Owen here for the weekend, and then Jennifer  joined us for dinner on Sunday and took Owen back home with her. On Monday, Bobby and Valerie packed up and went to Jenna's to spend a few days there and celebrate Owen's 6th birthday.

Their first night here, we played about 4 of the approximately 19  games in the Hrabovsky/Kicklighter Pinochle Challenge.  Honey somehow managed to get up on the chair and serve as a back rest for Valerie.  We made sure she wasn't giving any doggie signals to Bobby about Valerie's hand.

Naturally, we had to introduce them to Chau Ram Park.  From the first time I saw this place, I wanted Bobby to see it.  I could envision it being a perfect trout fishing spot for him (other than the hatchery, of course LOL).

After a stroll thru Chau Ram (we should have gotten annual passes!), we tried something different...a visit to Chattooga Belle Farms.  Located in Long Creek, it is a beautiful countryside setting with orchards, vineyards,  distillery, farm store and bistro.  We had lunch there, but decided to save the distillery tour for another time.  Bobby & Valerie needed to meet up with Jenna to do the Owen exchange.

 

After a long ride, every growing boy needs a good snack with his favorite beverage, "lemon-made"

He was a natural on the keyboard

While dinner was getting ready, there was time for a little t-ball.  Owen is going to be a natural at that, too.

The first thing O had asked when he got here was "Where is my bedroom?"  While he was playing outside, Bob set up the queen size air mattress in Owen's own hide-away in the mudroom.   He was very happy with that.  When he went to bed, the pinochle tournament continued.

 

Later, Bobby face-timed with Jenna, letting her know all was going well with Owen, even though it seemed to have made a marked change in Bobby's appearance.

Amazing what an energized almost six year old can do to a person!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





Visit from Gwen - September 18 - 22, 2017

Bob's sister, Gwen, had moved from Florida to Ohio last year.  This is the first time she has been able to visit us since we moved to South Carolina.  She drove the ten plus hours in one day both coming here and when she left on Friday...brave woman!  We had a very pleasant week's visit with her.

Naturally, we had to show Gwen Chau Ram Park, one of the many wonders of Oconee County.

Irma had uprooted this tree, taking down one of the signs that had been cemented into the ground...

...and actually cracked one of the cement picnic tables and benches.

The trail at the end of the suspension bridge was closed, as were several other areas due trees felled during the storm.

Luckily, this tree had another "leg" to stand on to brace against the wind.

 After a day of "junkin' " and pizza at Peppino's in Seneca on Wednesday,  we went to Issaqueena Falls, another of the county's beautiful parks.

The storm must have cleared out some branches and leaves because the falls were a little more visible than just a month ago when we brought Carol and Nelson here.

 Behind the yellow tape was more evidence of the storm's damage, a downed power or telephone line...we didn't want to get too close to confirm which.

Of course, our next stop had to be up the hill to Stump Tunnel.  Gwen and I went in as far as we dared before the ground water got too deep. 

 

We then went into Walhalla and had lunch at the Steak House Cafeteria, one of the places brother Joe saw listed in a book on southern rides and eateries.  The restaurant is noted for its fried chicken, not steak.  Steak is the surname of the original owner of the place.

Before Gwen hit the road again on Friday, we made sure she was fortified with a hearty breakfast at the Townville Café.  Hope you come back soon,  Gwen!