On The Road Again

As I write this we are in the Hampton Inn at Lebanon, Tennessee, about 30 miles outside of Nashville. Yes, we are on our way westward towards home. We left Round O, South Carolina at about 1030 this morning (Sunday). We would have left earlier but for a return trip to pick up the toothbrush charger that someone left behind. Tomorrow we will tour the Country Music Hall of Fame and the head for Memphis. Again we have altered our route, this time in a very major way. We have eliminated our stop at Branson and hope to veer north and enter Oregon via I84 and stop in Baker City to visit our eldest and his family. Hopefully the weather will cooperate, although today was something of a teaser, since it was 60 degrees at home and we were driving through torrential rains in Tennessee.

Shoeless Joe Jackson's Refurbished Home

The plaque outside Shoeless Joe Jackson Field

Today's drive also little sidetrip. Because Ron's favorite is Field of Dreams, a trip to Greenville SC had to be made. There lived Shoeless Joe in his days after baseball. We visited Shoeless Joe Jackson Memorial Park where he played for a textile team as a 13 year old. We also went to downtown Greenville where the newly built West End Field sits. Across the street from the stadium sits the former home the late Shoeless Joe, a structure that has been relocated and renovated by Trademark Properties Of Charleston. Owner Richard Davis was trying to answer his son's question about Joe's absence from the baseball hall of fame. This led to the moving and renovation for the tv series The Real Estate Pros. In the future it will house the Shoeles Joe Jackson museum.

Stevie Blocker testing out his new 70 HP motor (and his mother's nerves) on the Edisto

David Blocker may have pins, screws and a plate in his ankle but his frying skills are undiminished.

Mildred Thomas - Roberta's long time friend

David & Rita's Dock and covered fishing area David & Rita Blocker and granddaughter Connestee

Stevie Blocker and wife Jeanie with her daughter, granddaughters and great-grandchildren

We left after having our last couple of days of family time. Friday we went to the Edisto River camp of David & Rita Blocker, Ron’s oldest nephew and his wife. The fishing camp on the river is a real Colleton County tradition. They build a screened in, and partially enclosed, building that serves as sort of a vacation home. Needless to say, it is built on stilts to keep it safe during high water times. There is also a floating dock as well as a lounging area on the riverbank, as well as a boat launch. Fishing is a major hobby in the area, although horseback riding is very popular also. David showed us pictures of catfish that he has caught in the river, running 25 pounds and more. Even though David is still in a boot and on crutches due to a fall from his roof this winter, he still had his brother Stevie take him out in the boat to check his shad nets.

Betty and Bryant Rhode

Summer house to beat the heat.

The Two Sisters

For lunch we had fried catfish nuggets, Edisto grits, fried shad roe, French fries and various sweet stuff. David showed that he had not lost his touch as we had a wonderful feast. We had a pretty good crowd as we were joined by both of Ron’s sisters, Betty’s husband Bryant, Roberta’s longtime friend Mildred Thomas, and Roberta’s younger son Stevie, and his family. It put us within one Blocker child from meeting them all.

On Saturday, our last day in SC we went to the alumni vs varsity softball game in Walterboro. The school is now called Colleton County HS, but before it consolidated with Ruffin HS it was known as Walterboro HS, a name that locals would still like to see on the buildings. It was an opportunity for Ron to see his two grand-nieces, Calli and Erin Driggers, play. Calli is a senior at CCHS, and her sister graduated from USC-Upstate in 2006. After the game we had last family dinner at Roberta’s place. On the last night we finally got a chance to meet the baby of the Blocker family, daughter Laurie. It also was the time to say our last goodbyes to the Driggers family and Ron’s niece Bonnie.

Roberta's baby girl Laurie and her friend Pete

It was pretty hard to say goodbye even though we have been away from home for more than 5 weeks. During the 4 weeks we were in Round O we got to know family that Ron had met in 1962, and except for a couple of visits from family members since that time he had not seen them. For Connie it was chance to meet the faces that matched then names that Roberta mentioned in her stories about her kids. They are all wonderful people and we look forward to another visit, maybe next year.