Reminiscing at Little Chicago…

That’s little Chicago near Campobello and Landrum, South Carolina.

When I was a young child this sign actually had the miles to major cities in the world such as Tokyo.
This little store of yesteryear was actually run by who we called Bloomer Williams, who wore a tall cowboy hat. Sis and I never knew his real name, but he sure had good Florida Fruit ice cream by the scoops!
I can’t find that flavor nowadays, but I suspect that it had some mango, guava, or papaya along with the pineapple in it.
It was so delicious I can still taste it on my taste buds!
Here we are 64 + years later.

The old barber shop at Little Chicago where Daddy got his haircuts, and played checkers with the local guys.

The old co-op store where my Grandma bought hoop cheese, and my first grade school teacher from the elementary across from the co-op taught us to make change at the store as a class assignment.
We would eat our lunch on the steps of the store out front, and she would make sure each child had at least a dime to buy some snacks, and the store keeper would teach us how to make change from it.
A wonderful ice cream bar (sandwich) chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream inside, was only around 5 cents then.
A wonderful, home-cooked lunch was under a quarter.
Jordan Elementary School is non-existent now. Yhere was a mobile home park across from the co-op now. If the school still exists, it was behind some tall trees, and it was fenced off private land today is we drove by.
My childhood church burned in 1970, and they replaced it with a beautiful Church and Recreation Center across from it, and even have a church bus now.
They also have a child care center.
Many fond memories of Bible school and Sunday school there.
Mount Lebanon Baptist Church in Greer, South Carolina.
Beautiful peach trees surround the church grounds.
Many memories…


Pineapple Bag and Grande are totally distraught; the mosquitoes and the chiggers are after them!

It is almost impossible to get them to leave our room.
All of us have tried Benadryl cream and red oil that seems to alleviate the itch a little bit, but mosquitoes and chiggers seem to love all of us.
After a lot of rain, the chiggers are in the weeds and fleas are really bad this year too.
Chiggers are little red looking mites that really bite and can jump anywhere.
A menace from my childhood.
Mosquitoes, chiggers, and any type of flying insect seem to be attracted to us.
Yhis is closed, maybe with good reason.
The young lady runs a catering service and provides free chocolate chip cookies to senior Travelers.
This nice couple said they would provide the milk to go with the cookies…

What a great day we had, and what wonderful people we met!
We ended the day by stopping at the Waffle House for some good chow.

Waffle House History

See Waffle House website for how these two entrepreneurs have changed restaurants.

Back again…

Too much Carolina fun caught up with me!
Just happened by…lovely!
I have not personally heard this quartet, but the Carolina Fine Foods evidently thinks highly of them as this was posted in their parking lot.
It was flounder night at the Carolina, with homemade coleslaw and fries!
Their hot dogs cannot be beat!
No Paula Deen did not make this, another wonderful Southern cook did!
One of my special cousins had us over to eat.
As we all gathered together, we gave thanks for the Bounty of all the food we shared, and each other!
Pintos simmered and cooked to perfection! Cornbread, onions, pickles, turnip greens, and many kinds of fresh veggies to go along with, plus some Bi-Lo grilled chicken, and of course the beautiful cake you saw…
That’s a big triple yummy!
And don’t let me forget the Oregon tart cherry cobbler, served with Breyers no sugar added vanilla ice cream, and whipped cream!
This, along with the wonderful cake, rounded out the repertoire of southern cooking!
Sweet tea and unsweet tea, you got it in a nutshell!
Worship was at Triune Mercy Center in Greenville yesterday.
A beautiful mural done by one of these books involved.
What a great message and fellowship after church with the meal served by a volunteer Church.

Just Had to have some more of that Ice Cream…

The famous ones were so hungry, and the Captain and Navigator also wanted some good no added sugar butter pecan!
Come on down to Travelers Rest, South Carolina and have you ‘all selves some good ice cream!
Sis is a regular here now.


Plus chocolate, nuts, sauces, pink waffle cones, Etc
Yummy…
Before we stopped for ice cream, don’t let me forget to mention Farmhouse Tacos, which is much more than I would, say, just tacos.
I got the fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese which are on the right side of the upper picture, and a wonderful Cowboy queso dip.
Just enough spice, and if you want more you can add their assortment of hot sauces.
The servers were so friendly and helpful!… and allowed the Navigator to take their picture.
Thank you young ladies, and keep up the great service!
The captain had a chimichanga filled with charred chicken and peppers, with a delightful Mexican queso sauce on the side.
MORE…

And much more…
Good service personified!
Service with a smile and good manners!
They put the customer first!
All of us will remember your good customer service😁

NOW, let’s go to the laundromat…
To round up this afternoon story we will end with our visit to the laundromat in Travelers Rest.
Very clean, service good from the washers and dryers, and also provided change machines, and an array of good washing detergents and softeners to purchase.


Unexpected but Pleasant to have flowers!
They get our vote of confidence as we travel across the country and occasionally do need to do laundry😊
We don’t have to use often, but it is sure nice to have a full-service one when we do!

More to come of our adventures as we mosey on back across the country sometimes next week..

KEEP TUNED YOU ALL!!!
😁🤣😎😅

Let’s Catch up a Bit..

Folks, you are looking at Mount Hood in Oregon on the left, and Mount Saint Helens in Oregon on the right.
One of the trucks from our children’s business moonlighted in the area last evening.
The work site last evening.
What beauty surrounded them!
Mountain View was from the worksite.
You all go and visit, you hear!

A little more trivia here:
Mount Saint Helens erupted on my Captain’s birthday 1980.

Well, yesterday started out with having an early lunch with the cousins (more of them).

Cracker Barrel it was, the Powdersville one this time, for the turkey and dressing special four four of us, the others had pancakes.

I of course had my usual day a trip here along with a lot of unsweet tea for Captain and Navigator.

They were all really delighted to hear about Pineapple Bag’s and Grande’s antics, and are keeping up with the blog. Isn’t it totally wonderful to have family😁?

My Sis’s husband of 51 years stopped by for their lunch with his group of linemen.

A U.S. Powerhouse!
Duke Energy…Has been on the forefront for more than a century; 150+years of service.
Traded on New York Stock Exchange as DUK.
A relative has worked here 40 + years.
Great service oriented employees!
The Navigator and Pineapple Bag had to discourage Sunflower Bag.
There is absolutely no extra room in our vehicle for an extra bag!… although this one is sure cute!
Sunflower Bag was “thumbing” a ride out beside the wonderful Hampton Inn in Travelers Rest, S.C.

Some folks down the road even stopped by to beg us to take Sunflower Bag, since are especially fond of sunflowers; a mother and daughter were especially almost convincing!

They were great negotiation experts with big smiles, and almost succeeded, but Navigator didn’t want Sunflower Bag on her lap the whole way, and neither did Pineapple Bag or Grande’.
Ready to go off again to explore the local Hills. There is so much to see in this corner of the Piedmont Plateau and some of the sections known as the Dark Corner of South Carolina.
More history to research, you all!

Navigator wants to find the best chili hot dog in the county today; the Captain prefers a big salad.
Navigator wants a big salad along with a hot dog.

Does this look good to you… I can find it only 25 minutes away:)
Add onion, mustard, catsup, and take a great big bite!
The Captain is always on the lookout for more neat-looking rigs to send pics of home to our dump truck business owning son-in-law and daughter.
This one appears to have an aluminum bed on the back of the truck which is quite stylish and not real common.
My favorite still remains the metallic green one I saw back in the Midwest.
Speaking of chili dogs, then the Navigator has to come back to the home base and use the state-of-the-art fitness center here at the Hampton Inn in Travelers, Rest South Carolina.
Yhere is also a weight lift area in the corner that the pic missed.
New Precor Fitness Equipment; two ellipticals, three treadmills and one sit down bike along with weight area.
Morning and evening sessions are necessary to keep up with the good home cooking in this area.
Josey’s Chuck Wagon located on Wade Hampton in the Greer/Greenville area.
They even offer a senior menu that includes your drink for 7.29; same great food at a reduced price and smaller portion!
All of The Travelers have gone there two times in just one week for supper / dinner
Give it a try you all!
Yum!
Not on my diet but I can still say Yum!

Strolling about in the evening…

The Swamp Rabbit Trail in the evening contains many Mysteries and Surprises…
Captain was surprised when he almost stepped on a big frog that jumped!
There’s some type of noise that is real consistent, and I’ve decided that must be crickets and are there Katydids at night?
Anyway, they were so loud as we’re walking in the Twilight along the Swamp Rabbit Trail that we thought it was some type of alarm going off in someone’s home.
I guess they’re welcoming us to the South!
Travelers Rest is proving to have many little nooks and crannies in which we can find Adventure.
It’s like our granddaughter said last night “We are having an Adventure!”

Colorful banners hanging from all the lights; must mean Travelers Rest High School is there some kind of fighting animal or Bulldog on the picture?
I will find out who the mascot is from one of the locals today…
It was 75 and only slightly humid as we walked about 8 p.m. last night.
We warned folks along the way not to be squeamish about stepping on frogs, because they’re so fast you can’t hurt them.
Logged close to 3 miles Meandering in the Twilight.
Someone else was playing around in the Twilight; Hello son-in-law and daughter in Oregon!
Doing a little Moonlighting for their business J&S Dump Trucks, Inc.
Think I got the name right!
Anyway, check them out on Facebook, you all!
Have five trucks they send out into the field and can get more if needed.
A Savvy business with safety officer, regular safety meetings to keep you safe, they’re good to their employees, and have a gamut of services just for you, the public. Hard workers!
Blue trees in Travelers Rest?
The Martians have not landed, it is just the Reflection from the blue lights outside the Hampton Inn here in Travelers Rest.

Well, getting ready to start reporting the current day, which is Thursday on a slightly cloudy day, yet warm.

A Wonderful Lunch at Silver Bay Restaurant, Greenville..

My Sis, along with her Cronies and the Captain, Navigator, Pineapple Bag, and Grande’, enjoyed an excellent meal.

The staff greeted us warmly, and we received excellent service.

An example of Southern Gentility; we will go to her home for lemon lush dessert and cornbread salad.
Thank you friend for your warmth, your caring and your hospitality!!!
Words can’t express how glad my Sis and I were to have you with us for our meal…
Your energy is unbelievable.
Many Blessings to you!
Posted with her permission of course🧚‍♀️
With 87° and 80 plus humidity, sailing on the water today would be wonderful, wouldn’t it?
Some talented person designed and made this on display at Silver Bay.
This yummy bar used to be more than twice its size and now costs $1, compared to $0.25, then 50-cent in high school.
The interesting thing is is that they do not taste as good as they did 53 years ago😋😁
Silver Bay Restaurant sells them at checkout counter for worthy causes.
The chocolate almond is the best, but they also come in chocolate caramel, and plain milk chocolate nowadays.
Talking Toucan came to lunch with us and actually became confused with 8 ladies and one gentleman all talking at the same time!
Navigator was very bold, and turned Talking Toucan’s switch off. What a noise he was making!
Fun was had at the Silver Bay by all, if you haven’t figured that out yet.
Navigator, plus her Sis, means fun; the Captain just tolerates us🤣
Look at this beautiful day, on its way to 87 at 10 a.m.
The famous ones were out early waiting by their favorite pick up to go to Silver Bay.
They had the deep fried perch, green beans, and a salad with ranch on the side, the same as Navigator.
Yhey shared their meal, and the staff was gracious with an extra plate, and did not even charge.

A Great day out and about…

Great on this hot day!
Thank you again Pink Mama’s!
Had a great visit with the owners of the Wild Hair Gallery…
What a wonderful place to showcase local talent!
Travelers Rest is full of hidden treasures throughout the town!
Please take the time to visit, and say howdy to the local folks…
Thank you ladies for a great visit and information about your truly eclectic group of shops and businesses in your area!
Will be back, and will tell our family about you all!
Don’t let me forget to post this great art from a new friend that I met at The Flop Shop.
This new friend told us all about the Wild Hare Gallery.
Folks, don’t miss the opportunity to decorate your own model this next coming year😉

Let’s back up a little bit to yesterday AM..

What a glorious 87-degree day, and like I previously stated, only 33% humidity!

They wanted to swim so bad; it was definitely a boycott of swimming area..
Sorry friends, another time!
What have we here; homemade pastries everyday!
Not on my regimen but I can still look, can’t I?
This is called a Gyro made into a salad.
They obliged the captain, and gave him cheddar instead of feta on the salad, and a wonderful Greek dressing for both of us.
Great unsweet tea refills.
So where is all of this…

WELL, it’s at UpCountry Provisions, right here in Travelers Rest!
Honestly, the best potato salad that this Navigator has ever eaten!
Pineapple and Grande’ had Chicken Poblano soup.
Served with a wonderful baguette…Yum!

Pick out the fixings on the board, and it can be a gyro, sandwich or salad.
How wonderful is that?
Friendly helpful people, smiling faces😁
And more selections…
May all your yesterdays be wonderful!… and beautiful.

Let’s Stroll around Travelers Rest; 81 degree evening with 33% humidity…

We took a walk on the Swamp Rabbit Trail into Travelers Rest from Hampton Inn.

What a beautiful evening! Just at Twilight, and I couldn’t believe that I didn’t have a mosquito(s) bite me!

Whistle Stop Cafe is now in the location that used to be just the American Cafe.
This says it all!
To the best of my recollection, this could possibly be the site of the old hospital where my Sis was born… will find old timer, and check it out!
What have we here🙂
There will soon be a new business where the McCarroll Sisters were…
They made a mark on The Culinary industry in this small town.
Bicyclists and pedestrians alike share this beautiful Trail.
What a beautiful lasting project and reminiscence for yesteryear; many thanks for the entrepreneur who had the vision/idea of the Swamp Rabbit Trail!
It goes 20 plus miles and the local area following a former railroad track.

Please look up the history for the Swamp Rabbit of Travelers Rest, you history buffs…
..
Travelers Rest, SC has turned into a real local Art Center.

The Wild Hare Gallery is a place I want to see before we end our vacation here.
It was closed on Tuesday.
A new friend has a display there that I definitely want to see!
Thank you new friend that I met at The Flop Shop!
You are a miracle, and example of God’s Love🧚‍♀️