The Finkleas Hit the Road: Florence & Charleston, South Carolina

I know I've been pretty bad about blogging lately, but between the end of the semester craziness and traveling out of town (and state), I've been a little busy. But Bruce's Blog is back!!!

Bruce's Blog is back...and (hopefully) better than ever!

Two weeks ago, Jackie was gone on an audit for an entire week. While I knew I would miss her, I had the opportunity to hit the road with my parents and brother to go visit our family in South Carolina. I was really excited because I hadn't seen this part of my family (my dad's side) since my wedding. I really didn't get to spend much time with them then because, well, my wedding day was hectic to say the least!

It has been a long time since I'd gone on a trip with my parents and brother, and I realized that it could be our last "original" Finklea vacation.

The trip would also give me the opportunity to finally finish reading The Shack, which I had started last year when Jackie and I were on our honeymoon. My aunt had loaned me the book, and I figured it would be great to read it while we were on the road so that I could give it back when I saw her. When I stopped reading it last year, I only had about 40 pages to the end, but school stuff took over. While I could remember some of the plot, I knew I should just start over. I'm so glad I did. While I don't agree with all of the things in the book, I do appreciate the way that it emphasizes the personal relationship with the Trinity.

OK, back to the vacation... We got to spend some great time with my Uncle Allen and Aunt Coleen. We also got to see my cousin Casey, her husband Bradley, and their two kids. We really enjoyed getting to spend time with them.

Because we didn't get to do Thanksgiving with that side of the family last year, my aunt planned to have Thanksgiving dinner Tuesday night. We had the most delicious turkey! She used a brine solution that gave it such a good flavor. Thanksgiving in May is a wonderful idea!

My 94-year-old great great aunt lives in Charleston, so we took a day trip to visit her. She took us to a great little restaurant called Dean Walker & Family Seafood. Of course, everyone knew Aunt Margaret when we walked in the door. "You have to try the onion rings," she said, right after we were seated. It was only a few moments later that Dean's wife brings us a platter stacked high with with onion rings. "On the house," she said. I took one bite and knew that it was the best onion ring I'd ever eaten. We all agreed that they were the most delicious onion rings we'd ever had. I also enjoyed my fried shrimp.

After that, we went back to Margaret's house and sat out on her porch, which overlooks the Intercoastal Waterway. Aunt Margaret is one of the best cooks I know, and she had made a pecan pie based on a recipe she got back during the time that sugar was rationed during WWII.

We spent the rest of the afternoon sitting on the porch talking, laughing, and swapping old family stories. Of course I'd heard almost all of the stories before, but part of the fun for me is seeing other enjoy telling them.

I hope that I get to take Jackie up there soon to visit with everyone.

Well, that's about it for this entry. I promise to blog more this summer. We've got a lot of stuff going on this summer, and I'm really excited to share it with y'all.

I wish blogging was really this easy!

I just thought this one was funny!