Uncle Tour '08, Part 1

The much-publicized and highly anticipated Uncle Tour ’08 began in the pre-dawn (yawn!) hours of June 20 (Happy Anniversary AARPs!) with a scenic trip across the Deep South, moonwalking the trail of Gen. Sherman. Uncle Keith picked up Papa Ollie at the Birmingham Airport en route to Charleston, Miss. After a short detour through the thriving metropolis of Aliceville, Ala., we found the Charleston skyline bustling as it was on our maiden voyage two years ago.

Our first stop was the finale of the First Presbyterian Church’s annual Vacation Bible School (featuring an Olympic theme) awards ceremony and sing-along. It was followed by a fill-up-your-bucket spaghetti dinner. Also part of our visit was a tour of the local schools, including some tee ball practice, a stroll around Enid Lake (with some fried grub), our first round at the Tallahatchie Country Club (98, 78 scores for UK, PO) with birthday boy Mac Venable, the jack-of-all-trades backyard neighbor, former Mississippi State tennis coach, and chairman of the tourism committee. The visit concluded with a trek to Oxford to dine at the Downtown Grille, and peruse the Square Bookstore.

Uncle Keith just passed the halfway mark of the 2,300-mile journey with a visit to northern Ohio for the nuptials of former Anderson Independent-Mail colleague Rob Meyer and Home Ec teacher extraordinaire Jessica Evanson. After picking up Jon and Oskie Kay at the Canton-Akron Airport, we settled in after a long day of travel. Friday, we took a 3 ½ hour tour of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton. Saturday, we visited Berlin Center and the Mastropietro Winery for the ceremony. The rain subsided enough for the vows, and the dancing and drinking didn’t end until after 3 a.m.

The final week of the tour begins Monday with a visit with Joe Lord to Great American Ballpark for a meeting between the Reds and Pirates. Tuesday brings a 36-hole golf marathon at Heritage Hills and Nevell Meade. Wednesday is a visit to the Bats with the pension prince and princess. And Thursday delivers a trip to Central Indiana with among other things, a fireworks show, circus, cookout, and various uncle-niece gigglefests.

Jessica, the bride, at the reception.
Rob and his mom in the mother-son dance.
Uncle Keith and Ben along Enid Lake.
Enid Lake in all of its glory.
Uncle Keith showing Ben how to make a log splash.
Gracie reading to the rugrats.
Driveway fun!
Clara getting the hang of training wheels.
Snack time.
Ben cashes out after a day of Uncle Keith's antics.
Ben showing off his harmonica talents.
Ben takes no prisoners at the dessert table.
Ben wondering why Uncle Keith is taking a picture instead of playing football or balloon with him.
Papa Ollie and Clara at the elementary school.
Andy and Ben at dinner on Enid Lake.
Papa Ollie, Ben, Clara giggling before golf and a friend's birthday party on Sunday.
Papa Ollie and Ben watching the College World Series.
Andy and Ben playing the piano book.
Gracie and Clara swinging at the elementary school.