Grandmas Are Truly Special

This is an emotional week for me. My paternal grandmother, Ella Mae McGill, has been gone for 21 years today. Tomorrow is my brother's birthday and he would be 32 if he were living. Friday, my maternal grandmother, Myrtle Lanier, will be gone 11 years.

Grandmothers are known by many names: grandma, maw maw, mee-maw, mam-maw, nana, and even Big Mama. They are that balancing, equalizing force in our lives. They raised or help raise us in many ways. They have that old school, no nonsense manner regarding life. These special women taught us much during this time, and often let you get away with stuff and spoil you like your parents wouldn't.

I didn't get the opportunity to know my Grandma McGill as well as I would like. I do remember her as being a calm, caring, loving woman. She loved to cook pound cake , and her recipe is still a staple at family dinners. She raised eight children by herself back in the 50s and 60s in the height of racism and when welfare was basically unheard of. Grandma Ellie Mae was long the family matriarch, like Big Mama from Soul Food. She worked hard virtually her whole life, and was last a custodian at Clover Middle School. Nearly everyone says I inherited her smile and kind spirit.

My grandma Myrtle "Maw"Lanier helped raise me as my mom was in the single mother role herself. Maw had spent a lifetime raising and teaching. She not only reared her two children, she helped raised her siblings as she was the oldest of twelve,  and then later on her own grandchildren and great-grands. Maw also was a hard worker, spending years in the textile industry, doing income taxes part-time, and even returning to school for her GED and studying law before she became disabled. She taught us many things: how to cook, clean, about the Lord and church, how to drive, and how to make your voice heard. Maw was a tough, loving woman that didn't back down from anyone. That trait, among many, was passed down to me.

Watching these two great women have helped shape the man I am today. I often light up when someone mentions either one of their names. I am proud to be Myrtle and Ella Mae's grandson or grandbaby. It truly is an honor.

If your grandma is living, I hope you all cherish the relationship you have with them. These memories and times will last long after they depart.

How close are you to your grandmothers? Do you miss your grandma very much? What did she/they mean to you?

Fish-Tales Fish Camp Review

Blacksburg, SC, my hometown, doesn't have many restaurants or businesses.  However, the ones we do have tend to hang around for years.  I believe Fish-Tales Fish Camp has this potential.

Fish-Tales is owned and operated by Scott Willis and his family. They provide the good Southern flavor and hospitality that will keep you coming back. They are located off of Hwy 29 across from the infamous Kelly's Steakhouse. Scott took over the restaurant in January from the previous owner, Roy Hale, who called it Crystal Sea Fish Camp. They have not missed a beat since.

Thursdays-Saturdays, they offer a delicious seafood buffet complete with salad bar and desserts. Catfish, flounder, calabash chicken, home fries, and onion rings can regularly be found on this bar. I'm a bit of a seafood connoseuir and the fish and chicken there are quite tasty. There are also tasty menu items such as various fish, hamburger steaks, ribeyes, and blooming onions.

Perhaps the biggest change Scott made when he took over was the addition of a Sunday country buffet.  This buffet is always delicious and filling if you're looking for a good home cooked meal after church and before the various Sunday sports comes on. Salad and desserts are also included. The main items on this buffet are fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, home fries, fried okra, mac n cheese, bread (varies from week to week), green beans, cabbage and collard greens. Scott will occassionally sub out and in items such as meatloaf, pork chops and blackeyed peas. If it's country cooking and soul food, it's bound to be found on the Fish-Tales buffet.
The prices cannot be beaten either. $11 for dine-in, $8 for carry out, and discounts for children and seniors.

Therefore, if you're in the Upstate area on a weekend evening, or particularly early Sunday, come by Fish-Tales and let Scott and his family do the cooking. They can be found on Facebook, and reached at (864)839-3100.  Type 1639 West Cherokee Street, Blacksburg, SC 29702 into your GPS to locate them.
Do yourself a favor and give them a try. You are sure not to regret it.