Thanks for the reply Marlene. Good you got the outlets fixed. I think the connection directly to the ground, without going thru the house wiring system, is much better. Even if the outlets are grounded back at the entrance to the house, there still could be a small AC voltage induced on the wire, which would get stronger the farther away from the ground rod you go. Whether this is really a concern or not, I don't know, still exploring this. Happy earthing & PNing.
Ron