Simple question, I hope? (Serial control, 16F84A)

Hello all,
This is my first time posting, so be gentle :). I would like to build a serial relay controller similar to the one at http://www.rentron.com/PIC16F84.htm. I am using a 16F84A. I would like to make a few modifications to this design, although I somewhat don't know where to begin.
What I would like to do is:
1) Write an "address" to eeprom and use it as the qualifier for the serin.
2) Have my VB program query the state of the relays every 500mS or so, and return their status.
I don't have a problem writing the VB code, I suppose I'm foggy as to the code I need to use to write the "eeprom address" and what code needs to be on chip, and what code needs to be in VB? I hope I described my question well enough...if not, I can elaborate further.
Thanks to all than can assist a true newbie.
Chris