Hi,
Yes, the table shows the 16F690 having both an ECCP module and an USART. Unfortunately they won't leave you with unrestriced access to PortB.

If, instead of doing the indexed bit operation ( PortB.1(x) etc ) on the PortB or any other Port, you do them on a BYTE variable (like myLEDS or whatever) you can then, as a final task in the loop take the value of that BYTE variable and split it across two ports. Write the four low bits to PortB.0-3 and the four high bits to PortC.0-3. Not saying that I'm sure it will work, Darrel may be using one of his tricks, but I think it might. Perhaps its worth a try.

/Henrik.