Jean Terry

A few years ago my husband wanted to buy a horse and get back to riding as he had done for several years in the past before we met. Well, when he bought his horse, nothing would do him but to buy me one also. Bear in mind, I had never even sat on a horse, but we found me one, a very gentle older soul and I began to take lessons and really loved to ride, but my horse became ill and we had to get rid of him. I told my husband, I started riding for you, but I kept on riding for myself. Until I started riding, I never knew there were so many horses in the upstate of South Carolina.

Every day we put ourselves at risk by welcoming complete strangers into a home we are showing or getting into a car with someone we have just met. First, always make sure someone knows where you are going and who you plan to meet, including name and phone number. Always try to schedule first meeting with client in the office. And most of all keep your phone charged and with you. Please be careful, and if something does not seem right, it may not be right.

It's spring allergy season and many of us are ready to wave the white flag, a wad of tissues, that is, in surrender.

Yet hopeless as the battle against pollen, mold, and mites might seem, you shouldn't sentence yourself to life indoors just yet. There are options.

You do not want to take the outdoors inside with you, so start at the front door. It's a good idea to take your shoes off, as well as clothing and deposit directly in the washer, and always take a shower as soon as possible after being outside for a long period of time.

Medications can be effective in treating the symptoms, but I can tell you first hand, you can feel miserable. I have had a lot of test done to figure out the main allergies I have and there are too many to try to avoid.

I love the outdoors, and I only suffer for about six weeks, so I just take an over-the-counter medication, and keep on keeping on.

Has anyone found anything that seems to work for you?

We are so lucky to be able to live and work in the upstate area of South Carolina.

Our Real Estate Market has been down, but not to the point of other areas in some parts

of our country. This is a beautiful place to live also. The mountains are les than an hour

away one way and the coast three to four hours the other way. We can have it all.

Healthy trees add beauty and shade to a yard, and have a positive impact on the environment. Regular maintenance will keep your trees healthy and thriving.

Inspect mature trees once a year to identify potential problems and to take steps to keep them from getting worse.

Pruning promotes good branch structure, reduces potential hazards, and improves overall health.

Mulching between two and four inches in depth around a tree discourages weeds, helps retain moisture, and protects the tree from potential damage from mowers and other lawn equipment.

Piling mulch too close to the tree can lead to insect and disease problems, weakening the tree and perhaps eventually killing it.

Taking care of your trees ensures that they will add lasting beauty and value to your home for years to come.