Greenville, SC

It's a good thing I've seen Smallville on TV because tonight I made a move right out of Clark Kent's playbook. We were all gathered in our cul-de-sac to enjoy a large quantity of fireworks being set off by my neighbors. We had front row seats to our very own 4th of July show. At one point in the evening, somehow one of the explosive fireworks units got tipped over and began shooting bright blue fireballs directly at my son and I. It took me all but half a second to jump out of my chair, throw my arm around my son's chest and swing him around to protect him with my back to the on coming fireworks display. Thank goodness nobody got hurt, but I wasn't about to sit there and wait for my son to take a face full of blue flames! It's amazing how fast you can move, without thinking, when protective parental instincts kick in! Thanks Smallville!

Today I had the pleasure of visiting my friend's bed and breakfast in the Greater Greenville, SC area. Wow! What an amazing home! This place was built in 1836 and originally had over 300 acres that belonged to the family who owned the home. I love the fact that such treasures and such wonderful history are a part of our local culture in the Greenville area. If you have friends, family or business associates visiting Greenville in the future, please consider recommending the American House on the Hill B&B to them. I'm certain it will be a unique and enjoyable experience for them!

Excerpt from their website follows:

"Step back in time... to a place like you may have read or merely dreamed about. Situated on almost 3 acres, the beautiful 19th century structure was built in 1836, with additions in 1912. The property remained in the same family for nearly 150 years, and still retains a treasured history. Purchased as a single family dwelling in April 2004, the new owners, LaVena & John Crivea II, converted the space to create a unique Bed & Breakfast that you need to experience!"

American House on the Hill B & B
3521 West Georgia Road
Piedmont, South Carolina 29673

http://www.americanhouseonthehill.com/

Phone: (866) 338-1180

Happy 4th of July! I hope you and your friends and family take a well deserved break from your busy schedules and truly enjoy this weekend! I'm taking my wife and kids downtown Greenville today at about 5pm to listen to some live music, and then we're headed back to our subdivision for a block party at the end of our cul-de-sac. My boys can't wait for me to break out the bottle rockets, sparklers and roman candles later tonight. Enjoy yourselves this weekend and...GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Firing up your backyard grill this weekend, or for a Fourth of July cookout? Before you ignite the charcoal briquettes or crank open the gas valve on the propane tank, make sure you've run through your grilling safety checklist before tossing food over the flames. Even the slightest oversight can spark danger, potentially leading to extensive property damage and severe burn injuries.

Summer time offers plenty of opportunities for families and friends to get together for large, outdoor parties. But in the excitement of planning the event and preparing the food, it's easy to overlook basic safety tips that may prevent your backyard barbecue from going up in flames.

Grill Safety Checklist

To avoid grilling disasters, follow these safety tips to enjoy safe outdoor cooking all summer long:

• Make sure your barbecue grill is on a level surface far enough away from homes, furniture, children and pets
• Check to see grill legs are sturdy and avoid grilling on a combustible surface such as a wooden deck.
• Position your grill so sparks and smoke won't fly towards people, furniture or buildings
• Avoid grilling in a confined space and if possible, don't grill on balconies and decks of apartments and condominiums
• Protect your hands and body by using potholder-type gloves and a heavy apron when over the grill
• Keep lighted cigarettes, matches and open flames away from your grill
• Clean your grill after every use to avoid grease buildup at the bottom

For Charcoal Grills:

• Never allow burned coals to smolder in any container on a wooden deck and make sure to douse coals with water before they're disposed
• Do not discard used briquettes in a cardboard carton or any other combustible container
• Avoid using gasoline, kerosene, alcohol or a cigarette lighter to ignite a fire
• Do not add more starter fluid to an existing fire
• Only use enough charcoal to last for the amount of time it's needed
• Make sure the ash catcher is properly attached when using a kettle grill
• In the event of bad weather while grilling, do not move a grill indoors; hot charcoal can build up lethal levels of carbon monoxide.

For Gas Grills:

• Always store gas tanks in an upright position outside and away from your home or garage and out of the reach of children and pets
• Check to see tank valves are turned off when not in use
• To see if there may be a leak in a tube or connection, pour soapy water over it with the valve turned open - bubbles will appear if there is a leak. Should there be a leak, shut off the gas immediately and do not use the grill until it is repaired

And for all types of grilling, never leave your grill unattended when in use. Taking time to check for safety will ensure that any fireworks over the holiday are not related to your grilling handiwork.

Stratton Place subdivision in Greenville, SC:

When it's time to buy or sell real estate in Greenville, SC you need to work with a realtor who is honest, trustworthy, and knows the market. The Dave Edwards Global Team makes a strong effort to keep up with Greenville, SC market trends by analyzing market information on a daily basis. Who do you know that needs to sell? Contact us today at 864.275.7250.

Based on sales by GGAR members