House update: Tuesday

[electricland]

My aunt reports:

Today for lunch, Dan, John and I had eggs Benedict and asparagus.
Dan has finished doors on Jen's bathroom and the basement, which now have knobs and latches and stuff.
Yesterday I planted some festive spring bulbs in front and back.
Cheers, Helen

ETA (Dec 21) notes on bulbs, from Dec 5 email:

Dear Rob,
It is never too late to plant bulbs in the garden. I have been known to dig holes with a pick axe in January---and will do the same this year in early December.

I would highly recommend plantings of groups of 5 or 7 daffodils and narcissus in the front along side the hedge, which is now bare. Get about 51. Squirrels don't eat them. The bulbs will come up before the hedge starts. Don't put anything along the front near the sidewalk because they'll be killed by salt and passers-by.

Tulips I adore. Garden Society says buy the originals (with Latin names) because squirrels don't like them so much. Put them in the back, along the fence, where you'll both be able to see them. Stick some tulips, in groups of 5 or 7, in front of the porch. Shows the neighbours you are sincere.

Get some hyacinths, squirrels don't like them, and put in a corner. Not much of a show, but they smell divine, bloom early and you can take the blooms inside.

If you feel brave about the front lawn, can plant scilla and crocus to come up through the grass before it has to be mowed. On the other hand, you may want to wait for this.

Since I haven't done my bulbs yet--been meaning to for a month--we can pick you buys up some when we go to Bill's. How much do you two want to spend. I recommend $75 because daffodils and non-hybrid tulips come up again year after year. You have to remember where you planted them .Then, of course, start a garden map now. I preserved the peonies!