Sometimes the bulbs will become soft as nutrition is drawn from the bulb to feed the emerging scape. This kind of softness isn't a problem. Sometimes the outer scales will lose moisture to the dry and warm air around them. Nothing to worry about. Even a bulb which is quite firm when planted will soften if it hasn't formed enough roots to put moisture back into the bulb in sufficient quantity to counter the scape's drawing it off. Later on as the roots and new foliage become established, the bulb will bulk back up. If you keep your plant green next winter, the softening of the bulb at blooming is minimal. Robert.

I would never buy anything mechanical or electrical from another country if I could buy it here. Not only are standards very different in other countries it is often impossible to get approval for things you would think didn't need approval. There certainly are a lot of good custom door manufacturers in the US. I think the best is Hahn http://www.hahnswoodworking.com/pages/whybest.html Designer Doors is a less durable but good looking alternative. http://www.designerdoors.com/ None of them are a bargain. Here is a link that might be useful: Custon Garage Doors

I would talk to the mom, to let her know what I'm going to do, and what my stance is. And then I would talk directly to the boy. And make him go home to get the leash, if he arrives with it. So that he knows you're not joking--because if you don't send him home, then really what else are you doing, but kiddin around. You could offer for him to keep a set at your house, but it doesn't solve another problem: he shouldn't be walking outside w/ the dog NOT on a leash. I also think you would be squandering a real opportunity to teach this kid. I'm a fan of the idea that we all help raise one another's children, and that you sort of owe it to this kid to teach him how to properly care for his pet, since his mom isn't. Make this be mostly between you and the boy (partly also he needs to learn that grownups don't joke, and you need to establish some authority with him. He may not be your kid, but he should follow your rules) And maybe educate the boy about how, without the leash, the dog could get out through an opening gate, or wriggle out of his arms while he's walking, and get pasted by a car. or get lost, or something. And emphasize how a collar can serve as a "handle" to a dog--he wants to run away, or you need to grab him before he knocks something over, and you can get your fingers around the collar. also, should he succeed in getting away, the collar will carry his ID info, plus his rabies status. He needs to start training the dog to accept a collar and leash now, while he's young, so it will be useful later. I think I might sit him and seriously, grown-up to grown-up, talk with him about the dangers his dog faces, and how it's important to take care of his dog. it's a big responsibility, and he can handle it. Speak to him as though he can handle this responsibility. He'll rise to it, I bet you.

Only a personal opinion, but it just looks too phony, not just the lattice product, but all vinyl type products such as windows, and composites such as decking. That's only becuase I'm old school wood. Problem is that means maintenance and it seems these days with people being busier and wanting less to do with projects around the home, the less/no maintenance the better. I would assume that's the opinion of the majority, so it could very well be a good thing for you. Why are they selling out?