Home Tips of the Month from Bonny Lamb

For those who enjoy granola on yoghurt, etc., but don’t want the abundance of sugar and calories that most granolas have, KELLY’S has one in a red and white bag, called Four Plus, Cranberry Nut. You can buy it at Whole Foods.

If you think Priority Mail for $11.95 from the USPO gets your mailing delivered in priority time, it doesn’t. I’ve sent 2 envelopes. One took 9 days to be delivered and the envelope I sent yesterday, presumably will take 7 days. I thought the first time was an aberration; but yesterday, when I was told 7 days, the response was that priority doesn’t mean that the envelope gets there fast; it means it’s guaranteed to be delivered. If speed is essential, use FedEx or UPS.

On the last flight I took, I had difficulty getting through security because the glassed sensor and the hand held sensors kept detecting something amiss. After being patted down, I was able to get through security. After a great deal of thought, I realized what the problem was: The suit pants I was wearing had just come from the dry cleaners. Wow! Bad enough that my clothing had set off alarms, but it also was disconcerting to know that I was wearing clothing full of chemicals. I changed dry cleaners and now go to an eco-friendly place, Their shop smells good, too.

Please keep in mind that in MA registered Independents can vote in primaries, and it’s permitted in 34 of the 50 U.S. states. If you live outside MA, check your state’s status.

If you’re into baking, check out the King Arthur Flour online site. The site is very appealing and comprehensive and has a number to call for baking questions and also a chatbot.

Cities are planting trees to absorb pollution. Locally, the problem is that the city and town landscaping departments aren’t aware that English Ivy, our local kudzu, is destroying more trees, most of them mature trees. The ivy strangles the trees and starves the trunks of rainwater. English Ivy is not the same ivy that we are used to seeing on college buildings, although the ivy somewhat resembles it as it grows stronger and the leaves grow larger as they climb the tree. On the ground, English Ivy usually has small, dull, dark green leaves, which tend to be shinier in the summer.

51 Ronald Road Arlington 02474

Picture-pretty single-family home on an enchanting lot with newly built stone walls, garage and driveway parking. The broad front porch welcomes visitors into the foyer and the classic living room, with a slate surround on the fireplace that is now gas. The tastefully renovated kitchen with Bosch stainless steel appliances, vented hood and island was opened to the dining room that has the extra space of a window seat. There is easy access to the generously sized deck that overlooks the luscious backyard, bordered with florals and mature plantings. A discreetly located bathroom with shower and washer/dryer and a mud room completes the first floor. The second floor has 3 bedrooms; the primary is generously sized; and has 2 closets. The renovated bathroom has double sinks and tile shower. You will have no hesitation using the pristine basement for workout space. With this exceptional house, all you need to do is move in. Near Ed Burns Arena & Park, access to Minute Man bike path, and Arlington Center & Heights.

31 Upland Road Unit 2 Cambridge 02140

A rare beauty! The luscious light-flooded interior with oversized rooms and several flex rooms provides multiple options for your use. The large, comfortably elegant living room has a fireplace and off the living room is a flex room with a private balcony. The kitchen is for gathering with family and friends; has abundant wood cabinetry, a big, well-used Garland range with double oven, a Sub-Zero refrigerator, 2 sinks and an island. A wall of windows and sliders opens to the deck with its private views. Two offices, a laundry closet and half bath complete this floor. The primary bedroom is awesome, with its vaulted ceilings, size, skylights and window seat, plus a walk-in closet and lovely marble bathroom. 2 additional bedrooms share the 2nd full bath. Stairs from the deck lead to the wondrously-sized private fenced yard; there is plentiful basement storage; and 2 tandem parking. Terrifically located near the Porter Square T, commuter rail, Raymond Park and so many restaurants and shops.

2 Percy Place Cambridge 02139

High-quality, exceptional home, showcasing the good taste of the sellers and architect, Mark Boyes-Watson. This house is beautiful and refreshing — it is not a cookie-cutter product. The big chef’s kitchen, which leads to the fenced backyard, is wondrous, featuring Bosch stainless steel appliances; a Capital 6-burner gas range, plus griddle, with 2 electric ovens and a high-capacity vented hood; butcher block peninsula and bar; abundant shelving and cabinetry; expansive dining area; and office alcove, surrounded by triple-pane Marvin windows. The 3.5 bathrooms are elegant; the washer/dryer on the second floor. The lower-level family room, leading to the backyard, will serve many entertainment purposes. An office/flex room with built-in cabinetry is very useful. Built with a concern for air quallty and energy efficiency, the components of this house are unique: formaldehyde-free wood cabinetry; each floor has a Lunos e2 HRV system to ensure proper air quality, a sprinkler system. 1-2 parking spaces; near T/amenities.

20 Clinton Street Unit 7 Cambridge 02139

Outstanding Mid-Cambridge location! End-unit townhouse, farthest from street, with private entry, stairs to only 2 levels of living space and window privacy throughout. Open dining/living room with 2 walls of windows offering beautiful long, leafy views, a kitchen with white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, gas stove and window. A charming private balcony lined with flower boxes and 1/2 bath complete the main level. The 2nd floor has 2 generously-sized bedrooms, double closets with systems, a full bathroom with skylight, and hall closet with full-sized Bosch washer and dryer. Features include new AC minisplits, ecobee thermostats, ceiling fan, 1 parking space and 2 guest parking. The large, lush private patio is unbelievable; generous basement storage. Clinton Street is near the Central Square Red Line T and abundant shops and restaurants; between Harvard and MIT; near biopharma; a few blocks to the Mass. Pike and Charles River; convenient bike lanes on Mass. Ave.

Walk Score 96; Bike Score 99.