Dear Sun Spots: I read Sun Spots in the paper every day and see the good it does for people in the community. I sure hope that you can help me. I am a mentally challenged person in need of a computer. I do not need a fancy, expensive one, but one that I can use to get on the Internet and also to use for e-mail. If someone has an old one they can donate to me or let me have it cheaply, it will really improve the quality of my life. I hope the world of technology can be opened to me so that I can enjoy getting to know new people, as I am painfully shy. If anyone can fulfill this need please send a response to Ronald A. Paradis, c/o Kristy Carbonneau at Common Ties, 100 Pine St., Lewiston, ME 04240. Thank you for your consideration. – Roland Paradis, Lewiston.

Dear Sun Spots: My inquiry has to do with high-speed Internet access connection availability in: Mechanic Falls Road, Poland, and Patterson Road in Mechanic Falls. I would prefer to read my answer in your column which I check daily, rather than receive phone calls at home. – J.McM., No Town.

Answer: Sun Spots checked with several carriers none of whom have this. However, Adelphia Media Services does have high speed Internet access available on Patterson Road in Mechanic Falls, not in Poland. You can reach their customer service department Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. or Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. They can be reached at (800) 336-9988.

Verizon has some access and you need to contact them with your telephone exchange number, your exact street address including number, city and/or town so they can determine if this is a service available in your area.

If you have satellite, you should also contact Direct TV’s affiliate at 866-819-0166 or go online at www.getdway.com to see if it’s available in your area. Again, they will need the information Verizon is seeking also.

Dear Sun Spots: I knit 400 pair of mittens a year and and have done so for four years. I donate them to small, needy kids in schools and surrounding schools. I would like to knit some slippers too, for children mostly. Does anyone have a pattern or directions they would be willing to share with me? I’m looking for a knit pattern, easy directions. I can be reached at P.O. Box 666 High Street, South Paris, ME 04281. Or you can call me at (207) 743-9431. – Pauline Nadeau.

Answer: A co-worker who has made many pairs has this pattern to share with you:

AUNT MAGGIE’S SLIPPERS: Instructions are for child’ size with changes for women’s and men’s in parentheses. Size 9 knitting needles and 3 oz of worsted weight yarn. 1 strand Gauge: 4 sts= 1 inch 8 rows–4 ridges= 1 inch 2 strand gauge: 3.5 sts= 1 inch 7 rows= 1 inch Slippers can be worked in single or double strand, but I prefer double for extra warmth.

Directions: Cast on 27 (29-35) sts ROW 1: – wrong side – K9 (9-11), p1, k7 (9-11), p1, k9, (9-11).

ROW 2: K all sts.

Repeat these 2 rows for 5 (6-8) ins., or 2 (2 1/2-2 1/2) ins. less than desired finished length allowing the 2 (2 1/2-2 1/2) ins. for toe, end on wrong side.

TOE: ROW 1: P 1, *k1, p1; repeat from * to end.

ROW 2: K1, *p1, k1; repeat from * to end. Repeat these 2 rows of ribbing for 1 1/2 (2-2) ins., end on wrong side.

First DEC. ROW: Work ribbing for 7 (7-9) sts, * slip, k and psso, k1, k2 tog. *, work 3 (5-7) sts ribbing, repeat between *’s once, finish row in ribbing; 23 (25-31) sts.

NEXT ROW: Work 7 (7-9) sts ribbing, p3, work 3 (5-7) sts ribbing, p3, finish row.

2nd DEC ROW: Work 6 (6-8) sts, * k2 tog., k1, slip, k and psso *, work 1 (3-5) sts, repeat between *’s once, finish row; 19 (21-27) sts. Break yarn leaving an end about 12″ long. Draw end through all sts twice. On the wrong side of slipper, stitch a seam from the toe, towards the heel end. Stitch shut about 3″ – 5″, backstitch 3-4 sts, and then break yarn.

FINISHING— Fold cast-on edge in half and sew edges together for back of heel. Make another slipper to match.

My co-worker says the only thing she does differently from the pattern is to use three strands, for warmth and durability.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Inform Us section under Press Release.

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