Dear Sun Spots: I am working on a project that I’m sure your readers could help me with.

I am photographing and collecting photographs of humorous business signs and mailbox decorations in Maine. If any reader who has seen comical signs and decorated boxes would please send me descriptions and locations, and possibly a photograph, I would appreciate it. I can be reached at 849 Intervale Road, New Gloucester, ME 04260. – L. Allen, New Gloucester.

Dear Sun Spots: In response to M.L.S. of Wilton, (Sun Spots, March 11): I would like to submit the words to “O Canada” in French. I sang it many times when I lived in California. It would be nice if some of the people in Lewiston would sing it all in French. They start in French and finish in English. The Canadian national anthem should be in French completely. Here are the lyrics from start to finish. Someone might benefit from this. Thank you, Sun Spots. I read your columns daily. – M.G.A., Canadian descendant, Lewiston.

Ô Canada!

Terre de nos aïeux.

Ton front est ceint,

De fleurons glorieux.

Car ton bras

Sait porter l’épée,

Il sait porter la croix.

Ton histoire est une épopée,

des plus brillants exploits.

Et ta valeur,

de foi trempée,

protègera nos foyers et nos droits (bis).

(2e couplet, peu utilise)

Sous l’oeil de Dieu

Près du fleuve géant

Le canadien

Grandit en espérant

Il est neé d’une race fière

Béni fut son berceau

Le ciel a marqué sa carrière

dans ce monde nouveau.

Toujours guidé

par sa lumière

Il gardera l’honneur de son drapeau (bis).

Dear Sun Spots: I have a collection of Hummels and Dept. 56 (Dickens Village pieces) that I’m interested in selling. Can you tell me if there are any notable businesses, people or people that sell on eBay who may assist me in selling the collectibles? Please call (207) 782-0240 and ask for Joe. – J. Desrochers, Lewiston.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, Sun Spots would recommend you contact an appraiser.

Dear Sun Spots: I am writing in hope that one of your readers can help me, and perhaps help themselves or others. Due to recent life changes, I find myself to be a gardener without a garden.

I would like to find a person (or group) that would be willing to donate the use of a plot of land and a reliable source of water. I would like to grow a few crops for my own use: ornamental corn, pumpkins and gourds. But, I would be willing to give 80 to 90 percent of the remaining crops to a person or group to do with as they wished. I would pay for all materials such as seeds, seedlings, fertilizers, etc. I would also provide the labor and tools.

As to the size of the garden? I was thinking a minimum of 3,000 square feet, and a maximum of about 5,000. In the past, I’ve done 4,000 square feet and been able to keep up with it fine. I would also ask that the garden be within a 30 to 40 minute drive of Greene. I would welcome any questions. I can be reached by e-mail at maclaz1@yahoo.com, or by phone at (207) 946-5825. Thank you. – Mac Lauze, Greene.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, Sun Spots discovered that there are nearly 50 garden plots available for leasing for those living in or near Yarmouth who don’t have somewhere to plant a garden. The cost for plots is $20 for one, $35 for two or $50 for three. Nonresidents add an additional $10. For more information, contact Community Services at 846-2406.

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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