Dear Sun Spots: We here at Montello Manor are in need of 100-piece jigsaw puzzles. Several of our residents enjoy assembling them in their rooms, but have limited space. If anyone in the area would have some to donate, I would gladly pick them up.

Also, on a personal note: I’m looking for some books about the Kennebec. I believe there were three in the series I’m looking for. One of the titles is “Black Robe On The Kennebec,” another I believe was “Wilderness on the Kennebec.” I don’t know the title of the third one.

I’m also looking for a book called “Thunder Over South Pacific.” I can be reached at 783-2039. Thank you. – Denise L., Montello Manor.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, Sun Spots believes you may be referring to “Dawn Over The Kennebec” and “Black Robe on the Kennebec” both by Mary R. Calvert. You may want to contact Ne-Do-Ba, c/o Nancy Lecompte, 1093 Main St., Lewiston, ME 04240, or via e-mail at [email protected]. On the subject of the Kennebec, you might also be interested in “Russian Voices on the Kennebec: The Story of Maine’s Unlikely Colony” published by the University of Maine and written by Robert Jaster. It is a fascinating book. It tells the story of an extraordinary and colorful colony of Russian Orthodox immigrants who settled in Maine’s Kennebec Valley in the 1950s. The original wave of immigrants, some of whom were veterans of the White Russian Army which fought the Bolsheviks in the 1920s, were joined by other Eastern Europeans: Ukrainians, Belorussians and others, all of whom had compelling tales to tell author Robert Jaster as he interviewed them for this book. Maine’s first Russian settlement soon became the largest rural Russian-speaking community in the United States.

• To the reader looking for “Northern Exposure”: Sun Spots received a voice mail message from a reader who says you can watch it on The Hallmark Channel, Channel 59, Monday-Friday at 2 a.m.

• Correction: A phone number listed in Wednesday’s column was incorrect. Those wishing to contact E.L. of Lewiston re: size 10 skates, 1,000-piece puzzles and nutcrackers can call (207) 784-6710.

Dear Sun Spots: These are two pistachio recipes that someone requested in Sun Spots. I am glad to share these recipes with people. – No Name, No Town.

Pistachio nut swirl cake. Ingredients and method: Combine 1 package (two layer size) yellow cake mix, 1 package Jell-O brand pistachio instant pudding, 4 eggs, 1 cup of sour cream, ½ cup of oil, 7 drops green food coloring and ½ teaspoon almond extract in a large mixer bowl. Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes. Combine ½ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon and ½ cup finely chopped nuts. Pour 1/3 of the batter into a greased and floured 10-inch tube or Bundt pan, preferred. Sprinkle with half of the sugar mixture. Repeat layers and top with the remaining batter. Bake at 350 for approximately 50 minutes or until center springs back when lightly touched. Cool 15 minutes before removing from the pan.

Pistachio dessert: Ingredients: 1½ cups flour, 1½ sticks margarine, ½ cup nuts. Method: Mix flour and margarine until crumbly. Add nuts and press into a 13-by-9 pan. Bake for 15 minutes at 375 degrees and cool. Topping: 8 ounces cream cheese, 1 cup Cool Whip, 1 cup confectioners’ sugar. Method: Beat sugar and cheese. Then beat in Cool Whip and spread over crumbs. Let it chill for ½ hour.

Mix two 3-ounce packages pistachio pudding, using 3 cups of milk for both packages. Put over Cool Whip mixture and let cool. Take remainder of Cool Whip and spread on top. Sprinkle nuts, then cherries on top. Refrigerate three hours or overnight. Chocolate pudding may be substituted for pistachio pudding.

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 Advice section under Opinion on the left-hand corner of your computer screen. In addition, you can e-mail your inquiries to [email protected].