Dear Sun Spots: I was wondering where “the willies,” the creepy feeling, originated? – No Name, No Town.

Answer: According to http://users.tinyonline.co.uk/gswithenbank/sayingsg.htm, the origins appear to go back a long way. The site notes that the word “willies” comes from “willow tree” of which the word “willy” is an old form. The willow has long been a symbol of grief and mourning and there are many references to it in English literature. More than one authority has pointed out that Giselle, the heroine of the 19th century ballet of that name, is possessed by the Wilis, or spirits of beautiful young girls who have died before their wedding day and who dance to express their anger at death. The current sense, however, is not one of grief but of apprehension or nervousness.

Dear Sun Spots: Where has television reporter Mindi Ramsey gone to? – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Mindi kindly responded to Sun Spots – through her talent agency – to say she’s working for NBC in Hartford, Conn. But she says there is a big piece of her heart that stayed in Maine. Mindi says she and her husband enjoyed their time as Mainers more than most flatlanders can understand. She often thinks about the rocky coastline, the pristine lakes and beautiful forests. And then there’s the people; she says everyone is so kind. Whenever she went to Lewiston, she says people welcomed her with open arms. She says she really misses it. She is thankful to readers for remembering her. And she admits to still being a huge Red Sox fan!

Mindi and her husband are new parents. She has worked at WABI in Bangor, as an anchor and reporter, and began her career at KWQC in Iowa. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Dear Sun Spots: I am interested in obtaining a set of encyclopedias, if no one has asked for them. My telephone number is 645-2969. Thank you for your help, Sun Spots. – No Name, Wilton.

Dear Sun Spots: Could you please find out if BathCrest of Sabattus has gone out of business? I have called and the phone number has been disconnected. I’ve also written a letter and I have not heard back. I had my bathtub refinished by BathCrest and it is still under warranty. I need an area fixed. Do I have any way of using the warranty if BathCrest is out of business? – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Sun Spots has been unable to learn anything else about this franchise owner and would urge you to please contact the corporate offices at 5195 West 4700 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84118, (801) 957-1400, or via toll-free number at (800) 826-6790 to see if they can assist you regarding the warranty.

In the meantime, you might want to note that Ronald Caouette of Waterville has a BathCrest of Central Maine franchise and could assist you and others interested in having this type of work done. You can reach him via cell phone at 314-2116 or toll free at 800-427-2073. Please note he cannot do anything about your warranty; you would need to discuss that with the corporate offices.

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