Dear Sun Spots: I was wondering if anyone knows where I could find some old bottle dumps around Lewiston or other places in Maine? Thanks for the help. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Sun Spots had the pleasure of talking with Bridgton resident Walt Bannon, author of “Digger Down: The Thrills and Spills of an Antique Bottle Collector,” a collection of stories recounting Bannon’s and partner Walt Underwood’s bottle-digging expeditions. Bannon says bottle digging goes back to his childhood. He also sells, trades, and evaluates bottles. But it’s the stories that he tells of digging that’ll get any bottle digger going.

He has found bottles 100-feet from his front step and says he has a pretty good idea of knowing where to look. He says it’s experience, knowing where to look and how, as well as employing tact. Bannon says old privies are potentially some of the best bottle sites because of their age. However, he hasn’t yet been able to get past the thoughts of old waste to dig for treasure there.

You can reach him via his Web site at www.bridgtonoldbottles.com or via e-mail at [email protected]. You can also call him at (207) 647-2382 to chat about digging sites and share digging successes. He’ll be happy to share them with you. Alternatively, you can purchase his book, and hear his and Underwood’s stories of bottles discovered in old bear traps and more.

Dear Sun Spots: Again, I am turning to you to see if you can please help me. You perform a very helpful service and you should know we are all very appreciative.

I am hoping you or your readers could please provide me with a name or names of ladies who make wedding cakes at home? I can be reached anytime at (207) 783-9006. Thank you very much. – A.L., Lewiston.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, try calling Cakes by Cyndy at 783-7652. Cyndy says she started doing novelty cakes some 31 years ago. She takes orders up to a year in advance. So be forewarned. If you are getting married in the fall, you should be calling Cyndy in January. Getting married in April, May, June, July or August? Call six to nine months ahead. Cyndy says she makes her cakes fresh and doesn’t freeze them. She does all her frosting and decorating prior to assembling it on-site.

A fun piece of trivia: Cyndy says the tallest cake she made was when the Sun Journal had its 200th birthday! It served 500, and Cyndy needed a ladder to put the top tier on.

Dear Sun Spots: I need help regarding the value of my Hummels. I can’t seem to find a person or company that specializes in Hummels. The Hummels I do have are 12 inches high and were made in 1987, 1988 and 1989. If you have any information that could help me, it would be very much appreciated. My husband and I read the Sun Spots’ articles every day and were hoping that you would be able to send us some information. Thank you very much. – Joanne Chesky, No Town.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, try checking out www.amazon.com, which lists several books that could help you determine the value of your Hummel pieces.

Dear Sun Spots: How do you write to the cast from the original “Dukes of Hazzard” show? Thanks for the help. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: According to actor Ben Jones’ Web site, the former cast members often visit Jones’ museum and shop called Cooter’s Place, after his character in the series. You can definitely e-mail Cooter and others via the Web site and send any letters to other cast members to the sure. They’ll be sure to forward them as most are in and out on a regular basis. Write to them c/o Cooter’s Place, 157 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738-4411.You can also try via e-mail at [email protected]

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].