Dear Sun Spots: Last year at age 52, I bought a house for the first time. Very quickly things have gone from bad to worse. I can’t help but feel that there is negative energy in the house, and it needs to be turned around. I can’t afford to hire someone to come in, but would be interested in any tips your readers have to bring positive energy into my home. Sun Spots is great for everyone, and I thank you for your assistance. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Sun Spots experienced the very same negative energy upon entering her home some years ago. Neighbors talked of pictures flying off the walls and other strange happenings, several people who died of cancer while living in the home and more. We noticed doors opening and closing as well as footsteps above us when there was nobody upstairs. They were not the usual sounds of a house shifting or settling. You could tell they were footsteps. We learned a black slave had died nearby many years ago. His name was Homer, and you could feel a presence on the air, a rush of air as if someone had passed you. Strange as it sounds, once we introduced ourselves and let him know he was welcome to share our home with us, talking to him often when the noises started, his visits were fewer and fewer. At times, we’ll still hear something to let us know he’s still around, but we know he now rests peacefully, part of our family. It’s been 15 years, and we often wonder will he become unsettled once we leave and another family moves in.

Among some tips you might try are the above as well a checking in with a local Catholic church or perhaps the Maine Paranormal Research Association via e-mail at meparanormal@yahoo.com or by phone (207) 782-2032 to see if they might be able to help out.

Dear Sun Spots: We hope you can please help us.

Long ago, our family used to play this card game called Liverpool. It was made up of different hands. We are hoping someone knows the details/rules for this game. Thank you. – April Dragoon, No Town.

Answer: According to http://www.pagat.com/rummy/ctrummy.html, Liverpool Rummy is the same as Contract Rummy, except that the player to the right of the dealer must cut the deck before the deal. If this player manages to cut the exact number of cards required to deal the hand and leave a face-up card, then the cutting player’s score is reduced by 50 points. You will find the complete rules for Contract Rummy listed on line at the above Web site.

Dear Sun Spots: I was wondering if you could please find out the address for JJ Yeley the No. 18 car in NASCAR. I think he’s a new rookie. Thank you. – M.S. Wilton.

Answer: You might try contacting him care of NASCAR at their corporate offices at 5624 West 73rd St., Indianapolis, IN 46278-1738, (317) 295-3500.

In addition, you might be interested in checking out his Web site at www.jjyeley.com where you can also sign up for his fan club.

• Readers seeking maple sugarhouses to visit this Sunday might also try Jackson’s Sugarhouse in Oxford. Sadly, Sun Spots omitted its name and information from the March 17 column and apologizes for the error. Jackson’s is located at 50 Hebron Road, (207) 539-4613. They will have their annual free pancake breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to noon and lots of ice cream and maple syrup for all!

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 sunspots@sunjournal.com.