Dear Sun Spots: Does anyone know how to get rid of wild strawberry plants. They are all over my lawn and I would like to get rid of them once and for all. I have used weed killer without success. Thank you. – F.B., Peru.

Answer: Sun Spots located an interesting article online at www.gardenguides.com that notes weeds are plants, too, and each species has a story to tell. According to the site, there are two kinds of weeds: those that are invasive and those we can get rid of. The site provides a listing of common weeds and could let you know what nutrients are missing from your soil. This seems to imply that ensuring the correct balance is there will help you rid your lawn of pesky weeds. The list includes wild strawberry and appears to indicate your soil might be in need of lime. You might want to contact your local garden center to discuss this with them and to see if it has any tips to share with you.

In addition, there was a great Abenaki story on wild strawberries written by Joyce White in 2002. It tells the story of an Abenaki couple’s spat. The story notes that the young woman ran off crying into the forest, her tears falling to the ground as she ran. It was a brief spat, between two people who loved each other and the man became concerned when she didn’t return. He went looking for her and instead of her footprints, he found small, fragrant, red-heart-shaped berries. They hadn’t been there before, nor had the young man ever seen these kinds of berries before. Wherever his lover’s tears had fallen, a strawberry plant with ripe berries had sprung up. He followed the trail right to his lover and they were happily married. Nancy LeCompte, also known as Canyon Wolf, who was also featured in the article, believes the story is a romanticized version of a Cherokee myth about the berries’ origin.

Dear Sun Spots: The reader seeking state quarters, in particular the Colorado quarters (Sun Spots inquiry Friday): can contact Republic Jewelry & Coin Inc., 212 Center St., Auburn, ME 04210, 784-4444. It is open Monday, Tuesday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday’s until 6 p.m.

Dear Sun Spots: Looking for crafters for the annual holiday fair at Our Lady of the Rosary’s Maxwell-Gill Hall on High Street in Sabattus. To be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3, and Saturday, Nov. 4. To reserve your table/spot or for more information, please contact Connie at 375-6951 from 9 a.m. to noon Monday to Thursday – Connie Chasses, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: Could you please print the name and telephone number of a Mary Kay dealer. I want to buy something. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Try contacting Sheena Peillet at 782-4194, or Nicole Trebilcock at 743-0592.

Dear Sun Spots: I have a large basket of Vanda Beauty Counselor cosmetics that my deceased mother used to sell. There are many make-up items such as eye and face makeup, perfume, compacts and other items. I would like to give these to anyone who would like them and can pick them up. Also, the cover of my Rival crock pot is broken. Is there any place I can get just the glass cover? – B. Galway, Auburn.

Answer: Sun Spots recommends that you keep your eye out for any garage sales for your cover. In the meantime, you might also contact the company at Rival, Consumer Service, 1605 George Dieter No. 688, El Paso, TX 79936, or via phone at 800-323-9519. They are also online and had several covers under their parts icon. You can locate them at www.crockpot.com.

Also, regarding the cosmetics, Sun Spots urges you to please ensure that the cosmetics have not expired. Some do and it would be wise to ensure cosmetics you are using on your face, especially your eyes have not expired.

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.