Dear Sun Spots: We are looking for volunteers who are interested in sewing a specific pattern for some of our tiniest patients. The pattern is simple but would be using our sewing guidelines. This is a sensitive and compassionate endeavor and needs a very special someone to work with us. We’d love to talk with you if you are interested in this. Please call if you are interested in this very special project and would like more details. We can be reached at 795-2633. – Dee Forgues and Betsy McGrail, CMMC, Lewiston.

Dear Sun Spots: I hope you can help me. I have been trying to dry some hydrangeas and have had no success. Hanging them upside down does not work and I would like to know how to do this the proper way. Hope you can help me. Thank you. – Reader from Turner.

Answer: Gardening columnist Jody Goodwin had some wonderful tips in Sunday’s Living section of the Sun Journal.

Hopefully you and others seeking to dry their flowers will have lots of success with her tips:

Goodwin recommends you cut the blooms on a dry day and try to do this with five or six a day every two to three days. The blooms will gain more color on the bush and will provide more diversity in a bouquet if they aren’t all cut at the same time. Strip the leaves carefully and stand them in a cool, dark place so they are not touching. In about two weeks, they can be arranged in a vase, bucket, wooden box or whatever. This also works with straw flowers, celosia, various grasses: watch the roadsides for some pretty ones, and roses. If you have any Fairy roses or any of the small Tess roses that grow in bunches, they too dry nicely. For these flowers, tie them in small bundles and dry them upside down in a cool, dark place for a week or two before arranging. Don’t forget seed heads, they can be great.

If you want to dry hydrangea blooms for inside bouquets, leave them on the bush until they start getting their pinks and greens and have begun their natural drying process.

Dear Sun Spots: Thank you for the helpful information you give to the readers. I want to thank Ginny from Buckfield for taking the time to help me solve (my) cattail problem, I appreciate your advice. – Lisa, Sabattus.

Dear Sun Spots: For the reader seeking assistance with getting rid of skunks: mix 1 tablespoon caster oil, 2 tablespoons liquid soap (Tide) in a blender until like shaving cream. Then mix in 6 tablespoons water. Use 2 ounces to 2 gals water in a watering can. Sprinkle over lawn. It works! – Mardie, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: I work for a nonprofit organization which serves people with developmental disabilities in our community. Unfortunately, funds are extremely limited, and getting new furnishings for the apartment is an extremely difficult task. I am writing to you in hopes that some of your readers might be willing to donate furniture to the house. We are seeking a new couch, a recliner or two, and a food storage cabinet. Understanding that beggars can’t be choosers, I do ask that any items you wish to donate be in good to excellent condition. Any help will be most appreciated, donations are tax deductible and receipts will be available for those who ask. Contact Joe at 740-4941 if interested in making a donation. Thank you for your time. – Joe D., No Town.

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.

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