Dear Sun Spots: To save walking for nothing at the mailbox, where can I purchase a flag that will come up when the mailman has delivered mail? – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Sun Spots located a “Mail Alert” flag from the Internet companies SeattleLux.com and “Mahvelous” Mailboxes & More.

The mail alert flag, approved by the United States Postal Service Postmaster General, lets you know when the mail has arrived at your mailbox. When your mail carrier opens and closes your mailbox door, the flag springs up to signal that you’ve got mail. When you collect your mail, you place the flag under the door hook, ready for the next delivery. A unique security hook that you set prevents operation of the flag, an excellent security feature when you’re away. Installation requires the drilling of five holes on the front and side of existing metal mailbox.

A call to SeattleLuxe confirmed that they have the product in stock. The flag is $12.99 with free shipping and handling. You can contact them at 800-325-6262, or at their Web site at www.seattleluxe.com. Click “mailboxes” in the left column, and from the next left hand column click “mail alert.”

“Mahvelous” Mailboxes & More also claims to have the product in stock. Their flag is $15 plus free shipping and handling and can be ordered from the “Mahvelous” Mailboxes & More’s Web site at www.mahvelousmailboxes.com, or by calling them at 888-675-6245.

Dear Sun Spots: I am looking for a TV/VCR combo with AC/DC to be used for traveling with my 9-year-old granddaughter. I am also looking for Barney videos, for she is mentally challenged and greatly enjoys them. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Sun Spots was unable to locate a portable TV/VCR player, in fact both Best Buy and RadioShack were called and neither have heard of a portable TV/VCR. However, they do have portable DVD players that include an AC/DC adapter and plug into your automobile’s lighter socket. They are priced between $70 and $300 and come in a variety of sizes and options.

You should have no trouble at all finding Barney DVDs. Sunspots found 45 different Barney collections at Amazon.com ranging in price from under $10 to around $25. Sun Spots also found the DVD “Barney: Ready Set Play!/Barney’s Colorful World: Live” at Walmart.com for $9.05.

Dear Sun Spots: I would like to inform the lady in Auburn who is looking for Red Hat clothing that I have a lovely red felt hat in mint condition. She may feel free to call me for more information. I can be reached at 353-9831. – No Name, Lisbon Falls.

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.