Dear Sun Spots: In cleaning out a very deep drawer, I found a card for the International Association of Turtles. The card was dated May 15, 1969, and it says I am An Imperial Turtle.

Does anyone out there know what I’m talking about?

I may be reached at 353-3136. – S.R., Thiriet, Lisbon.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, Sun Spots did some research here and has located a listing for the very same group above at http://dias.ws/turtle/history.html. From what she has learned, the association is a social organization formed to provide fun for members and help for the unfortunate, and appears to have been started by a group of test pilots during World War II. The relationship to the turtle? You never get anywhere worthwhile in life unless you stick your neck out.

Another, Web site, http://ruaturtle.com/creed.html, states that the International Order of Turtles was founded on the Isle of Man, off the coast of Great Britain in 460 B.C. Sun Spots would encourage you to read the lengthy explanation which is quite amusing and worth the read.

In the meantime, you might interested in the Turtle Creed:

Turtles are bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, fearless and unafraid folk with a fighter pilot attitude. They think clean, have fun a lot, and recognize the fact that you never get any place worthwhile in life unless you stick your neck out.

The “Turtles” are indeed an illustrious group and include in their membership ranks some of the country’s foremost leaders in the fields of government, finance, entertainment, aerospace and all other areas where aggressiveness, a feeling for fair play, clean thoughts and a sense of humor are keys to success.

Membership is now diligently sought after and highly esteemed by those lucky enough to be initiated. Adherence to the creed and always giving the password when asked are the only responsibilities placed on membership.

Dear Sun Spots: I live where there is no cable, but I also don’t want a lot of channels I don’t need. Is there any mail order company that still sells a good set of rabbit ears for my TV? I need a new set. Thanks so much for your wonderful column. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, Sun Spots located several pairs online at www.target.com. You might also consider contacting the Target store in South Portland to see if they carry them or at least could have them delivered to their store for pick up by you and your family. In the meantime, there are also many references to rabbit or television ears online at www.ebay.com.

Dear Sun Spots: We would like some recipes on pickling cucumbers in a crock or the type of plastic bucket that food comes in from restaurants and includes a tight cover. We are anxious to try our hand at it and we would like a recipe with a good amount of garlic. We have the patience to age them as long as it takes. Thanking you. – M.O.E., No Town.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, you might enjoy the following recipe located online at www.thatsmyhome.com:

Crocked Dill Pickles Ingredients: 16 pounds tiny cucumbers for pickling, 3/4 cup pickling spices, 7 stalks fresh dill, 1/2 pound garlic cloves, peeled and halved, 2 cups pickling salt, 2 gallons water. Method: Wash and drain cucumbers. Place half each of the pickling spices, dill and garlic on the bottom of a clean 4-gallon crock. Put the cucumbers in the crock. Dissolve the salt in the 2 gallons water and pour over the cucumbers. Add remaining pickling spices, dill and garlic on top and cover with a weighted lid. Check every few days and skim off foam. In 2 to 3 weeks the cucumbers will be crisp and firm to the touch. Pack the cucumbers in sterilized jars. Carefully pour hot liquid over cucumbers, leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Remove air bubbles with nonmetallic spatula. Adjust caps. Process pints 15 minutes in boiling water bath canner.

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