Dear Sun Spots: I love your column and read it everyday. I was wondering if you could find out a recipe for me. My class went to the Norlands Living History Center and had the most delicious veggie soup! I want my mom to make it for me and was wondering what the recipe was. Thanks so much! – Kenzie, Lewiston.

Answer: Sun Spots contacted the Washburn Norlands and had the pleasure of speaking with Nancey Drinkwine, volunteer coordinator, who was just thrilled to share this special recipe with you and other column readers.

Drinkwine notes that their boiled pot recipe comes from “Favorite Recipes from the Farmer’s Cottage and Hearth” published by Norlands Living History Center and available for $2.50 plus tax.

Ingredients: ½ pound stew meat (can be ground meat), 2 large onions, 1 tablespoon butter, 6 to 10 cups of water, carrots, turnips, cabbage, potatoes, any other fresh or frozen vegetable that you wish to add. Method: Sauté meat and onions together in butter. Transfer to a stew pot and add water. For more flavor, substitute beef stock for water. If beef stock is not available, one or two bouillon cubes may be added for flavor. Cube vegetables and add to stew. Season to taste with basil, bay leaves, parsley, rosemary, sage and salt and pepper to taste. Cover and simmer over low to medium heat for two to three hours. Never the same twice! Serve with corn bread or biscuits for dinner or supper.

Drinkwine also notes that this particular recipe is served when Norlands presents its Journey II programs and when it has visitors for its Live-In experiences. It is different every time as it relies on seasonal vegetables and the flavoring skills of people like Aunt Mary, Aunt Julie and Aunt Clara.

Drinkwine said you might need to come back to Norlands for the Live-In experience, to get the soup’s flavor just right.

You might also be interested in checking out some of the upcoming events at Norlands. Among them:

The Fall Festival taking place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 20. Fall will be celebrated at Norlands with a pancake breakfast, apple cider, hayrides, a farmer’s log scoot, scarecrow contest, apple pie contest, bean dinner and more! This event is open to the public. FMI call 897-4366 or e-mail [email protected].

You and your family might also enjoy Christmas At Norlands taking place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 2. Your day will include helping decorate the Christmas tree, visiting the local crafts show, Mansion tour and a chance to view the historic costumes. Wreaths and greenery for sale. A special Christmas dinner will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dinner is $10 per person. Refreshments will also be for sale throughout the day. Mansion tours are $4 for adults and $2 for children and visits other than those above are currently by appointment only.

For more on Norlands, check them out at Washburn-Norlands Living History Center, 290 Norlands Road, Livermore, ME 04253, 897-4366, e-mail: [email protected] or via their Web site at www.norlands.org.

Dear Sun Spots: I am looking for a marriage counselor in Norway, South Paris or the Auburn area, who will accept Medicare. I’ve talked to two in the South Paris area but they won’t accept Medicare because they don’t get paid. I would appreciate any help. You can e-mail me at [email protected] or by contacting the column with your answer. Thanks for any help. – No Name, South Paris.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, you might consider contacting the Department of Health and Human Services in your area to see who might accept Medicare. Contact DHHS at their South Paris District Office, 243 Main Street, Suite #6, South Paris ME 04281, 744-1200 or toll free at 888-593-9775. And their Lewiston District Office at 200 Main Street, Lewiston, ME 04240, 795-4300 or toll free at 800-482-7517.

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 [email protected].