Dear Sun Spots: I was wondering if you or any of your readers would have a list of barbers that make house calls and any grocery stores that deliver? – – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Regarding the first part of your question, you might consider contacting the State of Maine’s Board of Barbering and Cosmetology to see if they might be able to assist you. You can reach them at 624-8579.

Regarding the second, Sun Spots did not locate any stores. However, there may be readers familiar with some local, smaller or family-owned grocery stores that might be willing to do so. Sun Spots encourages them to please contact the column with this information.

Dear Sun Spots: Over 70 years ago, my grade teacher read us kids poems and one of her favorite ones, and mine, was a poem titled “Trees.” I have long forgotten most of it but do remember this little bit and am hoping you could locate the entire poem:

“A tree in May, so fair with a nest of robins in her hair.” It ends with “Poems are made by fools like me, but only God can make a tree.”

My day would be made if you could locate this. I thank you so much. – Karl Windischhofer, Greene.

Answer: What a memory Mr. Windischhofer! Sun Spots located the following online by Joyce Kilmer (1886-1918) which sounds like the poem you are seeking:



Trees

I THINK that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest

Against the sweet earth’s flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,

And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in summer wear

A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;

Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,

But only God can make a tree.

Sun Spots has also learned that the poet, Alfred Joyce Kilmer, died on a French battlefield in 1918 at the age of 31. He was a poet, editor, critic, lecturer, husband, father, Catholic, patriot and soldier. His best known work was the poem “Trees.” It was given a musical setting that was quite popular in the 1940s and 1950s.

Kilmer was born in New Brunswick, N.J., and attended Rutgers University and Columbia University. He was a soldier in the United States Army’s 165th Infantry, Rainbow Division, and was killed in action by a sniper during World War I. His body was buried in the Oise-Aisne Cemetery, Fere-en-Tardenois, France.

Dear Sun Spots: I am wondering who or where I could go to help find out the value of some paper Chinese currency I brought back with me in 1946? – No Name, Farmington.

Answer: Consider contacting: Republic Jewelry & Coin, 212 Center St., Auburn, ME 04210, 784-4444. It is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Friday; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m Saturday.

Also, consider contacting M.A. Storck, 651 Forest Ave., Portland, ME 04101, 774-7271 or 1-800-734-7271, e-mail [email protected].

Dear Sun Spots: Could you please find out where I might be able to get records by Hank Snow singing about mother? I am quite sure he had two songs he recorded/wrote as a tribute to his mother. Thanks. – Allan Gallant, Rumford.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, Sun Spots located several online at www.amazon.com and you might consider checking them out. You might also check out www.musicstack.com.

Dear Sun Spots: I used to have a rug cleaner that you mixed the cleaning liquid with one part cleaner to eight parts water. I cleaned the rug with a sponge mop. I had bought some years ago. It was from True Value Hardware. I have checked with them and they don’t have it any more. They only have the rug cleaner you use with a machine. Please help! – No Name, No Town.

Answer: There are several listed online and perhaps you might test a small area of your rug to see how it works. According toezinearticles.com, there are many different cleaning solutions that you can use on your carpet but one of the most effective and versatile is vinegar and water. Recipe: Take white distilled vinegar and mix it in a spray bottle. Combine one part white distilled vinegar to three parts water. In other words for the average 32-ounce spray bottle you would add eight ounces of vinegar to 24 ounces of water.

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].