Dear Sun Spots: We are seeking your help in securing a place on the ocean in Southern Maine for our family reunion of 20 members arriving from out of state. We will need accommodations for one week in June 2008. How should we proceed? – Gigi of Auburn.

Answer: Sun Spots would direct you, for starters, to any of the local chambers of commerce at: Portland Regional Chamber, 60 Pearl St., Portland, ME 04101, 772-2811, or via e-mail at [email protected].; Biddeford Saco Chamber of Commerce, 110 Main St., Suite 1202, Saco, ME 04072, 282-1567 or via e-mail at [email protected]; Kennebunk/Kennebunkport Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 740, Kennebunk, ME 04043, 967-0857; P.O. Box 356, Wells, ME 04090, 646-2451, Web site www.wellschamber.org or via e-mail at [email protected]; Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce (formerly Rockland-Thomaston Area Chamber of Commerce), P.O. Box 508, Rockland, ME 04841, 596-0376, 800-562-2529.

In addition you might also consider a search on the Internet using ‘rental’ or ‘cottages’ or ‘lodging.’ Hopefully, this will get you all started in time for next June’s reunion.

Dear Sun Spots: Where can I find Estee Lauder makeup? Porteous carried it but they are no longer in the Auburn Mall. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Have you tried Macy’s at the Maine Mall at 945-3200? They are open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. These hours vary slightly depending on sale weeks etc. and you should contact the store to confirm how late they’re open. Another option is The Cosmetics Company at the Kittery Outlet at 438-9275, open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. In addition, you might also check out the company online at www.esteelauder.com.

Dear Sun Spots: I’m looking for a person or business that can make a new canopy for my three-person swing? – No Name, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: I would appreciate it if you would find a spice that can be reasonably substituted for cardamom, an ingredient in Finish nisu bread. When I went to purchase cardamom I was shocked at the price, over $11 for 1.75 ounces! Can you help? Thank you. – J. S., South Paris.

Answer: According to www.cdkitchen.com, it takes 10 whole pods to make 1½ teaspoons of ground cardamom. This is one of the more expensive spices, but worth it for the few occasions you’d use it.

You could consider using ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, coriander seeds or mace, starting with half the quantity specified and adding more to taste to substitute this spice. However, Sun Spots doesn’t believe you can actually substitute this particular spice.

Sun Spots checked with Micucci Grocery Store on India Street in Portland which carries a wonderful variety of spices in large containers that might be of interest to you and others. They carry a 16-ounce container of ground cardamom for $28.49. You may reach them at 45 India St. or at 775-1854 Monday through Saturday.

In addition, you might consider checking out www.bulkfoods.com which has some less expensive cardamom. The company is at 3040 Hill Ave, Toledo, OH 43607-2931, phone 1-419-537-1713, Monday to Friday.

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].