Dear Sun Spots: I hope this isn’t too late!

I wanted to send holiday greetings to veterans but the U.S. Postal Service will not deliver cards addressed to any soldier, and Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., will not accept these cards either. So, I contacted the VA at Togus and the woman was thrilled that someone was interested in sending cards to veterans. She said they still have some World War II vets who get very little company or mail.

They will deliver any cards addressed to: Voluntary Services (135), Togus VA Medical Center, 1 VA Center, Augusta, ME 04330, ATT: Any Veteran.

It is nice to write to the veterans who helped to make this country free. Thanks to anyone who writes. Sincerely. – Joyce Cox, Lewiston.

Dear Sun Spots: My landlord uses rent cards instead of a lease. Every month, I have to have a meeting with him, sign his card, he signs mine, and pay the rent. This system is obviously for him to make sure the apartment is still OK, check me out, etc. In addition to the bother of not making paying a simple procedure, it leaves tenants vulnerable to being kicked out, to rent increases, favoritism, etc. I am aware that these cards used to be legal, but I wonder if this is still true? – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Consider contacting the Maine Attorney General’s Office, Burton M. Cross Building, 6th Floor, Augusta, Maine Mailing Address: 6 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333, 626-8800 for a response here.

In addition, consider checking out (http://www.maine.gov/ag/?r=clg&s=chap14#14.15) which provides detailed information on tenant rights in Maine.

Dear Sun Spots: For the person wanting a zipper replaced, in your area: there is also Alterations by Judy at 571 Sabattus St. I used to live in L/A area and took things to her for years for repair. She may be reached at 783-6201 and is in the telephone directory. – Bruce Wotton, Lima, Ohio.

Dear Sun Spots: For the past few years, around Christmas time, there was a store at the Auburn Mall that sold just Christmas things such as toys, stocking stuffers and my favorite personalized ornaments. They didn’t show up this year. I am looking for a snowman jingle bell ornament with the birthstone color. I have all my grandchildren’s, except for my newest grandson. I’ve looked everywhere. Can you please help me? – D.A., Roy, Lewiston.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, Sun Spots did locate Monthly Snowman Jingle Bell Ornaments for $5.99, online at www.abbeypress.com, Abbey Press, One Hill Drive, Customer Service Plant 1, St. Meinrad, IN 47577, 1-888-374-4226. You might also consider writing to them at [email protected] to request their catalog.

Dear Sun Spots: In response to Jean P’s inquiry Dec. 4: Cat litter makes a good traction aid and large pieces of cardboard placed under the tire help in a pinch.

Also, I would like the mailing address for billionaire Warren Buffett so I can send a “Warren’s Letters.” – Mary in Rumford.

Answer: Consider trying to write to him at Berkshire Hathaway Inc. 1440 Kiewit Plaza, Omaha, NE 68131.

Dear Sun Spots: I am trying to locate a knife and pie server with the luminescent mother of pearl handles, they also had a design engraved on the blade. They were sold at the Christmas Tree Shop in South Portland and in Augusta during the summer of 2007. (They had a matching spaghetti fork available, which I do not need.) They were approximately $4 apiece. They were old fashioned looking, and I would really like to have them for a young couple who have a specialty-themed wedding reception coming up. Please help. Thank you so much. I may be reached at 353-4263. – Nancy, 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 [email protected].