Dear Sun Spots: I have a question about the Maine Lottery. Are the drawings witnessed or video taped? I am referring specifically to the “lesser” games such as Pick 3, Pick 4 and Paycheck drawings. The results are usually posted on the Maine Lottery Web site within 30 minutes of the drawing. However the Paycheck drawing of March 18 was not posted for 12 hours after the drawing. I’m wondering what happened. Thanks. – David, Farmington.

Answer: Sun Spots spoke with a representative from the New Hampshire Lottery who explained that the drawings are live, conducted by two lottery employees and one independent auditor. The drawings can be watched on the Maine State Lottery Web site www.mainelottery.com. They are produced in Concord, N.H., and then uploaded to the ME Lottery site usually within 10 minutes.

She couldn’t find a reason for the delay in posting the March 18 drawing. However, she explained that there could have been an issue with the Web site. Sometimes when the Powerball jackpot is high, they have trouble gaining access to the Web site due to high amount of traffic from customers.

Dear Sun Spots: I bought a Patrick Dempsey doll from his movie, “Enchanted.” I happened to find a scrubs outfit online. I now am in need of a tiny stethoscope for him. He is the size of a Ken doll. Thank you. – Pauline, Lewiston.

Dear Sun Spots: I enjoy reading Sun Spots and help when I can. Would anyone have a favorite recipe for kosher dill pickles and garlic pickles that they would share? Thanks. – No Name, Farmington.

Answer: Thanks to Jody Jalbert, who shared a garlic dill pickle recipe she received a few years ago from Renee Blanchet and says they taste like the old Austin’s pickles.

Method: Put 2 tablespoons of dill seed and 2 teaspoons of garlic in the bottom of each quart sized canning jar. Stuff the jar with cucumber spears. Boil five quarts water, one pint vinegar and one cup of salt. Pour over the cucumbers and dill/garlic mixture in each jar. Put jars in a boiling water bath, cover to the top of the jar, not including the lid. Let boil for 5-10 minutes or until jars seal. You could cut the garlic in half for more of a regular dill pickle flavor.

Dear Sun Spots: This is for No Name in Lisbon looking for senior groups. The MTM Center in Lisbon Falls has a senior group that meets twice a week, Mondays and Wednesdays. They come around 10 a.m. and lunch is served at 11:30. If you have any questions please feel free to call the Recreation Department 353-2289. Thank you. – Lisbon Recreation Dept.

Dear Sun Spots: The Rumford Historical Society is holding a yard sale on the lawn of the Lufkin School Museum in Rumford Center on June 7. We need contributions of household items and food. The proceeds of our sale will go to maintain the museum, which is open every Saturday during the summer. Contact Bill Weston 364-4007 if you need to have him come for a pickup. – Jean Hersey, Rumford Center.

Dear Sun Spots: Hope you can help me. I am looking for someone who knows how to do beading with seed beads. I would like to take lessons in the Lewiston area. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, consider looking in to your local Adult Education program. Lewiston Adult Education’s Community Education and Marketing Coordinator Jessica Bradley said they offered “Clay Beaded Jewelry” and “Beading with Swarovski Crystals” during the recent spring/winter semesters. She also notes that they should have some similar classes in the fall. You may contact the Lewiston Adult Education office at 795-4141 Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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].