Dear Sun Spots: I have a situation I am trying to resolve and knew I could turn to you with all your great advice and help. We have tile in our kitchen and our black grout has faded. Is there a way to darken the grout without replacing it? Thanks for your help. – D.M., Leeds.

Answer: Sun Spots suggests using a grout colorant to fix your situation. We spoke with Susie, the flooring consultant at Camlas Inc. in Auburn. She recommended Aqua Mix, a colorant you apply to the grout with a sponge. She said it comes in about 20 colors. You can check it out on the Internet at www.aquamix.com or she would be happy to send you a brochure to look at. Susie can also help you figure out how much you need, and order the product for you. Camlas Inc. is with Fortin Construction on Markarlyn Street, off Route 100 in Auburn.

Dear Sun Spots: The recent Olympics held in Beijing created quite a renewed interest in the alternative sport of table tennis. Long ago, during President Nixon’s administration, table tennis was made popular via the “ping-pong” diplomacy with China.

I have no doubt that many households in this area enjoy the sport of table tennis in their respective cellars. I am constantly amazed however, by the fact that the majority of those people are not aware of the existence of the Maine Table Tennis League at the Lewiston Armory.

The league is beginning its 13th year of organized play, and entertains all abilities for both genders as well as youngsters. Therefore if the Olympics peaked your interest in the sport of table tennis, look no further than the Lewiston Armory or call the league president at 754-5379. – Guy Boisse, Lewiston.

Dear Sun Spots: Where would you find course sugar? Like Dunkin’ Donuts puts on their muffins. I’ve looked everywhere for this sugar. Also, could you tell me where the city of Auburn buys its petunias, which are on the beds on Turner Street in front of the Court House? Also, what kind of petunias are they? Do they have to cut the old ones off or are they no pinch? Thanks. – No Name, Auburn.

Answer: An employee at Downeast Food Distributors Inc. in Auburn says they have the sanding sugar you are looking for. It comes in a 7½ pound container for $13.35. Downeast offers many different baking ingredients and supplies as well as a variety of other products, for both businesses and retail customers. You can stop in the store anytime between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. They are at 94 Merrow Road, off Hotel Road, Auburn.

Bob Belz, public works director for the city of Auburn, said the type of petunia they use are called wave petunias. This year the city purchased the seedlings from Farmer Whiting’s in Auburn. He notes that with their increasing popularity, they can be found at most greenhouses and garden shops.

Belz said the plant is fuller if pinched back early on and the appearance can be enhanced by removing the spent blossoms. This variety of petunia needs minimal attention. The plantings along Turner Street have been weeded, watered and fertilized with a soluble fertilizer. Otherwise they have had no special attention after their initial planting. He also pointed out that they may be used in window boxes and hanging baskets, in addition to landscape plantings.

Dear Sun Spots: As a member of the Lisbon Area Christian Outreach, I would like to thank you for your help in finding resources for the better clothing we receive at our clothing bank. We have been able to help several other programs with clothing with your help. I would like to let people know that the Packard-Littlefield Farm is donating a percentage of their sales at their farm stand to the Lisbon Area Christian Outreach for the three days of the Columbus Day holiday weekend. The farm is at 76 Littlefield Road in Lisbon. It has a good supply of squash, pumpkins and other farm products. It will also have tables available for crafters who would like to display their crafts. Anyone interested in a craft table could contact Bob at 353-5782 for information.

We thank Bob and Ella Mae for their support of the Lisbon Area Christian Outreach. We hope everyone will stop by their stand Oct. 10, 11 and 12 to purchase a Halloween pumpkin to carve or other farm products. Sincerely yours. – Carol Day, Clothing Bank director, Lisbon Area Christian Outreach.

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 sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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