Dear Sun Spots: It’s so nice to be able to write to you for advice. You have helped me in the past and it was greatly appreciated. Now I was wondering if anyone would know how to mix sugar and water to starch crocheted doilies to put on end tables. My mother used to do that, but I never learned. Also, is there is an address to the Sunbeam Co., because I would like to be able to get a Coney Island hot dog cooker? Thank you. – Y. Potvin, Turner.

Answer: Sun Spots located the following recipe for the sugar starch recipe: Ingredients: ¼ cup water, ¾ cup granulated sugar. Method: Mix water and sugar in a small pan. Stir the mixture over low heat (do not boil) until the sugar is no longer grainy and the mixture is smooth. Remove pan from heat, and let mixture cool.

If doilies are dry, wet them, and wring out excess water by rolling in a towel. Dip the doily into the starch mixture. Squeeze out excess starch, then smooth out and shape the doily on a clean flat surface. Allow to dry and iron on warm setting, if desired.

The Sunbeam Coney Island steamer was made in the 1970s, and Sun Spots does not believe it is available to order from the Sunbeam company anymore. You may contact the customer service department for more information at 1-800-458-8407. We also suggest checking out Web auction sites such as eBay. Sunspots found a few steamers available for purchase for around $10.

Dear Sun Spots: I am seeking some suggestions. With winter coming upon us, we all have the same concern . . . the best way to stay warm. We live in a cape and we have a wood stove in our cellar. I know a lot of people have grates in their floors, but we have wood and tile flooring and would rather not make any holes in our floors. Is there any other way to send the heat up to the upper levels of the house? How can we circulate the air from down cellar? Thank you so much and I hope you all stay warm this winter. – D.M., Leeds.

Dear Sun Spots: Thanks for all your help. I’m wondering if there’s anyone in Lewiston or nearby that sells Home Interior. They used to be home parties. I’m interested to replace a few pieces. Thanks for your help. – C.G., Lewiston.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, contact Home Interiors consultant Irene Smith with your request for products. She is located in West Gardiner, but serves the Lewiston area as well. Reach her at 582-7214. You may also view and shop the inventory at www.homeinteriors.com.

Dear Sun Spots: I stopped canning 25 years ago and decided to find my equipment and do some this year. I am missing the rack and jar filters and am unable to buy the rack – it’s not sold without the canning pot. If anyone in the Rumford area has a rack they no longer use, I’d be so grateful for a call! Diana, 369-0889. Thanks! – Diana, Rumford.

Dear Sun Spots: In answer to “Ruff hands” in Kingfield: I have been making beeswax hand creme for many years. It may be used for anything from ingrown toenails to dandruff. Works all the way. Contact me at (207) 784-4794. – B.F.P., Auburn.

Dear Sun Spots: We have also wondered about the two “regulars” behind home plate at Fenway Park. While leafing through the 2008 Red Sox yearbook, we found a member of the Red Sox Executives and Front Office staff named Jeremy Kapstein who looks remarkably like the gentleman in the navy windbreaker to the right of home plate. We have been told the blond gentleman owns a car dealership in the greater Boston area. Hope the helps! – No Name, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: The Amvets Ladies Auxiliary Post 6 in New Gloucester will hold a Christmas Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Amvet Hall, Route 100, New Gloucester. Tables are $15 each. For reservations call Joyce Hamilton 926-4079 or Pat Kiley 926-4232. Also a bake sale, plus a snack table. Thank you. – Pat Kiley, New Gloucester.

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.