Dear Sun Spots: For many years I have used a fruit punch drink concentrate called Zarex. It was distributed by One Pie Canning Co. in West Paris. Why can’t I find it anymore? I’ve been to Hannaford and Shaw’s. With the holidays ahead, I’m sure I’m not the only one trying to find it. My phone is 375-6975. – J. Gagne, Greene.

Answer: Sun Spots contacted One Pie Canning Co. and learned that Zarex was discontinued this past summer. The representative noted that the Zarex supply in their warehouse is also depleted.

Dear Sun Spots: I recently went through a stack of papers after we came back from a Thanksgiving trip. In one of the Sun Spots there was a request for pens. The name and address is in that huge stack out on the porch. I have a lot of pens to send if you can send me the name. Thanks. – PJL, No Town.

Answer: Raymond from Livermore Falls is looking for your pens that do not write or your empty ink pen refills. He’s willing to pick them up if there are lots of them or pay for shipping. Interested people may call 897-2772.

Dear Sun Spots: We are looking for a heater, a monitor or wall mount laser heater, for the student lounge at the karate school that people might donate. It’s cold in there. We also need a grant writer, please. Contact me at 449-5038 or graydonlewis@hotmail.com. Thank you. – Sensei Cub Lewis, Lisbon Falls.

Dear Sun Spots: There is a member in my family who is developmentally disabled and loves to play with doll hair (the longer the better). Are there any readers who would be willing to sell or donate “Styling Doll Heads?” It’s a big doll head with hair. She would just love that. I’ve looked around, and they’re hard to find. Call 784-0595. Thank you. – No Name, Lewiston.

Dear Sun Spots: I’m looking for a 14½-inch trailer tire rim. If anyone knows where I can find one, I would appreciate it very much. Call Ray in Lewiston at 782-4228. – Ray, Lewiston.

Dear Sun Spots: I would be willing to pay a reasonable price for a copy of the CD titled “Mystic Cove” with music by Maine musician Jude Ippoliti. If you have one to sell, please contact me at 364-8083. Thanks. – P. Schofield, Rumford.

Answer: Sun Spots was unable to locate a copy of this CD and hopes a reader will have one for you.

Dear Sun Spots: When I was young, my aunt used to make this trail mix at Christmastime that had Cheerios in it. It had a sweet taste to it. I don’t recall any of the other ingredients, and no one seems to have the recipe anymore. I was wondering if any of your readers may recall a recipe similar to this. Thanks for all your help. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, Sun Spots located the following recipe for a sweet snack made with Cheerios and Chex cereals.

Ingredients: Nine cups cereal (you could do half and half, or all one kind), 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, ½ cup peanut butter, ¼ cup butter or margarine, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, 1½ cups powdered sugar.

Method: Put cereal into large bowl and set aside for later. Combine chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter in a medium sized microwaveable bowl. Microwave the mixture uncovered for a minute on high. Stir the mixture and continue to heat in 30-second intervals until it mixes smoothly. Add the vanilla and stir. Pour mixture over the cereal while stirring.

Put combination into a plastic storage bag or paper bag. Add powdered sugar, seal the bag and shake until distributed. Spread out on wax paper to cool and dry. Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for storage.

Sun Spots has made a similar recipe that also used peanuts and small pretzels as well. It was definitely a hit with her family!

Dear Sun Spots: Happy holidays to the staff of Sun Spots. Thanks for all your help. I again am in need of your services.

In the Tuesday (Dec. 9) edition of the Sun Journal I read about Boy Scout Troop 007 being in “Boys Life” magazine. Congratulations. I know that the only way to get the magazine is by subscription. I was wondering if someone had a copy they would part with. I have a niece in Pennsylvania who is interested in the sport of curling, and I wanted to include this magazine with her Christmas gift, so I would need it soon. Call 786-0476. Thank you. – J. Pelletier, Auburn.



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.