DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have quite a number of old bottles, probably 60 to 70 years old, all in original wooden crates. How can I find out if they are of any value? — No Name, No Town

ANSWER: Sun Spots has concluded that the best way to find out what your bottles are worth and to sell them is to go online. There are books on the subject — Sun Spots took one out of the library a few years ago — but she didn’t find it helpful in pricing, which changes constantly. Local antique dealers may be able to help, especially if you can find one who specializes in bottles.

But to get the best prices for your bottles, you will want to use eBay, which sells to a worldwide audience. To learn about your bottles, along with eBay there are Web sites devoted to the subject of bottle collecting, such as www.bottlebooks.com and www.antiquebottles.com. These sites are very detailed, with pages devoted to each different type of bottle and information about how to sell them, pack them, etc.

From these sites, Sun Spots got the impression that there are a good many inexpensive bottles out there, but that some bottles can be very valuable.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thank you so much for your wonderful column. It’s the section of the newspaper that I look forward to reading faithfully every morning. I have several cases of good clean canning jars to give away; also have a number of various sizes of clear glass to give away. If interested, please call 364-2456. — No Name, Rumford

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The first thing I do every morning is read the paper and Sun Spots. You really are doing a lovely job for so many people, and I thank you so much. On Saturday, Jan. 16, at 1:30 on PBS there was a program and a lady cooking a pasta sauce. I was not able to get some of the things in it. So could you please get them all for me. Thank you. — P.P., Jay

ANSWER: Sun Spots received a prompt response from MPBN’s Web site. They said the program you were referring to is “Lidia’s Italy” and can be found at www.lidiasitaly.com. All of her recipes are on the Web site, but they are listed by recipe name, not by when the dish was on TV. If you don’t have access to a computer (your public library may be of help), write Sun Spots back with the name of the sauce, or at least some more details, and she will try to find it.

DEAR SUN SPOTS, I live in a condo, and my dryer vent hose is vented through a PVC pipe up through my attic. It has come apart and slipped out of position. I bought new tubing but cannot connect it onto the pipe as they are the same circumference. I need someone to do a new, complete installation for me and have no idea who to call. Could you assist me? Thanks. — Avid Reader in Auburn

ANSWER: You would want to call someone who specializes in HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning). If you look under “heating” in the yellow pages, you will see a number of contractors available. But before you call someone, you should check with your condo association. Condo rules may require that your vent be fixed by the condos’ maintenance department, especially if the repairs affect a common wall.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Could someone please recommend a fully insured and bonded cleaning service in Lewiston-Auburn? We are looking for someone to come in once or twice a week for routine housekeeping (dusting, vacuuming, etc.). Thank you very much. — No Name, Lewiston

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). Please include your phone number. 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 e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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