DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have enjoyed this column for years, and now it is my turn to write. Against my better judgment, I borrowed a set of double-pointed knitting needles from a friend, and (you guessed it!) one broke. They are older needles, made of a kind of plastic material and are unusual because they are about 10 inches long. I have searched every knitting Web site I can find, and apparently these longer double points are not manufactured any more. Is there a reader out there who has some needles of this type who would be willing to sell them? I would be able to pick them up and to pay a fair price for them. I am looking for size 8 needles, but I would like some other sizes, too, so I no longer have to borrow them. Please call me at 392-2211. Thanks for your help. — Wendy Hutchins, Andover

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am looking for any information from any veteran or citizen from the World War II era. I am fascinated with the culture and people and would love to hear more directly from them. Letters are welcome to be sent to P.O. Box 230, West Paris, ME 04289. I will also accept e-mails at Penimony@hotmail.com. I am looking for details on life during the war here in the states. Hair styles, music, food, agriculture, anything that stands out in someone’s mind for the time period. Particularly women who took jobs and what those jobs were. Everyday life was extraordinary, and I want to know more. I look forward to hearing from anyone even descendants with stories to tell. — Bev Hall, West Paris

DEAR SUN SPOTS, I have a NordicTrack Achiever ski exerciser that was damaged during a recent move. If any of your readers has an Achiever model and could photograph the bottom of it clearly showing where and with what parts the flywheel tension-belt attaches to the bottom of the frame and would e-mail or mail me the photo, I would be pleased. I have called and e-mailed the company that bought out the NordicTrack line and they are of no help. My e-mail address is solsticeglass@earthlink.net, and my mailing address is PO Box 68; Eustis, ME 04936. — Emerson Dyer, Eustis

DEAR SUN SPOTS: This is regarding No Name’s letter from Feb 16. My husband also had throat cancer. He is fine now. He also had trouble swallowing and had a feeding tube for eight months. He started by eating ice cream and Jello. Then soft moist foods that would slide down his throat easily. There are still some foods that he cannot eat. He drank Carnation Instant Breakfast everyday. It took a while but finally he was eating enough so the doctor could take out the feeding tube. We still have several cans of TwoCal HN for feeding tubes if anyone wants them. 933-2845. Hope this helps. — No Name, Wales

DEAR Sun Spots: I am writing concerning the reader who has had throat cancer and cannot speak or swallow. I would recommend that she contact her physician and request a referral for speech therapy. I have worked with many patients with speech and swallowing difficulties after having throat cancer. There are exercises and treatments that may help. — Cindy Dawson, speech-language pathologist, Rumford Hospital

DEAR SUN SPOTS: This is for the person looking for Irish items. I do some online shopping, and there is a site I use to order Irish items. Their e-mail address is ShopIrish.com. The site offers a lot of things, including clothing, jewelry and food. I have ordered several things from them, and they are quality knits made in Ireland. I have also ordered their jewelry. I have returned items, and there was never any problem. I would recommend this site. They also have an address: Creative Irish Gifts, P O Box 8300, Little Rock AR 72222; 24-hour shopping, 1-800-851-7918: customer service, 1-800-851-7916, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Central Standard Time. You can also request a catalog from them. Thank you. — Patty, Sabattus

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.