DEAR SUN SPOTS: This is in response to your readers who are looking for ski or balbriggan pajamas. The Munsingwear brand pajamas are available in the Vermont Country Store catalog (Item No. 49248). — Clara Dumas, Auburn

ANSWER: Clara is quite right. Sun Spots checked online, and the Vermont Country Store advertises “The Return of Munsingwear Balbriggan Pajamas, the Ultimate for Lounging and Sleeping Comfort.” They are $39.95 and come in navy, burgundy and hunter green. You can visit them at www.vermontcountrystore.com or call 1-802-776-5730.

Sun Spots had never heard the term balbriggan before — or heard of ski pajamas either, for that matter — so she looked up balbriggan. It refers to the type of fabric used in these jammies for men. Enjoy!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: You’ve helped me in the past, so here goes again.

Whatever happened to Stone Phillips? He used to be on “Dateline NBC,” I think.

What about country western singer Earl Thomas Conley. Is he still singing? Where is he?

Thank you. — B.L.T., Peru

ANSWER: According to a posting on cbsnews.com, after 15 years on the news magazine, NBC fired Phillips in 2007 in a cost-cutting move. Sun Spots could not find any record of what he is doing now. He sold his New York City penthouse for $4.35 million before he left “Dateline,” so he’s probably muddling by. An online post said he, his wife and son, Streeter, also had a home in Westchester County (just outside New York City).

As for Earl Thomas Conley, he’s still singing. His Web site, www.earlthomasconley.com listed some concerts for 2010, but none were in New England. If you have online access, you can listen to some of his songs on his Web site or send him an e-mail.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: A while back someone wanted used skis. If they are still wanted, I have a pair to give. They can call me at 225-3545.

Also, is there way to make self-rising flour from regular flour? Thanks for a great informative column. — B.G., Turner

ANSWER: According to eHow.com, to make self-rising flour you should add 1½ teaspoons of baking power and ½ teaspoon salt per cup of regular flour.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am looking for a premade scrapbook with premade framed pages of memories of birth through 18 years old. — Julie Therrien, Livermore

ANSWER: Have you looked at any of the craft stores? There is Craft-Mania at 730 Center St. in Auburn, 783-8265. Also, if you can make your way to Augusta, there is an Michael’s (13 Market Place Drive, 623-3832) or AC Moore (14 Crossing Way, 629-5050). Sun Spots does not do or know much about crafts, but she bets her readers can help!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m wondering if there is anyone in the Oxford Hills or Lewiston-Auburn areas who gives violin lessons. I can be reached at harmark@localnet.com. Thank you. — No Name, No Town

ANSWER: Sun Spots recommends that whenever possible readers supply a phone number as well as e-mail, as many of her readers don’t have e-mail.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Minot Historical Society is organizing a Junior History Club. Young people in grades four through eight are invited to join. For more information or to sign up, please call me at 346-3106. Thank you. — Donna Berry

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Years ago, I collected book matches for lighting cigarettes with all kinds of advertisements on them. I have about two large coffee cans and wondered if anyone collects them, or would like them. They are free. Call 743-9410. — No Name, No Town

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.

Copy the Story Link