DEAR SUN SPOTS: This is my answer to Tim Giroux’s comment on the right way to fly the American flag. I understand the etiquette, but I am a 79-year-old widow. I met my husband when we were both in the Air Force and were married for 52 years.

I fly my flag all the time as I cannot get out there to bring it down every night or have a light on it, but I think it is more important to fly it than not. I love the sight of it, and I love my country. Thank you. — L.G., Chesterville

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have to get my two cents worth in on the crossword puzzles. I used to loved to do them. Now, the clues are sometimes crazy. I always liked the Sun Journal puzzle because it did not include too many movie stars, radio and TV personalities, etc. I find the current ones very hard. Not everyone goes to the movies, listens to the radio or watches TV.

I felt the Sun Journal puzzles were just hard enough for an older person or a housewife who doesn’t get out much. I admire people who can do the hard ones, but I do think there are enough really hard ones that can be a challenge in lots of other papers or books. I am for the retired, elderly or a stay-at-home mom! I think we need a break from the really hard ones. Thank you. — Mary, Lisbon Falls

DEAR SUN SPOTS: A couple of us senior citizens think sometimes the crossword puzzles are not challenging enough. Please don’t disappoint us and make them boring. We’ve learned a few words we have never heard of. — 70+ and still learning, P. and J.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: A few weeks ago I found a wallet with a lot of stuff inside. Not trusting to give it to anybody else, I returned it to the owner personally. I was offered a reward, which I declined. The owner of the wallet did not even thank me. I felt pretty low when I left. They were lucky that I found it, because I did not take anything from it. Next time I find something I will leave it at the police station. — No Name, L-A

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Our school in Auburn is really in need of a free-standing basketball hoop. Does anyone have one to donate for our students? It’s OK if it’s used, maybe something your children no longer use. We can arrange to pick up from this generous person. You’ll certainly make our kids happy. I can be reached at RETC/SOS, 786-4498, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Thank you in advance. — Lee Allen, Auburn

DEAR SUN SPOTS: This is regarding the lady who was looking for a bra that hooks in the front. I’m an Avon representative, and we do carry the Playtex and the Just My Size in our brochures. If interested, please give me a call at 946-5616 or e-mail me at racheld44@roadrunner.com, Thank you and keep up the good work with this column. — Rachel D’Auteuil

DEAR SUN SPOTS: This is in response to the reader inquiring about doily patterns. I have more than 300 of the old workbasket crochet and craft books that are currently out of print. I have many patterns for doilies in them. There are also many recipes in them as well.

If you are interested, I can e-mail you those patterns, as I have copied them from out of the books. I also crochet afghans and stuffed animals. If anyone ever needs a special gift, I can make them for you for a reasonable price. I do have to have money for the yarn and materials. Unless you have yarn to donate, then we can work something else out.

I can be reached at 333-7260. Please leave a message, as I screen all my calls and if I don’t recognize your number, I’ll let it go to my answering machine. So let me know if I can be of some help. — Cathy, seacat7up@yahoo.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Clover Health Care residents would like to go fishing and are in need of fishing poles and lures. Anyone wanting to donate can call 784-3573, ext. 134. Thank you. — Cloveractivities@mainecare.com

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.