DEAR SUN SPOTS: I need help in identifying these rather large spiders that are “hanging around” inside of my garage and outside of my house. Their mere size (from a quarter to half-dollar) is enough to give me goose bumps.

They are tan in color and have a black area on the underside. The body is the largest part and very noticeable. I don’t intend to kill them but would like to find out more about my “special neighbors.” — No Name, Wilton

ANSWER: There are several websites you can visit to find out what kind of spider your friend is, including www.spiderzrule.com, where they offer to identify photos, and http://tinyurl.com/ybxnhwm.

Another option is to visit your library. If you don’t have a computer, you can look them up online at the library or refer to a book.

Sun Spots does not much like big spiders hanging around her house either, but she takes heart in the fact that poisonous spiders are very rare in Maine. The following is posted at http://tinyurl.com/2dk6wlf:

“Maine is known for its lobsters and red mackinaws, not its poisonous spiders. In the northernmost state of New England, poisonous spiders are rare, probably because of the extremely harsh and lengthy winters, during which arachnids would not be able to survive. Occasionally, the summertime will bring a few migrants across the border, perhaps in a shipment of produce or by some other means.”

Plus, spiders do more good than harm. They eat lots of pesky bugs and provide food for birds and other creatures.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: You have been a great help to me in the past so I am writing again. I am trying to build a puppet stage for my grandchildren for Christmas and am looking for hand puppets that readers may wish to give away or sell for small amounts. If you have puppets to spare, please call me at 446-8869. Thank you. — Memay via e-mail

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Hopefully you can come to my rescue once again. I’m looking for the VHS or DVD movie “Eyes of an Angel” with John Travolta. Does anyone have it or a copy of it that they no longer want? I’ll pay a reasonable price for it.

Also, where would I redeem S&H green stamp books and Raleigh cigarette coupons? — Pauline, Lewiston, 782-8314

ANSWER: Amazon.com has both the DVD and VHS of “Eyes of an Angel” available, but the DVD is quite expensive. They do have used VHS tapes for $10.85. You can call Amazon at 1-800-201-7575.

The movie is not listed on Netflix, and there were very few Google hits. According to Wikipedia, the movie was released in Europe but only on TV in the United States, which may explain its lack of availability.

As for your Raleigh cigarette coupons, Sun Spots assumes you are referring to the ones that used to be on cigarette packs. They appear to only have value as collectibles.

The news on the green stamps is better. Those can be converted to “greenpoints.” To learn about how to do this, visit www.greenpoints.com or write to S&H greenpoints, P.O. BOX 4000, Fenton, MO 63099-0001, e-mail customerservice@greenpoints.com or call 800-435-5674.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: We are having a Christmas craft fundraiser for the LACO Food Bank from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20, at the MTM Center gymnasium, 18 School St., Lisbon Falls.

Come join us and do some early Christmas shopping. We will have raffles and 50/50s to raise money for the food bank. Donations of nonperishable items are also welcomed. The MTM Center is also accepting unwrapped toys for Christmas.

Tables are still available. Call me for more information. — Rose, 353-2649 or 751-3360

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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