DEAR SUN SPOTS: I found a portable band saw in a plastic carrying case on the ramp at Exit 86 of the Turnpike (Route. 9 in Sabattus). I would like for the owner to identify it so that I can return it. — Bruce Hall, brucehall@aol.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Just a short note to see if any of your readers know where I can find pea beans for baking. I used to be able to find them in the grocery store, but now I have had no luck in finding them. Please help. — No Name, Poland

ANSWER: Sun Spots spoke to Sam at the Hannaford on Sabattus Street in Lewiston. He said they have pea beans, they just don’t call them that. The bag calls them “small white beans.” He said they are in the aisle with the other dried and baked beans.

Sun Spots encourages anyone who is looking for something at the store and can’t find it to ask at the service desk. The personnel there will find the appropriate manager to answer your questions. Grocery stores want to carry the things you want to buy. If they don’t have it in the store, they may be able to get it for you as a special order.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Does anyone have a recipe for salted herbs? For more than 60 years salted herbs were available a Bourque’s Market on Sabattus Street. According to Bourque’s Market, they did not make the salted herbs, they purchased them and they are no longer available. Now all you can find is an unappetizing pureed green concoction called salted herbs that bears no resemblance to real salted herbs. — Paul Spencer, Lewiston, spencer374@msn.com

ANSWER: There are several recipes for making them online, including instructions from Hummingbird Farm in Turner (http://tinyurl.com/2dad5fd). Perhaps a reader will know of a local source to buy them.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m trying to find a camera shop for doing repairs. There was a shop on Lisbon Street in Lewiston, but they have either gone out of business or moved. Can you come up with some information for me? I do not have a computer. — No Name, Bethel

ANSWER: You did not specify if your camera is a traditional film unit or digital, but because you don’t have a computer, it seems more likely the former. Shep’s Camera, 16 Hall Road, Woolwich, ME 04579-4900 does repairs and cleaning. Owner David Kloberdans requests people call 207-522-9676 for an appointment. People may also mail their camera to him and include their contact information and a description of the problem, and he will assess the need and provide an estimate. 

In the event that your camera is digital, Sun Spots has been told by several dealers that most digital cameras are not worth fixing. If they can be fixed, they generally must be sent back to the manufacturer or their approved warranty repair shop.

The only place Sun Spots knows for you to start this journey is at Photo Finish, 550 Center St., in Auburn, 783-3354. They probably won’t fix it on site, but they can advise you as to your best option — repair or replacement. If it needs to be sent out for repairs, they can help you with that as well.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I think Mark in Sabattus (Dec. 3 column) can find just the magnets he wants at Walmart. In the hardware department they have a good selection of strengths. The ones I chose are about the size of a dime, and they have so much “pull” that next time I’ll try to find something with less. Once these are in a stack, it’s very hard to separate them without the aid of Popeye. — Patricia Northrop, Oquossoc

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I love your column, and you’ve helped me before, so I’m trying again. I am looking to purchase furniture and people for a child’s dollhouse. I would like either new or used in good condition. I will pay a reasonable price. I can be reached at 562-7660. Thank you. — Peg, Dixfield

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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