DEAR SUN SPOTS: You have helped so many people with your column. Can you answer this question? What is the humidity in your home during the winter supposed to be? — Arlene, Livermore

ANSWER: A 2004 Associated Press story stated ideal humidity as 45 percent, with other online sources saying that a humidity range between 30 an 50 percent as acceptable. Ideal humidity would not vary from season, but the difficulty of maintaining it varies by season to season. In the winter, air tends to be drier, a situation that can be exacerbated if you use a wood stove for heat, as Sun Spots does. (According to her hygrometer, her home is currently only 23 percent.)

If you are concerned that the air in your home is too dry, you can use a humidifier or other device to introduce moisture into your home. But be sure and follow the rules for operating them and clean them regularly and as instructed. Recent research indicates dirty humidifiers can breed mold or bacteria that may be more dangerous than breathing dry air.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am trying to contact the young lady and/or her father who purchased a black butterfly necklace at the Shriners’ craft fair in November. She came back later with it broken and wanted me to fix it for her, and I had no way of fixing it for her or replacing it.

She loved it so much that she refused my offer of a refund, but now I am able to offer her a replacement. — linder.98@hotmail.com, 225-3328

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to the inquiry from Bert Dutil on Jan. 15, I had a very similar problem with Velcro fasteners on a pair of shoes, and I learned a way to fix them that doesn’t necessarily require a professional repair person. You can take a pair of tweezers and diligently pick out all the lint and whatever from the Velcro. It’s kind of tedious, but it does work.

I learned this from an excellent operation: Pine Tree Orthopedic Labs, on Park Street in Livermore Falls, at the intersection with Route 17. They are also excellent at providing and custom making footwear for people with all types of needs. I hope this information is helpful.

I, too, enjoy reading Sun Spots, although this is the first time I’ve written to you. — Bill, nicker@roadrunner.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I tried to e-mail dragongirl11137@yahoo.com in response to her query about low-cost legal services, but her e-mail is not accepting mail or is written incorrectly. I just wanted to add that the Cumberland Legal Aid Clinic helps low-income people with family law and are great. I have been using their services for two years. Call 780-4881. — Vicki, vdragonfly92@yahoo.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am looking for a sewing pattern to make clothing for a “Ken” doll. Please e-mail me. — Barbara MacGregor, mtranger@roadrunner.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am the market manager for the St. Mary’s Farmers and Artisans Market. Your reader is looking for Stanley Haynes of Clay Hill Farm in Peru. Stan raises and sells all natural Angus steer beef, I don’t believe he sells at any markets in the winter months, but can be contacted at 576-6451.

I am available for any future questions about the summer Farmers and Artisans Summer Market at St. Mary’s or the winter Lewiston Farmers and Artisans Market at the Nutrition Center of Maine. —  Tina Guenette, tguenette@stmarysmaine.com, 777-8606

DEAR SUN SPOTS: We do not know the farmer who sold ground beef to Jason (Jan. 8 column), but we sell grass-fed beef for $3.50 a pound, available for sale at this time. — Rusty and Judy D’Amour, 345-8576 or 312-1371

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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