DEAR SUN SPOTS: With your vast knowledge of things, is there anyone in the Lewiston-Auburn area who repairs VCRs? Thank you. — Karl, Greene

ANSWER: Sun Spots does not deserve your high praise, as she has no good answer to your question. Many electronic devices made these days seem to be designed to be disposable. Unless they are under warranty, the trend, which Sun Spots finds appallingly wasteful, is to throw them away and buy new.

Since VCRs and the VHS tapes they play are rapidly being replaced by DVDs, your options may be pretty limited. If you have tapes you treasure, you might want to buy a new VCR before manufacturers stop making them.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: This is in response to two recent questions. The first was about the statewide search for painted scenery in Maine. We own the East Sumner Grange at 28 Main St., which houses our business. We donated a painted curtain to the historical society, and it is presently housed at the Increase Robinson Library.

We also have a thriving upholstery business, which was not mentioned when an answer was given about area upholsters. Alan Osborn is a third-generation upholsterer, and we have a wide service area. — Rosemarie Osborn, [email protected], 388-2007

ANSWER: Sun Spots regularly gets asked about upholsterers. She will add Alan to her electronic Rolodex so it will be included from this day forward.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: At the supermarket recently I overheard a woman who was purchasing sea salt say it was because her health care provider had advised her to use it in place of table salt for her blood pressure. It seemed this was translated into permission to use sea salt freely.

I have heard this before and wish to clarify for readers that the sodium content (the part that affects blood pressure) in sea salt and table salt is essentially equal. The USDA nutrient database reports 6 grams of table salt, approximately one teaspoon, at 2,325 mg. of sodium per serving and 6 grams of sea salt at 2,340 mg.

The intent behind using sea salt to replace table salt is that it is coarser and thus more visible, so people tend to use less. A “light” salt or salt substitute replaces some or all of the sodium, but anything labeled “salt ” is truly salt and so is naturally high in sodium. — Deb, Auburn

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I wrote to you a while back concerning bottles and cans for my Mission Mississippi Trip. I am happy to report that I got a huge response and have almost reached my goal. Thank you to everyone who responded!

However, I received a call from a woman named Pam who lives in West Minot. She was willing to donate bottles to my cause, but I unfortunately misplaced her phone number. If she sees this and is willing to call back, it would be much appreciated.

I may be reached at 201-933-3511. Also, if there is anyone else who is willing to donate bottles and cans, I would definitely be happy to take them off of your hands. — Theresa Therriault, [email protected]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am a local Tupperware dealer. C.T in Lewiston may reach me at 782-7540. — Liz , [email protected]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I just wanted to let you know that I sell Tupperware, and my number is 319-8480. Thank you. — Michelle, [email protected]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Please add my name to your list of those who do invisible weaving. — L. Ligthart, 784-7062

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 [email protected].