DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have just been diagnosed with a trigger finger and was told to find padded or gelled gloves during the time I’m gardening. Can anyone help me find them? Thank you. — No Name via email

ANSWER: Sun Spots discovered that a major manufacturer of these kinds of gloves is Remington. She found three online outlets that sell them: the ubiquitous Amazon.com, Opticsplanet.net and Midwayusa.com (the least expensive). All of these gloves look very big and heavy, and there are many references to use of them with cycling.

She also found something much cheaper that might suit you. At Magidglove.com, they have a blue gel fingerless gloves that looks a little less bulky. And they are less than $5 a pair.

You might also call your doctor’s office and ask them if they have a recommended source. And perhaps readers will have some ideas.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have the Body Row XL 200 rowing machine. I have been trying to buy some resistant bands for it, but all my inquiries have led to nowhere. Perhaps Sun Spots (or a reader) with her wealth of resources will be able to help me. Without the bands, the machine is pretty useless.

I am also looking for a used dehumidifier to buy. I have been looking in the paper every day as well as Craig’s list and Uncle Henry’s. I have checked at Goodwill and the Salvation Army. I really need one, and I am not able to spend much money. Again, perhaps you (or a reader) will have other suggestions where I can look.

Thank you for the outstanding work you do. — No Name via email, 514-5159

ANSWER: Not only was Sun Spots unable to find the replacement bands for your Body Row, it appears the machine itself is not longer available. Sun Spots checked a half-dozen sites, and they all said “out of stock.” She also looked on eBay for the bands to no avail. Perhaps readers will have suggestions.

(The lack of replacement parts is maddening. Sun Spots has a vacuum she loves that just needs one plastic piece, but it isn’t available. Endless numbers of items end up in landfills because they can’t be repaired.)

As for the dehumidifier, Sun Spots had already started on this question before your letter arrived because she, too, needs one. (If all this rain keeps up, we may need a giant dehumidifier for the entire state.)

The news for used ones is not good. Actually, the news for new ones isn’t very positive either. Several reviews said that dehumidifiers are one of the most unreliable of appliances, prone to mechanical problems and an early death; hence the lack of them on the used market.

Noise is apparently also an issue, so if you’re going to use one in the sleeping area of your home, that must be taken into account.

Sun Spots is going to buy a new one but has not settled on a model yet. Thanks to your question, perhaps readers can offer their two cents on a favorite brand. In the meantime, using a fan to draw air through your home (face the fan in an open window so the air blows out; then open a single window on the other side of the room or area you want to clear) can be somewhat helpful.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Lewiston High School Class of 1956 was on the verge of not having a 55-year class reunion due to health and other issues being faced by the planning committee. After learning this, some 1956 classmates decided to “wing it” and plan for an informal/impromptu class luncheon in late July at a Lewiston or Auburn restaurant (not yet determined).

We’re asking LHS Class of 1956 classmates to contact other class members (we don’t have all the necessary phone numbers and addresses) to invite them to join us for a nice time reconnecting and remembering the good old days.

Please call me at 946-2012 or Monique Fortier Grenier at 783-9811 to sign up or for more information or suggestions. — Claire Roger-Anctil, anctil517@roadrunner.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.

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