DEAR SUN SPOTS: My granddaughter, Avery, just turned 1. I made various size adult and kid T-shirts for people who came to her party. Most adults didn’t take theirs home. I’m hoping there is another little Avery about to have her first birthday. I would love to see them used again (free). Please call 212-3670 to leave a message. Thanks for all you do. — Carol, Auburn

DEAR SUN SPOTS: You have such a knack for finding a direct source with what appears to be a minimum amount of effort I thought maybe you could solve this mystery. Back in the 1990s, I dug up fully intact without any nicks or chinks, a bottle from California Fig Syrup Co., Califig Sterling Products Inc. Successor. Just curious to know the age of the bottle and maybe a ballpark value. — No Name via email

ANSWER: According to online sources, the bottles, although pretty, are not particularly valuable, selling for $1 to $2, as there are oodles of them around. One posting said the product in these bottles was basically a laxative, although it doesn’t sound obvious from the label you described. The same website said they were manufactured in the early 1900s.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Do you know anyone who repairs rain lamps? — Irene, redhead103@adelphia.net

ANSWER: Sun Spots had never heard of a rain lamp. She pictured something with water in it, but it turns out the rain is actually oil droplets, which course down a string at a regular intervals. Sun Spots remembers seeing a very large one at a mall in the 1970s, which is when they became popular. They were first patented in the 1960s. You can read more details about them at www.simnia.com/rain_lamps/.

As for fixing them, the same website says that the most common cause of failure is a burned-out motor. But it could be the pump or something else. If you are handy, you might take a look at it yourself, following the website directions. If you live in L-A, there is a handyman you might ask to take a look: Cliff’s Appliance Repair at 376-5604. Unfortunately, the site said the motors can be difficult to find.

Perhaps readers will know more.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: You have helped before with your wonderful column, and I’m sure you’ll try again. We are a small group that, for a few years, has brought music and songs to the shut-ins of local nursing and assisted-living residences in the Lewiston-Auburn areas to brighten their days.

We are wondering, if by chance, there is someone out there who has his or her entertainment in hiding due to other commitments in life. We are seeking someone who is ready to dust off their talent and join us in this fun activity.

We want to increase our group to provide more variety. We play mainly oldies, Irish, French and Christian songs. We practice on Mondays and play out on Thursdays.

You do not have to be a professional, only like music and have fun. We want to start after Labor Day. I’m hoping to hear from some of you. Please call me at 784-8388. Leave your name and number, and I will return your call. — Rose, Lewiston

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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