DEAR SUN SPOTS: If anyone can help me, you can! I need someone who will use my snowblower to keep me plowed out for the winter. I am 89 years old, and I can’t do it any more. Reasonable rates, please. — Ruth, Lewiston, 784-4278

ANSWER: Sun Spots has had this request many times, but has never gotten any responses from willing workers. It seems like it might be a nice little part-time business for someone who is out of work. Maybe they could do your snow for free in return for the use of your machine to serve other customers, such as the following writer?

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Would you know of anyone in the Lewiston region who is available for snowblowing? Thank you. — nancyfyke@yahoo.com,

DEAR SUN SPOTS: If you have elderly relatives, friends, etc., and don’t know what to give them for Christmas or other occasions, consider giving them a gift that will last all year: Hire a person to assist them in doing their cleaning or other chores they need help with. — fred04276@yahoo.com

 ANSWER: That is an excellent idea. One chore volunteers might help with is snowblowing!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I would greatly appreciate your assistance with two items. Months ago I posted information in search of my lost silver beaded bracelet with three different colored glass beads and the name “Mimi.” I received no response but am still in hopes someone has found it and will return it to me. It was a gift of great sentimental value representing my grandchildren.

Also, I am in search of individuals who are in the business of coming into a home being prepared for real-estate sale to review its contents, offer prices for these items, then remove them.

Thank you so much. I read Sun Spots daily and find it highly informative and helpful. — Alfreda Fournier, afournier4@roadrunner.com, 782-4348

ANSWER: Sun Spots is very sorry about your bracelet. Have you tried checking local pawn shops?

As for estate sales, Sun Spots found two possibilities:

Charles M. Talbot Assoc. in Turner, 225-3797, auctioneer and licensed appraiser

McMorrow Auction Co., 48 Mechanic Falls Road, Poland, 777-7030, 800-924-9477, auctioneer & appraiser of antiques and personal property

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am looking for a company that sells traction aids, the products that help you when you get stuck in the snow. Thank you very much. — G.A.L., Auburn

ANSWER: Sun Spots was surprised at how difficult it was to find these. She guesses that the proliferation of four-wheel drive vehicles has made them less necessary.

She isn’t sure if this is what you are looking for, but at www.tractionaids.com (877-872-5243) she found those gizmos that go below your tires. They sell for $51.99.

Consumer Report’s website recommends two products: the tire sock, which fits around you tire like chains, and Tyre-Grip, a spray-on traction enhancer. Both are available at Amazon.com. The first sells for about $75, depending on the tire size, and the latter for about $20.

There may be local sources as well. If so, please write and let Sun Spots know.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to the Dec. 2 inquiry from the lady looking for the crafter who sold recycled sweater mittens at the Central Maine Medical Center holiday fair on Nov. 18. I sold mittens from recycled sweaters on the first floor of that fair. I would like to hear from the writer or anyone who is interested in purchasing more. — Beth Derenburger, Oxford, 539-4353

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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