DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to the person who was looking for a refrigerated truck to keep milkweed leaves fresh in order to feed Monarch butterfly caterpillars (June 4), she (and anyone else interested in raising Monarchs) might find it helpful to know that just putting stalks of milkweed leaves in containers of water will keep them fresh for several days.

This can be done even inside a terrarium while the larvae are developing. A small jelly or pickle jar works great for this, or — in a larger terrarium — a plastic margarine container with holes poked in the lid to help separate the stems and hold them up while preventing the caterpillars from falling in the water and drowning.

The caterpillars will not only happily crawl up the stems to dine, just as they would in the wild, they will then have the stalks handy to attach to when they are ready to pupate, or form their chrysalises.

A warning, however, to those picking milkweed for such a purpose; they should be careful to avoid picking stems which have flower buds on them, as those blossoms are what the adult butterflies — both hand-raised Monarchs and wild butterflies of many different species — depend on for the nectar that sustains them. — Cindy, a frugal nature lover from Lewiston

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Can you tell me when the Paris Hill garden tour will be held this year? Thanks. — No Name, No Town

ANSWER: Sun Spots didn’t find anything online, but watch the column. This is the type of question with which readers often help.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: My aloe vera plants are ready for a new home. Call 784-4278. — Ruth, Lewiston

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I find your column very informative. I have used some of the suggestions or answers often.

I would like a list of all the “American Idol” winners since the beginning. Thank you! — D.L.B., Lewiston

ANSWER: According to wiki.answers.com, they are:

First season, Kelly Clarkson

Second season, Rubbard Studdard

Third season, Fantasia Barrino

Fourth season, Carrie Underwood

Fifth season, Taylor Hicks

Sixth season, Jordin Sparks

Seventh season, David Cook

Eighth season, Kris Allen

Ninth season, Lee DeWyze

10th season, Scotty McCreery

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Could you publish the name and phone number of the woman in Mechanic Falls or Minot area who lost her sheet music in a fire. I have some that needs a home. — No Name, No Town

ANSWER: Sun Spots didn’t find the incident to which you refer. She has had requests for sheet music, but she doesn’t recall any letters about sheet music lost in a fire.

The only thing she found that might fit was an April 18 fire at the Wilton home of Larry Bisbee, who founded the Countryfolk Music Theatre on Route 2. But he’s a man.

Perhaps readers will be able to offer some additional information.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have an upright piano in good condition to give to anyone who could use it. It needs tuning. You may call evenings: 225-3545. — No Name, No Town

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 emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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