DEAR SUN SPOTS: Who foots the bill for Gov. Paul LePage and the Maine delegation to travel to the National Republican Convention? Many thanks, Sun Spots. — Carolyn Libbey, virusone@earthlink.net

ANSWER: Sun Spots put this question to the Sun Journal’s state politics editor, Scott Thistle, who said that the attendees to conventions pay their own way, or the political party does. But, Scott said: “LePage will be eligible for his salary; he needn’t take vacation time as all governors are made a delegate for their respective parties. And it could be argued they are their representing the state.”

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am a daily reader, and I have two questions.

Why do leaves drop off my tomato plants? They look bald!

Is there anyone out there who served or knows someone who served on the USS Terror in World War II? I lost a brother on that ship. I am looking for more closure.

Thank you. — Peggy L., Brunswick

ANSWER: Are the leaves falling off or are they being eaten? Sun Spots cannot be sure, but you might have hornworms. If you do, by the time you read this it may be too late for your tomatoes.

Hornworms are voracious eaters. They are also extremely unappealing. The adults are a few inches long and about a half-inch in diameter. They are the same color as the foliage and stems, so very difficult to see on the plant, but their waste is often quite evident on the ground around the plant where they are eating.

The only sure cure Sun Spots knows is to remove them from your plants, and you have to check regularly or they will grow fat and happy on your hard work.

When you peel them off, they have little suction cup thingies on their feet, and they try to grab you. And they actually do have little horns.

Mr. Sun Spots is kind enough to do this dirty work. He then feeds the worms to the wild turkeys, who love them. Although it is kind of off-putting to watch the turkeys eating them.

As for the USS Terror, Sun Spots found a website for crew reunions (www.ringleib.com/terror/). Two of the men have written a book that you might want to read. On the website for the 2011 reunion it says:

“This new book just completed by Ed Wolfe in conjunction with Allie Ryan is ready to hit the stands. It is based upon a personal diary by Ed Wolfe during his service aboard USS YMS 288 and USS Terror CM5. While the work contains Wolfe’s unedited diary, his entries are augmented by corresponding Terror deck log entries, action reports and muster rolls from Ryan’s personal Terror collection.

“The story told, from dull hours patrolling on a World War II minesweeper to the final bloody suicide attack on Terror, makes this a great read for mine warfare veterans or any persons interested in the Pacific War.

“The price of ‘Wartime Memories’ is $14 including postage. Please forward requests for the book with payment to Ed Wolfe, 276 First Avenue, Apt. 9D, New York, NY 10009.”

Sun Spots did not find the book in the Maine library system.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: On Aug. 14 there was a letter from someone who wanted to donate yarn. Since May I have been making baby booties and donating them to three hospitals. I would appreciate anyone’s yarn. Thank you so much. — Eva, Rumford, 364-3997

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.

Copy the Story Link