DEAR SUN SPOTS: I would like to know what to put on our new shed to keep the natural pine wood from getting dry and cracking. What would be the best thing to use on it? Thank you. — No Name, No Town

ANSWER: Sun Spots does not feel qualified to give you a recommendation, but she did do some online research. Most of the sites were trying to sell their products, but she did find this offering from Tom Silva at www.thisoldhouse.com, which explains the difference between a water repellent and a wood preservative.

“A wood preservative contains chemicals that kill the fungi and insects that discolor or destroy wood. Wood preservatives are classified as pesticides, so their use is strictly regulated by environmental laws. They should be handled and disposed of with care, following the instructions on the label.

“A water repellent is a penetrating wood finish loaded with oils or waxes designed to prevent water from soaking into wood. Organisms that discolor or degrade wood need water to survive, and a water-repellent treatment makes it harder for them to grow, as long as it is reapplied to bare wood every year or two. Water repellents also stabilize wood somewhat, reducing its tendency to check (crack) and warp.

“Water repellents that contain a small amount of wood preservative are called, not surprisingly, water-repellent wood preservatives. Although it’s easy to think of these products as being primarily for decking and siding that won’t receive a top coat of paint, applying a water-repellent wood preservative to all sides of a piece of exterior wood before painting provides the best protection against decay and doesn’t need to be reapplied until the paint fails.”

Sun Spots’ experience with her cabin in the woods and what she’s read online indicate that unless treatment is reapplied each season even treated wood will eventually turn “gray.” She and Mr. Sun Spots finally gave up and used a colored stain.

However, readers may know of a product they found helpful and would like to recommend.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have a very large supply of books, both hardcover and paperback — some 300 tomato boxes are pretty well filled. The books range from fiction and nonfiction, including biographies, history, self-help, romance, nature — a very wide variety, and the overall condition of the books is good.

They need to be moved this month (November), so I ask anyone interested to call me at 786-0720 for further detail regarding location and available dates. The inventory is free and is to go in total.

Thank you, Sun Spots, for this opportunity to make good use of the books. — No Name, Auburn

ANSWER: That is a whole lot of books!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Here at The Center for Wisdom’s Women in Lewiston, we know that a woman’s appearance can do a lot for self esteem — if you look better, you feel better.

One of the services we provide is giving away a monthly bag of personal hygiene items to any woman in need. Requests for bags have grown exponentially, and we are often running out of items. When your readers are out shopping, we would love it if they could buy needed items and donate them. We give away the following — full sizes, not samples.

* Shampoo/conditioner (combo)

* Deodorant

* Lotion

* Toothpaste and toothbrushes

* Disposable razors

We have plenty of tampons and bar soap in stock. Women have also asked for laundry detergent (small bottles best).

The center is located between Pine and Ash streets off of Bates, behind the Healy Terrace building. Look for the large sign with a sunflower on it. We are open weekdays at 9 a.m.; we close at 3 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, at noon on Wednesday and Friday.

Thank you for all do you do for our community! — Klara Tammany, cww@oxfordnetworks.net

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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