DEAR SUN SPOTS: My wife recently lost her diamond wedding ring in our kitchen. She had taken it off while cooking and placed it on a kitchen counter. She totally forgot about it until the following day.

We suspect that at some point the ring may have been accidentally knocked onto the floor. We have done a complete and thorough search of the kitchen counter and kitchen floor areas (including under the stove and refrigerator) but could not find the ring.

We have heard that mice are attracted to small, shiny objects and will sometimes take them these objects to their private hiding holes with comfortable bedding and a place to hide their treasures.

We suspect that during the night the mouse found the ring and took it to its nesting place. We live in a large, older home and know that mice also live here. Would you have any suggestions on how to locate the missing ring without having to tear the kitchen’s walls, ceiling and floor apart? — No Name, Auburn

ANSWER: Sun Spots knows of no easy way to search for mouse nests, but you could consult an exterminator.

She doesn’t recommend tearing your house apart. It will end up costing you as much as the ring and is unlikely to reap positive results. Think of all the thousands of spots a tiny mouse and tiny ring could be.

At any rate, Sun Spots thinks the mouse theory is a bit unlikely. Some animals will pick up shiny objects, but the chance that a hungry mouse was in your kitchen at the same time the ring was on the counter and went for the ring instead of food seems farfetched.

She thinks it’s far more likely that the ring has managed to evade your search. Undoubtedly the ring will eventually show up in the flour canister or in the pocket of your wife’s housecoat or in the lip under the stove edge. Keep looking, thinking about how it could have fallen. You should also check the trap in your kitchen sink.

Ten years ago Sun Spots lost a tiny item. She looked and looked, checking everywhere before moving out of an apartment. Then, last month she found it when she was dismantling her old vacuum, which had died. The item was caught in the backside of the vacuum’s wheels.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Like so many others, I read your column every day and wouldn’t miss it ever! I have two questions.

Does anyone have any no-longer-needed accordion sheet music? In retirement I’m starting over from my teen years. I’m a beginner again.

Secondly, I have a bread machine that has a leaking pan, around the center gasket. I would like to replace the pan but haven’t had any luck. It is a Gold Star brand, model HB-026E.

I bought this secondhand. It was newly purchased by the the original owner on Dec. 26, 1995, in a New York Caldors and was made by LG Electronics.

Thank you very much for your help and please keep up your fine work. — Kneady, Avon

ANSWER: Sun Spots is sorry to disappoint a devoted reader, but she didn’t have much luck with the bread machine. Some parts are available on eBay, but nothing for that model on the night she checked. At nearly 20 years old, you are probably better off buying a new one.

Sheet music, on the other hand, is available all over the Internet, some of it for free.

Sun Spots notes that your letter is handwritten. If you don’t have a computer, you could try visiting your local public library. They may print some of it out for you for a small fee.

UPDATE ON WATCHING ‘DOWNTON’

One of Sun Spots’ colleagues pointed out that it’s free to stream (watch) the third season of “Downton Abbey” on the PBS website, a fact Sun Spots failed to mention. You can find those episodes of Masterpiece and many other shows at video.pbs.org. There are also links to PBS shows from mpbn.net. “Downton” expires March 3.

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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