DEAR SUN SPOTS: We heat our two-story home with oil and each floor has its own zone. We use the second floor a lot, although not constantly, so closing off rooms is not an option. Is it more efficient to keep the temperature the same on both levels or can we turn down the heat three to four degrees on the second story, perhaps saving a bit of oil?

There is cold air coming down the open stairway when I do keep the upstairs cooler, which may negate any possible savings. What say your experts? Thank you. — Jan S., Auburn

ANSWER: You will almost always save energy by turning down a thermostat, but whether it’s worth it or not (in terms of comfort vs. money saved) depends on the individual situation. You could have an expert assess your home to find the best options.

You can get an energy audit through Efficiency Maine, www.efficiencymaine.com/energy-audit/, 866-376-2463. “Efficiency Maine is an independent trust dedicated to promoting the efficient and cost-effective use of energy in order to save money for Maine residents and businesses, grow the economy and create jobs.”

If you sign up, a registered residential advisor will look for air leaks, determine how your insulation is performing and evaluate the efficiency and safety of your heating system. Then they will use a computer program to determine the cost and savings associated with potential changes.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I would like to know why WCSH Channel 6 has so many interruptions during the “Today Show”? It appears they lose the signal momentarily. It also happens on other programs throughout the day and evening. It is very annoying and I find myself changing channels due to these interruptions.

I have contacted my satellite provider, and they have assured me it is not their signal that is the problem. What’s up with Channel 6? — Jack Gamache, [email protected]

ANSWER: You did not say which satellite provider, but if it’s Direct TV, the following post on WCSH’s Facebook page may answer your question:

“To all of the comments about a choppy signal: our master control says it’s not a problem they can find on our end, and it appears you all seem to be experiencing it on Direct TV? Maybe try contacting them to find out if they’re having a problem.”

Other posts on that page noted that viewers had no problems with the over-the-air signal or on Time Warner. It seems much more likely that the problem is with your provider, perhaps a communication issue between it and Channel 6? 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: For many years now I’ve been wondering if anyone else remembers when many small Maine towns had a donkey baseball team. I’ve asked many older Maineiacs, and none of them seem to remember any such thing.

As the name implies, the game was played just like a regular baseball game, except for the fact that every player sat on a donkey while playing. Each and every player had to remain on his donkey to make any kind of play. This included the pitcher, catcher and batter.

Every game was hilariously funny, because there was absolutely no telling what any of those donkeys would do during any play. When their riders cued them to do something, anything, they might go and they might not; they might stop and they might not.

These small-town donkey teams were quite popular throughout the first half of the 20th century. That was a time when Maine still had a great many small working farms, with horses, mules or donkeys to help with the farm work.

The last game that I remember seeing was in Lisbon in 1950 at what is now the yellow Schoolhouse Antiques, about a quarter mile past the only traffic light, heading toward Brunswick. — Roland Fleming, Auburn

ANSWER: Sun Spots recalls donkey basketball, not baseball, at her Ohio high school, but she does not recall similar events for baseball.

Readers will surely enjoy recalling their donkey sport memories.

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 [email protected].