DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am interested in finding someone in the Lewiston-Auburn area who repairs watches and clocks. Thank you. — No Name, Lisbon Falls

ANSWER: It appears that watch and clock repair are two different specialties. For clock repair, Sun Spots has the following:

* Leroy Blauvelt, Porter Road, Dixfield, 562 8955

* Harry Hepburn III of Harrison, 583-2821

* Rohman Clockworks, 350 Minot Ave., Auburn, 784-1211

As for watches, if you just need a battery or new band, most local jewelers can help you. If it is more than that, keep in mind that many watches are more expensive to repair than replace.

However, if it is an expensive or antique watch, Sun Spots found Keith Fields Classical Goldsmith, 147 Maine St., Brunswick, ME 04011, 207-725-5141.

Watches are another item that have declined in popularity due to technology. Who needs a watch when you have a cellphone in your hand?

Sun Spots remembers when just about everyone wore a watch. Now for many they have become a status symbol. $10,000 Rolex, anyone?

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thanks to you and Mr. Sun Spots for the information on Windows 8, the frustration it is causing some users and the program that recreates the traditional interface.

Windows 8 caused me many headaches, so I was excited to learn more about Classic Shell. I read many excellent reviews online, so I have downloaded the program and am now making some minor adjustments. Hooray, things look like they used to with Windows 7.

The free copy of Classic Shell is at the address Sun Spots listed: www.classicshell.net. (Note that the suffix is .net not .com.) I am ever so grateful! — Kathleen, Auburn

ANSWER: Sun Spots is always pleased to be of help. On this topic she also has a warning. When your computer downloads updates, one of the optional updates is to download 8.1. Do NOT do it. Sun Spots did, and it is even worse than 8. She lost her printer drivers, a very common problem according to online posts, and even a new driver did not fix her connectivity issues.

Mr. Sun Spots said that Microsoft has seen the light and plans future releases to revert back to being more like Windows 7. Also, because of all the complaints, there is talk of an early release before Windows 9 of a version that will fix some of these problems. Sun Spots can only hope. Even with Mr. Sun Spots in residence, the productivity loss has been considerable.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Where is Cindy Williams on WCSH, Channel 6? — Ed via email

ANSWER: You must have tuned in while she was off duty or on vacation, because when Sun Spots checked she was anchoring the news as usual.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to No Name, No Town who was upset about their neighbor’s flag flying in all weather and at night (March 25), just in case she was referring to us, we have been lax in remembering to keep a light on the flag at night and will try to do better.

The flag is weatherproof and designed to be up in good and bad weather. (The old ones were cotton and would get mold and mildew if left out in the rain.)

I would think that No Name would be glad at least to see a flag, since most people don’t bother to buy and put one up. — Ellen Field, New Gloucester

ANSWER: Sun Spots is pleased to be able to say your neighbors are not complaining — at least not to her. The letter was from a different 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 [email protected].