DEAR SUN SPOTS: You are a blessing and have helped me many times. Thank you.

I am trying to find a mattress for a folding cot bed not over 32 inches wide. They will sell you a new cot but don’t have replacements I can buy. 

I have tried just about everywhere. Can you help? Thank you. — No Name, East Dixfield

ANSWER: Those replacement mattresses are available online. In fact, they are on sale at Amazon right now for $43.84. It’s a 2-inch foam mattress, 30 by 74 inches. They call it a “stram mattress.”

You can probably find one even cheaper at eBay or other sites, but you’ll need a computer, and Sun Spots notes your letter is handwritten. Do you have a family member who can help you out? Or you could go to the library.

Sun Spots knows these responses annoy many readers, who don’t want anything to do with computers. Her mother was one of them. That’s OK if you’re 75 or 80, but if you’re 55, you really should learn the basics.

It’s becoming more and more difficult to do business, even simple personal stuff, without them. Not only are many low-volume items like this one not available in local stores, but some things (for example, airplane tickets) may cost more if you buy them over the phone or in person rather than online.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have a $25 gift certificate to Casa De Luna that I received in March and they have been closed since. Does Sun Spots know how I can redeem my $25 certificate? Thank you for your time. — Gregg Perry, lvis219@megalink.net

ANSWER: Sun Spots is sorry to say that you are probably out of luck. She has had dozens of these queries over the years and only rarely does the person get their money back.

If the business closed because they were not making money, there will be few assets to split among the creditors, which is what gift certificate holders are. Of course, there are other reasons for closing.

A couple of times a business owner has seen a plea like yours in the column and made good. Perhaps you will get lucky, too.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I wrote to you last month about getting a reverse mortgage. I went forward to find out more. A lady named Jill came to my home with stack full of papers. None of the paperwork about me was correct.

After she left, Tim Waiss from California called and told me I would have to pay $200 for a check-up on the house. I told him I cannot afford $200. He will call again next week. — No Name, Lewiston

ANSWER: Sun Spots is hearing warning bells. Please get professional advice (lawyer, accountant or financial adviser) before proceeding.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Catholic Financial Life Chapter N413 would like to thank you for your continued support of our annual fundraiser for Pwoje Espwa (Project Hope). You made a difference in the lives of these poor Haitian orphans.

We are also grateful to the donors for their generosity. With their contributions, we were able to raise over $8500.

Hopefully, we can count on your help again next May. Thanks. — Jean L. Gastonguay, president, CFL Chapter N413, jmgartist@gmail.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: We want to thank the gentleman who picked up our check at Fusion Sunday morning (June 8).

When he was leaving he said have a nice day and took the check.

We will have to make sure we do the same thing. Thanks again, whoever you are. — No Name via email

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Falls Road Veterinary Clinic, 475 Farmington Falls Road, Farmington, 207-778-2840, fallsroadveterinaryclinic.com, also offers cremation services done on-site (June 21 query).

They have a nice selection of locally made urns; they are a very caring and compassionate staff. Check their website for all their services. Thank you. — Neal Yeaton, nealgyea@live.com

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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