ANSWER: Sun Spots looked at the property assessment information available on the city of Auburn’s website at  and the building at 71 Broad Street was built about 1898. Currently, the building houses Artistic Creation Tattoo and 12 apartment units. Let’s hope a reader writes in with more information about the building’s history.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Is there anyone out there who sells live edge/slab wood? I am looking for this because in the spring I’ll be opening my woodworking shop and I plan to use this type of wood to make coffee tables and end tables. I’ve found one place so far, but I’m interested in finding others that may have a different variety of wood species. Contact me at 207-353-8354 or 207-353-8354. Thank you.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The person requesting help with an iPad might consider one of the best books I have used for help. My wife and I attended an iPad session for seniors at a nearby adult education site last spring. The instructor used equipment she was unfamiliar with as well as equipment that malfunctioned. It was frustrating and although we picked up bits and pieces, there was not any great value in it.

In December, while shopping at Barnes and Noble, I found a book “My iPad for Seniors,” which I purchased for less than the price of the classroom session. It is excellent. I use it to scan through for things I can do but never knew. Then I follow it step by step. I found it much more helpful and easy to comprehend as I admit, I am technologically challenged. — C.B. in Litchfield.

HI SUN SPOTS: Thanks to everyone who responded to my inquiry concerning the $80 advance in the electricity bill of my daughter’s HUD apartment. It was my mistake. In my day, an allowance was something you received. Everyone has set me and my daughter correctly. Respectfully, No Name in Rumford.

HI SUN SPOTS: I bought a purple poinsettia at Shaw’s in Augusta at Christmas time. There was some discussion among my guests as to whether it had been sprayed or if it had been crossbred to produce the beautiful purple-blue shades. Maybe you could do some research for us, please? Thank you for all the good information in your column. Keep up the good work. — L.E.

ANSWER: Great question! Without seeing your poinsettia, Sun Spots can’t say for sure whether it was sprayed or genetically bred to produce that color. Both methods of producing purple poinsettias are a possibility. Nowadays, poinsettias are not only spray painted with floral spray paint in a wide variety of colors, but they may also be decorated with glitter and sparkles. You may even see poinsettias with a spotted effect that is created by sprinkling alcohol onto the dyed leaves. Visit www.walterreeves.com for more information and photos.

Use the QR code to go to Sun Spots online for additional information and links. 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 be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com, tweeted @SJ_SunSpots or posted on the Sun Spots facebook page at facebook.com/SunJournalSunSpots. This column can also be read online at sunjournal.com/sunspots. We’ve joined Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/sj_sunspots.