ANSWER: Autumn is a great time to refinish a deck because of the usually mild, dry days, cool nights and low humidity. Getting the project done before winter will also help protect the wood from the ravages of cold, wind and precipitation. Here are a couple of local companies from the Sun Spots Rolodex that you might try contacting:

Pinette & Son does home maintenance and can be reached by calling (207) 946-2050 or (207) 754-0405.

Aube’s Home Improvement is based in Auburn, they can be reached by calling (800) 326-8160.

If anyone offers this service and would like to to help out Sandra, please write in to Sun Spots or contact her directly.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: You are so helpful in finding me knitting patterns. I asked several friends if they could look on the internet for adult mittens with a flap. I had one but I haven’t been able to find it since I moved. Thank you. — No name, Auburn.

ANSWER: Sun Spots would like to provide a pattern but unfortunately it takes up more space than this column can provide. Instead here are some places where you can access a free pattern for mittens with a flap: knittingpatterncentral.com/directory/fingerless_mittens.php is a great resource for free knitting patterns. This directory specifically lists patterns for fingerless mittens, many with a flap. You can read a short description and select the pattern that you would like to try. Another website that offers free knitting patterns is ravelry.com. You can browse as a guest but may have to sign up for a free membership to access patterns. One mitten pattern with a flap can be found here: ravelry.com/patterns/library/mittens-with-a-flap.

Both the Auburn and Lewiston public libraries have several books on knitting with many patterns for mittens. Talk to a librarian and they are sure to know exactly where to find a book with the pattern that you are looking for.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have a lot of World Wildlife, National Wildlife and National Geographic (some in 6 month cases) magazines. Is there anyone interested? I can be reached by calling (207) 897-5244. — Susan, Livermore Falls.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am currently looking for a bicycle about 24 inches to 26 inches and either male or female. I’d prefer a road bike over a mountain bike, but I’m not too picky. I recently had to get rid of my own because it had too many issues. I need a bike, not only for exercise but also for transportation and so far I have not had any luck finding one online. If someone is selling a bicycle for under $50, please contact me at (207) 576-9626 or [email protected]. Your help will be greatly appreciated. — Karissa Huff, Lewiston.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Nov. 11 and 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Russell Park Rehab & Living Center in Lewiston is holding the annual Holiday Craft Fair. Tables are available and can be reserved by calling Fern St. Claire at (207) 786-0691 ext. 101. — No name, no town.

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 [email protected], 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.