DEAR SUN SPOTS: I lost a ring at Great Falls Plaza in Auburn. It’s a size 7 and has a blue Maine tourmaline with two small diamonds. If found, please email me at Optwell123@gmail.com.

— Merry, no town

ANSWER: Let’s think positively. Please let us know when your ring is returned!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: For computer repair, (Oct. 4 Sun Spots) I recommend Allamericansolutions.com. It is run by retired veterans and charges a $99 flat fee with a money-back guarantee. They work remotely and also offer training at a reasonable fee. You can contact them at 1- 888-246-9990. They worked on my computer for two hours and now it runs like new.

— Susan, no town

ANSWER: I researched this “remote” company and since it’s also recommended by a reader, I’m sharing the information, but always use caution when contacting a company “from away” that says they’ll fix your computer.

Another reliable company is Geek Squad, affiliated with Best Buy (1-800-433-5778) that I have used with great results. But really, using someone local or a company someone personally recommends is your best bet.

Furthermore, if you get a call from a computer company saying they are from Microsoft, etc., do not give them any personal information. Hang up. This type of call is likely to be a scam.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thank you for the information (Oct. 7 Sun Spots) regarding who to contact about can tabs. I was able to contact one of the ladies you recommended. Keep up the good work!

— Jody, no town

ANSWER: Tammy, 320-3848 and Mary Ann, 783-6651 are the ladies who will help get those tabs to Ronald McDonald House!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: This is in answer to the request for pumpkin whoopie pies printed in the Oct. 11 Sun Spots.

— Pamela, Minot

ANSWER: Tis the season and Sun Spots readers are on the ball! I’d love to hear how readers hop on board with the autumn pumpkin-spice craze. I’ll share the recipes. Pamela sent this one in from the cookbook Stirring It Up In Maine.

Combine 2 cups brown sugar, 1 cup oil, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1½ cups pumpkin in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine 3 cups flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon baking powder. Add to pumpkin mixture and mix well. Drop by tablespoons onto baking sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes at 350 degrees.

For the filling, combine: Beat 4 egg whites until stiff. Fold in 1 cup confectioner’s sugar. In a separate bowl, cream 1½ cups Crisco or butter. Beat in 3 cups confectioner’s sugar. Mix in 2 teaspoons vanilla and¼ teaspoon salt. Fold in egg white mixture. Frost whoopie pie halves when cooled and sandwich together.

Another reader, Elisa (no town) had saved a similar recipe for these seasonal treats that was printed in a Sun Spots column previously. The recipe for the cookies is the same as above, but spiced up with 1½ teaspoons each cinnamon, ginger and ground cloves.

The recipe Elisa sent includes a variation for the filling as well: Beat together 1 package (8 ounces) softened cream cheese, 3 tablespoons butter, 1 pound confectioner’s sugar, and 2 teaspoons vanilla. Add a tablespoon or two of milk, if needed.

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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