DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am looking for a doorknob exerciser. This item has two ropes on a pulley that the user secures to a doorknob. There is a loop on both ends of the rope. Two loops are used for the feet and two for the hands. Your hands and feet go up and down keeping the rope tight. If anyone has one they would like to part with, please call me at 782-5118. — Anita, no town
ANSWER: Oh my goodness! My mother had one of these and my dad always called it the “Rope-a-dope”! When she exercised with it, his main concern was that her gyrations would tear the doorknob off. (Ha-ha).
The “Wonder Body Exerciser was advertised in the ’70s on television and is still used today. You can purchase vintage “Wonder Body” exercisers online and there are also systems called the “Pilates Door Knob Rope Exerciser.” On YouTube, there are even videos to show you how to use it. This exercise equipment can be purchased on Amazon and walmart.com for under $20. Physical therapists and fitness coaches use them as well.
I would think it would be better to have a new one, but perhaps someone does have a “rope-a-dope” they are no longer using. I just need to add that any time you are asking for a favor like this from someone that it’s always nice to pay a fair price or have something to barter in return.
Anita, thanks for bringing up this memory of my mom and dad. It made my morning.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: In regard to the person who wants a homemade teddy bear made from a fur coat (Apr. 8 Sun Spots), years ago I had Angie Rogers of Gray make bears from my mother’s fur coat. She did a beautiful job. Her phone numbers are 420-4169 and 428-4169.
ANSWER: Thank you for the recommendation! I have seen some of these bears and they are very cute!
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding the question in the Apr. 7 Sun Spots regarding Cyrus Baker’s obituary, I found some information on ancestry.com. I also found information about Diane Duloc online. — Pam, no town
ANSWER: I appreciate the readers who have looked up this information online, but right now, we’re looking for the actual obituary for Cyrus who passed away in 2004.
As far as Diane Duloc and the “daughter of Judy Soldt” are concerned, I’m looking for readers who actually know them or someone in their families.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: A neighbor gave me some Jerusalem artichoke tubers to plant before he moved away and I have lost track of him. Does anyone know how, where and when to plant these? I really would like to have enough to use this fall. — Connie, no town
ANSWER: Plant these “sun chokes” in well-drained soil in a sunny spot right away and you should have no problem in realizing a prolific crop. The tubers are similar to potatoes, but with a nutty flavor. These are also decorative as the tubers sprout up to grow a lush, tall screen of sunny yellow flowers.
The tubers can be left in the ground until you’re ready to use them or just store them in a cool, dry place.
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