DEAR SUN SPOTS: In regard to the inquiry in the April 13 Sun Spots about traveling in France, I’m a retired French professor who has seen many areas of that country. Definite highlights for me are Alsace, the chateaux of the Loire, Mont St. Michel, and the Mediterranean coast. But you can’t “do France” without Paris. I would suggest spending at least 10 days in the capital since the sites as well as the delicious meals are well worth your time. I have written two unique guidebooks to the city that include main attractions, free things to do and suggestions for lodging and dining. The books also give short bios and addresses of famous Americans and French people to help you follow in their footsteps. Check out “Pilgrimage to Paris” and “Paris and Parisians” by Jayne Boisvert at your local bookstore or on Amazon. — Jayne, no town

ANSWER: Awesome! Thank you so much for sharing this information with us. It would be great to read them and just even dream of France right now. I also highly recommend watching American travel writer Rick Steves’ videos about traveling in the country.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I love the word-find books. Could someone tell me where to find the same books with extras added like vowels, numbers or trickier puzzles? — Beryl, Lisbon

ANSWER: I find these at the Dollar Store, Dollar Tree and Big Lots quite often. How about other readers? Do you have a place you go to get these fun books that help us keep our brain cells in tip-top condition?

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Two weeks ago, my husband and I were on our way to the Dollar Tree in the Auburn Plaza near Lumber Liquidators. My husband, who is recovering from a stroke, fell in the parking lot, flat on his face. I couldn’t turn him over and three men came to our rescue.

One gentleman was in a military uniform. They turned my husband over and moved him to the curb. The gentleman in uniform brought my husband to a sitting position using his knee. Another man covered my husband with a blanket and a lady nearby called for an ambulance. My husband was later checked out and everything turned out OK.

These four people certainly are angels and I cannot express my thanks for their act of kindness to us. Hopefully they will be paid back one day. — No name, no town

ANSWER: That must have been so scary and I’m so glad that angels were sent to you just when you needed them most. Thank goodness your husband is OK.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: My husband and I disagree on how to clean mushrooms. Please set us straight. We read your column every day. — Margaret, Auburn

ANSWER: If you see any dirt on your mushrooms, grab a clean, dry cloth, paper towel, or a pastry brush to flick away the dirty bits.

If you really must, give them a fast swish in lukewarm water then drain in a colander and immediately blot with a towel. Cook them right away as washed mushrooms don’t keep well. If you don’t use them all, store them in a brown paper bag in the fridge. Enjoy!

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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