DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am an introvert and not big on parties and crowds, especially with COVID-19 still lurking. I would like to hear about ways that other people in Sun Spots Land celebrate, or at least acknowledge the new year in a way that is meaningful. I could use some new ideas.—Lawrence, no town

ANSWER: This is a fun question and I hope we get some creative responses. It has been years since I attended a New Year’s Eve party, preferring to do something in the great outdoors Jan. 1. Walking the beach, having breakfast at my favorite diner or inviting a few friends over for brunch so we can play a  board game, and go for a walk together are all choices I have made in the past.

I often spend New Year’s Eve writing in my journal and reviewing the past year and all that it held — the good and the not so good. I light a new candle and have some soft music playing in the background and also make myself a simple, but special dinner.

All this is a tradition I have come to love that helps me say goodbye to the old and hello to the new. I normally do not stay up until midnight. I would rather greet the sun when it rises Jan. 1.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Success! I wrote to you requesting information on where I might find One Pie squash pie filling (Dec. 9 Sun Spots). Thank you to everyone who responded. My son-in-law was able to find six cans at Shaw’s at Cook’s Corner in Brunswick for me.—No name, no town

ANSWER: We got many responses to your call for help and that, my dear, is what makes Sun Spots so special. I am glad the Sun Spotters Team (comprised of all the readers) could assist.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I need a new set of prescription eyeglasses, but they are very expensive and I just cannot afford to spend hundreds of dollars on them right now. I am curious to know if any readers have ever bought their glasses online from one of the companies where you take a photograph of yourself and send it in. If you have, please share your experience. I am tempted, but would rather get some reviews from local people before I commit.—Sharon, Norway

ANSWER: I have often wondered about those companies, as well. And yes, eyeglasses can be expensive.

To buy them online, you need your prescription and then you can try on frames virtually, where you take a photograph or video of yourself and upload it to the website.

These companies have return policies of a few weeks to a few months, and your eyeglasses will usually have a warranty that covers defects for a year. Some will accept your health insurance and/or FSA or HSA.

You are smart to want to hear from others about their experiences with buying online glasses. I hope Sun Spotters will help you with their recommendations.

Your eyes and sight are very important.

Some online eyeglass companies to consider: Zenni, Warby Parker, Eyebobs, Eyeconics and FramesDirect.

These were all recently vetted by Forbes.

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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