DEAR SUN SPOTS: If anyone is still interested in disposing of their all-natural Christmas tree, I saw that Wilderness Miracles Wildlife Rehab in Bowdoinham (720-0074) will pick it up for their porcupines. Also, please remember that the nonprofit can use donations of all sorts. They have an Amazon Wish List online at https://tinyurl.com/2uhd9xjc with specific items needed to keep their fur babies healthy.

RMT Farms is another place that will pick up your tree for their goats and alpacas to munch on. (409-9939). — No name, Litchfield

ANSWER: Thanks for these additions to the Christmas tree picnicking parade! Readers, if you know of other places where Christmas trees are used for snacking, please let us know ASAP. We’d like the animals to have those trees while they still have a little juicy tenderness left in them!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Reading about your daughter having an egg allergy reminded me of something a friend told me. I have not personally researched the validity of this claim, but many egg farms feed their chickens meal that includes soy.

Some people are allergic to soy.  When they eat eggs from chickens who have been fed meal including soy, they have an allergic reaction and assume it’s from the eggs, when in fact, it is the soy they are allergic to. I wonder if that can be the case for your daughter. Take care, and may 2022 be serene. — Ilze, no town

ANSWER: How sweet of you to bring this to my attention! I looked it up and this could very well be the issue with my daughter (and others) or be contributing to it.

It’s worth looking into if there are readers who have an egg allergy or egg intolerance. Here is just one of many interesting articles on the subject. https://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/egg-allergy-really-soy-allergy/.

I read that soybean meal, which contains soy allergens, is commonly used as a conventional poultry ration in poultry meat and egg production and therefore might transfer to the meat and/or eggs produced. Organic eggs can contain soy as well as the conventionally-raised version.

I’m only Ms. Sun Spots, not a medical professional, so if you think you could have an egg and/or soy allergy/intolerance, the best action you can take is to talk with your health care provider about your concerns and have some testing done.

If there are readers who have experience with egg allergies or medical professionals with good information to share, please write in!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: This is another reminder about sand if you are a Lewiston resident. Please go to 195 River Road with a shovel and no more than two empty five-gallon buckets. Loading the sand, which also contains salt, is self-serve from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday except for holidays.

If the gates are open on the weekends, that means Public Works crews are treating the roads; please help yourself to sand, but remember, no more than two empty five-gallon buckets per visit. — No name, Lewiston

ANSWER: Thank you for the clarification on the amount of sand to take and the reminder on the hours. It’s much appreciated!

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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