DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am writing in response to the Feb. 21 letter from Jackie who is seeking a housekeeper service. I would like to recommend MZ Cleaning at 145 Lisbon St., Lewiston, phone number 713-7161.

This is a family-run, local cleaning service that does commercial, residential and post-construction cleaning. The business is owned and operated by Tom and Deb Murphy and Carey Zambas.

Tom and Deb also do estate cleaning services and sales. They own The Clean Estate and can be contacted for that business at 740-7299 or dmurph72@gmail.com.

Additionally, for dog owners who need some help with yard maintenance, Carey also owns Scoop4Paws, a pet waste removal service that offers spring/fall cleanup, weekly, biweekly and monthly services. You may contact Carey at 713-1550 or info@scoop4paws.com. Thank you for the valuable service you provide to our community. — Pat, no town

ANSWER: Wow! There is lots of good information here that I hope readers will save for the next time they need clean up services.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I would like the banana cookie recipe that was in the paper a while ago. It had two bananas and no eggs. I always read your column. — Florence, Mexico

ANSWER: These cookies are very easy and tasty. You can substitute butter for the shortening and add different spices and even chocolate chips!

Banana Cookies: Mix 1 cup mashed bananas, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup shortening, 2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts if desired. Bake for 12 minutes at 375 degrees on a greased cookie sheet.

Also, did you know you can use the following ingredients to replace eggs when baking? Each of the following substitutions equals one egg: half of a banana or one 1/4 cup applesauce, silken tofu (processed in a blender), yogurt, buttermilk, or sweetened condensed milk.

You can also use 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed stirred into 3 tablespoons water. Allow that mixture to set for a few minutes until it becomes gelatinous then add it to your recipe. This is the formula I use most often when incorporating an egg substitute into my baking. My second favorite is plain yogurt.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m hoping you can solve a “mystery “ for me. We watch TV over the air using an antenna. Most of the time, all the local channels are clear as a bell, but for no apparent reason, we lose Channel 6.

I would expect that to happen on a stormy day but it happens on beautiful clear days. We even bought a booster. Do you have any ideas? Thank you, we love your column! — Sue, Turner

ANSWER: Are any of your neighbors having the same issue? One idea I have is that you may need to re-scan your TV to be sure you’re receiving all the available channels in your area. This is the same scan you did to find your local channels when you set up your TV or converter box for the first time. If you haven’t scanned your TV recently, try that. Consult your TV or converter box owner’s manual or visit the manufacturer’s website for instructions and customer service contact information. This site is also helpful: https://www.fcc.gov/rescan.

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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