DEAR SUNSPOTS: I enjoy reading Sun Spots each morning with my cup of coffee. I would like to thank the angel who found my wallet at the Auburn Shaw’s and turned it in at the service desk. I wish I knew who you are. You deserve an award. I will be forever grateful. — Nancy, Auburn

ANSWER: That is so nice! You must be very relieved. I hope the person who found your wallet sees this and that it warms his/her heart.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’d like to make people aware of a problem that exists here in Maine. We have a lot of radon gas in our bedrock and when it is drilled for water the gas is disturbed and goes into our homes in the way through our air and water.

You can’t taste or smell it. You only know it’s there by having your air and water tested. Radon can cause cancer. Our water tested fine when we first built our home 40 years ago. We should have followed up through the years, but we didn’t. Now I’m a 10-year survivor of Stage 4 thyroid cancer and a seven-year survivor of lung cancer although I was never a smoker or had anyone around me who smoked.

Two years ago I had surgery for an abnormal heart growth. Two months ago, after 46 years of living in our home, we had our air and water retested and sure enough, both tested high for radon. Did this cause me to have cancer?

We just recently hired a wonderful young man, Kyle Steely, who is registered to do this work and he put in a treatment system for us. Within three days, our air radon level went from high to normal. Kyle’s telephone number is 332-4205. He did a fantastic job for us. I now have peace of mind and couldn’t be more pleased that I had the work done. — Barbara, Minot

ANSWER: You’re very brave, Barbara, and have been through a lot. I’m so glad you found a contractor to take care of you. I’m always pleased to add these recommendations to the Rolodex.

For more information about radon in Maine, go to  https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/rad/radon/rnmitigation.htm or call The Radiation Control Program at 287-5676.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: This is a recipe for No Sugar Cookies by Jennie R. Brewer Hudson in the Holiday Cook Book pamphlet 1989 printed in various newspapers from Massachusetts. I hope it helps diabetics celebrate the holidays.

Boil 1 cup raisins,  1/2 cup chopped apples, and 1/2 cup chopped dates in 1 cup of water. Add 1/2 cup melted margarine, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 cup quick-cooking oats, 2 beaten eggs, and 3/4 cup chopped nuts.

Mix well and refrigerate batter overnight. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees and drop batter by the spoonful on to a greased baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

I find baking a little bit longer is best, but use your own judgment. — No name, Lewiston

ANSWER: These sound healthy and would be good as a breakfast food when time is tight and you’re running out the door. Butter could be substituted for the margarine — it’s healthier.

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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