DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have a beautiful piano to give away. I am moving to a smaller apartment and will not have need for it. I can be contacted at wttssooi1@gmail.com—Thomas, no town

ANSWER: This offer will surely make some Sun Spotter very happy.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind readers that when you are giving something away or looking for an item, it is always helpful to include your town so readers have a good idea about how far they would need to travel to meet up.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: You can find those wonderful Dare cookies at Job Lots in Oxford. I have also seen them at Reny’s stores. My favorite are the maple. Reny’s also has lemon and chocolate fudge, too.—No name, no town

ANSWER: This is in answer to the Sept. 29 Sun Spots. I am so happy to know that these favorite cookies can still be found locally. Job Lots is located at 1570 Main St., so all you cookie hounds can make a beeline there or go to any Reny’s store for those Dare delights. I am getting over there to stock up on the fudge ones.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Can anyone help me find the original Luden’s cough drops and the original Vick’s cough drops? Both come in little boxes, or at least they used to. I do not want the honey, lemon, cherry, etc. flavored ones. The original ones work much better.—No name, no town

ANSWER: I really do not think they come in the little boxes any more, but the current menthol ones are supposed to be the “original.” If any readers have seen them in the boxes, please let us know.

Just so you know, Luden’s Throat Drops are demulcents, a swelling and irritation reliever, and also mild oral anesthetics. According to the product’s Wikipedia page, the active ingredient in the fruit flavors is pectin, a soluble gelatinous polysaccharide found in ripe fruits. Pectin places a coating on the throat to reduce irritation and swelling.

Also, Luden’s (originally a candy company) Throat Drops brand was sold by Hershey’s to Pharmacia in 2001. Then, in 2003, Pfizer acquired Pharmacia. In 2006, Pfizer sold its consumer products division, including the Luden’s line, to Johnson & Johnson. The various honey flavors contain menthol, an oral anesthetic and irritant reliever. You may like those as much as you like the “original.”

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Does anyone have a gently used walker with the seat and the bag that goes under the seat for a reasonable price? If so, please let me know by writing to this great Sun Spots column.—No name, Lewiston

ANSWER: It is very possible another Sun Spotter has what you seek. Stay tuned.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Last Christmas, I froze an 18-pound, precooked ham in its original packaging. Is it still good ? There are different opinions on the internet, but  I would much prefer your opinion. If you would use the ham, please go through the thawing and cooking procedure.—No name, Lewiston

ANSWER: I am not an expert but would advise you cut your losses and get a fresh ham. Readers, your thoughts?

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 will not 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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