DEAR SUN SPOTS: Could you possibly get me information on slate mining that would allow a small group of children, about eight to 10, to see how this comes to be and its uses. I’ve heard there used to be one in Concord in the vicinity of Skowhegan-Solon area.

If you could find the company and its numbers, I would like to contact them and find the best time of year to visit. Thank you. — No Name, No Town

ANSWER: According to www.monsonmaine.org, slate was discovered in Maine in 1870. The Monson Maine Slate Co. was the first quarry to open and operated until 1943. The Portland-Monson Slate Co. followed. The mine in Monson, now run by the Sheldon Slate Co., “continues to produce some of the finest black slate in the world. The grave markers of both John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in Arlington Cemetery are made of black slate from Monson, and were also engraved here.”

Sun Spots found the company at www.sheldonslate.com and called them. Unfortunately, the company does not offer tours for liability reasons.

Sun Spots did not find any other slate mines in Maine online. She did find a website on the history of mining in Maine at maine.gov (http://tinyurl.com/6cs89hv).

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Is there anyone in the Oxford area who grinds up old tar from driveways and reuses it to form a new driveway, not new asphalt? — Ronald S. Everett, [email protected]

ANSWER: Sun Spots started her research for this question with Mark Latti, spokesman for the Maine Department of Transportation. Mark said that the machines that grind up pavement are large and expensive. The state uses one to grind up old asphalt and reuse it on-site, as do the large construction companies the state hires to undertake road and bridge projects.

Sun Spots assumes you have something similar in mind. To check this out, she talked to Paul at RC and Sons Paving. Paul said the machines that grind up pavement are larger than most driveways. It would not be practical to use one for such a small job.

Sun Spots asked both Mark and Paul about the possibility of digging up your driveway, hauling the asphalt away for grinding and then bringing it back for reuse, but they said the small quantity from a single driveway wouldn’t make it worthwhile.

Paul said that you can still use chopped asphalt for your driveway even if it’s not your own old asphalt. His company offers it, as do other companies.

Coincidentally, Sun Spots had her driveway done this summer. Mr. Sun Spots decided on crushed ledge, and it has worked out quite well, so far. It is compacting into a firm surface almost like concrete, just rougher.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Could anyone tell me how to melt down slivers of used bar soap to make one bar? Thank you. — No Name, Poland

ANSWER: This is one Sun Spots didn’t even have to look up. She tripped across the answer while reading some budget tips in the AARP Bulletin. (It comes for Mr. Sun Spots, of course.) The tip suggested melting them in a double-boiler or putting them in an old nylon stocking.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Love this column! I am hoping a knitter out there can help me. I am looking for a skein of Red Heart Super Sport yarn, 3-ply, in navy blue. I have looked online, and in every shop that carries yarn, and apparently this item has been discontinued. If you have this and don’t need it, I will gladly pick it up or pay the postage if you could send it to me. Thank you. — Eleanor Harmon, Standish, 831-1741, [email protected]

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 e-mailed to [email protected].