DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’d like to thank the Sun Spots angel I encountered today. I had just picked up my granddaughter from early dismissal at St. Dom’s, and I asked if she’d like a treat at Dunkin’ donuts. Of course, she agreed. 

We were in line behind a driver in a silver Forester. When we came up to the window, the barista handed my granddaughter her very large smoothie and Valentine’s treat, and with a smile said, “This was paid for by the person ahead of you.”

So thank you, Forester driver. You made our day! I told my granddaughter, “Now we get to pay it forward.” — No name, Lewiston 

ANSWER: These “angel” stories are my favorite! Thank you for sharing. 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: With the cold weather I haven’t gotten outside as much as I normally do and yesterday, a young woman who lives down the street came by to check on me. She had noticed that I hadn’t been getting my mail and got worried. She came to my door with a loaf of pumpkin bread and a Thermos of tea. She told me she had enjoyed looking at my flowers in the summertime and had been meaning to come over but didn’t want to “bother me.” 

My visit with Margo was delightful and I really appreciated her concern and the time she took out of her day to look in on me. While she was here, she helped me put away my holiday decorations and took the totes to the basement for me. This act of kindness made me remember the old days and how it was commonplace to visit with neighbors and help them out. 

I’m writing this to encourage folks to reach out to their neighbors, call friends and family, and get together. Loneliness, especially in the winter time, is a real issue. I hope this note makes a difference in someone’s life. And thank you, Ms. Sun Spots for your work all these years. — Kathleen, no town

ANSWER: I really appreciate your note, Kathleen. Thank you for reminding us to check in on one another. Just this morning, I had a contractor here and he spent some extra time just “shooting the breeze”, rather than rushing off.  This really brought some extra sunshine to my morning!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thank you for getting the recipe for the Beef Steak Pie with Potato Crust to me so quickly. If my old, tattered memory serves me correctly, this is the exact recipe I was looking for. I prepared it for company, doubling the recipe, the day it was in the column and this was a hit. We appreciate you! — Patty, no town 

ANSWER: I’m so glad I was able to help! As I mentioned above, the “angel” stories are my favorite, with writing about food a close second. Taking the time to make good wholesome meals and share them with loved ones is a great way to get through the winter. 

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 [email protected].