DEAR SUN SPOTS: Many years ago, my husband built a stone replica of a Scottish cottage with a thatched roof. Through the years the roof has deteriorated and has had to be replaced. I replaced it myself some years ago. We have come to that point again. I need two bales of long straw and […]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have just been diagnosed with a trigger finger and was told to find padded or gelled gloves during the time I’m gardening. Can anyone help me find them? Thank you. — No Name via email ANSWER: Sun Spots discovered that a major manufacturer of these kinds of gloves is Remington. She […]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m looking for a sewer or crafter to make pants with a drop-down front for a person in a wheelchair with the use of only one hand. I’ve looked on the Web, and there are some for sale at exorbitant prices — the result of having a “captive market.” The design is […]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: On Sept. 2, 2010, I purchased a new starter for my car at a local mechanic’s shop in Auburn (not a dealership). The starter had a three-year warranty, and the bill was $301.02, of which $67.50 was for the labor only. On April 19, after less than eight months of service, it […]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: This letter is to address misinformation in your June 27 column concerning dental hygienists and dentists. First, I would like to point out that independent practice dental hygienists have existed according to state law here in Maine for the past three years. Indeed, Main Street Dental Hygiene in Mexico is well within […]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: We are neighbors on the same street and have six cats between us. We wonder if anyone in Auburn makes house calls to cut nails and/or perform other routine nonveterinarian services. Senior citizens can have difficulty transporting their animals for routine monthly care. Thanks for your help. — Lily and Willy, Auburn […]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: It is discouraging for me to buy fresh peaches in the market. the texture is not dependable, and the flesh around the pit sticks to it and does not get soft. What can I do to improve the ripening? — No Name, No Town ANSWER: Sun Spots surfed the Internet and found […]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding the April 23 letter about the shortage of dentists in the state. When I lived in New York state many years ago, dentists worked five days a week. Many had hours on Saturday or in the evenings because people did not get time off from work for these appointments. When we […]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: How can I reach Ken Burns, the man who does the historic documentaries? Also, Ted Turner, who made the Gettysburg movie? Thanks. — No name via email ANSWER; As Sun Spots has said before, finding mailing addresses in the Internet age is not easy feat. She does not guarantee their accuracy, but […]