DEAR SUN SPOTS: If any readers are sending out Christmas cards this year, would you please drop an extra one in the mail? My step-father has Stage IV cancer and this will be his last Christmas. I want to try to make it a good one although his time is limited. The mailing address is […]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have been unable to find “one pie squash” in the local grocery stores. I can find “one pie pumpkin,” but not the squash filling. I even looked online to see if I could order it. Someone on eBay is selling a 3-pack for $19.99 plus an additional $9.30 for shipping fees. […]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Compassionate Friends is a group for parents/grandparents/siblings who have lost a child/grandchild/sibling. The Lewiston Chapter of TCF will hold its annual Candle Lighting on Sunday, Dec.  12, at the East Auburn Baptist Church at 560 Park Ave. in Auburn. The Worldwide Candle Lighting is held the second Sunday of December each […]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Franco-American Genealogical Society (MFGS) is offering the opportunity to purchase an affordable, meaningful gift for a special friend, family member, or even yourself this holiday season. You can skip the shipping deadlines and “out of stock” labels with a one-year membership gift certificate to MFGS. We have a great collection of […]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I want to donate to local veterans’ projects. How can I find information what projects exist in Maine? I greatly enjoy Sun Spots.—No name, no town ANSWER: Here are two ideas, for starters: • Maine Veterans’ Homes is a good option (https://mainevets.org/, [email protected], 207-622-0075). They provide long-term care to veterans and eligible family […]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m looking for a cookie recipe for this holiday that will really wow my family. We usually do sugar cookie cutouts, but I think it would be fun to do something with more flavor and holiday chutzpah. Can you recommend one or two? — No name, Auburn ANSWER: Our family goes crazy […]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: For the second year in a row my Thanksgiving rolls didn’t rise much. Everyone said they were fine, but you know what “fine” means. I used fresh yeast. What am I doing wrong? — No name, Poland ANSWER: Remember, yeast is a living thing. It’s somewhat delicate and there isn’t a wide […]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: It’s been a while since I called the Time and Temperature phone number. To my surprise, it just rings when I call it and it isn’t answered with the time, temperature, and brief weather report. Is it now a thing of the past or did something break? Will it be repaired and […]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: First Universalist Church of Auburn Unitarian Universalist will be at Whiting Farm from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 4 selling custom gift baskets and gift cards. There will also be a raffle. Please note that sales are cash only. Whiting Farm is at 876 Summer St. in Auburn. This four-season farm […]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I noticed on my walks to work lately that some of the canals in Lewiston have been drained. What’s going on? — No name, Lewiston ANSWER: The historic canals need to be cleaned and maintained periodically or sometimes there is a construction project in progress that the water level would affect. The […]