DEAR SUN SPOTS: Do any TV stations or newspapers have the daily pollen count predictions? I like to dry my clothes and air out blankets, etc. the old-fashioned way in the fresh air, but not when the pollen count is high. The answer to this might interest people of the same mindset and benefit allergy sufferers. I know you can find the answer if anyone can. Thanks so much for any help.
— No name, no town
ANSWER: Settling in for a good night’s sleep between sheets smelling of fresh air and sunshine is one of life’s great pleasures, if you ask me. I can understand your concern, however, with bringing pollen and other allergens into the house. You don’t want to be awakened with a sneeze attack! I once again called upon Meteorologist Keith Carson at WSCH Channel 6. According to Keith, who returned to Maine after a gig with The Weather Channel, information about pollen counts isn’t aired unless it’s excessively high. He pointed me to www.weather.com, where there’s a tab called Allergy Tracker. Once you type in your zip code, you can get a daily report and weekly predictions on the pollen index and lots more useful information, including a breathing index. If you aren’t an internet user, perhaps a friend or relative could look these up for you and report in! Readers, as always, please chime in if you have other sources to share!
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Responding to George in Sabattus regarding housecleaning and home repairs. My wife cleans houses and may have some openings. I do home improvements and repairs and may also be able to help. Contact me at 212-6825.
— Jean, no town
ANSWER: I do hope George finds the right match for his needs with home help! Thank you for sharing your info, Jean!
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Did you know University of Maine Extension offers tips to preserve delicious fruits and vegetables that are ripe for the picking in August? UMaine Cooperative Extension educator Kathy Savoie has up-to-date information available to help people find, grow, use, preserve, and store in-season fruits and vegetables. For example, an important tip is to add one tablespoon bottled lemon juice per pint of tomatoes when preserving them whole, crushed or juiced.
More recommendations are available from County UMaine Extension offices and online at extension.umaine.edu/food-health. There are many upcoming food preservation workshops and how-to videos listed. Topical bulletins also may be ordered or downloaded at extension.umaine.edu, including August favorites, Let’s Preserve: Sweet Corn, Let’s Preserve: Tomatoes, Let’s Preserve: Berries, and Vegetables and Fruits for Health: Wild Blueberries, Tomatoes, and Sweet Corn.
— Kathy, No town
ANSWER: I am a huge fan of Maine’s Cooperative Extension! I can’t recommend them enough. County offices are staffed with helpful, skillful people who can get you the answers. They are our connection to the University of Maine. The main office in Orono can be contacted at 581-1865, 1-800-287-0274, or extension@maine.edu.
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