DEAR SUN SPOTS: For all those with concerns about the crossword puzzles, I heard from the syndicate where the puzzles come from this past Friday. They’ve run through all the wacky crossword puzzles and everything should now be back on track. We were not the only ones forwarding complaints! — Judy, Sun Journal executive editor
ANSWER: I knew Judy would get to the bottom of this fiasco, and she did! Whenever our readers write to me with a concern, I try to do my best to get your feedback to the right person so never hesitate to hit me up! Happy puzzling, everyone!
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Would you know of any antique dealer that would come to our home and appraise some antiques? We have dishes, a marble-top stand, a typewriter, Columbia bikes from the 1970s, a sewing machine and other furniture. — No name, no town
ANSWER: Here are all the antique dealers I have in the Rolodex: Daniel B. Soules (407-1444) at Daniel Buck Auctions Inc. (http://www.danielbuckauctions.com/) at 501 Lisbon St. in Lisbon Falls; Jim Talbot at Charles M. Talbot Associates, at 55 Poplar Hill Road in Turner (https://www.ctaauctions.com/). The number is 225-3797 or you can email him at cta@ctaauctions.com.
Other antique dealers in the area are Route 26 Antiques at 1188-3 Main St. in Oxford. The phone number is 744-0232.
ABC Antiques is 1065 Sabattus St. in Lewiston You can reach them at 333-5003.
Let me know of any others!
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I was so touched by Fred’s request for meal ideas to serve his late wife’s family this fall (Aug. 25 Sun Spots). Our condolences to him and his family.
I agree that pulled pork in a crock-pot feeds many people and is cost-friendly! Pasta bake is also easy and delicious. Cook penne pasta or ziti, cook ground beef in a pan, add jarred sauce, then combine pasta, meat sauce, and several cheeses such as Parmesan, mozzarella, and three-cheese cheddar all together in a foil baking pan, no need to layer, and bake.
Also consider buying chicken pot pies from a local bakery. A beef stew with potatoes and carrots in a crock-pot is also very good.
I would consider advising his guests that if they have special dietary needs, for them to kindly bring their own food. This is a touchy subject but cooking for 12 for four evenings will be enough to handle for one person. I hope this is a wonderful visit! No name, no town
ANSWER: Thank you for those ideas. I know Fred will appreciate them. A friend of mine suggested a pizza or taco night where the basics are provided and everyone brings their preferred toppings. I like that idea too.
I agree that special dietary needs can be tricky. In our family, one member has an egg allergy, another doesn’t eat meat, sugar, or dairy, and another doesn’t eat gluten. They do bring their own entrées then nibble on other offerings if they can.
A big green salad with proteins on the side and a platter of fresh fruit choices are always a safe bet.
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