Dear Sun Spots: Thank you to those who have forwarded foreign and U.S. commemorative stamps. The response has not been great, and I’d like to try again, especially during this holiday season when column readers and others will likely be receiving lots of cards and mail. Please think of our sisters in need who are ministering to the poor. I need stamps in large and small amounts. The stamps are sold and the proceeds are sent to our sisters to help them survive. This is an easy way to help this ministry. So please, keep the stamps coming. Any old album sleeping in a drawer would be useful instead of dormant. How about a good donation? Whatever you send is appreciated. Please send to Sister Gilberte Boisvert, pm, Ste. Claire Residence, 209 Laurence St., Methuen, MA 01844-3884. Gratefully. Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to all. – Sister Gilberte Boisvert, pm, Massachusetts.
Dear Sun Spots: Perhams in West Paris used to make round paper weights with Maine stones. They no longer do this. Where can I get similar ones? – Violet Swain, East Andover.
Answer: Sun Spots has been unable to locate any. Sun Spots did contact Perhams but as you noted, they no longer do this. Sun Spots also located some crafters using Maine stones, however, none appear to be making paperweights. Perhaps there are other readers out there who have seen some in their travels or while holiday shopping, and who might be willing to share any leads with you. Another option might be to make your own creations. Again, perhaps there are some readers who might be willing to share some patterns or ideas with you.
Dear Sun Spots: Is anyone out there getting rid of canning jars and accessories, such as canning cookbooks, pots and more? I am a homebound person looking to learn a new hobby and would be very interested in these items. I would need for the items to be brought to me in Norway. Please call 743-6864. – No Name, Norway.
Dear Sun Spots: I am looking for a recipe for squash doughnuts. I have looked in all my cookbooks, and I also have asked around, but have had no luck. My grandmother made them, and they were very good. I would appreciate any help I can get. I would also like a recipe for soft molasses cookies. – Adella Hayward, Rangeley.
Answer: In addition to responses from readers, perhaps you might like to try the following doughnut recipe to see if it is close to your grandmother’s recipe.
Squash doughnuts ingredients: 1 cup milk, 1 cup cooked squash, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, 3 cups flour, 1¼ cup sugar, 2 tablespoons shortening, 2 eggs well beaten, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 3 teaspoons baking powder. Method: Cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs, squash and flavoring. Sift flour, measure and sift with salt, baking powder and spices. Add alternately with milk to first mixture. Chill dough. Turn onto lightly floured board. Roll in sheet 1/3 -inch thick. Cut with floured cutter. Fry in deep fat (365° Fahrenheit) until brown. Drain on crumpled absorbent paper.
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). 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 posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Advice section under Opinion on the left-hand corner of your computer screen. In addition, you can e-mail your inquiries to sunspots@sunjournal.com.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
