Dear Sun Spots: I have two questions I hope you or some of your readers can help me with.
I recently changed from a waterbed to a regular box spring and mattress. Unfortunately the people who gave them to me are smokers. Would anyone know of a product widely available which would remove the cigarette odor from the mattress? Would upholstery cleaner work? How about a pet odor eliminator? It has been suggested I put charcoal under the bed. Would that help?
My second question is that I have a climbing rose bush that has really taken off growthwise this year. However, it hasn’t blossomed since I moved it last year. Any suggestions as to how to get it to continue to grow and blossom? – Martha, No Town.
Answer: In addition to responses from readers, according to www.lawlibrary.com, you might want to try wiping down the outside of the mattress and liner with a solution of baking soda and water, or vinegar and water. You might also try placing Bounce dryer sheets or baby powder around corners to neutralize the odor until the smell dissipates. Perhaps other readers also have some tips they’d be willing to share with you.
Regarding your second question, Sun Spots corresponded with Jerry Cinnamon of the Maine Rose Society, www.mainerosesociety.com, who says information is limited and there are a number of possibilities why this plant grows well but does not re-bloom. The lush green growth suggests that the plant gets plenty of nitrogen, but it may not be getting enough other ingredients such as potassium or phosphorous to promote flowers, he says. A common reason for lack of flowering is that the plant may not get enough sun – eight hours of sunlight or more is ideal to promote photosynthesis. The worst possibility is that the ornamental part of a grafted rose has died and the observed growth is from a rootstock that blooms once or not at all. Cinnamon suggests you check the amount of sunshine available and move the rose again if more light is needed. After watering well, fertilize with a liquid fertilizer and see if the plant flowers. In the worst possible case, Cinnamon notes that a new plant is always a joy to bring home and plant.
Dear Sun Spots: One of the shoppers at the Androscoggin Habitat for Humanity yard sale July 23 on Marston Street in Auburn purchased several drawer pulls and wanted more. Please call us at (207) 786-2598 for more. – No Name, No Town.
Dear Sun Spots: While recently on a Web site about restless leg syndrome I came across a testimonial from an Eileen J. of Auburn about an e-book she had read, Restless Legs Cured. The cause and solution to RLS was revealed for the first time and written by Marie Goodwin. I wondered if she might have a printed copy that she would be willing to share with me, as I suffer with RLS also? I may be reached at (207) 645-3994 or by e-mail at sheralynr@peoplepc.com. – Sheralyn Ridley, Jay.
Answer: In addition to responses from readers, Sun Spots would encourage you to also contact Artios Books, 180 Turner St., Auburn, 786-4007; Pepperell Books at (207) 344-6900; The Page Turner and Pages Already Turned, 247 Lisbon St., Lewiston, (207) 753-1112 that are often helpful in locating hard to find books and may be able to assist you in your search.
You may also be interested in the following list of doctor’s specializing in this disease and listed online at www.restlesslegs.org:
Richard M. Kahn, MD
Central Maine Pulmonary Associates
2 Great Falls Plaza, Ste 3B
Auburn, ME 04210-5966
(207)784-5489
Carl D. Robinsen, MD
Sisters of Charity Health System
99 Campus Ave., Ste 402
Lewiston, ME 04240-6045
(207) 777-4458
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