Dear Sun Spots: We stored eggs in a crock filled with liquid water glass (sodium silicate). The silicate seals the shell and keeps them fresh. At least they’re good for cooking. You can find more by searching for “waterglass eggs” on the Internet. We used the crock for other things when it was empty. – Bill Ellis, Rangeley.

Dear Sun Spots: To the gentle reader with thoughts of storing eggs :

Many years ago, isinglass was used in crocks to store eggs. This substance is a form of gelatin prepared from fish bladder. Also, a solution of water, lime, salt and cream of tartar was used for preservation of eggs.

As an individual trained in safe food preservation methods, I would caution persons with the intent of preserving food to follow most carefully our modern practices of preservation.

While old-fashioned forms of food preservation may have ‘worked’ in days of yore, the tales of death by botulism poisoning and other forms of disease were seldom touted as much as grandmothers’ shelves of food ‘put by.’

Seek the assistance of your home extension service to provide the safest method of food preservation. – Kathryn W., East Wilton.

Dear Sun Spots: In answer to the reader seeking ways of preserving eggs in crocks:

The mixture in the crock was water glass. It seems as though the water glass could be purchased in cans. It left white residue on the crock. The crock with the eggs was kept in the cellar and the liquid mixture was very cold. People used the water glass/crock method when they had a lot of eggs; later, the eggs were used for cooking but not for eating.

In addition, to the reader seeking help with nuisance crickets:

If there is one inside, put a wet cloth on the floor and the cricket usually crawls under the cloth right away. Scoop up cloth with cricket and put outside. When I have put the cloth on the floor, I have seen the cricket immediately advance to the cloth. – Sun Spots Reader.

Dear Sun Spots: I’ve enjoyed your column very much.

Now for the first time I’m writing to you and your readers for a request which I hope you can help me with.

My mother and I have made baby afghans for church to give to the newly baptized. We have enjoyed doing this, and it has kept us busy.

We now would like to make mittens, afghans and blankets for the homeless and needy. So far this week, we’ve made two afghans, but are out of yarn.

If any of your readers would like to donate any yarn or material, all kinds are welcome, printed, plain, we would be ever so grateful.

My mother and I do this from our own hearts and are not currently affiliated with a charity. I can assure you that all donations will be used for others and not ourselves. Those interested may contact us by mail at Rita M. Kane, 54 Irwin St., Lewiston, ME 04240.

Thank you for sharing my request. Your donations will keep my mother and me busy and make others happy and warm.

God bless you all! – Rita M. Kane, Lewiston.

Dear Sun Spots: Farwell School PTA will host its annual Pumpkin Festival from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16. This year we are looking for crafters to rent craft tables to help add to this event. Table rentals are $30.

Anyone interested should send a check or money order made out to Farwell School PTA at Farwell School, Pumpkin Festival – PTA, 84 Farwell St., Lewiston, ME 04240.

Please also include your name, address, phone number and the type of craft you will be selling. We will then send you an information packet. Space is limited, so please reserve early. Should you have any questions, please phone the school at (207) 795-4110 and leave your name and phone number for someone to return your call. As always, thank you for your support. – Diane F., Farwell school PTA, Lewiston.

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 [email protected].