Weather | Sports | Forums | Comics | Classifieds | Calendar | Movies
By LINDA D. COLE and INGRID L. KOHLER
© St. Petersburg Times, published August 11, 2001
We're in summer's dog days without a doubt, and, judging from the unusually varied requests in today's column, "dog" is the key word. All of us will have to dig through closets and scrounge through memories for the odd and interesting assortment of bones these writers are seeking.
Let's start with a request which, if satisfied, will make a significant contribution to an important event. The Rev. Helen Davis has exhausted every resource she can think of to find a piece of piano/organ music called River of Memories. The music is vital to a special talk Helen is preparing to give later this month, so we have a bit of a time crunch operating here.
Helen adds that the music was offered originally through the Stamps, Baxter School; the name of the author is given to us as "Brumley." Please direct any help to Helen at (727) 545-8075.
Now, for those who take the word "dig" literally, here's an offer that may carry them directly into their steamy August gardens. Jean Budzinski has 10 5-foot oleander bushes free to anyone who is willing to dig them up. Please call (727) 360-6318.
The students of slang have their special meaning for "dig," as, for example, "The next item contains an offer you will really "dig.' " So let's have at it. One reader has decided that square dancing is getting a bit too strenuous, so she is passing along some lovely outfits that deserve to remain out there on the dance floor. The clothing sizes are 16 to 18; the shoes are size 10. Some men's shirts are also available, size 161/2. Please call (727) 545-9010 if you wish to give this offer a whirl.
Want to dig up some interesting reading? George has 23 back issues of the Home Shop Machinist, dated from March 1984 to Aug. 1988, which you may wish to have. Contact George at (727) 343-0645.
Keep digging, folks! Maria Cascais of Spring Hill needs the user manual for a Singer portable sewing machine, model 5525. She would appreciate being able to borrow or copy yours. Please call (352) 686-9023.
Another request for missing instructions comes from Josephine Triantifillo of New Port Richey, who bought a Voyageur-EX600 exercise bike at a garage sale. Once again, the item arrives at the sale, but the instructions don't. Give Josephine a call at (727) 376-0239 if you can help.
A group of "silver citizens" who have been exercising to a Richard Simmons videotape titled Richard Simmons and the Silver Foxes (Karl-Lorimar Video, 1986) would like to have additional copies but find that the tape is no longer being made. If you no longer have a use for yours, please call B. Patterson at (727) 367-8644.
P.S. The silver citizens think another tape was made, Silver Foxes II. They'd like to have it too, if it exists.
Russell Stokes of Largo has a cooking question, but don't worry about the heat. He wants to know about microwave cooking. He has acquired a cookbook titled Microwave Cooking for One and noticed that many of the recipes call for using a microwave browning grill. He has been unable to locate this item, and he hopes a reader will clue him in on what is being referred to in the book. Russell may be reached at (727) 397-3670.
And here's a hot tip from Lynn Plunkett that could be useful to many. Regular readers know how frequently we run requests from folks who might be able to salvage an appliance if they could find the tiny part needed to repair it.
A gadget hotline helps those seeking replacement parts for many household items, such as food processor blades and plugs for electric skillets. The toll-free number of the hotline is 1-800-543-7549. Call between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Lynn has also found Ace Hardware helpful in locating such items.
Ethel Younker of Largo would like to hear from someone with music books for organ players. She is not a beginner, and she likes music from the 1940s and '50s. Ethel may be reached at (727) 585-7308cq.
Send requests to Reader Exchange, Home & Garden, the Times, P.O. Box 1121, St. Petersburg 33731 or e-mail cole@sptimes.com. Requests will be accepted only by mail or e-mail; no phoned requests, please. Except in unusual circumstances, readers must agree to publication of phone numbers (please include the area code) to be considered for the column.