WRITE TO KNOW
Dear Write to Know: I have a beautiful Janome sewing machine that is practically new and I would like to swap it for a Singer or any other sewing machine that is comparable but not a computer. It must include a manual. I live in Orleans and my numbers are 540-256-7931 or 540-649-3223.
C.B., Orleans
Dear C.B.: We hope one of our readers will be agreeable to swapping sewing machines with you. Good luck!
Dear Write to Know: Hoping to find someone who collected “Smurfs” in the past who would like to add nine more to their collection along with a blue “Smurf” lunchbox. Call me at 508-255-1943.
B.K., Orleans
Dear B.K.: This sounds like a welcome addition for anyone collecting Smurfs. Thanks for providing your contact information.
Dear Write to Know: I go over the Bass River Bridge probably 10 times a day. I never fail to see trash, fishing debris, weeds, brush, broken glass, sand and gravel. Who is in charge of keeping the entry and exit to the towns of Dennis and Yarmouth clean and presentable? If we value or residents and guests, why can't we welcome them with cleanliness and upkeep?
L.H., West Dennis
Dear L.H.: The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), owns and maintains the bridge. Construction will start on the replacement of the Bass River Bridge in the fall of 2020. Hopefully, the area will be cleared of debris before construction begins. Thanks for writing in.
Birdwatchersdigest.com lists recommendations for attracting birds to birdbaths
Dear Write to Know: Recently my husband installed a birdbath in our yard. He set it up under the bird feeder, but the birds haven’t discovered it. Are we doing something wrong? Any tips for attracting birds to our new birdbath would be greatly appreciated.
R.S., Mashpee
Dear R.S.: We checked out birdwatchersdigest.com for help with attracting birds to a birdbath. Here is what we found: Your birdbath should be kept low to the ground (keep it a foot or so from the ground). Also, the water should be shallow — keep the level of the water to 2 inches or less. You can also use large stones on the bottom of your basin to give birds a better footing. This helps birds not to feel vulnerable when using the birdbath. Place your birdbath in a shady spot to keep the water temperature cooler. Remember to keep your birdbath clean. Scrub out your bird basin with a stiff-bristled brush and an abrasive cleaner. Rinse well and replace with clean water. Adding motion to the water will also attract birds. A mister or dripper fastened to your hose (with the spigot turned on low) will add motion to your bath. Finally place the birdbath where you can see it. Watching birds splash and play is part of the fun.
Dear Write to Know: Hello. Everyone has their favorite news show to watch in the morning, mine is Channel 7, WHGH. What has happened to Kris Anderson? He has been gone for over a month. Did he go to another station? He always seemed so happy. I hope he is okay.
D.D., West Harwich
Dear D.D.: The Channel 7 news site, https://whdh.com/7news-team/, still lists Kris Anderson as an anchor on its news team. He is the weekday anchor for 7News Today in New England (4:30 a.m.-10 a.m.). Kris joined the 7News team in December 2013 after spending nine years in Memphis where he was the morning news anchor at WREG-TV. If we find out more information, we will post it here.
Dear Write to Know: We miss picking up Primetime magazine at the newsstands at our local shopping center. Is it gone for good? Thanks for your help.
J.G., Centerville
Dear J.G.: We spoke to one of the editors in the Cape Cod Times newsroom last year when a similar question was posed to this column. He responded: “The winter edition (2019) of Cape Cod Primetime was its last issue. After 25 years, the magazine wasn’t receiving the same support it had in the past. The good news: Readers can find plenty of stories and information of value for our 55+ readers in our daily newspaper and website. We certainly value our Primetime readers and want to continue to serve them the best we can.”
Local cookbook offers recipe for homemade dog biscuits
Dear Write to Know: We are the proud owners of a golden retriever puppy and would love to try making homemade dog biscuits. Is this something you can help us with? Thanks.
A.M., Sandwich
Dear A.M.: We found a dog biscuit recipe in our archives and hope your dog will enjoy these. This recipe was originally sent in by a reader and came from a local cookbook, "A Taste of St. Barnabas — Faith, Food, Fellowship."
DOG BISCUITS
1/2 cup cooked brown rice
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup uncooked old-fashioned oatmeal
1/2 cup corn meal
1/2 cup potato flakes (optional or alternative)
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (from a jar)
3.2 ounce package nonfat dry milk powder
1 or 2 packets dry "brown gravy" mix (low sodium)
1 egg
1 school-lunch size tub plain applesauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
Mix everything together in a large bowl. Turn out dough on a floured towel or board. Flatten and roll dough, leaving fairly thick. The thickness you roll is the thickness the biscuits will be, since they do not rise during baking. Cut shapes (dogs don't care; plain or fancy). Dough will tend to stick, but you can lift shapes to cookie sheet(s), taking care, using spatula. Bake at 250 degrees for an hour and a half (rotating sheets, if oven is uneven and checking for brownness). Turn off oven and leave biscuits to dry out in oven, overnight if possible.
GIVEAWAYS
Dear Write to Know: Free – 6 boxes of One Touch Delica Lancets, sealed packages, box of 100 30 gauge. 508-398-1230.
E.S., South Yarmouth
Write your problem, sign your name and give your address and telephone number and send it to: Write to Know, Cape Cod Times, 319 Main St., Hyannis MA 02601, or email wtk@capecodonline.com. Please note: We accept listings for giveaway items only, not items for sale. No telephone inquiries are accepted.