DEAR SUN SPOTS: There is an ad on the radio, I think WCLZ or WHOM, that advertises hair replacement systems. Could you help me find their contact information and their location?

— Dee, no town

ANSWER: The wonderful people at Madeline’s Hair Replacement work with those who are losing their hair because of cancer treatments, alopecia, or have thinning hair caused by other medical conditions or heredity. A hair replacement system is also known as a cranial prosthesis, not a wig.

Madeline’s has been in business since the mid-1960s and is at 3 Eastview Parkway, Suite 1, Saco. You can call them at 207-571-3277 or email them at madelineshair@gmail.com. The website is www.madelineshairreplacement.com. The business is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays by appointment.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: My grandson was reading a book of nursery rhymes when he visited over the holidays and asked me what “pease porridge” is. I had the idea that Sun Spots could find out if it’s a real food or just made up.

— Jean, Brunswick

ANSWER: “Pease porridge hot, pease porridge cold, pease porridge in the pot, nine days old; some like it hot, some like it cold, some like it in the pot, nine days old.”

Pease porridge is a real food, although I wouldn’t leave it in the pot for nine days as the well-known Mother Goose nursery rhyme suggests! Nor would I want to eat it cold.

In the English language, the word “pease” is a “mass noun” or “uncountable noun” that was used in the rhyme instead of writing “pea” or “peas.” Pease porridge is also referred to as pease pudding or pease pottage.

At any rate, pease porridge is a savory dish made by soaking then cooking split yellow peas into a soft pudding-like consistency. Broth can be added to make more of a soup or the leftover cold porridge can even be fried. It is often served with ham or bacon. Think of dishes like baked beans or thick split pea soup.

Perhaps when your grandson comes to visit next time, you can make him a potful!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: No matter what I do, my children’s lips are always chapped in the winter. Nothing I buy at the store works for them and I don’t like the additives, etc. Could I ask that readers share their remedies?

— Susan, Minot

ANSWER: Children will have a tendency to lick and pick at their lips a lot when they are chapped and dry. First off, be sure your kiddos are well hydrated, which I know is easier said than done. To be rid of dryness, I often mix together a bit of sugar and olive oil or coconut oil and use a dab of that as an exfoliate at bedtime. Have the children rub this mixture gently onto their lips then wipe it away with a warm wet face cloth.

Lastly, break open a Vitamin E capsule and use the soothing oils to moisturize those lips. Other remedies include more coconut oil, cocoa butter, almond oil or rose essential oil. Susan, you are right to stay away from conventional chap sticks unless they have all natural ingredients.

Readers, what do you do for your chapped lips?

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). Please include your phone number. 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 emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.