Confidential Chat

'Dragonfly' quest Dear Chatters:

I am looking for a copy of "The Story of the Dragonfly." It is a very uplifting and hopeful story of our transition after leaving this world.

SPUD

Missing the old scones Dear Chatters:

Does anyone know where in New York state I can locate AMI Wholesale Dist. Inc., vendor no. 62766-00? They make Finnegan Irish raisin scones, a product that I like very much. Costco wholesalers used to carry them, but have discontinued them. I need to find them. Thanks.

BECKY IN NEWTON

Finding 'Mother' Dear Chatters:

I am looking for a poem titled "Somebody's Mother." It was printed in The Boston Sunday Globe long ago in "Songs and Poems of Long Ago." It began "The woman was old and ragged and grey and bent from the chill of the winter's day. Came the boys with a merry shout -- glad in the joy of school let out. One boy stepped up and helped her across the street. When schoolmates chided him, he said: "If ever my mother is old and grey and her own dear boy is far away, I hope someone would help my mother." It ended with the woman saying a prayer for that boy.

THE WONDER OF IT ALL

Checking antique watches Dear Chatters:

Can anyone recommend a reputable dealer of men's aged pocket watches?

Thanks.

MOTHER TIME

Poem hunt Dear Chatters:

I have been searching for a quote or a poem. I believe it's by Robert Burns. It begins this way: "Of Irishmen Englishmen and Scots." And it goes on with a description of each.

Can anyone fill in the blanks or does anyone know the source of this poem?

ISLAND MOM

An old sink sought Dear Chatters:

I read and contributed for about 40 years now. And at this time I am hoping that someone out there might know where I might be able to find a yellow American Standard bathroom sink, circa 1967.

My sink is starting to rust, but the tub and toilet are in excellent shape, so I'd like to replace the sink if at all possible.

Thanks.

SDVIP

Housecoat help Dear Chatters:

Hello. . . . I am desperately looking for the somewhat old-fashioned dusters or housecoats that used to be carried by all the department stores and by some catalog companies. I have had a tough time lately locating a place that carries these practical kinds of wear.

I need them for friends in a nursing home. I also need them in petite sizes. Would appreciate any references or help that readers can give. Much thanks.

BEST BUYER

In need of training Dear Chatters:A familiar story -- recently divorced mid-40s, three teenagers, working as a home health aide for $10 per hour . . . can't and won't make it without more education. Is a high school graduate and computer literate. Would someone recommend a training program in the medical field that is short-term but that can offer more income in the future? Thank you.

MEDICAL BENEFIT

An 'Empty Chair' void Dear Chatters:I am trying to locate a copy of a poem or article titled ''The Empty Chair." My aunt had it since the 1960s -- it had appeared in the paper the year her son went off to college. He was killed a few years later in a car accident. She has recently lost the article and I was hoping someone in the Chat Forum would have it.

THRIFTY DIANNE

A tip on medication

Dear Chatters:

Here is some information for purchasing prescription medication at great savings that I found in the AARP Bulletin. I have been purchasing my medications from Canada through the Minnesota Senior Federation.

I felt that the government would not go after a state federation that was helping seniors purchase prescription drugs. I have been using them for a year.

There is a $20 membership fee per year, which is well worth the cost when factoring in the amount you save. You can save from 30 to 60 percent on the cost of the medications. Your prescriptions go directly from your physician to CanadaRX. The physician has to fill out some forms that validate his licensure, etc. You do not have to be from Minnesota to belong. . . Minnesota Senior Federation's e-mail address is www.mnseniors.org or info@mnseniors.org, 651-645-0261, extension 124.

HUCKLEBERRY FRIEND

Stove-top selections Dear Chatters:

NANA TIMES FOUR, planning a kitchen renovation, wants to hear from Chatters who know about flat-surface stove tops, counter tops (granite vs. Corian), and other tips. Chatters respond:

CANDY'S MOM: I purchased a flat-surface electric range about 10 months ago. I love this stove. It cooks well, is easily controlled, and looks nice. But the cookware that you use has to have a flat bottom and must be free of defects. If the cookware does not fit entirely flat on the burner, the food will not cook correctly. The flat surface top can be cleaned only with a special ceramic cleaner. This must be done daily. You cannot use soap and water.

CASSIE'S MOM: I'm on my second flat surface stove. I wouldn't go back to cleaning burners for anything! They cook better than old electric burners and you can regulate the heat quite easily. For cabinet and counter comparisons visit a Home Depot or Lowe's.

RN READER: Consumer Reports had an article stating that granite countertops are the best and that has been my experience too. It needs very little maintenance and is easy to clean. You can also put hot pans directly on the countertop which you cannot do with many other kinds of material. The installation of the supporting cabinetry has to be absolutely level or the granite may break. If you plan to have novice builders or remodelers do your kitchen, you might want a more flexible countertop. There are composite countertops that have the look of granite without the expense.

LAID-OFF LULU: According to a recent issue of Consumer Reports, Corian seems to be the toxic waste of the future and I much prefer a natural substance such as granite. Regarding the cooktop, beware digital vs. knob controls. It seems that one can keep cooking if one or more knobs fail; however, if the electronics fail and the unit needs to be opened up, then all burners are unusable until repaired.

FOXRUN41: For countertop material, granite is a good choice but it stains easily from things such as orange juice, if not cleaned up immediately. They have to be sealed every six months or so. Corian, another good choice, can have a dingy look after a while, especially the light colors. I chose stainless steel appliances. I was surprised at how dirty stainless steel gets in a short time. I've heard that with the flat surface stoves, pots vibrate and turn in circles while cooking and any spills have to be cleaned up immediately or it will take elbow grease later.

Confidential Chat is a forum for Globe readers to exchange ideas, advice, or helpful information on any subject. Letters should be addressed to Confidential Chat, Living/Arts, The Boston Globe, P.O. Box 55819, Boston MA 02205-5819, or via e-mail to chat@globe.com. Writers should choose a pen name but include real name and address (for our files only) in order for the letter to be printed. When a letter is addressed to a writer, it is always forwarded and may also be printed.