Q: I enjoy your Buyer's Edge Find It and wanted your help in locating a nearby source to buy Monks' bread. This bread is made by Trappist Monks in their Piffard, N.Y., Abbey. Thanks. — Peter Barry, Lawrenceville
A: Peter, thank you. You're not the only one seeking out Monks' bread locally. Several readers would love to find this bread in Atlanta area stores. But, according to Brother Paul, there isn't any Monks' bread being sold in Georgia markets. It's mainly found in stores in New York and the Northeast. He did say that the breads freeze well and that the Trappist Monks of the Abbey of the Genesee had many online customers from Georgia. Along with white and whole wheat breads, the bakery also turns out raisin with cinnamon, maple cinnamon, sunflower with rolled oats and a holiday bread studded with candied fruit. But, bread isn't the only item to come from the monastery. The monks bake cookies, biscotti and cakes — with or without whiskey. You also can order honey, coffee and preserves. As if those weren't enough, there are handcrafted soaps, barbecue sauce and a host of other local specialties available through shop.monksbread.com, or by calling 877-264-6785.
Q: For a couple years my wife has been searching for Sock Locks, a plastic disc with protrusions going inward that holds a pair of socks together while laundering. It saves the problem of trying to match up the pairs. Can you help? — Ray Dollar, email
A: Ray, I have a couple of options for you. First, there are the Sock Locks you mentioned, and they're available online through www.sock-locks.com, where you can order a variety of Sock Locks, including packages of doubles that come 10 per pack for $4.69. You can get them in assorted colors. You also can order mixed packs of 16 singles and four doubles that sell for $4. Locally, you'll find Sock Clips, which are pretty much the same idea but these look a little sturdier. Sock Pro Sock Clips also come in assorted colors, and a package of 10 clips sells for $3.99 at The Container Store, 120 Perimeter Center West, Atlanta, 770-351-0065.
Q: These days, many folks are cutting back on paid TV services and returning to free over-the-air TV reception with crystal clear pictures. There are many of us who need to mount our TV antennas outdoors on a pole to get the free signal. Is there anywhere in the metro area that sells the Rohn H series telescoping antenna mast? I see a few Internet sellers, but the motor freight shipping charges for these are outrageous. Thanks. Both my wife and I enjoy the column each week. — Tim Richardson, email
A: Tim, thank you both for reading. I spoke to the sales rep for Rohn in Illinois, and was told that there no longer are any dealers in Georgia. The nearest dealer for Rohn telescoping push-up masts is 3 Star Wire Shop in Kissimmee, Fla. And while the H series antenna masts do ship via freight for about $150, the customer service rep I spoke with suggested you consider the special limited edition R-9H50 telescopic push-up TV and wireless Internet antenna mast, $129.95, that's scaled down to ship using UPS. It's designed to support light duty antennas and extends to 34 feet. Shipping charges to the Atlanta area run about $35, or a little less. For more information call customer service, 407-944-8856, or check out 3starinc.com.
Q: I am recently back from an Alaskan cruise. Is there any place locally to purchase canned smoked salmon? I brought some cans back with me and it is so much more moist than the vacuum packed that is available here. I am aware some online places are available. Thanks for your help. — Doug Hamann, Dunwoody
A: I didn’t find any canned smoked salmon from Alaska, but from Denmark comes Munkebo canned salmon with smoke and packed in olive oil. A 6.7-ounce can costs $4.99 each at Cost Plus World Market, 4733 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, 678-731-0014.
