Dear Sun Spots: Perhaps the reader seeking assistance with furniture repair might be interested in contacting the United Methodist Economic Ministry on Route 142, 1458 Salem Road, Salem Township, ME 04983, 678-2611.

They do furniture repair and refinishing. The furniture shop supervisor is Don Avery, who would be happy to help. – Milton Weeks, Farmington.

Answer: Sun Spots contacted them for opening hours. They are open Tuesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and are located between Strong and Kingfield. Please bring in the work you’re seeking assistance with, and the work will be completed.

The furniture shop is part of the United Methodist’s mission site, where their philosophy is to clothe the naked, feed the hungry and help the poor. They also run a thrift store and food pantry.

Dear Sun Spots: Regarding the letter Thursday, inquiring about the large fish caught by the Indians near Eastport: I am wondering if it may have been an ocean sunfish (mola mola). When I read the original 100 years ago article, that immediately came to mind. It is also called headfish, an obvious name if you see a picture. It can weigh 600 pounds, up to 6-feet-long, no real tail, and has fins on back and belly with a leathery outer skin. I found the fish in an old Golden Nature Guide. Maybe you can find a picture on-line. Hope this helps. – Lucy, Lisbon.

Dear Sun Spots: Once again I turn to Sun Spots and its loyal readers to help me get some green tomato mincemeat.

I would be willing to swap a small batch for some figurines from Red Rose tea I have. If anyone is interested, all they have to do is give me a call in Bethel. I can be reached at 824-0115. We’ll see what we can work out. I hope to hear from someone.Thank you much! – G.M. Loring, Bethel.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, perhaps you and your family might enjoy the following recipe for old-fashioned green tomato mincemeat found online at www.southernfood.about.com. Perhaps it’ll tide you over until you receive your stash of mincemeat.

Ingredients: 3 quarts chopped green tomatoes, 1½ quarts peeled, chopped tart apples, 2 cups raisins, 1 cup currants, ½ cup diced candied citron, lemon or orange peel, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground allspice, ¼ teaspoon ground cloves, 1½ to 2 teaspoons salt, 3 cups brown sugar, firmly packed, ¾ cup vinegar, ¼ cup lemon juice.

Method: Combine all ingredients in a large heavy pan. (Omit cloves if you plan to freeze mincemeat.) Cook mixture slowly until it is tender and thick, about 1 hour or more. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. To can, pour boiling mixture into hot, sterile jars, leaving ½ inch headspace; seal promptly. Process in a boiling water bath for 20 minutes. Store in a cool dry place. To freeze, pack cold mincemeat into freezer jars or containers, leaving about an inch headspace for expansion. Seal and freeze promptly. Makes about 5 to 6 quarts of green tomato mincemeat.

Dear Sun Spots: Several years ago I used to receive a catalogue called Brownstones, New York City or state. I wonder if they are still open. I would like to receive their catalogue again. – No Name, Auburn.

Answer: Sun Spots did locate a Brownstone Studio based on the Web as well as in North Carolina and perhaps this is the company you are seeking. You can contact them at Customer Service, Brownstone Studio, 421 Landmark Drive, Wilmington, NC 28410, via e-mail at CustomerService@brownstone-studio.com. For customer service please contact them at 1-800-964-1956. You can also locate them online at www.brownstone-studio.com.

However, you should also note several co-workers here recalled a company by the name of Brookstone, that might be the one you’re seeking and with offices in New York City. Locate them online at www.brookstone.com, or via phone at 1-800-846-3000. If you check the Web site you’ll also find a listing of several locations online.



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