DEAR SUN SPOTS: I was helping an elderly person downsize her home and found several outdated canned goods, some going back to 2004. These cans were clean and in good shape, but I wonder if they should be discarded? Thank you. — Concerned friend via email

ANSWER: You should probably throw them away. Sun Spots dealt with this topic in depth in a previous column (June 7, 2010; http://tinyurl.com/3kkgewl) that you might want to check out. Although there is some anecdotal evidence that canned meat lasts longer than the recommended two years, it’s probably best to stick to that guideline. People can become very sick from spoiled canned goods, and elderly people might be even more vulnerable. (If there’s any canned tuna, a cat might not mind the old sell-by date!)

DEAR SUN SPOTS: You may have run this question before. If you did, I did not see it. I am looking for someone who repairs shoes. My favorite pair of sandals are like an old friend and need to be resoled. Thank you if you answer this. — Carol Higgins, carolhiggins@myfairpoint.net

ANSWER: Of course Sun Spots will answer! She gets this question frequently and has several shoe repair shops in her Rolodex — alas, none in Lewiston-Auburn.

* Midcoast Shoe Repair, 14 Maine St., Brunswick, 725-8557, open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays by appointment only.

* Morin Shoe Store, 171 Main St., Berlin, N.H., 603-752-4810

* Paul’s Shoe Shop at 22 Cumberland St., Westbrook, ME 04092, e-mail cobblerinacan@yahoo.com, 854-4338, will provide service by mail. They are open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

* Tom Finn Shoe Repair, 165 Water St., Augusta, 623-8491, open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Finn says he repairs anything leather, as well as shoes.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Sabbathday Lake Grange in New Gloucester will be holding a craft fair and yard sale on the third Saturday of each month, June through September, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

We are looking for anyone interested in renting a table at these sales. The cost is $10 for a six-foot table. If interested, please email me or call Norma at 998-2586. Thanks. — Steven, Granger04071@aol.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Here is a recipe for Kahlua coffee brandy from my friend Sandra. Dissolve 3 cups of sugar and 2 ounces of instant coffee in 4 cups of very hot water. Cool and add 1 quart of 100 proof vodka and a vanilla bean. Cap tightly and let set for two weeks. I look forward to your column on a daily basis. — B.P. via email

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I gave you wrong local phone number for SeniorsPlus in my June 8 letter about Medicare. The correct number is 795-4010. Fortunately, the toll free number 1-877-353-3771 is correct. Sorry for any confusion this may have caused. — Roland Bussiere, SeniorsPlus

ANSWER: Sun Spots got SeniorsPlus’ number wrong once herself, so she won’t be too hard on you.

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 e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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