DEAR SUN SPOTS: Years ago, it was possible to buy glue-on half soles to repair worn shoes. Do you know if or where this item is available? The footwear I would like to repair does not lend itself to conventional resoling. — No Name, East Livermore

ANSWER: Sun Spots couldn’t turn up much of anything online, so she called Tom Finn’s shoe repair shop in Augusta. He said you can’t buy those glue-on half soles anymore, but that he can complete that repair for you. The other shoe repair shops listed should be able to help you as well, but Augusta is probably the closest to you.

* 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 said he will also provide his services by mail.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I was reading in the July 5 column someone (as well as you) needs a dehumidifier. I bought one at Lowe’s several years ago. It’s a Frigidaire 70 pint and has always run perfectly. Don’t buy used. Not worth it.

There used to be a Lamplighters supper the first Saturday of every month in Mechanic Falls. Someone made a blueberry gelatin mold that was delicious. If anyone remembers this and has the recipe, I would love to have it.

Thanks for the fabulous job. — B.G., Turner

ANSWER: As promised, Sun Spots has been experimenting with the homemade “dehumidifier” Julie from Norway suggested in the follow-up column on the topic on July 13. As instructed, Sun Spots hung a cloth bag filled with calcium carbonate over a bucket, and soon water began collecting. She can’t swear that this technique is as good as a “real” dehumidifier, but it is definitely pulling water out of the air, as well as some of the mustiness.

Sun Spots’ editor was telling her about a documentary he saw about a hospital for lung patients located in a former salt mine because the air there is so pure. She didn’t find the documentary on Google, but she did find many references to salt air as being helpful for those with various respiratory or sinus issues. (Readers should check with their doctors before trying any new treatment.)

The blueberry gelatin sounds delicious. Sun Spots hopes someone sends it in so she can publish and prepare it!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The photos described in your July 14 column are of Heidi, Kurt and Carl Solander, the children of Dr and Mrs. Solander, whose house on West Auburn Road is now for sale. You should be able to reach them via the Realtor if they are not at the number below, which I found in the white pages.

They must have been cleaning out. Carl was the valedictorian for Edward Little High School Class 1995 and went on to Columbia. He and my son played basketball together for years. — No Name, Auburn

ANSWER: Sun Spots didn’t have to make use of the phone number provided. Alan Solander said his phone began ringing first thing that day as people recognized his children from the photo descriptions. He immediately contacted Sun Spots and now has the photos, thanks to the conscientious reader who sent them to the column.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I would like to thank all of those who responded — both personally to me and to Sun Spots — and especially the anonymous benefactor who made it possible for me to get the photos back. It was greatly appreciated. Thanks to Sun Spots, as well. — Alan Solander via email

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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