DEAR SUN SPOTS: On a recent rainy day, I was going through piles of drawings my elementary schoolchildren have made since they were toddlers. I had stuffed them in a big bin and now there are so many. I’d like to hear some imaginative ideas about how to store these keepsakes. Perhaps other parents can share ideas because quite frankly, this is overwhelming! — Alicia, Lisbon

ANSWER: I’ve been there, but my children went to school back before the digital age. Nowadays you can take photos of their artwork to have in your phone and there are so many cool ways to print out the extra special ones to make a book, framed art for your home, or even transfer the drawings and paintings onto a quilt, T-shirts, coffee mugs, water bottles, phone cases and more.

Companies where I’ve had good luck are Chat Books, Shutterfly, Zazzle, and Flickr.

If you want to save everything, I suggest a big artist portfolio which you can purchase at Michael’s, Blick’s, Walmart, or online. They come in all sizes and are made from heavy paper, faux leather, real leather and more.

I’d love to hear what other parents have to say about this “dilemma.”

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Last summer you published a reader’s recipe for elderberry pie. It was delicious and I “saved” it but who knows where I put it! — Nancy, Mechanic Falls

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ANSWER: Fern from Norway shared the recipe. He said it was given to him over 40 years ago by Mrs. Lenny Whiting of Portland and Gilead, Maine. I tried the recipe but used a plain prebaked pie shell. A friend had a slice and claimed it tasted just like one his mom used to make. Here’s the recipe:

Elderberry Sour Cream Pie: Stir together 2 cups elderberries, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, and 1 cup sour cream. Spoon into a graham cracker crust and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: We have a tent with a broken heavy-duty zipper so we can’t close the “door.” Is there a seamstress who can help us? We don’t like bugs. — Edward, Lewiston

ANSWER: If the tent is fairly new, the company where you bought it may make good on it by reimbursing you for the repair and/or sending you to a local place that specializes in the repair. It doesn’t hurt to ask.

The Tent Shop in Monmouth (312-0493) should be able to help you. The company also rents tents for parties, so hang on to that information! There are other tent and canvas companies throughout the mid-coast and southern Maine area if needed.

You can also try a shoe repair shop or an upholstery shop. They have the right equipment to sew a new zipper in that tent flap for you. I can recommend Paul’s Shoe Repair in Lisbon (854-4338); Doreen Gendron at Unique Designs (754-0048); and Donna Marie Harrington at Gamache and Lessard Custom Window Treatments. She is their in-house upholsterer but is self-employed under the business name Comfy Cushion Upholstery by Donna. You can reach her at 212-6195 or e-mail her at thecomfycushionupholstery@gmail.com.

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 emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com


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