DEAR SUN SPOTS: I thought your readers might want to know what is involved in getting a passport. My husband and I went to the passport office in the Androscoggin County courthouse to renew our passports that expire soon. It was an eye opener! The clerk handed each of us a form that needed to be filled out. Next she told us that a picture needed to be taken and attached to the form. She suggested using CVS. I noted that I thought she took the pictures. She stated pictures had never been taken there. Next she explained that after attaching the picture and filling out the paperwork, everything needed to be mailed to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Hope this is helpful to your readers. — Mary Ann Norcross, Auburn.

ANSWER: Thanks for sharing your experience. Readers have expressed concern about their state of Maine IDs because they are currently out of compliance with a federal law and are no longer accepted for entry into federal government buildings and military installations. In February 2018 a state of Maine ID will also no longer be valid for boarding a commercial airplane for domestic travel because the state is one of five in the country that is not in compliance with the Real ID Act of 2005. So, obtaining or renewing a passport might be a good idea if you have travel plans in 2018. For more information about how to get your passport, visit travel.state.gov.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am looking for four skeins of Bernat Softee Chunky yarn in denim heather. Please let me know if you know of a place to find it. — No name, Rumford.

ANSWER: This yarn is carried by both Jo-Ann Fabric and Wal-Mart. Currently, as this is being written, the Jo-Ann Fabric located at the Pine Tree Shopping Center, 1064 Brighton Ave. in Portland, is the only store with this exact yarn in stock. They can be reached by calling 207-871-0030. This yarn may also not be in stock at every Wal-Mart, but it can be ordered through walmart.com with free pickup at your closest location.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: My wife and I went to eat at one of our favorite restaurants on Dec. 30, a Friday, at 11 a.m. for lunch. She had fried scallops and a large portion of haddock and I had fried scallops and a large portion of fried clams. Her haddock was dry, her scallops and mine were also very dry and overcooked. We didn’t want to complain to the waiter or the owner because there were a lot of people there and we didn’t want to start trouble or embarrass the crowd and owner, so I kept my mouth shut. I went over on Monday, Jan. 2 at 10:45 a.m. and complained to the owner. He asked why I didn’t say something that day and I told him that I didn’t want to embarrass him in front of the crowd. I’m trying to be nice about it. He said he would see what he can do and call me but he never called me. We have other restaurants that we go to now. — G. Racine, Auburn.

ANSWER: Business owners usually appreciate constructive feedback from customers especially when done in a thoughtful way. Hopefully the owner has taken your advice and improved these menu options for the future. But if you are unhappy with the food or service that you have received even after your helpful comments, then you are right to go to other restaurants instead.

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