DEAR SUN SPOTS: Is there a place where I can discard my used insulin pen needles? I don’t want to put them in the trash. If there is a place I can drop them off, is there a fee? Thanks for all your wisdom. — No name, no town

ANSWER: According to the maine.gov website about this subject, it’s OK to put your used insulin pen and other sharps in the trash as long as they are in an appropriate enclosed container. These containers should be rigid, such as an old laundry detergent bottle, labeled “Sharps — Do Not Recycle,” and taped shut with heavy-duty tape.

Furthermore, the manufacturer of your insulin pens may have a mail-back program and will provide you with a container and instructions on how to ship the pens to them after use.

You can also contact your local hospital to see if they collect and dispose of sharps. You should ask for the Environmental Services Department when you call.

Your prescribing physician or your pharmacist may also know of alternative places where you can take your used insulin pens.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Are there any electrolysis practitioners in the Lewiston-Auburn, South Paris, Norway, or Livermore areas? — No name, Turner

ANSWER: In the Rolodex I have Central Maine Electrolysis in Auburn (578-1676); Smith Electrolysis in Gray (657-4000); Kosmein Skin Care Center in Gray (926-5544); Blue Ribbon Electrolysis in Farmington (860-0258); and Electrolysis 2000 in Greene (946-4247). Send your recommendations!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: On Wednesday, Aug. 11, about 8 a.m. my companion and I were enjoying breakfast at IHOP on Center Street in Auburn. Our waitress was very pleasant and accommodating. When she returned to our table and took the slip you can imagine our surprise when she said, “Your bill has been paid.”

Whoever you are, here’s a big thank you and God bless you. It certainly was appreciated. We will pay it forward. — No name, Turner

ANSWER: That restaurant angel sure is hard at work these days!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Are you sure the haddock recipe in the Aug. 17 Sun Spots is correct? I’ve never baked haddock myself, but I’ve been around for three-quarters of a century and I love haddock! It’s my favorite fish.

My wife bakes haddock to perfection. If it’s a thick piece, she bakes it for a maximum of 7 minutes. It is nice and light and very tasty. I like it garnished with Vidalia dressing.

As a friend of mine once said when asking how long it takes for fish to bake, he replied, “That depends on the thickness, but you can rest assured if someone asks if it’s done yet, it’s too late. It’s already overcooked.” — Cal, Litchfield

ANSWER: Everyone who has ever crossed the threshold of a kitchen does things differently. I bake haddock in milk with cracker crumbs on top for at least 20 minutes, longer for thicker pieces.

The epitome of Maine cooks, Marjorie Standish, has a baked haddock recipe where the fish is cooked for 35 minutes. Haddock cooked in a creamy sauce, as in the recipe in question, should stay in the oven for 45 to 60 minutes.

Lastly, most broiled haddock recipes/instructions call for 10 minutes. I hope this helps.

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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