DEAR SUN SPOTS: Discover how to grow native plants from seed this spring. Join UMaine Cooperative Extension and McLaughlin Garden for a hands-on workshop
at McLaughlin Garden, 97 Main St. in South Paris on Tuesday, April 14, from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

You’ll learn the essentials of successful native seed starting and sow your own seeds to take home.

Register at https://extension.umaine.edu/oxford/native-seed-sowing/. Space is limited. The workshop fee is $25. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the registration page  on our website or contact Jennifer Cappello-Ruggiero, [email protected], 743-6329. — No name, South Paris

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have new HP ink cartridges #64XL (black) and #64 (color). I was getting a message that I was running low, so I installed them. Then I got a paper jam message which I could not locate. I turned the printer over in my search for the jam and two screws fell out. I reached my maximum frustration level and got a whole new printer system. So if anyone can put them to good use, please let me know. Leave a message and your contact information at 784-3269. — Nancy, no town

ANSWER: Why do printers have to be so frustrating? I don’t even own one anymore and when I need something printed or copied I go to my nearby library. 

I’m sure you’ll find a savvy tech person who will take that plastic piece of frustration away for you. Let me know if you don’t and I will put you in contact with a friend of mine who may be willing to take it off your hands, depending on where you live. 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have questions about some TV shows. I used to watch “Yellowstone” on Paramount Channel 31. Now there is a new show during Sunday’s time. It says, “Paramount Plus.” I know I don’t get that on my television. There is also Apple and Hulu. What channels are those on? I don’t understand what any of those are on. Can you explain it to me? I have no access to any of that. — No name, Lewiston

ANSWER: I feel for you. It is complicated to keep up with all these streaming channels that you can only get if you subscribe to them and pay for the subscription by the month. First you need to have internet service then set up an account for each streaming channel you want to subscribe to. You then connect the account to a debit or credit card and the money is taken out of your account each month. You can cancel at any time. The fees for these subscriptions average about $10 to $15 per month, with some having exclusive deals or offering “bundles” of two or more streaming services sometimes. 

In my view, you are much better off enjoying what you already have, and if you have a DVD player, you can still purchase DVDs or get them from the library. 

However, if you really want to try one or more of these streaming channels, perhaps you have a trusted friend or family member who can help you make it happen. 

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 [email protected].