Dear Sun Spots: On the Shaw’s flier for the week of Aug. 28 through Sept. 3, they had Hillshire Farms sausage advertised for buy one get one free. I stopped by and bought two, never paying attention to the price as they are usually about $2.99.

I stopped in at the store in Lewiston and bought two more, because I noticed at the Auburn store I had gotten beef and I have never gotten that before, just the regular smoked sausage. We had the beef ones for supper, and I didn’t care for it as much as the regular.

On Sept. 3, I picked up four more of the regular ones. When I went through my store receipts, which I always do at some point, I noticed I had been charged $4.99 each for the ones I bought and each time got one free, too. The next week I went to Shaw’s in Auburn to get something and checked the price. Sure enough, the price was the $2.99, as it usually was.

What is going on? I can get it at Wal-Mart for $2.50 anytime, but with Shaw’s B1G1F it comes out to $1.50 each, which is a better buy. At $4.99 for the one you buy and the one you get free, that comes to $2.50 each. Considering the fact they lowered their price back to normal the next week after the sale, I don’t think that is fair. Could you find out what went on that one week? Thank you. — B.T., New Gloucester

Answer: Sun Spots spoke with Leo at the Auburn Shaw’s, who checked his computer listing of prices for Hillshire sausage products. He said they have always been priced at $4.99, the only exception being when packages are temporarily marked down because their sell-by date is approaching. He said that the way price tags are displayed on the meat case are not as clear as they might be, or someone may have dropped a $2.99 package of sausage in the $4.99 bin, but that the regular price is $4.99. If you want to stop by with your receipts, Leo said he’d be glad to look at it and the meat case with you.

Dear Sun Spots: You have been so helpful so many times before, I call upon you again. I went to Shaw’s this morning to pick up a bottle of Cole Farms salad dressing. I was told that they no longer carry it. I have written Shaw’s down in Bridgewater, Mass., to express my displeasure. Where can we get it locally? I hate to have to drive down to Cole Farms just for that. — Judy Baird, Turner

Answer: Sun Spots called Cole Farms and was informed that Cain Foods, based in New Jersey, distributes its products. Sun Spots was given a number to call (978-772-0300) and get a list of stores that sell Cole Farms dressing. They returned my call and said that only Shaw’s and Hannaford sells those dressings. Since they are wrong about Shaw’s, Sun Spots called the Lewiston Hannaford on Sabattus Street to verify and was assured that it has three flavors of Cole Farms salad dressing on the shelves. The Hannaford on Spring Street in Auburn said it also carries Cole Farms salad dressing.

Dear Sun Spots: This is in response to many who have asked me about Similasan Cataract Care eye drops are sold over the counter and were sold at Wal-Mart and other stores. I can verify the cataract care eye drops. I was told several years ago to have cataract surgery. I started myself on these drops, and while they have not healed the cataracts, they have kept them from progressing, and I do not need surgery. I found them at the Rite Aid on Center Street. I sincerely hope whoever reads the column will benefit. There are no side effects. It is a homeopathic medicine. — No Name, Lewiston

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). 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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