The tree’s up, thanks to Rudolph’s this morning. And thanks to the shade and water that have kept it fresh, it smells great. Many of the H-E-B tree inventories are sold out, and the guy at Rudolph’s estimates that his will be gone by mid-week.

Despite all the land-clearing at the old trailer park behind Maria’s Taco Xpress in preparation for the giant Walgreen pharmacy planned for the site, Rudolph’s at Bluebonnet and South Lamar is still there this year and it’s fine to park next door at the phone place. And you don’t have to saw a fresh piece from the bottom of the tree, either; Rudolph’s will do it for you.

Apparently enjoying the fine weather and certainly looking extremely handsome and iridescent, two peacocks from Green Pastures were stepping down South Fifth.

And for people like us, who are still shopping and avoiding the crowds while doing so, Sledd’s Nursery, on West Lynn across the street from Jeffrey’s, has forced bulbs just about to pop into bloom, plus potted fragrant cyclamens in peak condition. It was impossible to resist the color and fragrance, and there are plenty of that most old-fashioned kind of viola and pansy, the purple-and-yellow variety complete with face.

It’s fun to shop when the shopping is a pleasure and not an exercise in annoyance.