That’s the IOU in my gift-giving circle, and we all like books. Sometimes we just haven’t thought of the proper one to give by the time that the Occasion has rolled around. Today is customer appreciation day at BookPeople, and I concluded all my “SPTF” business there. It’s 20% off everything except special and Internet orders, gift cards, and items from the cafe. The inventory of seasonal greeting cards was way down, but I think that all seasonal items are being sold at 50% off, not 20%. There’s a great selection of Mokeskine items. When I’d found everything on my gift list, I had a good time tracking down those special presents just for Me. I love BookPeople. Lots is open on South Congress (including Fran’s, Doc’s and way more), Sweetish Hill is closed, Whole Foods and H-E-B are open. OfficeMax on Lamar is closed, but Office Depot on South Lamar is open. Nearly all the people that we saw out and around appeared to be and sounded like visitors, although locals were to be found at many of the usual haunts, riding and running outdoors, or (judging from the neighbors) hunkered down by the TV and merely sending out foragers from time to time to return with food and drink. The quiet days are almost over, and the new year will soon begin in ernest. I think that the long and bright fireworks display last night marked a fresh beginning and hopes for a better future for all of us. And if books are what brighten your outlook, remember that the BookPeople bargain bonanza doesn’t end today until 11 o’clock this evening.