A little crummy service goes a long way; rejoice when sales staff are responsive

With the holiday shopping gates wide open and consumers going at their quests with single minded intensity, it's easy to spot good service in Laredo , should you be lucky enough to run into it. One little bit of crummy service goes a long way, especially if you've had to fight massive crowds of shoppers or spent time jockeying for a parking spot that wasn't too far away. It would be lovely if the Christmas spirit of kindness and caring spilled over to the manners of Laredo drivers, but alas, that is asking too much.

If you don't want to compete with mall shoppers and mall traffic and you are shopping for jewelry and want personalized service and access to the jeweler, see Monty Moore at Moore 's on Guadalupe. He knows his inventory and has a very good selection of tasteful and elegant pieces.

If you are on the road to San Anto and want to find a very special gift for your favorite vaquero or vaquerita, slow down and stop at Ben's in Cotulla. This is the MC's favorite retail venue for brush jackets, boots, hats, and cotton and wool clothing. Don't forget, those Mohair socks make great stocking stuffers.

The only thing fresh in the lettuce bin at HEB South was the employees. The MC couldn't believe the Romaine and Red Leaf Lettuce at HEB on Zapata Highway . It should have been labeled compost. When the MC pointed out the moldy, rotten lettuce to a couple of store employees (ambassadors they call them), they were non-plussed and a little bit rude.

The MC has found consistently excellent service at Tlaquepaque on Hillside , good breakfast, too.

Lowe's is great about returns. It's all business and it's done quite efficiently if you have your receipt. The MC did, however, find no good service when it came to selecting a chain saw.

Even though the MC has made several substantial purchases at Pier 1 (couch, arm chair, dining table and chairs, and other assorted pieces), the standoffish staff remains aloof.

The MC reports great service from Sames Motor Co. and from Raul Salgado in particular.

Good, good service on a chilly night at Johnny Carino's. The steaks were excellent, too, and so was the suggestion for Shiraz.

Quick, efficient service from Camacho Tire Repair on South Zapata Highway .

The MC observed first hand great attitudes from the delivery crew from Lack's. Their low impact presence was a model of efficiency and good intentions. They were extremely careful trying to find the right doorway and showed no displeasure when they had to take the long way into the home. Hats off to Maritza in the sales department, too.

The Christmas tree trimmer at Home Depot went out of his way to get the MC the right tree.

The MC reports abysmal service at Toys-R-Us, especially in the hinterlands of the baby furniture department. Also, what's with all the jammed aisles that don't allow a shopping cart to maneuver?

Garza's Floral on McPherson has yet to let the MC down. Everything is fresh. The Thanksgiving arrangements were creative and very beautiful, the out-of-town order was perfect, and the home delivery was just on time and delivered by someone quite gracious.