The parade was fun. It was a bit on the nippy side so most folks didn't stick around afterwards to shop. Still pulled off an above average day. Incredibly tough sales, such as the lady that wanted to open up and try every pair of maracas to get the right pair. I've got about ten pair. She meticulously compared all of them before settling on the pair for her. That's the way it is. I can grumble that the next person is going to get maracas that have been opened, but down deep I understand. It's part of my job as music matchmaker to hook up the right pair of maracas to the right person. No different than violins. She found the perfect pair. Also found a permanent home for one of my baritones that's been kicked around by students probably for 20 years. This one was so beat up that nobody even wanted to rent it anymore. But I found a former baritone player who was feeling nostalgic and was even thrilled to find one that had been kicked around.

Happy Birthday to Saddam - who turns 65 today. Dude, you've got money and power. Ever thought about retirement? Hint, hint...