The only task at hand now is to try and make the most of the coming band rental season. The trumpets are back ordered, due in three weeks. Ouch. That's cutting it close. Can't buy them from anybody else because I would have to buy a dozen. Can't afford another dozen. I have about a four day supply of clarinets and maybe a week of flutes and cellos. Only enough saxes and trombones and trumpets for one day. The season runs about two weeks. I should be able to hold out on violins. But that's the extent of it. I'll be struggling to rent out the same amount of stuff as last year. Zero prospects for growth - all because of the lousy Xmas and sucky economy the first part of the year. Without rental growth, my business days are probably numbered, but they always have been. Can only try and make the number as high as I can.

Shouldn't be cynical. The walk-in sales haven't been too bad except for a few days. But I can't rely on them - it only takes a rumour for them to fall flat; and we seem to live in a flurry of rumours these days. Even a mediocre band season should still be enough to carry me through 'til Xmas, which might carry me through another month or two. Wasn't sure I'd even make it this far.

On the bright side, I've got all the method books, and also band folios, and music bags. Had to send a lot of customers to other stores last year even though I had the instruments - I didn't have all the other stuff they needed. Won't get fooled again.