<!doctype html public "-//w3c//dtd html 4.0 transitional//en"> <html> Friends, Two years ago after tuning a middle school's pianos I wrote to the powers that be saying the pianos needed $600 worth of extra work.  I was surprised that a year ago I actually got a purchase order for the work! And last year I wrote to an elementary school saying that the pianos needed up to $1,200 worth of work.  When I called this month the principal said, "Yes, I put money in the budget for that so just go ahead and do it." This surprises and delights me so much!  It happens so rarely.  These pianos have been neglected for so long, and when I got these accounts I did just basic tunings and repairs for a couple years.  I am glad they are willing to do the needed work, and for the going rate at that!  (I don't discount for schools or anyone else -- too much work out there.)  I get the feeling they like me.  (Awfully close to bragging, I know.)  :-( Regards, Clyde Wimblees@AOL.COM wrote: <blockquote TYPE=CITE>I'm having a great time. There is lots of work to be done, the kind I like to get my hands on. One of the things which make the job great is that I am working with a very appreciative faculty. They haven't had this kind of service for over 25 years. At least for now, during the honeymoon stage, I can do no wrong. I hope I can keep them happy.</blockquote> </html>