Yes, I DO understand the logistics of the whole process. THAT is what I DO keep in mind. The audience. It's the only thing that keeps me going. Especially when I walk into the room and view and feel the emptiness the people have in their lives. Forgot playing for them, they're happy just to have conversations with someone. Today I got to my gig 1/2 early and spent that time talking to the audience before I started playing. They DO really appreciate that.

What burns me out and really ticks me off is the AD's who are mindless, incompetent, unprofessional and selfish...not caring about the entertainment needs of the residents!. I've been playing nursing homes for about 35 years now. My.....how everything has really changed!

Anyhow, the news bulletin!!!

The problem has resolved itself. She telephoned me today with the same script she used last time. "Hello sweetiem, how are you today, etc" like nothing happened. Like I didn't make a dozen calls to her requesting a return call. She booked a date for next month. I played along with it, took the booking and politely got off the phone without mentioning her rudeness and lack of courtesy.

You members are correct...it IS "big business" now and I'm still living in the past...when all the AD's on the circuit heard your name bandied about, booked you in one go, you did the job and actually got paid right afterwards. Most times by cash and only sometimes by check. Them was the good old days.

So what I learned from all the remarks you folks made here is this.

1) it's "big business" and "bottom line" now....no more what's best for the people

2) "let the chips fall where they may." Accept the "erratic" behavior in the field now, and don't waste time trying to correct something that can't be corrected. Just accept "what is," and.......(as many of you have advised)....move on!