Time to Retire

Last week I traveled to Montgomery to take my flute to the shop. The man looked grim and informed me that it would cost $100 plus to fix and clean it. I know that might not seem like a lot for a repair, but keep in mind that this flute only cost me $50 (Thank you EBay!). So I headed back there today --even found a Schlotzsky's Deli for lunch... yum! -- to pick it up. I asked the woman at the counter for my flute and another sales associate interrupts her saying, "I need to speak to her, I just talked with the repair man." This new worker tells me that my repairs will be no charge.

"Really... how come?"

Did I really just ask him that? Sadly, I did. He goes on to say that they did all they could but that nothing they could do would make it any better (is he talking to me about my broken flute or my terminally ill relative?). They did give it some new pads and realigned it, but I need to seriously consider retiring my flute.

Yes, I think in my head, I'll send it off to Florida soon.
Just let me make it thorough concert season and my upcoming solo performances.