Let my people come?

The store looks good.
The stock is waiting patiently in the warehouse.
The price labels are printed and the window display has lights.
The tills don't work, but hey ho.
The press packs are being prepared. The canapes are on order. The ribbon is ready to cut.
We have scissors and a dignitary who knows how to use them.
The training pack has arrived, cocoa pods intact, giant Chocolatier's Table under lock and key.
We've scrounged Costa's training room for the week.
The uniforms are being tailor made (for £7.50).
Name badges lie waiting, gathering dust.

The staff are still in the bloody Philippines! Let it stand as my epitaph.

Not that I'm planning to die just yet. Actually I'm going out on the razz 'cos it's Ladies' Night at the Best Western tonight. Wine. Give me wine. Or strength.