Today I had to tell Annette, a dear, dear friend of mine, that we would not be able to work together on the government web portal project for which I had chosen her. People above me decided we would go with another vendor and the two and a half months of work Annette and her team had done were down the toilet. I stopped by Trader Joe’s on the way to her house to break the news and picked up three bottles of Don Miguel Gascon malbec for her, Judy, and Bill as a way of saying thanks for the effort and I’m really very sorry it didn’t work out. Too bad Bill and Judy weren’t around; Annette and I plowed through 1½ bottles (presumable Judy’s and half of Bill’s…or maybe the other way around) and a pizza out on the back porch before Karla got home and saved us from stupidity. Everyone is still friends, of course, but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s no fun breaking bad news – especially to someone trying to make a go of it as a small independent business. Then, on top of it all, to deepen the mood I sat in the basement and listened to Barber’s Adagio for Strings. That lifted my spirits. At least the wine was good.

On a happier note: Devon, Annette and Karla’s son, turns five in four days. That’s him up above enjoying his Oreos.

If you ever do need state-of-the art professional design work done - high-end top-notch stuff - be sure to consider Gildea Media Group. Tell them El Raymundo sent you. And ask for an orange pen.