Ben has been known to contend that: “The worst clients are desperate friends – you can’t even, really, take advantage of them on the fee.” So, what to say about a job that has “hit a glitch” and involves good friends on three sides? I got a call from one old friend one evening, and was on a ferry two days later. These spectacular curved beams were intended for some lovely trusses, designed by another friend, for inclusion in a home being built by yet a third friend. All parties agreed something was awry, but were unclear on what best to do about this. I showed up with a bag of tricks that included a bunch of sophisticated, new lag bolts. We were able to salvage the beams, the schedule, and a variety of friendships; through application of nimble engineering and good site help.