1003sadness/relief, in equal measures.

[evile]

 

 

• 25 Nov. 6:40 am

   

  Hi, Erika,
  
  I'm sorry, but I really don't believe I should come to Austin this
  year. Cora is still fighting back from her paralysis, and I should
  visit there. Also, uncle Ed died last weekend. He was the last of
  the ten brothers and sisters, except for my mom. I really need to
  stay in Oklahoma and just drive me and my mom up to Cora and John's
  this year. Also, I'm really busy at work, and quite possibly will
  have to work the next weekend.
  
  The access control system crashed horribly Friday morning, locking
  all the doors that it controls and denying access to all access card
  holders. I had been working on an upgrade for about a month, but
  they were trying to give me an older computer to use, and Windows
  2000 operating system. The computer and the operating system were
  not compatible. It would lock up and fail to start quite often, and
  the passwords and permissions required by Windows 2000 were totally
  ineffective for the application, and just a big hassle. The
  system crash did have a good after-effect, though: It got people's
  attention. The facility management specialist in the government
  office had just sat there for a week with my previous report on his
  desk. Now maybe he'll get off his butt and do something. (Though
  it's too much to hope for that he might actually learn something). I
  think they've put a higher priority on getting me a new computer.
  
  Anyway, I have to apologize, but I just can't travel to Austin this
  year. Work on the shack at Skunk Hollow continues. I still haven't
  got roofing on, but the plywood is shedding rainwater. I've got some
  windows and some doors installed, and today I hope to find some tin
  for a tin roof. I've still got to put tarpaper around the rest of
  the South half, but the North half is pretty well closed off and
  waterproof.
  
  I received the key you sent, but, unfortunately, just can't make the
  trip. Maybe things will settle down by Christmas, or maybe I can
  find a less crucial weekend and just make the trip for a visit, not
  associated with any special holiday or reason.
  
  I'll be thinking of you. It seems like there's just so much going on
  now that there's not enough of me to get everything done that I want
  to do.
  
  I love you.
  
  . . . daddy