April 2, 1976

           My good buddy, I hope all is fine with you. I welcomed the news that you are to be working so near to Fair Rock. This is a blessing in disguise, for although the project has already given me second thoughts, it almost guarantees I will try it on for size.

           I am concerned most of how it will rub the elbows with the crew. I do not have your diplomacy or "local savvy". I am afraid you may underestimate this factor, I am not known for my tolerance. My studies to date show most of the construction industries are well covered and the job openings require a strong back and a weak mind. Typical of frontier areas, there still has to be a lot of unexercised potential. I remember the town as one where tough is king, graduation and engagement often coincide, and virtue counts for the speed of a runaway horse.

           I am, above my fears, more anxious than ever to have a go at the place. Despite of its near century settlement, it is yet to produce a renowned musician or artist, this has me jumping at the gate. I have never yet experienced a complete lack of rivalry and the possibility of it encourages me. This, especially in view of the fact that my job at the factory is high paying, but will never bring results. The government system is designed that you work, from 21 to 65 with 8% of the time off for all reasons. No one, doctor or grunt, retires at 40 without taking big chances, and this may be for us, favorable odds.
           At the moment I will consider a small business, possibly in town, but maybe with the large oil industry that moved in there recently. I hear there's good money in driving water truck. I won't bore you with the details but just to show you I will consider anything

           [Authors note 2025: The letter ends abruptly at this point, The next page is missing. Once again this style is full of lingo and contemporary phrases of the time. Fair Rock was our term for anything in Montana or further north. The odd mention of Big Willy is a referral to Calgary AB at the time the largest American colony in the world. Just one day ago, a new company appeared.
           Called "Apple Computers Inc", only 59 months later, RofR shipped me a clone from Hong Kong. Electronically, there was nothing new about this device, all components were off the shelf. What was new was the friendly operating system. I had been programming off-and-on for five years by that time.
           Oddly, the one mention in this ancient post did come true. I retired at age 41, the first and only one in my group. All the rest worked their entire lives and it shows. They live in fancier houses than I do. Mind you, I have yet to be mentioned in any of their publications.]