Changed

Talk about changes. Paulette and I married September 19 after a 6-day courtship in a very small ceremony here in our home in Roswell, NM. 4 close friends helped us tie the knot. I emptied my home in Alamogordo – sold some stuff, gave some stuff away, some was stolen, and the remainder we wanted was delivered here to Roswell. It’s taken us this time to really get organized. The house sold second day listed with the help of Future Real Estate and Jason Ligon. It closed a couple of months ago so all is good.

Organization started with a water leak under the kitchen sink causing mold and damage to flooring, cabinet, and so on. Insurance settled we contracted with a magnificent contractor here – JAC Contracting. Jason Allison and his crews hit us with everything and corrected the damage. We added replacing all vinyl flooring with Italian Tile, all carpet with a really plush carpet, outside fascia and soffit repaired and painted, solar tube in the living area, new adult sized toilets, and more. Biggie for me was construction of a “Little House” in back mimicking the house – same stucco, roof profile, and shingles. Two 6″ tall windows are high on the building and I added the buzzards on the 36″ saw blade to the exterior. Looks great! Late winter we’ll have some landscaping in the back.

Early in our marriage we talked about not especially liking the SUV’s we had – so next morning we went to the local Ford dealer and bought a new one. We DO deserve it. We are going to have a ball enjoying rock hunting, photography, and visiting around. The ’46 Ford pickup is back on the road and running incredibly well. We’ll drive it if the weather is cooperative. I have the garage now reorganized and tools/etc stored on the walls and steel racks. Many of my signs decorate the walls.

Life is good and we remain optimistic.

Jimmy and Paulette

Life Changes

My life has been so active all of my 76 years. Lots of happy and unfortunately too many sadness. Pleasantly, I’m entering perhaps the best times of my life. I reconnected with a girlfriend I was fond of since we were 10 years old. I dated her once before we graduated from high school and did not know much about her till 2 weeks ago. She visited my Classmates profile but did not leave a comment. I wrote asking if she was the same Paulette I new in Artesia, NM as kids. She responded she was, and we began to communicate by phone and messages. Some of the phone calls lasted as long as 9-1/2 hours… We arranged for me to visit on September 5, two days. The day I returned to my home, she called and invited me to the Sunday services at her church. I ended up coming on Thursday and stayed until yesterday. Countless phone visits in between and endless during my visit.

Well, we both never ever forgot about the other, wondering all of those 58 years during our own separate lives. This past Sunday night we talked till after 1 am Monday. I proposed. She accepted. Monday we visited a number of her friends in Roswell to announce our arrangement and to introduce me to them. Without exception, every single one was so complimentary and encouraging. What a welcome to me!

Yesterday morning, Tuesday, we had lunch in Roswell and then walked across the street to a fine jeweler and picked out our wedding rings. The lady asked if we wanted to see engagement rings, and Paulette told her we skipped that part. Her ring is really spectacular! They will be ready Monday. I’m returning tomorrow, Thursday, for several days. A dear friend is visiting Wednesday/Thursday and so wants to meet Paulette. So we’ll be here for that and have time to decide what we want to move to Roswell. There is very little I want. Her home is beautiful and my decorations will compliment some. It’s a mutual arrangement.

So, yes, many changes taking place. Our ceremony will be brief and very small, and very soon, perhaps next week. As we set off on our new chapter of life we’re so profoundly in love and will greatly enjoy the life we create together. Thanks to all of those who have been encouraging me to return to the human race for the past several months.

Jim

Better Days

Here is an image I’ve used before but it fits today. I love living here: the scenery, mountains, and the sunsets and sunrises! My photography is about to take over – have several new lenses and an additional body. It will be an outstanding time when the large color photograph printer arrives – it is 5 weeks late now. More on that when it arrives. Getting out more especially in the ’41. It is now running better than ever. Mileage is the pits but it is very much worth it. I’m feeling better due in part to the many who have been so supportive and helpful. I’ve given myself permission to become human again. Cooking more, even though it’s just me. Don’t feel so self-conscious being among human beings. Necklaces STILL not ready and am on the brink of feeling really irritated. Artsy welding here now, the 220 volt panel in the garage opened that. Oh, the ideas in my noggin.

A lady I’ve known for about 66 years and I have reconnected. She is the same genuinely beautiful, kind, and pleasant person as the pre-teens we were when we first met as near neighbors. I have been very fond of her since first meeting her. I’m Still Very Fond of her.

So, yes, I’m having very much better days recently.

Little Bits

I’m beginning to taking little steps towards to becoming whatever is to be of me. Overwhelming sadness often surrounds me, but for shorter times. I’ve even experienced a few days without tears, They are not always sad ones – I’m able to find genuine happiness just looking at a picture of Cat. Rarely do much and never to the point of overly tired. Just recently sent several boxes of very good tools to a nephew, Peter. He is a budding woodworker and doing well. I try to explain my view of relative issues in an effort to help with his development. I’ll be packing another two boxes tomorrow for him. The contents are mostly extremely accurate measuring devices.

Yesterday the electrician finally finished the electrical work in the garage. Now I have unlimited 220 volts to power my welding related equipment. Soon I’ll permit myself to get back to the creative fun of metalwork. I’ve missed it more than the woodworking! That says a lot. The color photograph printer, copier, fax. scanner STILL is not in. I’ve expanded my camera gear including another body. So. my return to quality photography will compete with welding for my creative time.

Still considering another Corvette. I miss my 2016 a LOT. But, the hyper resto-mod ’41 Ford F-1 hyper powerful gives me a giant feel-good daily almost. Drove the Equinox to Artesia the 17th to celebrate my 76th birthday – Ann wanted to take me! We visited the graves of my parents.

Setting the house a bit differently, but regardless of what I do Cat is always right there with me. I still am not ok and look forward to being with her again. Thank you to the very many who have been so supportive, compassionate, and kind to me. That took me by surprise as did not feel worthy of that limitless support. Had that not been present a very grim outcome would have taken me over. Some still contact me every day! All of you have been instrumental in my much more positive outlook. Thank you all for your so important support.

Jim “Mr. Cat”

I’m Not OK

Here I am two months after losing Cat. All those majestic memories are in every single thing I look at. She visits me often giving such instant peace and calm. But, unfortunately those events are so brief and seldom. The first – I felt a touch on my left shoulder while standing in the living room 3 days after she passed. I looked to the left and there Cat was, smiling her oh so sweet smile. She said: “Don’t worry, everything is going to be ok” then faded into a cloud surrounding her and disappeared. I often feel a slight movement of air, often hear an almost silent whisper of love, and other reminders that she visits me. These events are mindful of the so powerful and complete love for each other we shared. I am not ok and will not be until we are together again. I’m ready to go and wrote a piece titled that and my powerful assertion that I feel so strongly about.

I sold the van and bought a Chevy Equinox SUV. When I need power the old Ford will comfort me. Have decided that woodworking and lapidary creations are no longer safe for me. My movements are so unsteady and jerky from my Parkinson’s. There is so little wood stuff except the Delta Midi lathe and about a grand of accessories. I have a line on a man interested in all the lapidary related things. The rock house will then just be storage.

Have an electrician working on a new 220 volt 50 amp circuit/panel to power my welding equipment. Got a plasma cutter that cuts a clean 5/8”. Also a combo MIG/TIG/Arc unit, 14” abrasive cutoff saw, several angle grinders, and a variety of other metal working items. That will be so fun! I’ll greatly expand my photography. Bought another camera body and several other lenses up to 3600mm. Printing will be easier as I purchased a very fine Epson printer/fax/scanner/copier. The inks are in tanks – no cartridges, and paper from envelopes to about 14 x 18 – not certain. Will deal with Cats computer and the scanner, printer, and copier.

Found a fantastic Native silversmith in Ruidoso. Spent about an hour with him Saturday and gave him 10 Grizzly Bear claws and 4 canine teeth; and 3 Komodo Dragon claws. He will create two remarkable necklaces for ME to wear. I am very happy.

Getting little things done around the place but don’t have the energy to do much. I saw my primary care doc today about 2 things. Most important is my BP which has been around 170’s / and 100. Have been feeling horribly. Also my right ear which 3 days ago just out of the blue went quiet but not clogged. We have a plan for both issues.

Never got around to planting the flower garden. WILL next Spring. I was a bit overwhelmed this year. Ann helped. James and Digna came for 2 days. Eric visited a week. I’d love to see them much more often. My Granddaughter Caroline in Belgium is unable to travel.

As I said, I’m not ok, and I’m ready to go. Will be 76 the 17^th………..

Jim

So Sad

Last evening my incredible wife Cat Hokett passed away. I was sitting by her hospital bed in the living room holding her hand, talking comfortingly. and stroking her hair when she quietly took her last breath. She had been dealing with her neurological disorder since about 2015. The last 6 months were progressively more and more challenging. I was her full time caregiver for several necessary months. Our Hospice provider staff have all been so supportive and caring. The Home Care angel, Bonnie, cared about Cat so much and was so supportive. Such coincidence as Bonnie’s husband also passed away last night. I relish our immaculate 28 years and will not be able to be ok until we are together again. I rejoice that my Cat is no longer suffering. Jim “Mr. Cat”

Buzzard Tapestry

This is the most special tapestry on Earth! Rebecca Mezoff did this for me! I had it framed and looking for the most honorable place in our home as it deserves a special setting. Rebecca was one of my biggest dealers when my business was active. She was ever so instrumental in promoting my work as well as tool/equipment design. I appreciate her a whole lotta bunches! I feel immeasurably fortunate to have this treasured tapestry art. Thank you, Rebecca, for everything you have done for me and the world of fine art. I wonder how many thousands of tapestry weavers she has taught over her career. I’m so proud of all her accomplishments.

On another note Cat has legally changed her name to: C. Packard Hokett. After 28 years she wanted to be a “real” Hokett. The 8-door van with wheelchair lift gives her easier and safer access to moving about. Hospice and Home Care continue to help care for her and relieve me a tad. The rock shop in Tularosa has been closed for more than 2 years due to Covid but reopened today! So, since Home Care will be here tomorrow morning, I’m going to visit them. Hope to find a few treasures to process on the 20″ rock saw.

The ’41 Ford FINALLY continues to be so astounding and great fun. The efforts of Alamo Tire and One-Stop Auto have been instrumental in making it perfect in the 2-1/2 year effort to fix all the seriously disgusting mistakes and shameful unprofessional work by the “builder/scam artist” up Northern New Mexico. I hope that this reprobate has revealed himself to others and is no longer in business to screw anyone else. A gentleman would not promise a ceiling price then hold the “finished” work hostage for another $15,000. It was delivered unannounced and THOROUGHLY UNFINISHED! Exceedingly unprofessional.

All good things to everyone. August I’ll turn 76 but don’t feel a day older than 112……….

Jim

Old Truck – Young Man

Here are photos of a visit by Jordie Swinford. Jordie is the son of Janelle and is a huge fan of custom hot rods. I took both on a ride in my 1941 Ford pickup with a radical Corvette 383 stroker. The added custom racing transmission and electronic fuel injection complete a very magical ride. Every time I take it out results in intense attention from so many people – waves, honks, thumbs up, and even some following to get a better look. This is my personal favorite body style in all of automotive history! Cat is a huge fan of it too even with access being so challenging in her condition. The truck is 81 years old so a great ride for this 75 year old coot.

Christmas Day Emotions

We lost our Grandson in July. Yesterday we received an envelope from his Mom with three cards. One to me, one to Cat both from our son James and wife Digna. The third one was from our late Grandson the he wrote and signed before his passing. Cat and I were touched and emotional way beyond description. We miss him so very very much and will treasure this “Last” Christmas card for the rest of our lives.