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Life off the grid in the SW Texas desert. An experiment in sustainable living. NUMBERS AT THE END OF EACH BLOG POST: temp at 8PM,high temp,low temp,rainfall,wind conditions(CalmBreezyWindyGusty). YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/c/TheFieldLab Daily live streams at https://www.youtube.com/thefieldlab/live
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2014
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December
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- yeah...that hurt!
- DIY wood stove 7
- If you are thinking of moving to Terlingua...
- tippy
- DIY wood stove 6
- The price of cheese...
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December
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About Me
- John Wells
- The Southwest Texas Alternative Energy and Sustainable Living Field Laboratory
Longhorn Benita's Fan Box
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131 comments:
Make sure you fire it up outside first to burn off all the residual fumes from your paint.
Simply Marvelous- John! Find some really old dry juniper wood to burn in that Cadillac of a wood stove.That wood is so hard you just drop a big rock on it - to break it up - to the desired size. Makes a great bed of coals that will last all night. A lots better than getting up at 2 AM in the morning - to feed the stove!
Thru the wall will be easier to repair when you take it out.
That stove will probably heat your place way to hot. Are you expecting a cold winter.
I don't anticipate having to fire it up very hot,long, or often. I don't even run my propane heater overnight. Doesn't take much to heat up 128 sq ft.
That looks real nice. I guess the freezer is out on the front porch for the winter. A metalbestos pipe should do the trick to go through the wall. They are not cheap but worth every penny. A bit of shielding on the wall might be in order as well.
Very nice brother.
Cutting a hole in a roof is a hard thing to do.
Love the colours John...
anyone know why John has not posted last couple of days?
John's only missed one day so far. He posted the evening of the 5th.
Yes, I just noticed there was no post yesterday. I hope he is o.k.
perhaps he fired up the stove and forgot to connect the chimney.
Or, possibly, consider the (self-imposed) tyranny of the daily post- always having to come up with a pic and a piece of your life. Maybe you'd like to take a break now and then and have a life apart.
John could be experiencing technical difficulty's.
John has always said in advance if he wasn't going to be posting.
Hoping everything's OK out there John. Internet issues are a real booger.
Hope all is well - I went for his Sunday Inspirational and noticed no post since 5 Dec. Maybe bad internet. Hope nothing's wrong.
Should someone call the Grub Shack and see if John has been seen?
Latest word in the neighborhood is that John was hurt in an ATV accident Saturday. He was then airlifted to Midland where heis being treated for injuries. I'm sure more info will fllow.
Latest word in the neighborhood is that John was hurt in an ATV accident Saturday. He was then airlifted to Midland where heis being treated for injuries. I'm sure more info will fllow.
Thank you Angwistio....we'll keep him in our prayers. Hope he's home soon.
TY so much for your post angwustio. Please give John our best if you talk to him.
Talked with John today. He said he's on a top secret mission that is preventing him from accessing the internet. The Field Lab and all its critters are in good hands while the mission is ongoing. He'll get back to his internet activities soon.
hellva way to get a copter ride… if that's the correct poop. Speedy return Mr. Wells - the hospital may be set up to handle eBola, but they may not be equipped for Ben, Bud, chicks, bunnies, burro boys, et.al.… in your room and visiting the cafeteria…
remember, while the cat's away, the boyz will play…
Just Me do you have any idea when John might be back?
remmij, you are a caution.
GET WELL SOON, JW!
WhyR, you are funny. 👻 While the cats away, the mice will play. John will be back with us soon.
"GET WELL SOON, JW!"
Here, here.
Sorry to here about the accident.
Seems a couple (or 3 maybe?) years back, John blogged about having an insurance, or some sort of plan, that insured were he to be in an accident out there that he would be choppered to Midland (or the best closest hospital). Looks like the policy came in handy. Get well John. We miss you!
Rita B. you have a good memory, I remember that as well. John Wells, God be with you. Have a speedy recovery .
Yes I too remember him having a care flight insurance policy. Looks like it has paid for itself.
Now John, you can't go trying to jump the swamp on an ATV ;)
Get well soon, prayers sent.
Don
Piet wanted to pass along his thoughts for a complete restore and to remind about the waiting projects… he's partial to what you are currently working on
tfl Boogie Woogie
the backstory post for the helo (good memories folks) -
6/18/2010
Med Trans
We'll wishes & prayers, your missed big time from Washington state!
Get well JW.
Let's hope you get back quickly on your land. Miss you !!
I wish you get well soon! Finland waits for your return!
Hopes for a speedy recovery John. My day does not start as well without your post.
And, John, you almost made it 7 years at TFL without needing a helicopter ride - 2556 days. All would prefer you limit your flying to paragliding.
Happy TFL 7th year anniversary!
Thank you JUST ME - for the timely information on John Wells. We all pray for his speedy recovery and return to The Field Lab.
I'm praying for you brother..was in one of those myself 30 years ago and I sincerely hope you're in better shape than I was........
Get well...soon!
Get well soon John, and don't forget to reset the counter on how many days since the last accident!
Hope all is well and you make a speedy recovery!!!
the boyz @ play while JW's away - part II - I'm sure the dust is settling by now…
the view while Midland bound
Get well soon! Luckily we have this comment section. Otherwise this would have been unbearable!
Best wishes from New Mexico. Read your blog last thing every night. Now I do it to see if there are any updates on your health. Get well soon. Nothing more important than your health.
Rick
Get well soon John, looking forward to the resumption of regular programming!
David
the view while Midland bound
http://postimg.org/image/qyr8qkvz9/
Funny Picture, remmij...lol.
Get Well John!!
Get Well wishes from Washington State. Hope this doesn't slow you down too much. Pray this wasn't too serious. Hurry back. Obviously by all the comments, you are missed greatly. Amazing just how many people follow you at TFL. I check in every night for your latest adventures. GET WELL SOON FROM THE EAST SIDE OF WASHINGTON.
I gave one of your coins to my grandson for Christmas last year. He called me today to ask if I had read about your accident. Amazing that I created a long time follower.
I like many here remembered John mentioning his air-lift insurance, along with his med
insurance before. I have thought about it many times, like when he was tipping up the trusses on his greenhouse.
Wish you well, John!
Yikes! Well, a tussle with an ATV is still better than fatal CO poisoning, which is what I first feared seeing that the pic of the new stove hadn't been updated in days.
Hope you didn't permanently injure anything and that you'll feel good as new very soon so you can get back to see the boys ASAP.
And to those who are pitching in to help care for the TFL menagerie: thank you for having such generous hearts!
Does anyone have an update as to the condition or type of injuries John incurred? Broken bones? Etc.?
Sorry to hear about your tussle with the ATV.
Glad folks close by are helping you!
There is a post on FaceBook, along with a picture of JW, broken leg, he's sitting up in a chair and says he will be home soon
Hang in there a couple more days folks. John is as eager to be sitting at a computer telling his story as you are to hear it. You'll get no spoilers from me.
What's the deal with the ad? I guess you got to pay that $6000.00 obama care deductible somehow.
What Facebook account are you seeing John. The only facebook I know about is the Benita Longhorn? Thanks
I'm a new fan via Tiny House Newsletter. John, Love your lifestyle and mindset.
Praying for a swift recovery.
leilani what are you a magazine reporter? independent blogger?
J has his own FB account, do a search for his name
Have a speedy recovery, John! We are all praying for you!
How will John get around for feeding and such at the Field Lab, with a broken leg?
Thanks JOHNNYM. I found his facebook, but no picture. What am I doing wrong? LOL
http://postimg.org/image/qyr8qkvz9
Ok, so this might give the pic of JW in the hospital, I know a lot of folks do not like FB.
JohnnyM, that link goes nowhere. I've looked at his Flight Lab FB & his personal FB, I dont see any hospital related pics.
Go to my FB page
Johnella McGuire-Mathley, I posted the pic there.
@ JohnnyM - guessing there was some sort of technical glitch… was the pic suppose to look like this? ;-]
JW starting Field Lab rehab
John must have been injured much more than a broken leg to be out so long. Hope everything is fine.
starting to doubt some reports....here
Due to the number of days hospitalization I fear Johns injuries are severe and will require assistance and rehab to care for The Field Lab.
My prayers go out to you John.
May your health be restored.
Try this...
Photo Link
Wishing you a speedy recovery! With hugs from Maine
looks like John but he looks able to post an account of his accident...what gives?
1) he has no computer devices with him,
2) wifi runs on microwave frequencies that interfere with pacemakers and other medical devices and isn't allowed in most parts of most hospitals,
3) insufficient time in planning this mission to allow JW to come up with a fantabulous technological marvel to overcome these limitations
Thank you for the reassuring news that John is being cared for. I look forward to his return.
okey doke. get well john w. and just me thanks for the poop.
Many Thanks to Just Me ...
Your photo is evidence that John will safely return to TFL haven... I am certain everyone wishes him well.
Now he needs a helping hand to get back home to direct the nurture & care of the TFL critters. The greenhouse also needs watering.
A mechanic and welder would probably be helpful to repair the ATV too.
Nice outfit John. Speedy recovery!
Yup, there's JW alright. Thanks JustMe. I wondered if he might have a bruised or broken rib or something because something like that would surely keep a person in the hospital longer, or observation for a mild concussion, or a compound fracture. Looks like he is doing well - so to speak. I guess we might know soon enough. Bottom line - he is still alive. People in Alaska have a death rate from ATV's.
Rita, what a nice picture. I always wondered who you are because you always put the nicest most apropos posts on which I admired.
Mr. Wells, Hope you get well soon. Best wishes from Sabine County in East Texas ! You are in our prayers.
hopefully someone takes John a phone and shows him how many folks do care deeply about him and want to see him heal up and get back to his place and critters.
best to you John.
Best wishes for a quick recovery John. This adventure you're on, thanks for takin us with you.
Hang in ther John and get well soon. All your critters miss you as well as all of us who start our day with you!
Lakehills Linda
You know John could have some bad cuts like the blood on his left arm hospital top and the bandages so he needs his dressings changed. This would be care he could not get at home. Also in some rare cases with bad bruising a clot could kill someone. He is lucky to get good care and mend before he goes home. And how about driving with a broken right leg. That's another bugger. This is a good vacation for John.
John have you worked on a bio mass rocket stove for the greenhouse?
Humm...maybe John's reluctance to fly like an eagle again was a very fortuitous premonition. Crashing an ATV sounds much safer.
Just Me -Thank you so much for sharing John's picture recovering from his accident. Healing thoughts are on their way Mr. Wells;) I know I feel better now that I have seen you recuperating.
god was not there when john broke his leg. Dave 13.14 scripture 14, let there always be someone with a large amount of rice krispy treats if one breaks his leg in the middle of the desert. and let it be a lesson to lesson to those who critisize the scriptures of dave.
Well John I guess you might be so glad to get back home when you are ready. Your location will be very good to help with any residual pain. Make hay while the sun shines and now you have a place. Maybe some extra air conditioning might help in the years to come so you don't fry your brain. I have been watching extreme homes around the world on t.v. It occured to me that you have an extreme home (very individualistic and utilitarian). Then I thought that someday you could get special insulation paint from the Internet for metal shipping containers and make interesting decoration on the outside and/or inside to jazz the place up.
John,
My best wishes from Boston. Family here loved Benita from afar, admire your aspirations, and are encouraged through the examples of creativity in all of what you do.
Lucky you are to have good emergency medical services and restorative care.
Just me, thanks for the photo. How fortunate John had health insurance, eh? Imagine if he had not. Reminds me to be thankful that the ACA has resulted in millions more Americans having health insurance!
yup - was looking online and it said:
" Without health insurance, the average cost to treat a broken leg is over $10,000"
If you read the posts from TFL often, you will notice the ACA has resulted in a dramatic increase in is insurance costs. So I really don't think it has helped him very much.
Mr Wells, Get better soon. Many of us live somewhat vicariously though your daily posts, sitting at our desk wishing we had the guts to do what you have.
Please get well soon, John.
We anxiously await your return to The Field Lab.
-Ashfaq Hossain
Austin, Texas
Herb, this is true. John's December 4th post on Facebook says his premium has gone up almost $200/per month since implementation of ACA....and that's not saying at what price his premium started. He was not a happy camper as of Dec 4th...wondering how he feels about it on Dec 12. Hopefully he will share how this has worked out for him.
Yes, I vaguely remember him mentioning insurance. Well, I am so happy with my health insurance. But it does not cover auto accident health costs. So I upped my auto insurance coverage.
I just got my Terlingua Ranch yearly dues. I thought they were low but now I don't know. :-) My homeowner dues at Canyon Lake, Tx, are lower but then I have more land out there. If I do not pay my dues here, after a few years I could lose my place so I keep up on it.
And if I forget to pay my garbage bill on time, the new garbage co. does not seem to want to pick up right away.
10k for a broken leg...that's hysterical !
actually that is low end - depending on you believe
http://health.costhelper.com/broken-leg.html
knew that wouldn't take long. Think I'll believe what my bill was in 1985 and that was with a certain famous insurance company paying 60 % and my end was 10K. They were suppose to pay 80% but of courseI got a cute letter saying according to the national average my doctor overcharged.Talked to a guy I know 2 days ago that broke his leg 3 months ago. Said he was in for 40 k less
450 a week the next 6 months for therapy. Of course it was a real broken leg with some hardware, not a hairline the local family doc put some boo boo juice and some plaster on. 10 K must be a quote from the Dear Leader himself ( you know I had to go there ).
ACA isn't perfect, but it's better than what we had, by a long shot. Since it was passed, my premiums have gone down 3 times, and I've received 2 refund checks from BCBS. Plus, recission is no longer a threat, nor are preexisting conditions. And, even though premiums have gone up recently, we've seen the slowest growth in healthcare costs in years, thanks to the ACA. Look at the facts, not the political bickering. It might surprise you what you find. The only thing better than the ACA would have been a single payer system. Some people call it socialized medicine, which it's not. If that were the case, that would mean that every developed country in the world would be considered socialist. We are the only developed country that DOES NOT have a single payer system. The added benefit is it would cut out the middle men (insurance companies) that take a full 20% right off the top – they are the ones responsible for your premium increases. I don't hear much complaining about that, though. For example, a new patient visit in the DFW area costs roughly $250 just to be seen. I was in Canada 2 years ago when my Mom got sick and I had to take her to one of those "socialized medicine" clinics. She was seen within 15 minutes of arrival – no appointments are necessary. They did apologize profusely and said we would have to pay cash for the visit since we were from the US. Guess how much the new patient visit was followed by 45 minutes with an MD (not a PA or RN)? Total out the door cost was $65. So for those that are swimming in misinformation about single-payer systems, it would behoove you to actually see the enormous benefit of a single payer system.
And in John's case, he would have been taken immediately to the ER. And the only thing he would have had to do is show his medical coverage card. His cost would have been zero. Here, well we all know how expensive a trip to the ER is, don't we?
And before the ACA, if the insurance company felt John was too much of a risk or potential costly liability, they could have simply found any small anomaly in his original insurance application, then booted him off the plan, leaving him without insurance AFTER he had been to the ER, and he would have been stuck with the full cost of all the healthcare he required to repair his leg. You really want to go back to that scenario, people? I sure don't.
Virtually none of what Steve posted is accurate. Not even close. Lies, 1/2 truths, misrepresentations, delusions, etc. Please find another forum to spread your bulls hit. Please!
Get well John, get back, and lets get back on track.
@ rickowens2: if you want to refute what Steve said, please do so with facts- a blanket statement just doesn't cut it. Facts are what matter, not vague beliefs.
Nothing is free. Canadians have a huge tax responsibility plus they pay monthly for insurance. Their tax liability is huge to the government. That is what pays for socialized medicine. To give free insurance, someone has to pay for it. My insurance doubled and this year doubled again, not counting double deductibles, double copays and double cost for prescriptions. NOTHING IS FREE IF YOU GIVE PEOPLE THAT PAY NOTHING INSURANCE. SOMEONE IS GOING TO PAY FOR IT. The Government does not have their own money. Every dime the Government gives to someone comes from the American People in the way of taxes, fees, or now penalties.
Steve stated his position and followed it with the reasons and some facts to support it.
RickOwens2 says what Steve stated was wrong and lies. He followed it with nothing but insults and asking him to post some where else.
This seems to pretty much sum up the way the whole argument regarding healthcare has gone nationally in recent years.
What I know is that over a quarter of the people in Texas have no healthcare insurance. Last year here in Dallas I paid directly 3000 dollars to provide healthcare to those people when they needed it through a hospital district tax. While some can say it is only because the people of Dallas chose to provide it I would point out that many of the surrounding counties, many much wealthier than Dallas send their uninsured to our hospital for treatment while paying nothing towards the cost of the services provided.
The fact of the matter is that Obamacare is about as conservative and true to American values as any medical program could ever be.
What it does is say each person should be responsible for the cost of their own healthcare and not burden others to pay it.
If you dislike Obamacare then you should really hate the state requirement for auto insurance. It's exactly the same thing.
Having said this I would point out that I personally believe the program should not have been a national program but rather run and required by each state ( just as the auto insurance is).
As far as calling some one a liar and telling them to go some where else, I'd say that for John to say not someone who simply calls others names and doesn't have the ability to provide a constructive comment.
@rickowens2 my experience with BCBS and the Canadian HC system is true and factual as well as the points on recession and the former ability of insurers to not cover you with preexisting conditions. Perhaps you would like to elaborate on your statement. I mean it's easy to call someone a liar. I didn't add that I have over 25 years experience working in the healthcare system in phase 2 and phase 3 clinical trials of oncology and hematology pharmaceuticals and work with oncologists and researchers from around the globe. What is your experience Rick? And simply owning an American flag does not qualify you as any sort of authority on something as complex as our healthcare system. So please, enlighten us dear fellow.
I have no desire to argue or to listen to partisan opinion on healthcare preferences. That is not why I read this forum. If you believe what Steve wrote, it is NOT because what he said is fact. Believe what you wish for whatever reason. Don't expect others to remain silent when you are pissing in their ear. You can have the last word. I might even read it. But I wont argue.
@ rickowens2: you won't argue because you have nothing to argue with. Name calling seems to be more your style.
Better get home quick, John. The native are getting restless!
@rickowens2: Actually, all of what I said is fact. Being ignorant of the facts appears to be the foundation of your argument. Not an argument, just an observation.
But I have good news! If you sign up now at Healthcare.gov and jump on one of those Bronze Plans, outpatient mental health services are only $30 co-pay per visit once you've met your deductible. And if you're feeling really froggy, jump on one of those Silver Plans, and your outpatient MH services will only cost $30 per visit with no co-pay. That would include anger management care and help with paranoia. Of course, there are only a few days left before open enrollment ends, so jump quickly friend.
Sorry, I just couldn't resist there. You know, low hanging fruit and all...
You crazy !!!!!!! take your med's and settle down.
John we miss you and wish that would you come home soon! You need care buddy I'll drive down and stay for as long as you need. Praying for you!
@rickowens2: I agree that the mandated healthcare plan makes people mad, especially those whose employers pay their most of their costs or are in one of the various other federal plans including military or medicare. But's it's interesting that many of those who don't have insurance and complain about Obamacare have no problem going to the ER (which is required to take you regardless)and then don't worry about the bill which cost others through increased insurance premiums. By the way, in the past, someone with a pre-existing problem had to go to an assigned risk pool in Texas and pay at least $1500 a month for huge deductibles and, in reality, non-existent prescription coverage. My brother and my neighbor were both in that boat. Another friend had to work at Home Depot on the weekends in addition to his weekday construction job in order to qualify for Home Depot group insurance which was available for their part time workers.
well.. folks would not even have employer-provided without the govt.
THe govt not only lets it not be taxed by Fed or state taxes but not FICA either.
And it's the Feds that make the insurer not deny pre-existing conditions - and not charge you any more than others even if you are more expensive.
What ObamaCare has proved more than anything else - is how much many people do not know about their own health insurance. They just take it for granted and much of it they think is private - is only there because of the govt tax rules and rules for insurers to follow.
and as pointed out - the ER is there and available to anyone - because the govt requires it - and subsidizes it.
the only folks who truly have insurance the govt does not guarantee is folks who buy it on the open market - and most of that insurance is minimal coverage insurance with big co-pays and seriously capped benefits.
but I do wish John Wells the best and especially so in the coming Holidays and hope he gets to return soon to the life he loves and the rest of of are allowed to share his experiences.
peace to all.
I wonder if John's increase in premiums came with any changes to his plan coverage. You can't reasonably complain about costs increasing, without comparing such changes. And we know the ACA has mandated higher standards of coverage than one finds in many cheap but "junk" policies. Since John's accident appears to have left him with serious injuries (as evidenced by multiple days in the hospital), I wonder if his more expensive plan has better coverage that helped that situation. p.s. Larry G and Steve, thanks for the thoughtful responses! And of course the obligatory "Get well, John!"
Just like the President and all of those who voted for the ACA, (so they could see what was in it), I am exempt. Those who can escape it do.I am happy for any and all who benefit from it. According to the Supreme Court, it was OK to shove it down the peoples throat, even though the majority did not want it, because it is a tax. Now that the elections are over, other taxes will kick in that were delayed only because of the elections. No mention of that in the bulls hit ramblings. Nor was page, line, chapter of verse quoted to prove anything. I can read that shallow dribble on lots of sites.
Steve
I was REALLY impressed by all of the expert credentials that you bestowed upon yourself. I stipulate, you are something. Not sure where the flag attack came from....or why.
TY Steve and Bob for your wisdom. Ricko2 talks like the people where I live. That's why I don't get involved in these conversations.
Who's taking care of the plants and critters?
Does anyone have an update on John? , It would be nice to know how John is doing. What timeframe to get back to TFL or will he have to go to a rehab location since he lives alone.
You know John was airlifted to the Midland/Odessa, Texas, hospitals. One could probably find out which hospital he might be in and drop him a card or talk to him and let us know. I, personally, don't like to bother someone when they feel less than, but John might really like someone to talk to. Check it.
John has friends at Terlingua who are taking care of the critters and his estate.
He has been there one week so John might be feeling a little better. He might really like to know about his site and how much everyone misses and cares for him.
The sheriffs are keeping an eye on everything out there for him too.
Wishing you a speedy recovery. Hang tough Mr.Wells!
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