The Truth About Living Off Grid: 5 Years In The Desert

[@ourselfreliantlife]

Celebrating 5 years off-grid!🎉 What's been your favorite project we've done?

[@TJames-we2md]

Do you guy's grow your own food or Walmart?

[@LilmissJ111]

My favorite project you both have done is your journey together as you both grow and love each other! ❤❤. Everything else is just stuff to me!❤❤

[@arnoldarvizu]

I really like how you generate your own power. I’ve always wanted to learn how but not sure how that would work since we’re on the local power grid. I also like how you gather so much rain water. Great job

[@kar702]

Water catchment ❤️

[@catzcradle]

I started watching your channel when you were on the 17th course of the house. Everything since then has been eye opening, inspiring, and makes me feel anything is possible. Congratulations to both of you. Hoping to come out to my property in the McNeal area this fall to get to know my land.🙏 Equally scared as I am excited. Unfortunately I don't have RU4 zoning, but I am in RU2 and will do what I have to as minimally as possible 😉

[@13MoonsOverMayhem]

You also rebuilt your solar array and rescued a second dog. Congratulations on five years! I can’t wait to hear your new plans for the rest of the house.

[@ericjohnson1008]

The front door is awesome.

[@Golden_SnowFlake]

Bro helping out is the way. Glad to see yall helping one another, that's how life is meant to be lived.

[@loridyson569]

Thank you for filling us in on all the work that you have done on your place. We live up in North Eastern AZ on 10 acres. We understand how hard it is when one of you has health problems. I have had 2 heart attacks with 2 stents in 2 years & it has slowed me down & scares him. Keep up the good work & give a big thumbs up to your brother for helping out.

[@arnoldarvizu]

Jess and Jim, you guys have gone through so much and you have tackled it head on. Great job to both of you. I feel all your projects are my favorite because you put your heart and hard work into all of them. Amazing how much rain water you capture. Jess, glad you’re feeling better and Jim, you took the bull by the horns and stepped it up when your partner wasn’t feeling well. Glad you have Peter to help out. Hope your pups are doing good. Your earth-bag home is looking terrific. You’ve come a long ways. Keep up the good work you two. Blessings to all of you and your pups. Can’t wait for your new video.

[@inthehouse9062]

Remarkable what you have been able to do. Where do you get your workers when you need help?

[@coyotech55]

You both can be proud that with all the ups and downs, you keep making real progress. Never surrender. Sometimes I take a progress inventory like this and remember how it was a year or two or three ago - what all I've gotten done in spite of the problems that have come up. It really does perk you up. Whether you go faster or slower than you originally expected, if you haven't quit and you're still working on it, you have a right to be proud of it all.

[@bondpaz]

I can’t believe we have all been doing this for 5 years! It’s been totally worth it! I’ve loved every minute! So many great times to come. ❤❤❤ Yall are doing a great job!

[@KandMe1]

Great to hear what you said about the cave in tragedy causing the rethink and replan and sounds like it lead to a whole new approach and new build plan also. It is amazing how that situation can create an even better outcome in the end. Thanks for the post inspiring watching it all emeerge.

[@Andbygrace7024]

Jess your smile is so pleasant.

[@shellywilder3719]

I’m excited for the renewed energy you have mustered. We get knocked back and we get up again. 😊😊

[@brigettekillion7994]

Great update! I know how building your own home/homestead can feel like you're not getting much done, but then when you go back to recap, you realize that you've done a ton of work. I love watching your videos and seeing the ebb and flow of energy around different projects. Very excited to see what you're working on in this next year. Wishing you lots of success, health and happiness!!

[@latainethomas3595]

So glad she is feeling better enjoy each video

[@diasfamily4554]

This is great! Can't believe you did this in 5 years. I love the way you thought this out so well. The buildings are nice and neat and the house will be wonderful when done.

[@tworebelsoffgrid]

Wow, you two have done so much these last 5 years! I think you hit the mail on the head when you talked about resiliency…I have found that is the most valuable life skill and even more true for us homesteaders! Love that the rainwater tested so well…we never had a doubt :) You guys have been such an inspiration to us out here in Arizona 🫶 Hope you guys enjoy the rest of your weekend ☀️

[@MQ-cw9qx]

It is absolutely amazing what you have accomplished. Especially through some of the harsh life events. Each of you lost a parent...that is so very hard. But you have persevered through good times and bad, good health and bad, also. My hat is off to you both. keep on keepin' on, kids. you are doing great.

[@alyciapeters5073]

Really have enjoyed following your progress! I’m a fellow desert 🏜 dweller! Great job you two!

[@ourselfreliantlife]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@northstarprepsteader]

Wow, 5 years! Congrats! It’s so important to look back on what you have accomplished when there are so many things left to do. You have done an amazing job!! 🎉

[@monaestewart3602]

Wow, you guys! What accomplishments. So happy for you. Looking forward to seeing what's next... *Love, Love, Love the Snow Top Dome♥️!* Amazing.

[@marchill861]

Congratulations on 5 Years !!! It always amazes me how much just you two have done. The projects you’ve completed together are unbelievable. I’d love to see Jess finish her rock covering the dome, I know this will take quite some time. The protection it will give the dome will be remarkable not to mention Jess gets her art talent involved it will be a beautiful dome. You two have had so many setbacks through storms, passings of family ( human and animal ) and pain for Jess, but you come through and stand together. I am glad I’m a fan and will be forever, keep going , you are the friend and neighbors I’d love to have !!! Now Peter get a slap on the back and a great new addition. Just one question how are you going to feed the rocket mass heater ? Where are you getting the wood , old pallets maybe? Wish you had a large cattle ranch nearby you could harvest dry cow patties. My Granddad used dry cow patties to warm his barn during the winter. I used to go through the pasture and gather them, laying them in the sun to dry. Love the videos and you three byyyeee

[@HalsPals]

You have family and unity. That is big, especially when one doesn't have it.

[@sueyates3555]

Congratulations on 5 years Jim and Jess. I love your creativity on your home it has turned out absolutely beautiful. Both of you work through good and bad times and you stick together and give each other support.❤ Thanks so much to your brother Peter for being there also for you both and you also there for him.❤️

[@lanec5672]

Hi guys... Thanks for the re-cap video! I can appreciate Jessica's personal issues -- nobody likes working through pain. Such issues, following such devastating, demoralizing set-backs & personal loss would be enough to grind even the toughest of working gears to a temporary halt. What you're attempting to do isn't unlike what the earlier pioneers did, but with the added advantage of time, modern technology & information. The original pioneers didn't have the 'luxury' of being able to take a break & work through things -- they kept their noses to the grind stones & pushed on, because to them it was an absolute matter of life & death survival. You guys have remained busy with several different 'necessary' projects & I applaud you for your efforts! As you know, I've taken a bit of an issue with the order of your projects, wondering how it is you could afford to prioritize them in such a manner. To me, the most obvious priority would have been to complete & protect the outside of the existing dome asap, especially after watching/seeing what 'mother nature' did to what you had worked so hard to build upon for the 2nd dome. My opinion hasn't changed, but I would like to offer you my apology after hearing more about what you've been through in recent times. Like I've said before, if I was still living in Cochise County, I'd have insisted on lending you a hand -- my place was in good shape & I had the spare time. It would have been my pleasure (especially if you fed me dinner.. lol). As for what I think is your greatest achievement, that would have to be your rainwater harvest & storage. Absolutely brilliant, GDP.. absolutely brilliant.. that's how I know you've got all of this! Best wishes, as always... 🤠👍

[@tracelee7332]

Sending blessings to you and your family ❤

[@annalinekennedy1027]

Thanks for the update on your progress. Looking forward to your next project. Stay safe and good luck from a cold windy and wet South Africa. This is a normal winter and we are so thankful for the rain.

[@janina8559]

I can honestly say I never thought the 2 of you would make it. Though it takes weirdo’s to actually make it you 2 complimented each other. Wow you 2 did it! I love you guys ❤️❤️❤️!

[@robertevans6481]

Jess i pray that you get relief from your pain.

[@suecerri2686]

The shingles are gorgeous and one of my favorite things. I love the rocket mass heater and of course the electrical work.

[@larryjackson8675]

Hope you’ve had a wonderful anniversary! You know jim it must be a blessing to have Jess, who as ive noticed watching older videos gets more beautiful inside and out every year!! Thats perty rare friend.

[@Dudebrointhesky]

You both handled those tragedies with strength and resilience. I am very impressed with your courage to endure.

[@nicholasgardiner9601]

Always remember and never forget, the plotters, the planners, the schemers, the artists, the dreamers, the designers the doers,the builders, the contractors, the dynamic duo, Jess and Jim, filled tamped barb wired, placed and cobbed each and every earthbag of their Dome home. A miracle of love, resilience, dedication and determination. 🎆❤🤗🎉🎉🎉

[@CharlotteBugYouTubeVideosMore]

Love family and so excited that you are able to share your world with family.

[@elsalopez6868]

Congratulations on your proyect so far.Nothing comes in easy,we need to push it in order to make things happen.Everything is getting better and better so keep up the good work because you guys inspire many of us.

[@janetbuckley1994]

You guys are adorable. What a beautiful couple/team. I've followed you for most of the 5 yrs off and on, getting diverted to my own projects and then finding you pop up. It's always a pleasure to see your progress. I smiled all the way through your video today.....thank you so much for your inspiring fascinating manner in which you solve each problem that comes your way. Keep on trucking, the world needs people like you. God bless.

[@ChristiMeshell]

It was a blessing the root cellar caved at the moment it did. Imagine if you had been in there when it broke - that could have been truly tragic. You were spared and were able to fortify. Y’all are so inspiring! 🙏🏼

[@goldentrim344]

Install a mini split 12k BTU heat pump. Pioneer. You will love it. You can use the water it produces for your garden.

[@RV_Chef_Life]

Looks like y’all really cracked the code. Congrats! We just finished 7 years full time rving and our next goal is to do what y’all are doing.

[@theadventuresofbrockinthai4325]

Hey Jess and Jim and Peter, good to look back from time to time. I think it can motivate you.

[@kathleenmead9259]

Excellent job you two! Love and peace!

[@hombredeacero3131]

Congratulations on your anniversary. Looking forward to all your new plans much continued success to you all

[@elainedegoede6276]

So glad you up and running on all "cilinders" again. Cannot wait to see the next build. God bless you all💕🙏

[@rosaolbera8768]

You both have done so much work outthere and I am very happy to be part of your channel Rosa olbera from Texas

[@kelleyloreth300]

Those shingles are SO pretty!! Great idea and execution!! Gorgeous!

[@kimmer5969]

I'm happy to be watching your video again.

[@NicoleHoltActress]

I love your little trough with the branch in it. Perfect place for the birds.

[@suecerri2686]

Don’t forget-when the root cellar failed you worked more on berms and snails. Full steam ahead! I love watching your show.

[@elizabethblane201]

Good for you. Onward and upward.

[@dyannejohnson6184]

Enjoy your openness

[@lovegodlovefreedom2535]

Very hardworking folks with great artistic flair!!! You are inspirational for sure!😄❤️🙏🏽💯👍🏾

[@markbutterfield2189]

so happy to see you guys in good spirits

[@cadcad4974]

Excellent video of the past five years from the beginning to the present! Peace🙏

[@ourselfreliantlife]

Thank you kindly

[@joshuanicholsjr5327]

again that hand-cut colored metal you put up is called gingerbread and it was a cute idea it gives the eye something to look at and does give that facia a festive look great idea, god bless

[@johnlindsey8286]

I had similar pain issues and discovered a sinus infection and began using a navage device that flushed out the sinus cavity w/a special salt rinse product. Then a medicated mouth wash. The infection lessened in a short time.

[@wadeprior5203]

Hey good morning or good afternoon you guys hope you guys are having a great day hope the animals are doing fine. Have a great day and have fun out there just be careful

[@brennagarten317]

thank you for the recapitulation of the last 5 yrs!! I really enjoyed hearing the excitement in your voices re: the future! My favorite was definitely the cistern and gabion that surrounds it.

[@feliciaobryan6156]

There are too many for me to pick just one. Love y'all so much.

[@heath156]

Love you guys! Happiness, health n hugs❤.

[@barbarakarman8427]

Great update on all that you have been going through and doing

[@ourselfreliantlife]

Thank you!

[@dianaspy6733]

Always a joy to see your updates! ❤🎉😂

[@waynekaczmarek946]

And by the way thank you so much for your videos I appreciate you

[@jeremybryant882]

Jeremy here. I better understand this quest seeing your videos. Joy seeing you rally toward completion.

[@joshuanicholsjr5327]

I have watched you guys from the start and have prayed for you and your success great job keep up the good work god bless

[@CJLeTeff]

Why don’t you put the 5th wheel under the rain harvest roof so it serves dual purpose? Also, it seems that finishing the roof on the home would be your primary focus?

[@floriebrown2089]

Fantastic project I went away for a while because I had covid, it took me a long time to get over it but as soon as I could I join you both and did some catching up, I absolutely love what you are both doing, I like the life very much, the hard work and the way you both pick your selves up and carry on. It was so sad to learn that Jessica was ploughing on although she was in pain great admiration to you dear. As for Jim I called him the mole he is always digging what a great fellow you are Jim a fantastic husband to Jessica love you both and happy brother Peter came back. Thanks for the video.

[@victoriafisher6934]

This is a lot of work you've put before you like in olden days ! Not too many will do this! !!

[@AnaGRodriguez-jm4vc]

❤ im so glad that I found you guys again oh my gosh I've been searching

[@wayneh3021]

Congratulations on 5yrs.. Keep your heads up.. You two got this 😊👍👍

[@Birdfarmer862]

So VERY PROUD of you, including Peter! So many hoops to jump through. So many accomplishments too!

[@roberthill9011]

You 2 are so inspirational to many don't forget that trolley inspiring. Love and light little one's 😊X

[@kevinh.w.crabbe8748]

Happy belated anniversary you two beautiful people. We sure love what you done throughout your years out there. May God keep on blessing use your years

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Totally jealous of all of that rainwater harvesting capabilities guys! Way to go. Like I have said other times that rainroof rocks! Just one super smart build.

[@ourselfreliantlife]

Don! We hope you're doing well.🙏

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

@@ourselfreliantlife back to my old self and neck deep in projects. Doing great! Thanks for checking in.

[@judylee1860]

I love the artistic touches and the entry. The support systems (water, power, HVAC, etc) are amazing. Fun to watch happen

[@KellieEverts-ss8uz]

What a beautiful tree!

[@tinadunaway1737]

My favorite is Jess's door it's beautiful 🥰🥰

[@EDGARDOSARINAS]

Thank you for sharing your very inspiring off-grid life. God Bless. ( New subs here...😍)

[@davidsears5576]

Enjoy watching you guys hope Jess feels better soon and gets full recovery

[@ruthkent7190]

Evaluating accomplishments is so valuable, identifying next potential moves in life's adventure. Self care , rest is key enjoying the process...Brave, courageous, faithfulness, quiet contemplation, living is art. Thank you for sharing.

[@carolmingus2754]

So proud of you guys and can't wait to see what you are going to do next!

[@charlenemarion5678]

Congratulations and just wow you have accomplished so much in this last year!!

[@Christenhelm]

Thank you all for posting this! We are newbies on the precipice of starting our homestead in Cochise county this winter and you’ve given such helpful ideas on timeline & your videos seem to always pop up when I’m looking for ideas. 😊

[@ourselfreliantlife]

Best of luck!

[@Tony-mq5yo]

The lady is amazing. I love her very much and wish best of luck

[@darienneflint9354]

Loved watching all the revisits in this video. Great seeing how your projects completed with ups n downs ... but achieving ... motto pick yourself up and move forward.

[@KellieEverts-ss8uz]

I love her nature nurture touches

[@Eekamouse01]

Congratulations to you both! Your homestead is looking amazing! May your next five years be filled with wonder, amazement, and joy!

[@ourselfreliantlife]

Thank you so much!

[@deborahparnell8862]

Soooooo proud of y'all!!! ty..xoxo 🥰✌🤟👍🖐🤪

[@jbgood7694]

Your homestead is so cool. Thanks for sharing your progress, troubles and how you overcame them. You definitely have a purpose. I'm looking forward to seeing more videos on your progress.

[@sueantoine3855]

Everything takes time. I love your shingles. What an awesome idea. They are beautiful.

[@albertdehn8381]

Thanks for sharing 👍😀

[@sallys2423]

Wow, you've made SO much progress on your homestead! I was particularly fascinated by the rocket mass heater. Q: Is it possible to gather wood for the heater in the desert? Inquiring minds are curious!

[@131dyana]

amazing life

[@contentment164]

A nice look back! Great work, folks.

[@joannehyduckhopkins6898]

Congrats! I have six desert willows at my place in Sunsites ! They do need water but are doing great. The bees love them and they are beautiful! I have too many mesquite!!!!! And two Palo Verde, which are doing well. Also collect rainwater!

[@jescojake]

Wow...a lot done in 5 years!! Thanks for all the videos showing what you are doing with your land and house build.

[@tonysajkowski3534]

This answers many questions I was wondering the storage container then the 5th. wheel camper trailer lots of work and more work great progress for you love the updated post.

[@georgeramirez5225]

I enjoyed what you guys gone through for5years, I would like to know what guys do before Arizona.

[@marctorr5551]

I love what you two have accomplished. I only have one idea to share with you. Look up Yellow horn trees, they thrive in deserts as they require very little water and produce nuts similar in taste to Mcadamea and rich in healthy oil with excellent health properties. They really have to be planted by seed but can start producing in three years and are as tall as a man in 7 years. Look them up.

[@jdcjr50]

Thank you so much for sharing your inspiring work! The entry and doorway really rocks, pun intended.

[@raincoast9010]

Your water collection is amazing.

[@santleo7579]

Congratulations on your five years! I got to say that water storage project was impressive!

[@ourselfreliantlife]

Thank you!

[@coyotech55]

Yes, that's the most impressive to me, too.