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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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... 🤠👍

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!!

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.

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

The front door is awesome.

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

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

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!! 🎉

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.❤️

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

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

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

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

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!

Jess your smile is so pleasant.

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

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

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

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

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.

So glad she is feeling better enjoy each video

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 ☀️

I love her nature nurture touches

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

Your water collection is amazing.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

Jess i pray that you get relief from your pain.

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

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

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

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.

Awesome.....👏👏👏

I'm happy to be watching your video again.

Awesome 👍🏼

Excellent job you two! Love and peace!

Thx for the update .. LOOOVE UUUU ❤

Thanks for sharing 👍😀

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. 😊

A nice look back! Great work, folks.

Finally catching a new video, been watching your older videos as one of my preps for moving to west texas. Thanks for all you do!

Congratulations!!🎉

Looks amazing guys

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

Love your dome guys!😊

Good for you. Onward and upward.

You guys are awesome.

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

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

Always a joy to see your updates! ❤🎉😂

awesome well done

Beautiful work guys

so happy to see you guys in good spirits

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

Great video! God bless.

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

What a beautiful tree!

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

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

Love you guys! Happiness, health n hugs❤.

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 ❤️❤️❤️!

I like the Dome. It has a unique style to it and promises to be a great place to live when you are ready to move in. Also, I am looking forward to the Root Cellar Revival, or Root Cellar 2.0. Its hard with only 2 people, I wish you had more opportunities to bring in outside help to jumpstart that digout from the collapse. Not sure what tractor access you might have, but it would definitly be a boon for future progress. Keep Digging!

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

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.

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.

Awesome, 5yrs wow, time Flys 🙂

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

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

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.

Enjoy your openness

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.

Love you guys! Love what you're doing! Love watching your triumphs, despite any set backs! And as Jim said, it's how you handle and react to tragedies and set backs that determines whether you make it or not!

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

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

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

I like the art work on the door!

Hi Jess and Jim, I have followed you guys for a while. I have enjoyed all vids so far. It is great to do an occasional review of progress. I find it motivates and inspires more creativity. I look forward to your next vids and projects. Thanks for sharing and the caring example you give us all, both in your relationship and your ecological footprint.

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

Looking good! I don't want time to go faster than it has to but I'm excited to see how the RMH works out.

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

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

You guys are incredible! Thanks for inspiring us!!

Good video, very interesting.

Another enjoyable video 😊, thanks for sharing.

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.

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

I look forward to the next video 😊

Beautiful ❤