In today’s New York Times, I came across an article about a man named John Wells and Field Lab, his desert homestead in Texas. Although food is mentioned—especially the olive and beer bread baked in a solar oven—the article is more about lifestyle than cooking. Namely, one man living off the grid, scrounging for materials, all the while doing it creatively and sustainably. My kind of article, which shows an alternative way of living that uses rather than abuses technology. 

Of course, not everyone can live in the desert. There is simply not enough water to support a large population. However, Wells has rigged up gutters and a water tank designed to glean every bit of water that does fall in this arid land. 

Then there is the matter of low taxes, an attraction for Wells. Last year, he paid $86. This sounds great. After all, who likes to pay high taxes? But there is a price to be paid for everything, including low taxes. It is my understanding—with Paul Krugman as my source—that the schools in Texas are a horror, ditto for social services, and the state is running a huge deficit. 

But these are only medium-sized quibbles, more cautionary notes than criticisms. Wells has a blog, which I’ve bookmarked, and the accompanying photos are terrific. (Before moving to Texas, Wells was a fashion and catalog photographer.) Also, the slide show that goes with the Times article is very good. 

So kudos to Wells for finding a way that gives as much as it takes, a way that can be an example of how we can go forward and still live comfortable, satisfying lives. 

We need more pieces like this.