The Field Lab

94,101,76,0,B

Many never seek God because of misconceptions and ongoing sin that they are slaves to because they selfishly choose to be "of the world" rather than just "in the world". Being tempted isn’t sin—surrendering to it is. Temptation is also an opportunity to do what is right by turning from it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 states, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” This “way of escape” is ultimately what tilts the scale toward seeking God. When we flee temptation, turn from sin, and seek God, the by-product is the gift of The Holy Spirit. The door of temptation swings both ways—you can enter or exit. But once you choose to enter, once inside, you will no longer see the exit sign as clearly.

The pandemic is still getting worse in case you have your head up your ass.  Another record setting week of new infections worldwide (and no, the illuminati is not fudging the numbers to gain control over you).  My test last Monday returned a negative result which thankfully means I am not one of the 1,272,461 new cases reported in the past 7 days.  Unfortunately, Terlingua Ranch seems to have a lot of idiotic Covid deniers that believe just about every stupid conspiracy theory out there.  This one seems to be a favorite of the locals - including the manager of The Little Burro Store.  79 101, 90,0,B

Working on one of my Russian mechanical wrist watches.  Got it serviced, cleaned up, and ordered a new crystal - but having a beast of a time regulating it even after demagnetizing the watch and band.  Its running about 4 minutes fast per hour which is unacceptable.  86,99,78, .05",W

Tried 3 times to measure Ben's tip to tip today.  He wasn't interested in cooperating.Will try again tomorrow.88,102,78,0,B

Because of the recent spike in Covid-19 infections throughout Texas and the warnings from health officials at all levels, this mandate took effect today in Brewster County.

This was the response from the manager of one of our local stores. (It should be noted that it is a very small store and proper social distancing is nearly impossible inside.)

"The Little Burro Country Store per Judge Canos' order will ask our customers to bring your mask along.  We will not "mandate" our employees to wear a mask due to both physical and mental health issues.  Only if they choose or in the case of an emergency and only for a short period.  If you feel compromised, our help is glad to step back while running your card and you may lay your money on the counter and back away to the 6' distance.  We thank you for your patronage as our intent here at Jackass Flats is to raise the quality of life here in the Big Bend area.  Not to compromise our freedom and basic rights to make choices for our own health and welfare.  My staff are not children, they are adults and can make their own choices within the perimeter of the law and have their own health issues which you know nothing about.  As I stated, I am asking customers to bring their own mask with their own choices.  We still opt to distance for them and have masks available for short term wear if needed."

Guess where in this statement that she totally lost me.  And FYI - this is an emergency and the mandatory mask rule was issued because of emergency conditions.  I am curious - exactly what physical and mental health issues mean they don't have to wear masks?  Are they worse than the increased chance of catching and spreading the virus to the local community?  Are they somehow immune to Covid-19?  I suggest that if your intention is to improve the quality of life here, the store find new employees rather than jeopardize the general public as well as these current employees that have issues with masks.

2 Peter 2: But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.  3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

Meanwhile in Trumpworld

Today's pocket watch restoration.  New mainspring and case for an 18 size Elgin lever set movement made in 1891.  Still need to track down an hour hand for it.  89,97,76,0,B

brought back to life...99,112,74.0.C

Our Father who art in heaven...

This one put up quite a fight getting repaired and reassembled, but I prevailed in the end.  One of the nicest dials out of all the pocket watches I bought so far.  In other news:  over 1,000,000 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the world in the past week - the highest rate since the pandemic started.  Thought you should know.  Chump is too busy performing for his minions in Tulsa today. (oops...did I type that out loud?)   86,102,70, .01",B

I have been following this very carefully for 90 days.  FYI - the worldwide daily infection rate is going up - especially since everything has been reopening.  A major spike yesterday - higher than anything seen so far.  Over 1 million new infections worldwide in the past week.    For those of you don't see that as a problem because you think it is merely due to more testing - what that actually means is the pandemic is far worse than believed.  And if you still think it isn't a problem because your locality isn't seeing much action...keep in mind this worldwide pandemic all started with just one case in China and sooner than later it is going to hit home for you.  In the last week alone, Brewster County, Texas (where I live) was relatively unscathed with only one case and suddenly has 18 confirmed cases since things started to open up.  Meanwhile Donald Chump has stated: "We are going to put out the fires.  We're not going to close the country again.  We can put out the fires".  I don't know about you - but I smell smoke and all I have seen so far is our president fanning the flames.  The narcissistic idiot hell bent on getting reelected is about to hold a rally with 20,000 attendees (ignoring the advice of health officials) in a state that is seeing an increase in the infection rate.  (It should be noted that all attendees must sign a waiver admonishing the venue and the president of any liability if they contract the virus there.)  After the first confirmed case in the US, the president said on January 22, "We have it totally under control.  It's one person coming in from China.  We have it under control.  It's going to be just fine."  Tell that to the over 100,000 people who have died in the US so far.  96,100,67,0,B