Steve Jelf is home safe and sound

[DHort]

Just got done talking to Steve as he was relaxing in his LR in front of the fireplace. Dallas Fort Worth airport was an experience for him, but they were able to get him from one terminal to the other in time to catch his flight. He stopped at Walmart to stock up and is now home. We talked for a bit and I would swear he never suffered from a car accident. He spoke clearly without hesitation, and no sign that he ever suffered from any trauma. I do not think he has a working computer in the house so it might be a bit before he is back on the forum. He thinks his computer was shipped to Idaho for his cousin to work on, and now it can be shipped back. Earlier tonite he was sitting there and a little mouse ran across the floor, so he has to go to town and get a trap for the little creature. Probably has been living high off the hog since Steve has been gone.

Mike Bender has offered to drive to Indiana to retrieve what is left of his T, so we will hear about that in the future.

Thank you to everyone for your concern, your prayers, and anything else you have done for Steve.

[havnfun]

Dave,
Thanks for the update, Steve take care buddy, glad your travels home were successful.

[Mopar_man]

This is the best post all night.

[kevinf]

Great news, glad to hear!
Kevin

[Wayne Sheldon]

Wonderful to hear/read! hopefully it can become like it never happened.

How is Shorty doing?

[DHort]

Shorty did not quite know what to do about this man that moved into her house.

I am sure that has changed by now.

[George House]

Thanks for the good news Dave,… its been a circuitous journey with a happy ending - finally ! Welcome home Steve !!

[Brent Mize]

So happy for Steve!
Glad your home!

[PeterN]

Great to hear you are at home and doing so well Steve!

[John Codman]

This is the best post all night.

X2!

[Gordon C]

Welcome home Steve !!
Glad you're back.

[Norman Kling]

You really are Dauntless! I wish you well and hope you will get your T to recover as well. Remember, there is still a place for you in my back seat on the San Diego tour in June!
Norm

[jiminbartow]

Welcome home. I’m looking forward to seeing a full documentation of the repair, restoration and revival of that Model T from beginning to end on the Forum, if that is the route you choose to go. That would be very interesting and inspirational. We got Steve mended and back in service…now we gotta his T mended and back in service. Jim Patrick

[Charlie B in N.J.]

Best of luck Steve. Now sit back and relax a bit. There’s no rush to start doing things and knocking yourself out. Play it cool.

[Jerry VanOoteghem]

There's no place like home!

[1925 Touring]

Glad you are home, Steve!
Play it safe, it doesn't pay to rush it!

[dobro1956]

Glad to hear that you are home. We have a few more videos for you to review when you get your computer back. We always liked the input you gave us with each new video. Not sure if you will be up to going to Chickasha. If not, there's always next year. Take care, and don't rush it.

[Charlie B in N.J.]

For cryn' out loud there was a go fund me page for Steve. Can't they get him a new decent computer?

[CudaMan]

He got a new Ipad while he was recovering, but he prefers his old familiar computer.

[DHort]

A very kind Model T owner sent Steve a brand new iPad while he was in Chicago. I know because I opened the box the day it came. His cousin met me about a month later and she programmed the new iPad for him. Steve is having issues with it because it has the latest software and it is not what Steve is familiar with. Give him time. He has no one to help him learn the new browser.

[Susanne]

I can sympathize with that - Apple has a way of changing things around and messing with things that work... for things that don't. I haven't upgraded my laptop since Mojave, and I refuse to until they bring back the cool "widget" screen on the left. (And don't get me started about the silly "touch bar" fiasco....) I DO upgrade my phone and my desktop (which is also ancient), but that's not as radical. II just hope my laptop doesn't die.

Anyway, welcome home, Steve, it'll be good to have you back on here eventually... sit back enjoy the fire, wait for your car to get home. No need to rush anything, but of course, you do you - and I know being home after an absence you just wanna go out and get things done!

[Kaiser]

Welcome home Steve, that must feel great after all that happened the last months.
Get better, love Shorty and enjoy the coming Spring !

[tdump]

Steve is the kind that is apt to break out his telegraph key to talk to you!
I can fully relate to "updated" "Upgraded" not being easy at all to learn.

[Charlie B in N.J.]

Oh by the way there was nothing meant about my reference to the fund. Actually it’s none of my business.

[WatchDog]

I think there should be a forum sub-section dedicated to Steve. That way all the information is in one place.

[MWalker]

I think there should be a forum sub-section dedicated to Steve. That way all the information is in one place.

I think this is it.

[Arnie]

Dave:

Thanks for letting us all know that Steve is safe and sound at home. We hope that he can adjust to whatever needs to change in his life. It will be nice if he can get back on the forum again.

We look forward to his words of wisdom!

The Chicago Land guys'

Andy & Arnie

[Will_Vanderburg]

Since Charlie brought it up, what DID happen to the GoFundMe monies???

[DHort]

Manny set it all up.

Steve will have access when he again has access to a bank in Kansas or Oklahoma.

Remember he does not have transportation without a ride or when he has the will
to get in his car again.

[thom]

I hope the other driver is not living a happy life with no consequences. Anyone know what charges were filed and the results?
No offense to others on here but people need to be held accountable for their stupidity.

[John kuehn]

I agree with Thom. Somebody wasn’t looking what was going on and almost killed somebody. Maybe the insurance companies are working things out.

[Steve Jelf]

First, thanks to Jeff for the new password. Now that I'm in, I can comment too. I see this post started about two weeks ago. In that time the biggest change happened today. Today the agent came and got my check for insurance, and left the card to carry in the car. Immediately I drove the Camry to the courthouse in Winfield and got a new copy of the current registration. After that I stopped at the Verizon store to find out what it would cost to replace my phone with a cracked outside screen. I'm not sure I want to spend $100. I'll have to think about that. My second stop was at a body shop in Arkansas City to have a couple of fasteners replaced to keep the car together. On the way home I drove by the former Green Door and saw that it's now Los Cabos.Will it be good enough to make my list of regular eating places? We'll see.

Now that i'm legal to drive again, what a relief. I won't have to impose on relatives and neighbors whenever I need to go anywhere.Tomorrow I'll celebrate by going to the market for groceries.

Otherwise, little by little, I'm getting back to whatever normal is when your age starts with 8. I walk without the cane much of the time, often reminding myself where I put it down. Lying about with no real exercise for half a year has made me distressingly weak. I'll have to begin a regime of regular exercise to get back some lost muscle. The only other physical effect of TBI that I notice is a reduced sense of balance. That makes me slow and deliberate when going up and down stairs. My cousin Zack installed a handrail on the stairs to my office above the shop after he saw me take a minor tumble. That will come as a relief to the relatives who were appalled by those stairs without a handrail.

Do I have enough to do? More than enough. I won't live long enough to get everything done, even if I make it to 100+. I'm not worrying about that. Some things will get done, and some won't. The latter will be available for the next generation if they're interested. It looks like the Go Fund Me dough will cover the bills that piled up since September 7, but won't cover a new 1915 T. That's OK. I still have a 1923 touring to get back on the road, and more T projects waiting.

Thanks to Manny for starting the GFM page, and to all the folks who sent cards, letters, emails, etc. I was deeply affected by all the kindness and consideration from so many good people. It was all more than anybody has a right to expect.

[Norman Kling]

Welcome back to the real world! I've only been through Kansas once in my lifetime. Went to Burrton to see a second cousin. His grandparents homesteaded the farm many years ago. He didn't have any children so the farm went to a niece on his wife's side of the family. He was about 91 when I saw him. That was in the 1990's and he looked very much like he did around 1941 when he had visited us. Maybe it was his father who visited then. Both wore Bib overalls. That was the only time I drove across the country. After we passed Colorado I couldn't even tell what state we were in because everything was flat and corn grew all over. When he was out visiting us, he would stare at the mountains. I guess he hadn't seen either mountains or ocean. If I ever go there again, it will probably be by auto because too many airplanes are falling apart in mid air and I don't like waiting in line for a long time upon checking in.
Anyway, welcome home. We still have some open slots for the San Diego Tour in June. I still have room for you in the back seat, or maybe even in the front seat.
Norm

[Wayne Sheldon]

I am so glad to see you doing so well!

The high point of my day!

[tmodeldriver]

Howdy, Steve. Your post just made my day. I have followed your progress anxiously ever since the accident. Sure glad that things are getting back to normal. I hope to get by there to see you again one of these days but probably won't be this year. If I do I might need a ride in that touring car. Regards, Bob Hester

[Steve Jelf]

Norm, "anybody who thinks Kansas is flat hasn't ridden a bicycle across it". We do have hills, but most of them aren't very long. Your mention of overalls reminds me of a story from the operator of the local electric supply in town. He and his dad, who always wore them, were in Chicago for a convention. Somebody said, "Lyle, at the banquet tomorrow night we're all supposed to dress formally." Lyle replied, "In Kansas this is formal attire."

Much as I would like to tour San Diego County by Model T, at this point it seems unlikely. I will be doing OK if I make the MTFCA annual meeting just down the road in OKC. This year's Chickasha meet is the first one I'm missing in years. I hope to be there next year. That's only one of the places I would like to go again. Will I ever lie on my back at Cedar Breaks in August at such an elevation that the night sky is crystal clear, watching the spectacular meteor shower? Maybe, or maybe not. Will I wake up on a cool morning in the Sierra Nevada to the scent of pines and firs, as shafts of sunlight play through dust in the air? It would be wonderful, but if it doesn't happen it's a beautiful memory.

Drive across country? My experience has been such that I would love to do it again, especially by Model T. Given recent events, it may seem odd that I would like to do more Model T travel. I realize that I'm in a tiny minority of Model T folks, who are a tiny minority of the population. Sleep on the ground again? I've been doing that since 1946 (that I remember). The thought of it doesn't bother me a bit. It's just another of the sweet memories I would like to repeat.

[George Hand]

Hello Steve, I among others are glad you have done as well as you have, I am also sure you have been going thru a Mountain of Insurance paperwork and hoping somehow you were covered for most if not all of the Hospital bills. That leaves the question of your "15, has that been covered insurance wise, do you plan on a rebuild with as much of the original car as possible? If this has been covered in another thread, I apologize as I have missed it. I would say "inquiring minds" would care to know? George

[George Mills]

So very good to hear your comments Steve. I'll start looking more frequently, or start to catch 'dauntless geezer blog' again, as they were both informative and appreciated.

FWIW, I hope that your recovery continues strong. I have hesitated from commenting from a personal perspective due to all experiences being different. My own story is 3 days in a trauma frame...so many items posted on the intake differential review that they only got to about 1/2 of them while in trauma unite followed by a week plus in ICU. A brain aneurism wasn't even addressed until well into rehab. I had lost the ability to walk...my left leg was in a locked brace with a red tag on it because the kneecap had shattered in over 50 pieces and was now superglued back together and the orthopod wanted no one touching any of the settings...and I had to learn to walk again at the end of that little episode. I can't say 'been there, done that'...but can say now that I believe with the Jelf attitude I'm already seeing...those little issues that you report that you experience from time to time will hopefully become quite manageable. (My case, I fool people into thinking I can walk without a cane or anything else...I can't kneel - so adapted; I can't pivot to the left or right - only have fore and aft motion in the left leg...and as difficult as it is to get under a T...getting under is the easy part...getting back up and out I mimic a 6 month old in rolling over, and an 18 month old in how to get up using but one side of my body.)

That all said, keep up whatever therapy you can, invent a few 'at home' processes for that strength, and quite frankly if you have any questions about things in the days forward from here...send me a message or an email, I'd be happy to chat about your new journey. (We are all different as I said but on your balance question? May or may not pass. Somehow I came out of my own ordeal with extreme vertigo...from a guy who worked high iron in his younger days! I can't even watch the scary cliffhanging stuff on a TV show as it does kick in...so...I just watch something else.

Old school - adapt and begin your day with intercessions on how great the new day may be and what a fair reasonable goal will be. Even if but one achievement....It works. Continued good luck Steve!

[Steve Jelf]

...do you plan on a rebuild with as much of the original car as possible?

First I have to go to Indiana and examine the remains. The car is not usable as it is, but enough of it survived (or may have) to save me considerable expense on a rebuild. Start adding up the likely or known reusable items and it comes to quite an expense potentially saved. Mechanical horn, $100 or more; tires, $200 plus shipping each; license plate, $50?; coils, $35-$40 each, plus numerous other items that would add up: coil box, timer, looms, battery charger, side lamps & tail lamp, running board cans, tools, carburetor, Mike Bender engine and transmission, wheels, etc. Dallas tells me some of the listed items survived unhurt or will take minor repair. I just have to get to northern Indiana and examine the carcass before I decide anything.

[havnfun]

Steve, it’s nice to see you really active and posting again

It’s one day at a time and your memories will help you through the journey in front of you

Best of luck and safe travels
Joe in Idaho

[tiredfarmer]

Steve I'm sorry that you won't be able to go to Chickasha this year. You just get better and stronger so you can make it next year. I hope you can get the 15 Roadster fixed and running again. Take care and see you at Chickasha next year.

[DHort]

So happy to hear that the Go Fund Me dollars helped to take care of the bills.

Special thanks to Zack for putting that railing in. We put a railing on both sides of the stairs for my mother in law. Then she had something to grab on both sides if she felt unsteady.

From what you told me in Chicago, the 23 just needs some tranny work. Maybe concentrate on that and get it running. Let us all know if you need some parts. Then entertain a trip to Indiana to get the 15. Dallas says it is safe and secure where it is.

When you run to the store for groceries, do not forget to stock up on more Kimchee.

[JohnM]

Great to have you back Steve! For my Uncle, who was a ww2 airplane mechanic and a model T and A enthusiast, (and inflicted me with model T's) formal wear meant wearing your newest and cleanest overalls.

[WayneJ]

Hey Steve:
I am glad your able to post again. I missed hearing about your adventures.
Best wishes,

[Wascator]

Hi, Steve, so glad to hear you’re home!
I missed you at Hershey so inquiries made me aware of your accident.
Be blessed!
Randy R

[Model_T_Family]

Great news Steve congrats....

[Jugster]

Glad to hear the good news about Steve. Thanks.

[J1MGOLDEN]

Steve, also very nice to see my Dauntless Geezer website bookmark still works great!

Like you, both have survived miracles!

Double the number of your estimate of the price of new coils now.

[Ron Patterson]

Steve
If you need any help fixin the ignition coils you abused (grin) let me know?
Ron Patterson

[Steve Jelf]

If you need any help fixin the ignition coils...

That will be after I get them home from Indiana and find out what their condition is.

[DHort]

I could pick them up in Indiana on my way to homecoming. Surely someone there could check them to see if they are functioning properly. If not, I could ship them off to Ron.

[Steve Jelf]

When I was staying with my brother in California, I had a call from Kim Dobbins. He volunteered to take me for a Model T ride. He came to pick me up in what appeared to be a home made truck on a Model T chassis. Pretty neat. We went to see Larry Smith, who also lives in Lomita. They are just two or three miles apart.

Kim and Larry and I spent a nice couple of hours discussing Model T.

[Kaiser]

Hello there Steve Jelf, here's a little ditty for you and Shorty ;
https://youtu.be/9vtU-xFjv84?si=vmZbu7YZRTpN_yaD
Enjoy !

[bnchief]

Steve is not only well and home but we were treated to a visit by him at the mtfca board meeting where received a great award congrats Steve.