#72 Cutting the Grass, Closing the Trenches, Building a Terrace

I'm finishing up the works on the septic tank. It's time to cut the grass, which at places is nearly a meter high. I'm moving a lot of dirt around, filling up trenches and building a terrace around the cabins. Finally, I have eyes on a new trailer for which I'm going on a road trip to Switzerland.
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Music in this video: Cirkel by Mensenkinderen
0:00 Sunrise and grass cutting
1:39 Cleaning up
5:07 Digger arrives
6:57 a rainy morning
9:03 Last connection on the septic system
11:16 Closing trenches
12:32 Dinner
14:25 Closing the septic trench
14:44 Levelling the driveway
20:55 Closing the rain gutter trench
27:04 Explaining terrace works
30:22 Bread making
32:03 levelling the terrace
32:58 Thunder storm
36:29 Finishing the front terrace
38:49 Retiring the trailer
40:29 Baking bread
41:30 Monologue
46:07 Road trip

[@donnasauer5462]

I am 82 yrs old and had a pony when i was young. My father used a scythe to cut acres of hay for the winter, turning it all by hand to dry. I can see him now, exactly as you showed, turning the scythe up to sharpen the blade with a file. Thank you for these pleasant memories.

[@elaineschiefer-feria516]

😊😊😊❤ I am 70 and felt the same remembering my grandfather 🙏🏻🌷

[@happylifeSteph]

Beautiful sharing 🫶🥰

[@lifelearner47]

@@elaineschiefer-feria516 Me too. Those 2 sounds, the swish of the blade and then the sharpening of the blade. I could almost smell the cut grass too! Wonderful memories. Thank you Martijn, I think you've made quite a few of us happy with that.

[@addker]

Stone sharpens steel

[@user-il2tq6wf6v]

Thank you

[@rogerbmcdaniel]

The "Like" button just never seems enough. Thank you, Martijn.

[@Kaderlid13]

You do have the „Thank you“ button, where you can even contribute! I do it from time to time, and I’m so grateful to be able to give something back. ❤

[@dengueberries]

If anyone is interested, some of the birds that can be heard around 35:00 are: Eurasian Blackcap, Common Chaffinch, Eurasian Blue Tit, European Robin, & Eurasian Blackbird.

[@nancyn347]

Thank you! Every time I hear the birds, I wonder what they are.

[@jeremyparsons5379]

Very good 👍

[@lonnieslick9313]

Awesome

[@yossarianbombardier6823]

Hey thanks, there's seems to be a hell of a lot of them...my pet bird whistles along when I'm watching these videos.

[@nancybarnett7406]

Thank you

[@jamesevans4250]

*Great job 👍Consistency is the key to success,❤️and making money from your comfort zone is amazing. Even without the help of the Government I’m getting $50,000 returns from my 10k investment…*

[@jamesevans4250]

After I got up to $300k trading with Mrs Mary Margaret Schimweg i bought a new House and I'm now able to send my kids to a better school in the states thanks to her. When someone is straight forward with what he or she is doing people will always speak up for them.

[@JimmyHernandez-zo8eg]

Oh please, how can someone get to speak with Mrs Mary Margaret Schimweg!!?

[@jamesevans4250]

That's her info on what's APK Messenger 👆 👆

[@OliviaLucy-ke6rf]

Your right honestly after I made my first deposit, on the 7th day I was paid $30,000 of my investment. Indeed investment is safer and surest way to make more money now, because I have made up to $130,000 recently from investment trading and management.🙌🇱🇷✅

[@JimmyHernandez-zo8eg]

@@jamesevans4250

[@willynilly7]

The quality of your videos and the content is still as great as the first one you uploaded. Thank you for your hard work!

[@samuelec]

true!

[@jinx6493]

So no improvement then?

[@melissataylor5494]

Better and better!

[@samuelec]

@@2bit661 what do you mean? expand

[@richardpenner5515]

You could probably repurpose the old trailer into another garden planter. A little more room for growing!

[@kfolse107]

That's a good idea.

[@ludovica8221]

Or for storing wood or tools

[@janmoore6340]

Or put roof over the bed for visiting campers to have dry above ground spot to lay on.

[@margaretolover3316]

@richardpenner5515 I think Martiijn did say a few weeks ago when he was talking about getting a new trailer that it would be re-purposed but I just can't remember in what way.

[@RobertMcGuckin-ws6pe]

He could sell it to offset the cost of the new trailer. Trailers are always in demand, even used and beat up, someone with a welder and metal fabricating skills could make it like new.

[@caronadams4486]

I'm not religious, but your videos bring such peace that I feel like I went to church after watching them. Beautiful way to spend a Sunday. Thanks so much❤

[@carollen5633]

@caronadams4486/// I feel spiritually moved by the Italian countryside and mountains. A tear glistened when I think of Italy and Switzerland, best holiday ever had. Take care. ☺

[@tracytanasiychuk8253]

God speaks through His creation Blessings from Canada 🇨🇦

[@carollen5633]

@@tracytanasiychuk8253 /// Blessings from Vancouver BC 👍

[@james5796]

Well that one was onebpf the best Martijn produced End part and imagery, and music was very beautiful - thank ypu

[@SymonSaysTV]

These weekly episodes bring peace and calm to my soul and keep me grounded. It makes me fall in love with nature all over again.

[@peterweltweit]

weekly..weakly..(🙂)

[@Floki_90]

Exactly!

[@jeannettebarnes4283]

Nice to hear the cows bells again❤

[@makeart5070]

Yeah, hering their bells ringing throughout the summer is one of my favorite things in this

[@dmunoz1943]

Yes!

[@tyreesetranh4074]

Those cows in transit to and from the pastures are traditionally called "le ciochinere," from ciòca 'bell.'

[@davidfellowes1628]

This is really a significant milestone, the laying of the floor the drainage system and the septic tanks. Now you can focus on the heating and internals so that you may move in before winter. Like many, it is the highlight of the week, thanks Martijn. Wishing you well.

[@marklingle19]

You should borrow a neighbors goats or cattle or sheep for a couple days. They will mow your grass for you. 😊 Thank you for providing a wholesome, relaxing programming and for allowing us into your life for an hour each Sunday.

[@b.a.b7834]

The unique thing of this channel is its simplicity. Resembling how a simple life can be fulfilling. I hope the money and fame that you earn will not change the content eventually and you can still keep its simplicity and modesty.

[@frankreidy5881]

Good to see the chickens are not suffering any post trauma effects - they seem happy.

[@bovellois]

The red hen has developed a limp from the injury 4:48.

[@sunzeneise]

@@bovellois Lucky to limp.

[@bovellois]

@@sunzeneise sure is 🙂

[@suzanneu2]

If you bought a Nanny goat and her baby you could have goat milk AND two lawn mowers!

[@kathleenphillips6445]

Yes I was concerned about the chickies too, especially the red hen.

[@Esther.B7520]

I loved the way you faded yourself out at the stone table while fading in the exact same spot with the coming of morning! Great editing!

[@cudden22]

Really was!

[@divarin7504]

my favorite scene from this week's video❤

[@PFTClumsy]

I'm happy that chicken can walk almost normally! I always wondering how she is doing. Good for her.

[@nellozavattini7808]

To me, from San Leo, Italy, you remember this words of a Zen monk, Taisen Deshimaru roshi: A man, at least once in a life, should choice a mission completely impossible to realize and put all his energy to do it.

[@someone6117]

My favourite part of a Sun-day....😊

[@gss7271]

Has anyone mentioned the difference between crushed stone and washed rock? Use the crushed stone on the driveway, it will interlock nicely. Using washed stone will be like driving on ball bearings. Use washed stone for drainage applications, like behind your retaining walls, and cover it with fabric to prevent too much soil infiltration. Wet soil will push the walls over. I've done some masonry, but as a heavy truck and equipment operator, I've moved a lot of material and have spoken with the experts. Greg 🇨🇦

[@donnakidd3241]

I am a 76 yr, old woman. I have anxiety and watching you helps me a lot. Very calming. Hello from Canada.

[@cmdrquillon9398]

My little slice of heaven between work and bed. Thank you for continuing to make these, Martijn, we all love them. You're an inspiration.

[@AgrippaMarcus]

amen

[@norsedragon]

I haven't seen anyone work with a scythe in many years. That's how my Scandinavian grandfather cut the grass.

[@_blento_2637]

His scythe was too short for him. Scythe should be selected/chosen on such way when one stand upright with the scythe close to his feet, the blade is above eyes. Short scythe will result in very short cuts and “upping” the cut at the very end. You could see in that last few scythe frames that is exactly what is happening. The swings with scythe of proper size should be long and go for 180 degrees (almost from right leg all the way to the left leg/hip). One can;t do that with short scythe. But I totally admire Martjin’s “let’s do it”. One can only learn from own “mistakes”. The longer the scythe would require less man power.

[@andrewjohnston9115]

My initial thought its nice to use traditional techniques and tools but I'd be using a petrol strimmer to make life easier ... and hey presto 😀

[@elaineschiefer-feria516]

❤ great memories, I remember my German grandfather doing the same in Southern Brazil where I was born and grew up ❤

[@MNIoana]

And my Romanian grandfather did the same 🙂

[@jjb8171]

Most of us will see the man with the scythe only once …

[@mazaik2]

Well all those grass clippings look like the beginnings of a great compost heap!

[@vickibythelake]

I’d love to see Martin add some billy goats to help him manage the grasses! The fainting one would be adorable & funny to watch :)

[@kariswanson5285]

I wondered if they went up to the neighbors cows??

[@mariaangelicagiannini5697]

Foi o mesmo que pensei

[@silviac221]

Yo pensé lo mismo

[@marypaddey4625]

Or hay for the chickens' nest boxes in winter

[@rhondamcilwrath4707]

Come on you guys!! Martin has 551 thousand subscribers but only 15 thousand likes!!🙃Hit that like button!!! I love his videos and watch every single one!! Takes one second to hit that button!!👍

[@candyclemens4432]

❤me too , his channel brings light in this dark world. He makes normal daily chores look as if a pleasure to do. His hard work will pay off for him some day. Stay safe and be blessed Martijn!

[@cpollner]

Your’s is the best vlog and I would rather watch your work than watch anything on tv or movies. Each episode is a work of art. God bless.

[@JH-amandavirginia]

When I was 4 in 1954 I remember my mother using a scythe every week to cut grass on the acre we lived on. Christmas of that year, Dad bought her a push hand mower, which made that outside task a lot easier for her. I remember watching her sharpen the blade of the scythe just like this, and sharpening the blades on the push mower using a foot pedal powered grindstone. She didn't get a power push mower until the turn of the decade and then bought herself a John Deere riding mower in the mid 60s after she was able to get a job after the last of her three children was in school and I was old enough to babysit.

[@jennifershaw8951]

Didn't your father ever help with the mowing? Just curious.

[@JH-amandavirginia]

@@jennifershaw8951 I never saw him mow until the John Deere riding mower mom bought. He worked 3 jobs, 1 full-time on swing shift that changed every two weeks, and two part-time (one, weekends only, the other the hours he wasn't working full-time). He died at 46 from smoking 5 packs of Camel cigarettes a day of a heart attack and had severe emphysema.

[@JH-amandavirginia]

@@mustardseeds7602 I forgot to mention she only made it through 3rd grade; at that point she had to work (very common during the Great Depression) and her labor was rented out by her parents who had 8 living children, and did the rest of her life, dying at 75 from a massive stroke she had when she was 73. She continued to educate herself, mostly in things of a practical nature, though she loved reading. Her father promoted reading and education to all his children.

[@james5796]

So sorry tp hear all that - bless you mam

[@jeannettesmyth7643]

Gosh, Martijn. The dew drops on the individual stems and blades of grass glittering in the sun just before they fall to the scythe. And the audio as usual is superb, you can hear the individual stems being cut. All among the barley, who would not be blithe, While the ripe and bearded barley is smiling on the scythe.

[@EcoCurious]

This channel is my happy place. Even when the cabins are finished, I hope you never stop making videos, Martijn.

[@Flippin_Crazy]

It appears you make so many people happy Martijn. Thank you for your hard work. 💙🇺🇸

[@Michael_1946]

Always love hearing the birds.

[@jennifertucker107]

Sounds like you made a lot of people extra happy with this video. I hope you are getting as much pleasure from your efforts as we are from watching you. Be well.

[@blairwoolverton397]

I am so sad when each episode comes to an end..... each finer than the last

[@AgrippaMarcus]

Me too, can't wait till next week, the videos get better and better

[@tanyatrotter590]

Same here, I can’t get enough of it!

[@margaretstewart3255]

Yes…an aching sadness…

[@rburnettcpa]

Start over from beginning

[@dorothyburgess1248]

Sometimes I feel my eyes tear up! I thought I was a bit crazy for that. I just am absolutely in love with every single minute of these videos.

[@laurahaughton4523]

And thank you for taking us with you to Switzerland an unexpected joy, the scenery is beautiful 🌸

[@Ma.lo.la.]

I've been waiting all week for this! I hope to see more bread and peaceful walks! Thank you Martijn for your wonderful videos!❤️

[@sharonbennett9953]

WOULD LIKE TO SEE WHATS NEXT FOR THE INSIDE OF THE CABIN

[@stanB950]

Martijn really has niche for baking bread

[@AgrippaMarcus]

I so love the bread baking

[@Ma.lo.la.]

He makes bread making look so easy. I've decided I want to give it a try. I think it's called Martijn's No Fuss Bread! Actually, he makes almost everything he does, easy.💙

[@philrulon]

Since you have some neighbors that raise cows, you might offer your lot to them for grazing. Many farms where I come from do this. It’s a very natural way to keep the meadow in good shape. And what they leave behind is good for your garden.

[@ExpectMiracles55]

Best comment on this particular topic. I hope Martin sees it and think about.

[@makeart5070]

I seem to remember Martijn having the cows graze a portion of his pasture last year

[@johnconnor555]

Of course they raise cows,sheep and goats, when you heard the bells, at one point, they were from the flock of sheep, goats of the shepherds in the area. Also he can get milk and cheese 100% organic .

[@philrulon]

Goats are particularly good at getting around things like the picnic table and other detailed areas. He’d have to goat-proof the garden though, or they’d raid it.

[@cindyparkerbiblestudy]

He already has done that.

[@tomdies7451]

Thank you, Martijn, for taking us along for the roadtrip to Switzerland--so beautiful!! You're a true Renaissance man.

[@janettacurtis4403]

Thankyou for taking us with you to Switzerland, my parents took me after the war . I was nine. Now I am 83. We visited lake Maggiore .a souvenir from there I kept for years a painting of the wonderful big white hotel you just drove past. In my day there were palm trees on the lake side . Brought back sweet memories of family vacation. I look forward to all the postings of your amazing work at the property in Italy. You are a true treasure. Blessings.

[@aleguy334]

You might consider pushing your northern (uphill) terrace far enough to put in a root cellar with the entrance in your retaining wall. Once you get your gardens and orchards into full production, you could store everything to get through the winter and the hungry gap without expensive refrigeration. Assuming the Italian building authority allows it, of course.

[@dr.joyceconroy6839]

For these few minutes every week, we are there...hearing the thunder and the rain, watching the clouds, and being at peace. Thank you for sharing your life with us.

[@CliffLambson]

Perhaps take the cut grass and cover the newly dug earth from/around the terrace and septic. This will reduce any potential erosion/rivulets from rain but also lay seed to expedite its coverage.

[@chiapagringa]

I feel as though I am reading poetry when I watch your videos. Just beautiful!

[@marydonofrio8116]

Imagining your book...That first shot is your..book cover with you sickling the grass (work hard) and the mountains in the background. So beautiful. Inside cover shot.... bread baking over the fire (eat wonderfully). Then another of you looking out over Switzerland or hiking your mountain trail (play). I'll buy it as will so many more. Thank you Martijn. Bless bless.

[@anaderol5408]

Excellent idea ...a coffee table book that we could all enjoy ...pick up now and then and recall a favourite milestone of Martijn's journey.

[@cobyteune]

Martijn, je bent onze Hollands glorie in de bergen! Dank je wel voor het mooie filmpje!

[@GuyCruls]

absoluut.

[@poodlegirl55]

Only Martijn would polish his boots to get into their septic trench to work.

[@huntakilla1234]

Switzerland is incredibly beautiful

[@Alesxandros]

Italy is better

[@maurimartini5895]

Non è la svizzera ma il piemonte

[@Alesxandros]

@@maurimartini5895 no é la svizzera

[@janwillemelzinga]

He lives still in Italië 😊

[@nerd26373]

Keep working hard. We will always support you.

[@alyaworld22]

I wish one day to walk on this green grass barefoot To sit and close my eyes and listen to the birds singing.. to breathe clean and pleasant air Thanks Martin, you sent me a nice feeling about where you live.. like I live there 💚💚

[@ourwetdogs106]

The lingering shot of the retired trailer in the "trailer graveyard" was quite touching Martijn and made me realise you were about to get your new one. Maybe the occasional glimpse of the old one sometime when you're passing that way. 😎

[@velchuck]

I thought so. When you pulled the plug on the old trailer, and the light went out, I could swear I heard Taps being played in the background. Congratulations on the new trailer.

[@romananicolini5306]

Conosco poco l'inglese ma comprendo il tuo amore per ciò che stai facendo,vomprendo il tuo impegno,le tue fatiche,ilntuo non arrenderti mai,ti ammiro,ammiro la tua energia e la tua sensibilità,anch'io dipingo e trovo bellissimo il tuo quadro,ha un'anima,attendo con impazienza i tuoi video,arrivederci quindi al prossimo👋😊

[@giovannafabbri9033]

puoi anche attivare i sottotitoli in italiano , se vuoi

[@torchup]

The great legacy left behind by Martijn may be his artful filmmaking skills combined with his determined restoration/rebuild of his Italian Alps property, even amongst other great accomplishments of his that we are unaware of. In comparison, I guess my legacy is to witness his from my couch. Damn you, Martijn!!!😅🤣

[@MULFFJ]

2 hints for mowing with a scythe: The whetstone should be soaked wet. Use a whetstone holder or a cow horn filled with water. If you are mowing, try not to chop! Take a smaller stripe of grass and pull the scythe. Starting to swing far away from your body and during swinging pull the scythe nearer to you. Try also to move the scythe on a longer way by turning your body to the left (if you are right handed). Oops, I have forgotten some usefull (and one dangerous) aspect! If you are on an even ground the mowing direction doesn‘t matter, but on a slope you should start on the right side (if you are right handed) and stay in the same height while mowing one row. If you reach the end of the row stop mowing and start the next row again on the right side. First of all there is an security reason: if the slope is steep and wet, it could be that you slip into the sharpened blade of the scythe. (If the slope is very steep it could be necessary that you are wearing crampons!) The second reason is simplier: if you are mowing from top to the bottom the blade of the scythe cuts the grass in an very flat angle and if the grass is bending, not all of them is cutted in the same height and your lawn looks raffled. If you are mowing across the slope the scythe hits the stems of the grass in an small angle and the stems aren‘t bending away from the hill, you will hit them therefore exactly. If your work was correct you should see at the end multiple lines of cutted grass with mowed lawn between them. Using the whetstone: the blade of the scythe has an curved edge. You can easily hold it with your fingers and the scythe will not rotate during the sharpening. You should always sharpen both sides of the blade, the first strike on the front side, the second on the back side. (But beware of cutting your fingers doing it with a high speed.) At the end of this process the blade should be as sharp as an razor blade. You can test it, moving your thumb (across 😊) over the blade.

[@lonnieslick9313]

Wow u know your stuff

[@JH-amandavirginia]

So that's why Mom always started on the right, moved left, then turned around and cut from right to left! I never knew that, but it makes sense. I just used it to cut along a fence line that had stone directly under it.

[@lottie2525]

Lovely seeing you using a scythe. I used to use one when I lived on Bardsey Island in Wales. We used it to cut the bracken. It's great when you get into a good rhythm. The scenery of the lakes and mountains on the way to pick up your new trailer was stunning. What a beautiful part of the world you live in.

[@_blento_2637]

I mean, your videos are some of the greatest content on youtube, yet you are not expert in anything you do apart from making bread :). Do not take it personal. I believe that “imperfection” is what makes your channel even better and can be a motivation for all couch potatoes to move out and do something similar. I am happy I found your channel at the very beginning.

[@Kathikas1]

On his website he describes as a filmmaker and photographer …

[@Paul_Greenwood]

Brilliant! Our weekly video. Thanks Martijn 🙏🏻

[@oiuhwoechwe]

give us this day our weekly video (and daily bread)

[@johnconnor555]

Amazing, I can't get enough of watching you create your own corner of heaven !!! 👍👌❤❤❤🏆🥇👑🙏🙏

[@fleurfleur5468]

Like film, you are the director, actor, editor, and writer, you record your life and perform it for us, I think this will will be the best memory of your life. Thanks for sharing this with us. Can wait to see the final results.

[@karinbenedetti172]

Thank you Martjin,wish I could live where you are….its beautiful and so peaceful

[@FerronV]

Hej Martijn, What a video! Thank you for it! I only don't understand one thing: how is it possible that you have 552K followers, 227 views on youtube, 1200 reactions, but ONLY 17K likes? Come on 210 fellow watchers! 🙂

[@drgunsmith4099]

Not gonna lie…been looking forward to this video, got my coffee and popcorn at the ready 😂

[@monikacarless_wordwitch]

Thank you for taking us to Switzerland!

[@janvanholten7592]

Good to keep some grass left for the Butterflies and other insects.

[@JBonniwell100]

Hope you have a beautiful road trip to Switzerland, enjoy. You deserve it.

[@robinievoli5085]

Home site is really coming along beautifully. Thank you for taking us to Switzerland with you, amazing beauty there as well!

[@dixiesunshine]

I find myself waiting each week for a new video. Just wish i could be there to see it in person. Such hard work but very rewarding. I love watching the progress.

[@mechniack]

For a sewage system the pipes should only fall 1 cm pr meter otherwise liquid can separate from solids

[@RobertMcGuckin-ws6pe]

How would he make the fall 1 cm per meter on the side of a mountain? His system would end in Switzerland.

[@cliffordchristopher1]

Get yourself some local honey, this is the pollen in your area the bees use. A take a tablespoon a day, this will help with your allergies. Beautiful video.

[@dianevaness4776]

Thank you again and again for your time spent putting together these wonderful pictures of your life in Italy 🇮🇹. The progress is amazing.

[@claravonessen5673]

A really hard-working week, Martijn! Excellent video, as always :D

[@mathiaskielholz]

Bravo, Martin! The scythe is such wonderful tool: mindful to insects and nature, no noise, no waste, no emissions, long blades of grass easy to rake...I love to do that work it in the cool early mornings. And hay is a perfect mulch material for the garden. Greetings from Ticino!

[@monkebetao]

i love the idea for retaining walls i think its going to look amazing

[@josephinem.]

Hi Martijn, wat woon je toch op een prachtige plek! Elke week kijk ik uit naar je video. Inspirerend, kalmerend en adembenemend!

[@carollen5633]

Gegroet, zijn plaats is erg inspirerend. Het maakt me ontspannen na een zware dag. Zegeningen!

[@1.5acrefarmer42]

Bravo. You legitimately used a scythe to cut your grass.

[@1.5acrefarmer42]

Ok. And a gas weed eater.

[@1.5acrefarmer42]

Why did the chicken cross the road?

[@beverlyheaney6583]

Martijn, I always enjoy your music choices that go with the videos. Thanks for your hard work and editing!

[@jillmcnutt7985]

Thanks for taking us on your drive. Incredibly beautiful. ❤

[@sjmattocks]

Wow, alot of comments on here regarding sything techniques this week. Your videos speak of something else though, of just BEING, being Martyn and doing what you do - awesome!

[@robertunderwood3393]

You are such an incredible hard worker. The place is glorious

[@teresaiche4722]

Bless you Martijn for this weeks video…so relaxing and perfect healing for the soul 💜💜 Mother Nature 💜💜 Thank you too for taking us with you on your trip to get the trailer. Much love and gratitude for these weekly pleasures 🙏

[@beaudwayful]

Your chats by the fire are some of my favorite parts.

[@Zedus-rl9hp]

tip for transporting the large stone: clamp it between the shovel and the pusher plate or place it on it

[@stanB950]

Little Jimny is a fantastic little workhorse

[@blablalandia897]

I love Lago Maggiore. This place brings me very good memories. TY for your dedication in presenting an exquisite video every week. Have a good week, Martijn!✌️

[@R-Texas]

🪴Martijn, you have a way of sharing your life that touches so many in ways which are hard to explain. I often find myself mesmerized. At about 35:00 I began to feel a bit sad as I knew it was ending and then you took us on your road trip! How beautiful! Thank you Martijn! 👏👏 Your new trailer looks fantastic, very sturdy and even pretty! Your place is really starting to “shape” up. I’m not able to visualize very well, this week, for the first time, I was able to get an understanding of how your landscape will look and your pipe layout. I like the idea of flat area around the cabin and can’t wait to see how that will look. I imagine you making a sitting area in back looking out over the mountains. I got rather excited this week when I was able to “see” it. 😄 I absolutely smelled your bread when the steam spread in the air. Coffee and cinnamon, two of my favorites! No matter if it didn’t finish cooking, it will make great toast. Nice touch of your potted plant and cut flowers on your kitchen table. 🌾🪴 I thought you looked tired as you worked. You worked so hard and when you sat at the table and sighed, I thought yes, he’s tired. You are doing such good work. You must feel good about it all. You’ve not had any seed eating birds come to the feeder you made? Perhaps check the type of seed to feed in your area. The birds songs are so nice. I noticed you tied a tomato with a twine, better than wire. 👍 Try to use larger twine, even fabric to keep the branches from being rubbed and cut through. Have a wonderful week. Save some time for yourself to relax and take in the spring beauty around you. Take care. 💚 from Texas

[@e24mpwr]

We just got back to the US after a month in Europe, and I was all proud of myself for mowing our 1/4 acre (0.4 hectare, minus the footprint of the house) yard. Then I see Martjin using the scythe - made my back hurt just watching! 😂

[@amyblueskyirl16]

If the scythe is fitted correctly, doesn’t require bending over 😂

[@Flippin_Crazy]

I’m so happy we traveled to Switzerland. Thank you Martijn. Beautiful footage.

[@terryl3948]

The opening scene made me feel I was back in the late 1800's. The fantastic scenery, all the lush greenery, a rustic building and the man dressed almost in the same fashion is mowing the grass with a scythe. It should be a painting. Well done Martijn.

[@maryannlibanan3845]

After days of hard work the trip to Switzerland was the best way to unwind, I like how you captured the views It felt like I was there enjoying the ride while sightseeing. Thanks for taking us on this wonderful trip!

[@hans215]

Hoi Martijn, ik geniet van je video’s. Alhoewel ik mij vanuit mijn luie stoel altijd wat schuldig voel om naar iemand te kijken die hard aan het werk is… Ik was even bang dat je geen motormaaier hebt. Maar gelukkig, zoals menig Italiaan heb je een Stihl maaier. Maakt het het toch een stuk makkelijker. Wel een hoop lawaai helaas in deze prachtige natuur. Ik wens je alle goeds. En succes met dit project. Blijf ook genieten van het moois om je heen. Een hartelijke groet vanuit een tropisch Ede. Ciao, Hans

[@pearlygates_city]

You let us tag along with you!!! Thank you! Those places are so beautiful. My heart yearns to there so strongly!!!! Nice to see the chickens chilling and to know that limpy is still alive. The ambient after cutting the grass is amazing. So many perfect video shots!!! How blessed!!!

[@brown-eyedgirl858]

There’s something very satisfying hearing the sound of the scythe cut the grass, and the scrape of the blade being sharpened. It was an unexpected delight to see that tool living its purpose again.. Thank you, Martijn! 🙏

[@csilva5802]

I love how Martijn can operate any machine, use any tools, he can cook, makes bread, he has a lot of good qualities, he is very talented person, and very smart. I love watching his videos.

[@paulgilbert9346]

My favourite part of the week. Thanks Martijn!

[@elisabethbenders-hyde5286]

Oh boy, I was just wondering when the cows were coming back. Bells, bells, bells all day long. Your videos are some of the best there are out there. They tell a story that has personal meanings to different people.

[@Bren.L.A]

Thank you for taking us along for the scenic ride to pick up yr trailer. Absolutely gorgeous weekend for it. ❤

[@SleepyCatCottage]

I felt so full of peace and joy during the last past of the video going through Italy into Switzerland. The scenery was stunning and the music divine. Thank you.

[@sandyamckaysmith4251]

Almost ten minutes in and not one word. And still, I am transfixed

[@AMJD-hm3vj]

حياتك رائعة في هذه الطبيعة الخلابة تحياتي لك من المملكة العربية السعودية 🇸🇦❤

[@tombillotto6335]

Martijn, you know you'll have to continue these videos for, at least, another 20 years! I (and many others) are completely addicted to your channel.

[@dottiebaker6623]

Ah, you are a true countryman now, Martijn - whenever you need to dig dirt, you find a productive way to use it, and avoid having to move it twice. Your scything skills are much improved, too. So nice to see the red chicken almost fully recovered! And wonderful to hear the cow bells. It must be summer!

[@noads1035]

What a wonderful episode, thanks so much for taking us along on your adventure. I hope you are saving that beautiful mountain meadow hay for your chickens for bedding this winter as well as for mulch for your garden.

[@MrRiorust]

Thank you for sharing this part of your life with us. I look forward to your posts on Sunday mornings, it's good to get a reminder that the entire world has not gone nuts. Be well!