Cast Iron Restoration and Tool Maintenance | Bear Grease and Beeswax

At our off grid log cabin in the Canadian wilderness, my wife makes salve with bear fat and beeswax to protect our skin maintain our tools and waterproof clothing while I restore vintage cast iron cookware in our homemade earthen pizza oven.
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Building an Off Grid Sauna: bit.ly/2IjvJsQ
Building a Log Cabin with Hand Tools: bit.ly/2MeEoOs
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P.O. Box 30017
Huntsville, ON
P1H 0B5
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[@KODArunner]

The opening shot of Cali is priceless. Working together with your beautiful wife, warms the heart. The closing shots of the two of you ice fishing and Cali chasing the snow you're shoveling and the drone shots make this old guy feel happy again. Thanks for everything you are doing. God bless the three of you and He will look out for your daughters too.

[@diananazaroff5266]

The whole ice fishing scene made me cry. The beauty of the sunset and the lake, the utter joy and contentment of fishing, the fun you and Calli were having. It took my breath away. Fabulous video - as always. Thank you...

[@r.m.4653]

It was way more relaxing to watch your wife cook. No rush no hurry. The food looks delicious. She is creative. I love that.

[@Stephen_Wells]

I hope you get as much pleasure and joy from making these videos as I do from watching them. (and the added bonus of a bouncy Cali pup playing in the snow is always going to bring a smile) Thank you.

[@matthearon2409]

Always nice to get home on Friday, grab a beer, fire up the computer , sit back, unwind and enjoy a relaxing 30 minutes with you, your wife and Cali at the cabin. The perfect prelude to the weekend.

[@deborahhicks1508]

Shawn with your wife there now you look so happy and complete even Cali is excited now. Love is a powerful medicine.

[@happypheetphotographyBYWILEY]

That all looked like just plain old good down home living. Getting things done around the house, fixing meals, some outdoor activities and time for Miss Cali. Mr. and Mrs. Shawn James are living the life and setting an example for many, that more is not always better, but better life together should always be more. Thank you for sharing your journey. Kind Regards, Randy in Arizona, USA

[@JamesJohnson-yh1oh]

Elizabeth L. Johnson from far northern California: I love, love, love the peace, the quiet, and the beauty of the outdoors there. I can tell Mrs. James is young from her plump hands! Her cooking is wonderful. I'm glad you film it. I sure like using cast iron for cooking, like you. This video struck a cord in my heart and I cried. God bless you.

[@heathersullivan7294]

Callie: "Yes! Toss that snow Pawpaw! Best. Game. EVER!!" Your videos just keep getting better and better, thanks so much, Mrs.James, for being such a lovely participant, we appreciate you :)

[@catspaw3815]

Shawn, the Mrs. has added a whole new dimension to the quality of the videos with her filming skills. You can see right away where she has inserted some of her stuff. Great eye.

[@jamesbockenstette4332]

One of your very best productions. Thank you for posting. Cali is precious and delightful.

[@jm252nc]

Cali has mastered her species. What a life of pure joy and love.

[@randallolson7554]

Loving your channel more and more now that your wife is with you. God bless you both

[@yvonneorloski3823]

Sure is nice seeing a little bit of your wife. She is a beautiful addition to your nature setting.

[@bevtrue6937]

Yes, D is a great addition. Rounds it out.

[@mindyvaughn8217]

Something strange happened while I was watching your video today. My face felt funny and a little achey. I reached up to feel my face and realized I was smiling and had been for some time. Thank you for all the hard work and time that you spend in creating these wonderful videos. It is literally impossible not to laugh out loud while watching Cali chase the snow. I’m sorry to hear about the spa accident. I’m very glad y’all were okay. Your sweet wife is such a wonderful addition to videos that I thought couldn’t get any better.💖

[@alfredlove7697]

I am 90 years old left scotland when Iwas 24, to live in upstate New york , I ENJOY YOUR VIDEOS TREMENDOUSLY, thank you.

[@aleciascamardo5769]

I so enjoyed this video.. You seem so much happier since your wife has joined you. Cali still has a puppy look in her face. God Bless you all and keep you safe.

[@Nikki-ot7un]

Oh My Goodness just when I thought My Self Reliance could not possible get any better, this video arrives and takes things to a whole new level. Mrs James. So lovely to see your input. :). Thank you.

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

Well said! I instantly thought the same! Best regards luck and health.

[@davidpanizzutti3043]

not sure why you guys don't cook your home made pizzas in there, love you videos

[@Nikki-ot7un]

@T Vertigo check out his latest videos they are amazing. He is such an inspiration. You could do with watching and listening to him more, you really will learn so much.

[@virginiareid5336]

Loved Cali's snow dance! The lake was beautiful, but the overhead drone shouts were outstanding.

[@joecola6487]

The dog emulates the master . Happy dog, happy master . The mrs. Turns it up a few notches and it'brings us joy to watch 😊

[@jeanadamsick9854]

Hi folks, Cali, never tires of catching snow from the shoveling. She leeps for joy! The picture of you three on the frozen lake, looking @ the horizon, while ice fishing, is a wonderful memory to have caputred!!

[@Valcgo]

Cali is the happiest dog I have ever witnessed.

[@elaineandjohn9599]

Valcgo She’s grown up with this family and surroundings. She’ll be happy for life.

[@jamesbockenstette4332]

She is a beautiful dog. So spirited and endearing. A blessing to Shawn and the Mrs.

[@ike7539]

She has no other doggie friends to socialize. She is in a open air prison.

[@dylnthmsn420]

@@ike7539 Really dude? I thought the president said the dumbest thing I heard today, but you just took the lead.....

[@ike7539]

@@dylnthmsn420 I am the President! Yeah, I admit what I said today was wrong but my doggie comment here is absolutely right. Too bad you didn't get it... I will call the security to throw you to the other side of the wall. Bye byee sucker

[@kukri52231]

These are so relaxing. I love the little cinematic at the end with the winter landscape.

[@michaelpalosaari9460]

I witnessed a family together enjoying the life they chose with one of the happiest dogs! I'm sure she sleeps like a rock at night! As do the both of you. Many more blessings to you and your family. Peace

[@user-cm8en8or1p]

Cali is the happiest dog on the planet.

[@caroljean1962]

I just love watching you both cook. The mushrooms over spinach looked wonderful.

[@georgefocus]

Friday without video of Myself Reliance can't be real Friday.

[@jaxdaniels1562]

There are SO MANY of your videos that are my absolute favorites....BUT this one went right to the top of my list! Seeing you and Cali playing on the lake was so awesome, I had the biggest smile on my face! It is so great to see you and Mrs James out doing things together! Thank you so much for letting me see a small portion of your Heaven on Earth, Shawn!

[@BraxxJuventa]

Thank you Shawn and wife for sharing your awesome lifestyle with us. 👍😁

[@SayShariff]

I remember back in the 50's, when my Mother's cast iron cookware would get so coated with bacon grease, they would turn a shiny black color from the build-up. Every so often, my Dad would build a big fire and simply put the pots, pans, etc. into the fire after it got really hot with coals, etc. When the fire died down and he removed them, they looked like new. Then, of course, my Mother would have to season them before she used them. I was always fascinated by this!

[@Ddrhl]

I love Cali's expression of pure joy!

[@daisysmum7336]

I couldn’t live without my cast iron cookware. Most of it I bought at garage sales. They were always rusty but I would bring them back to life again. They’re so easy to take of.

[@scottrodman5053]

Shawn you and your wife are very happy and the pup wow she is a one and a million thanks again for the share of your life !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and the best for you and yours !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@carmineiadeluca935]

Cali ... You make heaven on earth ❤

[@thelmalee4793]

I simply love mrs James combined all the ingredients and to cook in oven stove ..she is a remarkable person to be with you.

[@5959Mikee]

Thanks for sharing your videos..Love it when you two cook and the ice fishing with Cali was awesome. Best of everything to you and your family.

[@micheleharris2361]

You know, I don't know how many times I've seen your outdoor kitchen, but I still think it is one of the loveliest designs for one that I've ever seen. I thought it was a beautiful design when you were building it, and I love and enjoy every single time I see it. Beautiful cast iron tins! Nice job, both of you :)

[@kgoak5765]

Love watching Cali trying to catch shoveled snow!

[@scarletletter68]

I just love watching Cali in the snow! What a beautiful dog!

[@marypearling1418]

Each time I watch one of your videos (almost daily) I chuckle at Cali's performances. She is such a special girl. I'm thinking next dog I get will hopefully be another Golden Retriever God willing. They seem to be one of the happiest dogs on the planet. I know the 3 I have had in past years were the greatest at showing and receiving love and complete adoration.

[@Justluvs2garden]

You and your lovely wife living a simple life...so awesome

[@theresaosullivan9205]

I just love the serenity of the landscape and music, beautiful. Blessings to you both and Cali.🕊🙏❤️

[@donnacole4227]

Loving every minute of it Good job an stay warm Love your choice of music. Florida says hi 😎

[@tedsmyth1759]

These videos are a part of my life now.

[@sacredstonecards9051]

Oh, by the way, I watch your new videos more than once and through out the week, I watch your old videos. I learn so much. Thank you.

[@trudyschaffer8016]

The pup warms my heart. It’s nice to see your wife more and more, too. Thanks for making another gem!🌲🐾

[@Bee_Charming]

And I think to myself, what a wonderful world!

[@dedwin8930]

Louis Armstrong! My favorite song!!

[@cristianarad6637]

Thank you mister James....You're videos are the desert for weekend,every time.... Big Like from Arad,Romania....You are having golden hands....

[@scottriley1913]

The dog is the best. I’ve never ever witnessed a happier, well adjusted or intelligent dog.

[@corinnepage1260]

I just love watching Cali enjoy the snow. She's a very special dog.

[@HandbagDiva]

Your talents never cease to amaze me! You’ve also given me a new appreciation for Northern Ontario & it’s beauty🇨🇦

[@r.g.bronson1866]

Another in a long line of gems, thanks Shawn and Mrs James.

[@cheryls7782]

Cali is Gods gift of reminding you to have fun while working. 🥰

[@natalieclewley5278]

Once in a great while . . . a special dog comes along like Cali. I know, because I've had one, but they don't live long enough and even if they did, we could never express our love for them the way they love us. Cali loves you both a lot and she's lucky to be with you in this time and place where she can be everything a dog is meant to be. Wouldn't it be nice if every dog had the paradise she's living in? Thanks for sharing her with us.

[@kathyhensarling2537]

Hey Shawn, I just love watching your channel, couldn’t be more proud of you then your own mama. So good to see you living the life that God intended for you. Hello Mama Bear!

[@62csicsi]

I had a rough week !This is medicine to me ,now !Thank you !

[@Prigorov]

Like probably most of the subscribers I don't watch all the videos. Then again, I've been here for years... But every time I come along to check what's up, I'm stunned by the aesthetics of the simple and common, and am sincerely thrilled of what marvels can be achieved by human will, and faith, and effort.

[@1minigrem]

I love Callie, she can find fun and excitement whatever the weather conditions. Another lovely Friday treat, thanks Shawn.

[@marshadubeau8479]

I am 70. Raised in Idaho...stuck in the desert now. I cherish your videos. Always wanted a good man like u. My dad was so much like u. Could fix anything, do anything. Now deceased, but...I remember his spirit. Your videos take me back to younger years in Idaho. He was the MAN, as u r. I like how u don't chatter and don't have to endure loud music. Just peaceful. A good man just living his dream. Would like to know your thoughts on God.?! Please answer. Love Cali!!!

[@Gabrielnobre]

Mr. Shaw...the food was already incredible...but with Ms. James with you now we have a buffet quality LOL sounds delicious.

[@billbye2427]

This has to be the warmest and funniest videos of the last few years;soap in the fire, brings back memories of smearing bar soap on the bottom of a mess kit to cook over a open fire, the soap stunk when burned but was sure easy to clean off with water. It brought back memories to me from almost 68 years back. some smells you never forget. like watching Cali play in the snow as you dig out a place in the fishing hole. Everyone that has ever had a dog can laugh at how man and a dog interact with each other, Thanks to you all; especially Cali. God bless you all!

[@mjc42701]

Shawn, I can tell how much happier and relaxed you are now that your wife is with you, the two of you are truly a team, I can't imagine how living any other way could make you closer, this is definitely the best time to enjoy life and each other. These video's always warm my soul and bring me to a happy place, Cali is just icing on the cake. My husband and I hope to retire in a few years in a warm place near the beach, I can't tolerate the cold so much but when I miss it, all I have to do is watch your video's. Thank you both.

[@karenthompson1677]

I love Cali in the snow, wonderful and the whole of this episode very interesting seeing how people live in the snow when it is expected every year where they live.

[@walkinginthenorth7216]

Friday is finally completed! Thank you Shawn, have a great weekend

[@deborahmoore3575]

Thank you for another wonderful video! Love the cast iron.

[@bfd1565]

Cali just doesn't give up. She's a ball of happiness !!!

[@Kathy_Is_Blessed]

I love everything about cast iron cookware. You have quite a wonderful collection! ♥️ Cali playing in the snow makes me happy. 🥰 thank you for another beautiful film.

[@seanmahoney2755]

Oh, the bread! I was always hoping we would get the making of the breads and biscuits. Love it. Mrs. James a definite plus. Been here since the second course of logs on that cabin. Much love and appreciation. Especially Callie.

[@loreneknight9755]

DANG...it's over!!! Ok, thanks Shawn, wife & Calie. I hope you can understand just how much your video's mean to me & all your faithful followers. It's truly a slice of heaven. Thanks so much.

[@elaineandjohn9599]

Thank you and your family. What words to say... just... Beautiful.

[@mtn_linda364]

Love that cast iron double boiler.

[@joeheid2776]

I always tell my sister and adorable niece that if it's Friday, it's time for the Cabin Guy!! They get that more than My Self Reliance. 😉😁

[@dominiquebt]

Those are some great cast iron pieces you restored! Has your kitchen setup changed much since your wife joined you? It would be great to see your current off-grid/minimal kitchen setup including all your kitchen equipment and storage choices. Thanks for the great videos!

[@jenna7817]

Love that wooden lid you made! I'm glad to see more of Mrs. James in this video. Some of the comments on previous videos seemed to be very insistent that she should be on camera. It's up to her whether or not she decides to be in front of the camera, not anyone else. I'm just glad she seems more comfortable. Anyway, I wish you, Mrs. James and Cali all the best.

[@geroldknoebel2402]

So beautiful. It's after midnight in my house and I stormed the fridge. Makes you hungry. I love how Cali enjoys having both of you here for her now. Greetings from Frankfurt

[@curtisgrindahl446]

THIS is how you create an awesome dog companion... with much love and kindness. Callie is the star of this series but that is so simply because Shawn is mensch...

[@Traveling_with_FIVE_Cats]

Good job Shawn and family! Thanks for sharing!

[@jeanmooreboykin4250]

I just love everything about your videos, especially now that your wife is there too. I don't consider myself a prude, but one thing I really, really appreciate is the fact that there is no profanity here. It's everywhere we turn these days, and sure would take away from the beautiful content of this channel. So, thank you!!!

[@guppy2129]

Thanks for the relaxing therapy, Shawn, Dee & Cali! My Friday is complete💞

[@hatoriterry8198]

Guppy 2129 Dee is Mrs.James. Thanks for the info.

[@Nando-na-23]

Thanks a lot Shawn for this new video. I wish you, your wife and your best friend Cali a wonderful weekend. Nando from Italy

[@mikedeclerck1421]

ITS ALL GOOD! Great way to end a Friday on a cold and snowy day in the Georgia Mtns. Chocolate muffins looked yummy. I can't tell you how much Cali warms our hearts with her boundless energy and happy play. What a GREAT GOLDEN! Thank you both for sharing your life with us. Give Cali a BIG SMOOCH from Mike & Ronnie. God Bless

[@brawldawg8729]

As a lover of whittling, creating, cooking, cutting, fishing, dogs, and time with the wife, there's a whole lot to love in this video, as usual. Best to your family and my favorite dog, not including my own.

[@Everview]

Really enjoying the direction of the channel. Thanks for all the great information and the great uploads.

[@marymcmanus]

Love to start my weekend with The James Family. Cast iron cooking nothing like. I don't have access to a oven so I have to use my campfire with the help of some charcoal briquetts. Have a great weekend.

[@collienbordner5181]

Another yummy meal. Loving the quietness of the background..love to Cali.

[@ArielleViking]

I always smile when I see Cali trying to catch the snow thrown from the shovel. Another beautiful video. ❤

[@andersonhosein6511]

Love the way cali just frolics in the snow without a care in the world, she's living her best life

[@timnoseworthy4623]

That oven is really impressive Shawn. I can't believe that large pot, even if it was already warm, boiled with just the coals like that.

[@FruitSnacksyo]

This has got to be the kindest comment section i've ever read!. Hi Mrs James!

[@slvlee]

I’m watching the videos from Taiwan, it’s totally another world to me. Thank you for sharing your world with us.

[@ivi122]

I love the fact that you hardly ever talk in your videos. Not that I don’t like when you talk but it just creates this very calming, relaxing tone in your videos

[@karenzaller9659]

Wow, those mushrooms and spinach looks really delicious!

[@gailbrault9251]

I love the aerial shots of trees! So beautiful!

[@MrGeroth]

Cali is just THE happiest dog I’ve seen.

[@jamiecrabtree3712]

Now THAT is what all your hard work is about Shawn & wife D. That was one of the best videos I have seen in your series. Home life, daily maintenance, cleanliness, provisions, food......but most of all Enjoyment...in being together, doing things together......& playing.....especially with Cali. Got to love Cali.......BIG hugs from Jamie & Paddy in Tennessee.......

[@maddieadams75]

Always a pleasure watching ❤️

[@bettyknight4079]

That is beautiful music at the end of this video over the drone shots. It is perfectly suited.

[@monicabrendale1623]

Very much enjoyed your video .Thank u 🐾 Gorgeous evening sunset🌟

[@barbaramaria162]

It's such a joy seeing such a happy dog.

[@terryrobinson1416]

Yes. I was waiting for the cast iron seasoning episode! Thank you... I need to make an outdoor pizza, bread oven. Maybe this spring. I usually season my cast iron on the outdoor charcoal grill. But mostly everyday use on the stovetop.

[@welderman1221]

Aside from the blessed life you live, you certainly do eat well !!! The meals you make, even cooking for the guys helping on the longhouse, and other guests, you make very tasty looking meals. Cali, I see is a mommas girl as well as your partner,I love the interaction displayed between you all. Seems like the GREAT life !! As usual I can only say, God bless. P.S. Be careful with that frolicking in the sauna !!!

[@young-soonkim6730]

Good Friday Shawn, Mrs., and Cali🐕! She is really cooking up the delicious food there!! It would be nice to have a proper introduction of your wife! 👍😋🍽

[@placidostella8845]

But you know her hands!

[@young-soonkim6730]

@@placidostella8845 Shawn have never said her name! Except, one time he was thanking someone and only use the first letter of her first name!

[@loisrhodes4]

Cali is so entertaining trying to catch the snow.....never a dull moment 😀