Challenges of Living Off the Grid in Sweden

Episode one hundred and thirty two, in which we're struggling in the cold.
This is a vlog about our struggles and joys of living off the grid in the forests of Jämtland, Sweden.
If you like what you see and want to support us you can do so here: / talasbuan :)
If you are unsure, or don't know about what patreon is, here is a little video we made on how patreon works: • How To Become Our Patr...
Do you have some questions?
Take a look at our FAQ video here: • What You didn't Know a...
Or our FAQ section on our website here: www.talasbuan.com/faq
Come say hi to us on Instagram:
Tova: / tovachr
Mathias: / javrri
Talasbuan: / talasbuan
You'll find out more about us on our website, welcome!
www.talasbuan.com
Take care,
Tova, Mathias and Ivar

[@joanies6778]

While I can't speak for others, I do not get tired of any topic about your lifestyle. I am constantly amazed by your perseverance, creativity, and constant pursuit of knowledge on how to build, repair, and maintain your homestead. Many people go into this lifestyle without a full understanding of what will be required... you are just keeping it real. I have to say when the shots of your cabin appeared, it made me smile! Hopefully, next year, it will be move in ready... and if not yet, you'll be that much closer still. I really enjoy watching your son growing up. He expresses his joy so easily, he's very well mannered, smart as a whip, inquisitive, playful... and just plain cute! Sending light and love, and wishes for the most benevolent outcome to your family in this harsh winter. ✨️💖✨️

[@algs229635]

Belas palavras de encorajamento e motivação , realmente esta familia merece o melhor en sua jornada

[@cindyboard7816]

Well said and I agree!!

[@jokevanduijvenbode3760]

I totally agree ❤

[@catherinejenni]

What a beautiful gift the tiny decorated shelf is! Love that. I am a big admirer of your authentic being and your loving family life💗😊😇 Thank you for all your sharings of the northern off grid life. Greetings from Switzerland💌

[@GodsGracieinHeaven]

I totally agree and this was one of the best uploads by far. I love their problem solving to become as independent as possible. So inspiring!

[@chickadee-]

What a fine son you have. It is a pleasure watching him grow. Greetings from the southern Appalachians of the USA.

[@grahams_number]

Agree, so nice to see a post millenium child not under the influence of infectious social media and meaningless material embellishments

[@americanpatriot1195]

You have a beautiful son. You both are very lucky. Phoenix, Arizona

[@trudyschaffer8016]

It is an honor to be a Patreon on this channel. It oddly gives me a more committed view into your world. If anyone comments they are “bored” with the constant conversation about the importance of temperature, it just shows they are not paying attention- for they clearly not taking note of the temperature, and to to the critical nature it plays in your live does. You continue to fascinate me, and for that I am grateful.

[@jamieloom22]

It is a pleasure to watch Ivar having a wonderful time sliding in his snow cave, learning to ski and riding his bike. While you are concerned with surviving the very cold winter, he's having an excellent childhood thanks to you both.

[@organicgal7751]

That miniature was so lovely ❤. That was a special gift that you will treasure. Try to keep warm 😊

[@viriato8566]

The sound of the snow crunching under foot confirms that it's well below freezing!

[@irmibullinger1421]

I never get tired of watching Ivar play in the snow. But I hold my breath when he is near the creek shoveling snow!

[@driftwud1978]

what a very good child. so obvious he was very well brought up. How time flies! its already 3 years since I started following Talasbuan.

[@heart98453]

Ivar growing so fast,im watching him since his birth vlog and now he is running around and a little helper,God bless him with good health always, likewise to Mom and Dad.

[@susannokovic7287]

It is so nice when you put the words on the screen to see what Ivar is saying! He is such a beautiful smart boy! He is also going to be kind, just like his parents!

[@davidremmenga9668]

Your little boy is so sweet! You're a wonderful family. Be Safe and stay warm! Thank you for sharing your journey.

[@karenhantsche9270]

Ivar is so grown up looking! He listens so well.

[@ewaeg6804]

Stor respekt till er som år efter år orkar leva som ni lär - finns många som "låtsaslever" det ni gör på riktigt! Och att få följa Ivars uppväxt med frihet och närhet till både natur, djur och sin familj är det man önskar alla barn. Tack för att vi får följa ert liv 🥰!

[@justoneacre7873]

I never get tired about you discussing the weather. Every5hing you do is so practical and interesting. I live in the south-west of Western Australia and the temperature yesterday was 40C and today it was 38C. We both live in extreme climates.

[@ginettenielsen2356]

Thank you for sharing your lives so honestly. I noticed on your faces some sort of sorrow. I hope you are alright. You have given your online community so much to think about. So many issues around homesteading. I am in awe of how bloody hard you both work every day to stick to your commitment of homesteading. I see your successes and your missteps, not failures, but definitely challenges that come from learning as you go. I appreciate your ability to bounce back , to follow your dreams and that you are giving Ivar an incredible childhood. He's a delightful little boy, with the freedom to play and learn along side of his parents. What a gift you are giving him. Whatever is troubling you, I hope that it is fixable. Sincerely, Gin from Canada.

[@nancylagoyda5337]

I cannot even imagine how hard you have to work in the winter months! Even though it is hard work it is a beautiful peaceful life. I admire you for all your efforts! ❤

[@1029tbarton]

Duvet, feather quilt, blanket..... My mother's family came from Norway and Sweden. Landed in Minnesota. I have a very old feather blanket that my mother gave me. I don't use it because the silk like outer covering has rips in the seem so feathers are getting out. I need to fix it but don't want to ruin it with a needle. It's so beautiful. I love the miniature. Wish i was that talented. Whoever sent that to you truly knows your setup. So sweet of them.

[@karenhantsche9270]

I just remade a down comforter that my parents had received as a wedding gift in 1939. If you make a new cover and sew the channels, you can wet the old one and transfer handfuls of wet down quite easily. Good luck!

[@theresanoble1695]

The miniature is lovely, so much work went into it! How thoughtful someone was to do this for you.

[@1029tbarton]

​@@karenhantsche9270that's the problem the material is so beautiful and has hand stitched designs all over it. I would hate to cover it. So i just keep it stored. It's over a hundred years old

[@helenellis1045]

Thanks for sharing the challenges and the joy of living in the forests of Sweden… you bring such a special energy and warmth to our lives. Your landscape, rustic cabin, animals and the way you live is inspiring 😊

[@amstergal]

The color of the sky and snow covered trees with the sheep is gorgeous. But mostly I'm feeling how difficult or challenging to say the least with day after day of the temperatures ... In the midst of all your hard work just to survive, it's so sweet to see Ivar with Papa learning to ski and the fun snow igloo sculpture for Ivar, so cool. I really hope you're doing well!

[@a.l.s.i.4601]

😻😻wow I love the miniature! Beautiful!🤩

[@meriena]

- It's real warm today. It's -4. - I am sweating. 😂😅 That was funny. I am sending you warm hugs and wishes from the Balkans, sweetest family. I was so happy to see the update and you well and smiling. Praying for you ❤

[@karinbreidel7957]

Can't say I would choose to live in such a harsh climate despite the incredible beauty of it all. The sound of your little river is possibly the most beautiful soothing sound ever, murmuring and gurgling, just lovely. I'm rather glad, though, that where I live , (Austria) the sounds of the first birdsongs are beginning to be heard, the first signs of spring 🫠🫠🤗🤗 Look after yourselves, lovely family, you do look a bit tired 💖 and yes, your project would be much easier with a community, maybe the right people will cross your path?

[@earthangel8730]

Ivar stole the show this time around. His magical world view is the pathway to the pure joy only experienced by living In the NOW . Such a blessing to let go of all things adult and follow his lead. That miniature is a true gift ftom the heart and a beautiful work of art. You both work so hard Mathias and Tova . Your dedication to living life in harmony with Nature is as inspirational as it is mind blowing. I loved seeing your future cabin home on the hill. It is a beacon of hope for a more comfortable future for your beautiful family. Where I live, the snowpack is at only 60% of normal. We have been in a freeze thaw pattern for months. I haven't needed to use my woodstove since January because the temperature outside is not subfreezing. My big woodstove makes my living area too warm otherwise and zaps the humidity from my air. I end up needing a humidifier or I'll get a bloody nose and lots of static electricity. Spring is coming!

[@gabrielevoelker2486]

Thank you for sharing your beautiful home and farm. I’m sure the super cold isn’t always enjoyable when you are living in it 24/7. Rosy checks and frozen eyelashes. I’m curious why you let the stove go out. I kept my stove going through the night when we had a wood stove. we now have a masonry heater which I think is called a kochel offen in German, so it goes through the night and the masonry heats up and radiates keeping us warm. I love the idea of you selling your natural remedies and would be interested . Many blessings to you all.

[@britzel71]

Your lil guy is such a great helper, so precious with his whittle snow shovel❤ Wow, that minature is amazing 👏

[@lpgirl]

When I lived in Mn back in the 70's and 80's, winters reached 30 and 40 below zero. We lived off grid in a log cabin, and I can totally empathize with being forced to connect with nature, if you want to or not. But those experiences provided character and at least for myself, I find that my life today. even on a 'hard' day, can bring back all the reasons I need to feel grateful for my life. I enjoy watching you deal with your challenges with a sense of humor and warmth in your hearts, if nowhere else :) Sending best wishes your way.

[@Scotty3146]

I follow quite a few northern hemisphere KZbinrs, and each one is now showing strains of the winter weather. roll on spring... we all need it!!

[@donnawebb6057]

I admired your life living off-grid and the challenges you have face and yet you have overcome each of them. You both are beautiful parent to little Ivan and he is so adorable and precious. The tranquility and the surrounding is so peaceful and calm. God bless your family always.

[@margaretlynch1494]

🙋‍♀️❤️. You are very strong people. Your son is obviously flourishing, and your animals are taken care of. I hope your spring arrives soon.❤

[@ArcticMamma]

Only those living in the arctic will understand how special it is when the sun is high enough to shine in through the windows again!! So simple, but such an important sign to lift your spirits that winter is a little more than half way over :)

[@sielunvalo4366]

This winter have had very hard in Finnish Lapland, too. I´m waiting for the spring and the sunshine. Today I heard first time when a bird (talitintti) is singing and it sounds so nice. You are sitkeitä sissejä there and I hope the very best of your life! Ivar is fine son.

[@pierrefuga9862]

😮😮😮Thanks for the video... Although you don’t answer me, I’ll write to you anyway... In Scandinavia, unfortunately, they don’t know how to build wood stoves in their houses. Your smoke immediately comes out of the chimney, so the house is cold and you need a lot of firewood. I was born in Ukraine. We also used to have frosts down to -35 degrees. And here, everyone builds stoves and stoves to cook food and heat the house. I'll find it on the Internet and send it to you. The second problem is that your houses have too thin walls, even if they are wooden. They still need to be insulated from the inside. Also under your floors is empty. and a cold wind blows there. Therefore, it is necessary to insulate the floors and ceilings. This summer I will be traveling around Sweden and Finland. If you want, I can come to you for a couple of hours and show you and explain in reality.. All the best. Spring is coming... And Summer...😊😊😊

[@pia9343]

I think this cottage was probably meant to use during summer months only. There are a lots of those in Finland. We had a summer house in northern Finland, only stayed there from May thru August. One year we went there at the end of December, did not stay but 2 days, way too cold inside even with the so called heater.

[@mariawelling4194]

What a wonderful gesture!😊❤

[@christinelanham1936]

I love your videos more and more...the little miniature house is extraordinary. I'm impressed by Ivas skiing ability...he is really getting the hang of it. I love the snow playground you have built for him

[@carolienhunfeld6788]

dear family, a pretty harsh way of living, this winter ! We, as viewers hope you'll get strength to deal with whatever comes your way, and wish you the best. ( btw what a lovely thoughtful miniature ).

[@vonHannersdorf]

Thank you for all your videos. You always bring peace in my heart. "The time flies." 🤔👍🏻😂

[@kathrynmoll86]

Your are true warriors of the North! I see the frost on your hair and face! Stay inside -- read, play and eat to your heart’s content! As cold as it is, it is a joy to see Ivar and Malva frolicking in the snow. And I know how good it is to see the sun’s rays in the bleak of winter! God bless you in your commitment to a good life!

[@SandieMitchell]

You show us how much we can achieve with hard work. There is a peace that comes with living in the middle of the woods, far from huge cities. Ivar is a beautiful, sweet, and happy little boy; this is a result of his loving parents giving him a lifestyle that allows him to grow and live peacefully and joyfully. About your creating products to sell, Tova, I'm in! 😄I would love to purchase them! I hope to one day buy some of your wool to knit a sweater for myself, and then I will have a bit of Talasbaun of my own.🤗

[@Sajo444]

Thanks you for the cozy video. You have a beautifull familly and nice quiet life!

[@RachaelLines]

I'm on catch up again, I have many more to watch. I love your channel. Really enjoying the tractor parts in previous episodes, I hope you got it fully working

[@tree9top]

What beautiful people you are. I truly love watching ❤ thank you.

[@marjorysmall-gf2gq]

I am finally catching up with these episodes after watching the delightful jul calendar. Thank you for those daily glimpses into your lives. All the holiday cookery in your mother’s kitchen made me happy. Sending love and may Ivar have a wonderful birthday🧡

[@elainehinton2860]

Hello! Ivar is growing so fast! Have you seen any of Kris Harbour Natural Building on KZbin? He builds things like water turbines etc and uses natural and recycled materials in his projects. Unfortunately that still means relying on a system to some point. We are trying to have redundancies on our homestead since we are older now. Yes, that includes the grid, but also solar, propane, and wood. Consider some things as a way to help cut down on wear and tear on your bodies - coming from someone who has knees that remind her all through the night that I probably jumped out of too many barns and off of too many wagons as a young person. Best wishes! Spring is just around the corner!

[@paulgibby6932]

Thanks for sharing your lives. I wish you all the best!

[@Goodlifelady]

How did you donate 15$ ? I am Patreon subscriber but this with the 15$ symbol is nicer. There are so many of us - if we spend just the equivalent of a cup of coffee, imagine how helpful this would be for this lovely family.

[@Goodlifelady]

I was just thinking: If each one of us who is watching and wondering and admiring this fine family could only spend the equivalent of a cup of coffee and become a Patreon member how helpful this gesture could be for them. Please guys, be generous and do it. They are SPECIAL. They deserve it. And we can help and make a difference- from all corners of the world. We STILL can. Don’t know for how long after watching what is happening in this world.

[@paulgibby6932]

@@Goodlifelady I clicked the ellipsis (...) next to "Share" under the vid. It reveals a way to send various types of $$ with a comment. A shame it is not more visible. (Also strange that it seems to disappear after you have donated once. ??) All the best to you

[@anniehawkins6321]

I love to hear the snow crunch beneath your shoes! And the quietness is astonishing! I can almost feel the cold air.

[@Babbajune]

Sauna, yes! Cold water, no! 😊 True hardships you have but also such natural beauty in your lives. I am truly in awe. I am hoping Spring will come soon. Ivar is such a special treat. ❤❤❤❤

[@debiseltmann7341]

All I can say is, Oh IVAR--truly how fast he is growing! Such a ray of light he is (even his blonde hair..)❤❤❤

[@gingermolinero8386]

You do a wonderful job of providing many fun activities in the cold and snow for your son

[@katehopkinsbrent5573]

It’s been cold here too but not like your place. I’m on south east coast of New Brunswick Canada. Atlantic Ocean is maybe a 20 minute drive. I got really HOME sick after losing the house to fire and despised living in an apartment in town. Can’t even see the stars at night there but HERE ♥️😊 totally black and all the stars shine bright 🙏. So I enjoy the work of HIS hands 🙏. I bought a small camper to bring my husky here when in heet ( my son has the males ) and they get noisy. Being on my homestead 40 years is a ‘habit’ I had no wish to break so… I plant my gardens and take care of the property AND couldn’t go back to that apartment when it got cold. I banked the camper with hay bales and fir trees and put the heat on and get back in bed snuggling with my dog until it warms up. I’d not live any other way. The hard work I believe helps keep you from aging so quick 🤷‍♀️ My mom who lugged buckets of water a half mile with small kids passed away at age 85 and she looked about 60 Not a wrinkle, only grayed hair ♥️ I don’t like how those in authority dictate HOW we live. They’ll tell me this is no way to live WELL- it’s ME who is living it and until I’m not comfortable I ain’t moving in town. Also, renting a place that allows dogs is obsolete 😡. After the fire we were lucky with 4 huskys to find that apartment but it’s being renovated to have the wiring up to code and we have to move. I told my son buy a camper, park it here and keep your dogs ♥️♥️🐾🐾🐾

[@irishdancer2753]

Love your videos, seeing your daily lives, wonderful! Ivar is such a nice happy boy! The snow is a lot, but stunning! Thank you for your videos …..

[@dianathomas3473]

Beautiful miniature 😃. Greetings from South Australia.

[@checofamily4570]

The ice smashing gave me anxiety hahaha. I was waiting for everything to go wrong 🤣 Glad you guys could have some enjoyment and fun even in this hard winter!! Thanks for the video

[@CharlotteUnser]

Looking forward to your next video and what news you may be sharing....Your videos are so inspirational.

[@karomaalta4592]

❤ Yes, it's been a terrific winter. Thank you for the video

[@mavisgillard653]

❤love to see the new video. My Christmas season is always busy so I didn’t get time to watch all your videos on patron. Ivor is growing so fast and I love his happiness and enthusiasm for life! I am sure he get that from his parents!! Take care and all the best for you!! From Calgary ❤❤❤

[@virginiavanoosten5013]

Thank you for sharing with us the challenges as well as the delights of your life together.

[@omaerin3529]

Good to see you all. Ivar is getting so big. Can't wait to hear your news on your next video. It amazes me how you live your lifestyle, it seems so hard, but I'm about to turn 76 next month. I'm sure if I was your age I might feel differently. Wishing you all the best. Hope it warms up for you soon. Stay well and safe.

[@napeekapunpimtongnara9111]

I am a person who likes cold weather because in my country there are probably only two seasons left: hot and only a little rain. Because most people in the country lack knowledge about the nature of forests and water and soil, it has a profound effect on the area. And there is a lot of cutting of large trees for commercial purposes, which is really not worth it. I saw that there was a lot of snow in your house, so I really liked it because I don't like the hot weather at all. I think your family lives in a really nice place to live. Thank you for sharing happiness.

[@jodie6881]

Hi, I have just found your next episode but I will wait with it till evening to watch it as a special treat after work. Cheers! And Thank You.😀

[@88Tor]

I have just written to Topaz of Norway and asked them if they would please sponsor Talasbuan with some of their amazing sealskin boots. I have them myself and they are fantastic. I hope they will contact you. Greetings from Denmark.

[@CountanceD]

I love hearing about weather. It’s a favorite topic of mine. Here in MN we’re having the most mild winter. It’s mid February, we have no snow, and the temperature today is supposed to reach 50 Fahrenheit (10 Celsius). I prefer snow.

[@1029tbarton]

I can't even imagine taking a swim in that stream. When i was younger and i went to the gym, they had saunas and ice plunges. I tried that ice plunge one time. It was exhilarating and i felt so good after i got out but could not do it again. 😊 I never get tired of hearing about the temperatures and living in the extreme cold

[@nancykaufman1645]

Thank you for sharing, I love to see the beautiful countryside covered in snow❤️

[@kristiecolon542]

Love watching your videos! I don't get tired of hearing about the temperatures. I find it interesting. Thank you

[@HuskyTude]

I got so excited when I saw a new video was up! I think of you often and wonder how you’re doing. Very soon I will be able to support you on Patreon and I am so excited to be able to do it! It’s been so wonderful to watch Ivar grow up! I enjoy him so much! We talk a lot about temperature too and we live in a relatively warm climate compared to you. (Idaho, USA--Pacific Northwest). Our winter has been unseasonably warm. I have a suspicion your cliff hanger secret is that you are expecting another baby…. I see the extra sparkle of love in your eyes. Of course I could be wrong but there was definitely a strong affectionate vibe between you two in the last shot of your video. Thank you for sharing your lives with us. You are so generous!! Oh I forgot…the miniature is AMAZING!!!! So intricate and thoughtful! I am really impressed!!

[@chrismcdonald9790]

Such a winter wonderland for the wee lad. The ice tunnel and slide 🛝 is a dream idea. Loved watching him so happy and carefree. I love the cold coming from NZ, not quite as cold as where you are. Now in Adelaide SA Australia, and its so hot in the 30s plus in the opposite direction to you. Extremes have issues both ways. It's such a joy to watch your daily lives. Always enjoyable and delightful. Blessings 💚 🙌 to you all xx.

[@myviewkristinamclaughlin5157]

What a cool igloo maze for Ivan! So much fun!😊

[@Korpitalo]

Ivar ❤ I feel for you! The coldest days here have been under -40°C and not any + degrees. I already like to do something else than heating the house and shoveling snow...🙃

[@NoMysogny]

35:01 just wow..... what a view.... loved this scenery ❤

[@ekaterinaburlakova601]

So happy to see you, guys! The beautiful and true people. Sending you a lot of ❤❤❤

[@Lapimmira]

Thank you, your channel is best ever. ❤ I wish you happiness and joy with each other! 🥰

[@rsoubiea]

That little shadow box is really cute! ❤

[@annemariemoormann996]

I’m looking forward to seeing you enjoy springwinter, the sun on your face while drinking tea on your snowbench. I’ve used my own calendula-oil for the first time this week. A salve would be better. Just a lot of rain and wind where I live. Grey every day. But the birds are getting ready and the crabapples are in bloom :) Thank you 🙏

[@paulabowen6077]

I have been watching you for long time and would have loved to send some economical help if only we could! You are fantastique and unique for such a wonderful project.I saw your child come to life!May you have the strength to carry on what you have in mind! You are the only ones giving us hope for the future! Your English has improved a lot and being Irish although living in Italy I am so happy to be able to understand although I have visited Stokholm and my Dad worked for the Sweedish legation when in England! I look forwadd to your child growing up with his cousins in Finland!Keep it up and be strong for us all!!!Love and happiness to you and familyLove Paula Bowem☘️💚✌️❤️🙏

[@MrsScott-bx8sb]

I'm sorry you've had such a harsh winter. Ours here in Upstate NY has been unseasonably warm and spring-like with very little snow. Very strange weather indeed. As always, I enjoy your videos, and I am looking forward to seeing spring unfold for you!

[@cindym4946]

The daily work you put in to survive is amazing. I'm in Washington state USA. My ancestors came from Sweden on my grandfather's side, but I don't yet know where in Sweden.Thank you for sharing with us. Looking forward to your next video.

[@terryotoole6478]

Do not fear the cold, embrace it !! What a positive message to teach your son ...

[@anniehawkins6321]

I love when you talk about the temperature and the harsh conditions, you never stop working just keep doing what you can, it is enlightening to me, it has been only temperatures below 30 degrees here a few times, last night it was 28 and I think that is too cold for me but when I see that y’all are dealing with much colder temperatures I guess I am lucky in a way, I think you’re country is beautiful and picturesque, I would love to visit, but maybe in the summer! lol

[@mxmama75]

You can hear how cold it is at the beginning of the video! Crunchy snow. Glad you are all still well. I would love to have a small group to swap recipes for salves and tinctures! Stay well my friends.

[@michelleann1899]

Thank you for this video. Your lifestyle is admirable. We don't have snowy Winter's like this...back in the 1990's and before we had snow from December to March...enough to build snow forts for my children!! We are in NE Pennsylvania and this year was our first big snow. (About 7 inches). Your son is a lovely child. Thank you for sharing his days with us! Take care 🍃💟🍃

[@lucasm.bittencourt8283]

This is such a nice video. Thank you for sharing with us! Of course there are challenges, but this is REAL life. I hope more people will return to living almost totally independently from the government and corporations! Greetings from Brazil

[@jackmiller6470]

In my experience, all suitcase generators are junk, compared to Hondas. Champion is especially crap. I understand that it was cheaper. If you can save up for a Honda, it's well worth it. I know you are on a tight budget. So it may take awhile. In fact, here's what I'll do. I will up my patreon amount, to start an equipment fund. I challenge others to join me in this endeavor 👍🏼. We may all be separated by oceans or land masses, but we can still be a community. And that is all we have these days. We have to help each other in our prospective communities. Take care

[@theresanoble1695]

Your dog is so lovely. Beautiful and well behaved.

[@helendeacon7637]

What a beautiful miniature depicting Talasbuan. Thank you for showing us in detail. Ivor is growing so quickly and he was quite vocal in this one. Looking forward to seeing you guys emerge in the spring. Thank you for all of your videos. They are always absorbing and enjoyable.

[@TaistoUuslail]

Greetings from the little less cold south Estonia. Relating to the cold as living in old house with stove and oven fire heating as well. Though insulating one side of the house already improved our life this winter. Will be renovating further this year. But minuses over 30 is another league... Take care and stay close, it keeps warm :)

[@Alan-gc8oq]

In England (maybe the rest of Britain too), the traditional 'duvet', which I saw for the first time in the 1980's, was (and still is) the 'Eiderdown Quilt', usually just called an 'Eiderdown'. 'Eider' is a duck, and 'down' are the softest feathers. So, it sounds like the word you're looking for is 'Eiderdown Quilt'. In the 1960's and '70s in my family, we had them in the very coldest weather on top of the sheets and woolen blankets. They're almost impossible to wash, and I remember my mother carefully folding the sheets and blankets over the top edge so that we didn't touch them when we got in and out of bed. They were usually covered and quilted with either silk or fake silk. My mother had made the one on my parent's bed in the early 1960's from an unused second world war parachute. She'd bought it from the army surplus shop.

[@karla.30]

I LOVE the play Igloo you have made for Ivar in the snow...He is so cute sliding and playing !

[@dickdavidson3616]

Beautiful video!❤ It touched me!

[@KmmBev]

Here in Vermont there have been a lot of freeze thaw cycles this winter, I think I'd rather consistent cold instead of freezes and thaws and little snow. I laughed when you talked about the slither of sun in the cabin- I too get excited when sun hits the apartment and lights up a room.. it's the little things🙌

[@user-tf7yp7ug7f]

Je trouve que vous, les adultes, vous portez sur votre visage les marques de la fatigue que vous inflige cet hiver "à pierre fendre" comme on dit en français. Par contraste, l'énergie de Yvar paraît phénoménale. Il est épargné grâce à vous de toute forme de déprime. Bravo. Sachez que vos remarques sur les températures qui jouent du yoyo, ne nous ennuient absolument pas. Nous comprenons d'autant mieux que chez nous, cet hiver, nous n'avons pas de neige et que c'est déjà le printemps. C'est trop tôt et s'il gèle en mars ou avril, nous n'aurons aucun fruit. Nous vous souhaitons une stabilisation des températures qui vous rendent la vie plus facile.

[@TmHudsonArt]

Here in the UK, it is stupidly mild...raining all the time and the mud is horrendous!! Those blue dragonflies (Actually damselflies) are called Banded demoiselles. We get them here too and I love seeing them...

[@romansero]

You can build a brick stove, you can insulate windows, you can insulate a house with simple materials. You can also install a solid fuel boiler with a buffer tank. Everything is so difficult for you...

[@tenzinyangdroen1618]

An amazing miniature cupboard, as everything else in this video and the life at Talasbuan and the people and animals living there, mustering the challenges! Hats off to all of them!

[@norhalindaharun4026]

Im living in a country where everyday is a summer. Every year end, my family and i travel to countries that have winter ..just to feel the coldness and snow! Watching this video brings me joy. Major ❤ from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

[@FrantisekSchejbal]

Dear Mathias, dear Tova (and little Ivar): WE all human animals knows what WINTER means. All this problems/struggles with low temperatures. All our ancestores have survived it! What you, Mathias & Tova, show us is the real life. Thank you for it. With greets & hug (hälsning & kram) from/från Värmland

[@cobieenns6022]

The struggle is real! When stuck inside because of cold/inclement weather, we call it “cabin fever” in Canada and we get restless for getting outside in the fresh air, sunshine and warmth. I so appreciate your sharing these very real struggles. Though our situations are by no means the same, I find myself very much relating to you. Be encouraged friends for the encouragement you bring to others. PS. Regarding the cold floor, keep indoor shoes for in the cabin..it helps tremendously! ❤

[@julietcanino6905]

Ivar is growing smart boy.... love watching your videos❤❤❤❤❤

[@minnesotagal507]

We are having the mildest winter ever, little snow , warm temperatures, no ice build up.

[@dickybirdsnest]

I wish I would have thought to send you such a thoughtful gift! That little shadow box is so special. Obviously from a long time viewer to have all the details like that - including your old dog! Wow so nice! I live in Wisconsin, USA, it has been an uncommonly mild winter - we hardly had snow. Not use to that! In fact, so much of the communities a bit north of me rely on tourism all year. This year - most just closed - never even opened for the winter. No snowmobiling or ice fishing. I grew up with wood heat, we all had to make firewood, stack it, couldn't be gone long when it was cold - just like you said. In fact, one year I got a parakeet for Easter. I had it in a cage, we left to go 2 hours north to my grandparent's house, when we returned the house was too cold and the bird died.....we thought, until my mom put it in the oven....she did! It was just in time, as it was only cold - "Peppie" was chirping in the oven....what a memory! Keep the fires burning - spring is on it's way. Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.

[@angelaevans8632]

I love that you include Ivan in everything you do and that you have things scaled down to match his age even the tools. He loves to help with snow shovelling and carpentry etc. His language skills are really amazing, a result of parental input. He’s a wonderful young lad and a true credit to you both. I hope the temperature improves soon. For us Brits jumping into ice cold water seems crazy but I’m sure there are health benefits.❤Angela

[@angelaevans8632]

Sorry Ivar. It’s spell check again.

[@dollywalker3929]

My mom always said it was an Eider,. My family goes back 400 years in Sweden,🤗

[@margievaneijkern4172]

Thank you for all your work in making these videos. Your son is so sweet. Greasing from Canada. We are having less cold weather here. And a lot less snow 🇨🇦❤️🔥