Getting back on our feet on our off-grid homestead

Hi, we are Harriet and Mauro and in February 2021 we bought an abandoned smallholding in Castellón, Spain. In these videos we share our life as we restore and improve our little stone house, learn to grow and preserve our own food, and bring our 4 acres of farmland back to productivity.
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Music in this video:
Onthou - Ever So Blue
How Will I Cope - The Eastern Plain
In the Misty Morning - Many Moons Ago
Big Sur - Roy Edwin Williams
Fragile Moments - Martin Landh
Good to Be Home - Erik Fernholm
Bright Up My Day - View Points
Ain't Ready - Damma Beatz
From EpidemicSound

[@elisabethbenders-hyde5286]

Don't beat yourself up over the state of the garden. You, Mauro, and Santi have been going through a lot this past year. Amazingly, you have gotten as far as you have. One step in front of the other, and don't stress or work yourself into the ground, it will only make you sick. Take good care of yourself, Harriet.

[@n1tel1ght]

Yes, focus on you, in my area we don't have a choice ( snow) and take time to rest.

[@normamurray4450]

You are a miracle worker Harriet! Be proud of yourself, you are a strong woman and you don't complain. This is so comforting to see in this world of nail polish and all the superfluous 'stuff"....real people. God Bless your little family.

[@Annemarieke58]

Oh dear Harriet what a strong person you are. Please be kind to yourself and be proud of what you have accomplished on your own these last few weeks. I hope 2024 will be an abundant and loving year for you all.

[@beeheart6324]

Poor Mauro!! I am so sorry for you, the pain you have to go through, especially knowing that Harriet has her hands full as well. There is nothing worse than being called to rest and being in pain. Well done Harriet for holding the fort! You are such an amazing team together. I love your videos. So good to see Santi always in the sling: it's something you'll never forget, it's so wonderful to do. Much love and don't worry about not being on top of things these days: all of us on the planet are learning to slow down, to accept and go with the flow, just to keep going.

[@IRSA1]

Santi did not mind any of the difficulties you have had to contend with ; he enjoyed all the cuddles and comfort he needed from his loving mum and dad. In life, the best plans often struggle to be implemented like clockwork, but ultimately, you are getting there with a lot of patience and hard work. Hats off to you ! ❤

[@ginacrusco234]

Harriet, I'm so happy and relieved to see you all! Thank goodness Mauro is on the mend. You are doing a great job keeping all fed and watered. Santi has such a distinctive look already at such a young age! Dare I say I think he has your eyes and the rest of his face is Mauro's.

[@cantocant2346]

Tough season of life. You are doing great. You are steadily moving forward even if it doesn't feel that way. Beautiful video.

[@shaunnarochelle]

"it's a fine line between letting go and losing control" these past few years you have both strived for physical and financial resilience and along the way learned so much resilience emotionally and mentally. the way you handles these tribulations with grace is inspiring.

[@soniafe2213]

Gracias por traernos un poco de paz y mucha capacidad de resiliencia. Sois expertos en nadar en aguas difíciles sin perder la sonrisa. ❤

[@SarBearSnap]

"Am I lazy or am I a genius?" - Genius ;)

[@pennypacheco3868]

Mauro is a very lucky man! ❤

[@sheilakerr-jones4345]

Garden, smarden! You had a baby, he needed special care, you need healing after all you’ve been through, then Mauro and his eye surgery, now his healing. The garden will come into its own sooner than later, take care of the important people and yourself. Great work with limited resources. ❤️

[@jacquipettitt3389]

You two have had a really bad run over the last few months, and you're doing well to stay so upbeat Harriet. I hope Mauro's recovery continues to go well, and you get back into a more normal routine. You work so hard, and I wish you a much better year than last one x

[@shirleygreaves9650]

Poor Mauro, I hope he makes a full recovery with no more eye problems. Sometimes in life you have to accept you just have to do the basics, keep yourself, your dependents and animals fed warm and clean and forget about progress. You’re both young with a lifetime ahead to get the homestead complete. You’ll find things will get better and you will be able to get on with normal life again soon. The main thing is for Mauro to do as he is doing and rest and get well. Look after yourself. Lots of love. xxxxxx

[@almamartinez-quagliata439]

Thank God Mauro is doing better! You are a warrior Harriet! God Bless! And Santi is los so handsome!

[@geraldinekerr8645]

Santi is growing .You r doing great .❤

[@marcie685]

Great to see you all again . Harriet I would rather see you and Santi growing than your garden I wouldn’t worry you’ll have plenty of time later to garden .🙋‍♀️🇦🇺

[@sadjaxx]

You aren't lazy. You just try to do the work of 5 people. You both have done so well just to keep your heads above water. Congratulations! Santi looks so sweet and bright!

[@michellepierce6757]

I agree. The main thing is to get Mauros eye back to health - doing a farmstead with a partially sighted person would really be hard work !

[@elisanavarrohidalgo2032]

Cuanto trabajo...😢 Deseo pronta recuperación a Mauro y Santi está precioso.❤

[@paullocubin4865]

Words fail me. You are so determined that all I can say is you're a keeper

[@lidanaude8022]

Super woman and mom! Speedy recovery to your poor man..aaaww. Btw your baby is so precious!

[@deltorres2100]

Look at Hollard Homestead.. he made a wire tube and he put all the scraps and stuff and he makes the compost in there and the chickens will jump up in there and scratch and poop and stuff and then when it gets really big, he takes the wire off and puts the compost in a wheelbarrow, and takes it to the plants or takes it somewheres where I can finish

[@LPay-jy8mx]

Oh Harriet, May I suggest you are looking at the wrong "garden"? Your outdoor garden on your land is dormant in winter, it will wait for you, as calm and patient as the earth. Meanwhile, the actual garden you have been creating and tending is the health and wellbeing of your precious beautiful child, and then Mauro's surprise healing journey - every health surprise requires that we shift towards urgency, and you have been practicing epic shifting muscles! So when you look at the outdoor garden and feel despair, look instead at your magnificent baby. You have been tending the best garden of a lifetime, the garden of life. On a practical level, the great thing about getting unstuck when you are overwhelmed is that there is so much to do, you can literally start ANYWHERE! Start anywhere that draws you, & gives you visual rewards for your efforts, to build confidence. Sending love from 9000 km away. ❤Lee

[@DustBunny.101]

Hello Harriet!! I love watching your channel! You are so inspiring ❤️ you have accomplished so much!!! little Santi looks a lot like you!! Hes grown so much & is so precious!! Hope Mauro gets all the rest he needs& a quick recovery!! Much love

[@noreenboland1204]

I'm always in awe of the amount you get done.❤❤❤

[@annmcnamara8]

Santi is beautiful he is so like you. Poor Mauro but it's for the best come the end of Spring he will be able to hold and bond with the Baby You are a brilliant Mum

[@marylfab]

This is a perfect opportunity to harvest seeds from your garden to save for new planting in your next garden

[@samoatodd8730]

have to say😊 you are an amazing woman! Step by step. Praying for your healing. I loved seeing the ruins. ❤

[@Mrs_K2M]

No doubt that the garden will be restored to its former glory. Keep at it family

[@pattykelly6621]

So close to 100k subscribers! I am so looking forward to spring for both your garden and mine. Hope you're back 100% soon Mauro

[@adrianna1289]

❤❤ I wish Mauro a quick recovery. ❤️❤️

[@lanagumpinger9460]

So glad Mauro is recovering. Don’t stress about timelines. Do what you can do in the moment and rest when you need it. Things will work out in the end. Santiago is adorable and has grown so much. I admire your resilience and determination. You are definitely not lazy! Just looking for the occasional short cut and experimenting. You do an incredible amount of manual labor. Take care not to injure your joints. Loved the ruin tour. It’s a dream of mine to take on a project like that. Unfortunately our age and past injuries make it not feasible for my husband and I. May find an easier way to retire in the same setting. Dreaming of Spain or Portugal or Italy! Best wishes from Calgary Canada 🇨🇦.

[@livmaritengene4973]

Harriet, you are a superhero, be proud of your self!

[@BeccaAl]

One thing I would never call you is lazy! Don’t worry about the dying veggies, they’ll grow again x

[@nikoreallytlovesme]

Baby is big and beautiful your doing a fantastic job 🎉❤

[@janetbecker4282]

What I see is a garden full of seeds for this next season of gardening. It's been a rough patch almost like being a single Mum, However the thankfulness of having a Mr to be your support.

[@freespiritwithnature4384]

Baby is gorgeous. Mauro, I'm glad you're ok. Surgery isn't pleasant, but I'm glad you found a Dr who could do the surgery. All the chores are always there. One day at a time. You're only 1 person. You're definitely not lazy.Every person is different on a different day. I have OCD so every day, I choose my battles wisely. I've been able to manage without medication, but I let some things wait and the chores get done . Your farm is beautiful. Good to see you smiling. Feel better soon, Mauro. 🫂. XO

[@deeoh3708]

Best wishes Mauro for a good recovery. Lovely to see bubby :) Take care in the garden Harriet, it will all happen in good time. Love your new shelf!

[@komorifarm9308]

The paternity leave for Mauro seems to be a blessing in disguise....

[@strwbrryfinchy]

You guys are incredible. You’ve gone through so much this year but your just keep persevering and you even built a shelf and a compost section at the same time. It might not feel like it but you’re doing the best you can with the hand you were dealt.

[@annieh6021]

Here’s wishing you all a very, very much better year than the last one. You are a real pair of grafters! Much love to you all ❤️❤️❤️

[@deltorres2100]

YOUR DOING A GREAT JOB..Recycling things you Already have!!!💪🏽

[@pammierae7751]

Wonderful to see you again..thank you for the tour of the ruin and as always your doing a spectacular job on the homestead.. Until next time be encouraged things are looking great..

[@josjewosje]

Life is a bugger sometimes. You're amazing, and you're doing so well, under these circumstances. Sending love and health ❤️

[@jldisme]

The donkey shelter is still so impressive to me. I remember the whole process, and it looks so professional. It's lovely that you have a praying mantis around. They do such a great job at pest control! You can make a compost bin with removable sides. Use square posts and use a router to make grooves for the boards to slide up and down. You could also nail on two pieces of wood on each post, leaving room in the center to slide the side pieces up and down.

[@matimunizf8993]

No eres vaga!! Eres muuyyyyy trabajadora y eficiente!!!!

[@irmafernandez2887]

You are a wonder Harriet and I know it has not been easy on you while Mauro was recovering. Your pushing forward keeps your family together. The garden will flourish again. Bless you.😊

[@jldisme]

You three are in prayers every week. Hang in there. The nice thing about vegetable gardens is that it's fresh start each time you plant a new one.

[@danimoonie]

I hope Mauro gets better soon,you are souch a strong woman,really inspiring,please also take a break from time to time,your baby needs you healthy ❤

[@luisaleonardi666]

Great mum, great wife,great at what is needed all around, Harriet! And Santi is so cute,already learning from his mum and dad , having so much love .Love you all❤❤❤❤

[@discopumps]

Santiago looks just like you Harriet!! I am having my second baby in March and I have been having so much anxiety about it. but seeing his cute little face peaking out of the carrier gave me a small rush of excitement to meet my baby so thank you :)

[@marionwadowski4436]

Best wishes to Mauro, it must be hard to spend your paternity leave like this. Harriet, you absolutely ROCK! Take good care!

[@sandrabremner-8542]

Oh well done. You guys deserve to have a year of peace. Sending white light to get you there. I love your videos. I am glad things are settling

[@kb3716]

I was sooooo happy to see an update. Thrilled to see you guys are overcoming what was one heck of a year and continuing to thrive. Mauro is healing well, if painfully; Santi is an absolutely beautiful and healthy baby; and you seem to be maintaining your incredible strength and energy, though I'm sure it's been overwhelmingly taxing. Thankfully you three have everything you need for a comfortable wintering over. Spring will bring new promise. Relax and enjoy this special time together, as imperfect as it seems. Such is the fabric of life. Sending much love and hope from Florida!

[@erikafernandez3508]

Eres una persona fuerte e increíble. Espero que pronto acabéis vuestra cocina y casa por dentro y podáis dedicaros a la huerta y al exterior.

[@jolene2172]

Such a strong and capable women - and looking so well!

[@rgopinion]

Baby Santy is learning so much with mom doing shores around the house.

[@teresaedwards3659]

How wonderful that you were lead to seek out that abandoned home. It was good timing for you to really appreciate how massive of an achievement you have accomplished!.How interesting about the foxes and the shoes! Did I get that right?

[@deehalpern8988]

So glad Mauro is on the mend. I’m sure he was so bored by being an 80 year old man for awhile. But your little house looks cozy and comfortable now.

[@makoke1matsuri]

Que mejores prontito.... Bebé está hermoso😍😍😍... 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙏🙋‍♀️

[@nancykaufman1645]

So glad Mauro is on the mend! That’s a difficult surgery, and the recuperation is nearly as bad.

[@catherinecarreiro3955]

It’s amazing how much you have done and continue doing. Just think once your both well and working together you’ll be even better

[@ephphathaoracle]

Sending love as I watch you do your best to keep smiling ❤

[@robynclarke5274]

You're doing such an amazing effort keeping the homestead going while looking after baby and Mauro. He's going through a tough time with his eye I know what its like as I've had as I had is,ilar eye issues in the past . It will be worth it in the long run. Santi is looking happy and healthy. Don't worry about the garden so much. It will recover.

[@bluelilly22222]

Lots of love and prayers for you guys ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤Doing great don't worry the garden. Santi❤❤❤❤

[@RedPhone-mz5lv]

So glad to see you all again sorry Mauro is still not fit but you and little Santo look amazing,you have inspired me to get back into my garden even at 71years old Thank you

[@Granca123]

Harriet:Como siempre muy trabajadora,el bebé cada día más bonito y Mauro,mejorando, pronto ya estará listo para ayudarte en los trabajos más “pesados” Un saludo y mi👍

[@charola41]

Such a hardworking young mom! Mauro, ánimo y paciencia!

[@anneliesjoss]

Oh my goodness, Santi is so adorable and cute!!!

[@izabelasiczek3547]

Sending you all love from Chester , you've done so so much since the beginning of this channel!

[@Diosanaoli]

Animo familia, no te cargues tanto de peso utiliza el carro cuidate haz un reset en casa ordena y limpia y luego un trabajo a la vez. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@mary4482]

Y un cochecito para el bebé andaría bien para que no termine dañándose la espalda. Ánimo y felicitaciones por la energía que tienen 🌱💚🇨🇱

[@gerryryan1372]

Mauro Santiago and you. You have worked so hard while Mauro has been unwell. I wish i was way younger and would have been able to help you. ❤❤❤

[@lizwilson6633]

With everything that happened last year you can't help how the garden has been left. You are not superhuman and you can get it done when you have the time to do it, don't beat yourselves up. Your house is so much better living condition wise and that was important for your lovely wee family. Your garden will become yours again growing enough veg to keep you going. If I could get over there I'd come and help you, I truly would. Maybe some time this year we will make it to Spain, family illness keeping us in the UK for now. It's so lovely to hear Sante in the background he's growing so quickly. Glad Mauro's eye is healing slowly but surely. Don't be doing too much on your own you'll burn yourself out honey. Take care now xxxxx

[@user-it2jo8bx4n]

He’s such a gorgeous baby clever couple try to enjoy doing what you can don’t stress

[@deborahlee8135]

What a marvellous family ❤ Mauro, forced resting and inactivity is so very difficult, its lovely to see your smiliing face upright again and enjoying Santi time. Harriet, as usual, acknowledging the tough times, but just getting down and doing what needs to be done with a smile and ingenuity (and sometimes a little harsh on herself for not doing ALL the things ALL the time) and beautiful Santi, i loved hearing your gurgling encouragement in the background. ❤❤❤ You guys keep it real and do what you can with what you have. One of my favourite channels. Hoping you manage to have some time soon to do all the things you planned and missed this month.

[@elainepearman2309]

I see a lot of seeds in those garden plots. Santi has grown so much and it was wonderful to see his handsome little face. Keep going with the little jobs as you still have a lot on your hands to keep your lives together. Lots of love to you and your family. Looking forward to more videos. 🥰

[@natxotxuri]

Kaixo Harriet. Menudo trabajo estás haciendo como madre, como agricultora, como cuidadora de animales, como constructora de baldas, y demás. Te felicito por todo lo que haces, y la estantería te ha quedado de maravilla. Saludos

[@danyoutube7491]

I love Mauro's endorsement of Harriet's plan for the tiles @22:12 :) She poses an interesting question @25:19 though, "Am I lazy, or am I a genius?" - well the tiles have stayed in place, for now at least, and you saved time and material, so perhaps genius is the answer :)

[@jdrew5367]

Hi Harriet, you’re talking about having a composting bin inside the chicken coop I watch another KZbin channel called The Hollar homestead. he has a system in his chicken coop of a wire ring in the center of his chicken outside coop area. He puts a percentage of green matter, a percentage of wood chips, and brown matter leaves branches. The episode is called it’s good for the soul chicken composting. He goes in to depth, but he has a turnover in a 14 days. I believe, highly productive, compost for his garden and fruit trees. Just thought you might be interested. Thank you. Take care of yourself Harriet.

[@maitegonzalez1261]

Keep going babe! You are amazing and all the best for Mauro&baby Santi is growing so soon, he will be helping you soon❤

[@petro3441]

Great time with you thankyou.. you are such a strong woman and just do not let anything get you under. Great job❤❤

[@susanschmid2271]

Good recovery, Mauro.

[@paulb1951]

Have to admire your determination and work ethic ☺️

[@janohdegroot989]

How lovely to see the countryside and see do some projects, always inspiring. I hope Mauro gets well soon. Be good out there.. bye 👋..

[@quraibawentzel6287]

Hi Harriet,you should go and collect some more wood chips from the abandoned pile,and throw them in the chicken run.

[@madhatter909]

Poor Mauro I had no idea he was in so much pain. You have been working too hard Harriet. You need a break😀

[@tracytanasiychuk8253]

Great to see you. I am sure that things feel overwhelming. You are doing a fantastic job. Enjoy the baby. Blessings from Canada 🇨🇦

[@amisa160]

As always you are both doing a great job out of the circumstances that you are in. Well done, I wish you all the best! ❤

[@guelkaratas5164]

You are an amzing inspiration for me❤

[@manuelroldangarrido2014]

hola Harriet, encantado de volveros a ver, el chico esta precioso , mis mejores deseos para Mauro y su pronta recuperacion , un saludo

[@melinacedar1066]

It is amazing that you managed to succeed so much under these circumstances and it also remarkable that you have decided to be gentle to you and respect your time and needs. I wish that things are easier on you from now on, but its certain that you have been working hard towards this direction.

[@lydialyons2337]

You are a beautiful young family! I'm foulowing you all the why from South Africa.

[@lidijabirsa7768]

You're a genius Harriet! 👍😘 Speedy recovery Mauro 🙏 You have amazing mom and dad beautiful baby Santi, no worries, everything's gonna be fine! 💙

[@ruthnoronha8206]

You both do a lot. A baby is no joke. Do what you can and try not to stress or feel pressure.

[@tiktak4773]

Much love for you guys ❤ Santi is a little angel 😇

[@sungeethasinghrampersadh]

I'm sure Mauro wishes he could help u,wishing him a speedy recovery.takecare

[@arjanvogel6444]

Thanks for your vid 😇💟💟💟 Love and bless you guys, good work guys 👍😁.

[@Bellavita60]

2023 is one to forget except for Santi of course. It’s great to see you getting back to yourself: unstoppable inspired and magnificent.

[@silviac221]

Espero sinceramente que esta sea la última dificultad. Mauro, que te mejores pronto. Harriet, estás haciendo un montón, no se puede todo. Santi está hermoso