Life’s About to Get Easier Living on Our Off-Grid Homestead

[@nikolaubiker]

use pvc pipes underground, insert this blue pipe straight in the pvc, double protection for the electric cables...nice jobs mate!

[@melaniebeaver2845]

I was going to suggest this too.

[@TheresaGelso]

I agree with him!

[@TyMark]

After checking several channels about life in Portugal, yours is the only one that I view regularly since several months. Today I reflected on it, and concluded that is your personality along with the tranquility that I feel while watching your videos that got me stuck. Well done .

[@abqresident4461]

I'll second that! Perfectly stated!

[@LifebyLiving]

Thanks for watching 😊 Happy to have you “stuck” with us every week 😁

[@chrissyfrancis8952]

Buy conduit that’s big enough to put the blue conduit through it! It’ll be twice the protection of the wires too. Idk the regulations there, but if you’re able, I’d use the largest pipe I could. That way you could run more through someday if you needed to.

[@judystark72]

I so look forward to your videos. You’re both so upbeat and your pups are adorable. Can’t wait to see how your little house comes out.

[@HT-io1eg]

I watch a few homesteader channels. These lovely people make the great projects they bring us along for even better

[@andymccabe6712]

Is it Americans who insist on referring to dogs as 'pups'....!? ... wondering what you call actual pups.....!?!? Pups, presumably........

[@divaden47]

@@andymccabe6712 If it's a young dog, it's a puppy, older we tend to call them dogs, or at least I do! Actually, I often call them doggits!!

[@lindamoore691]

Great video ! Great work ! Thank you for sharing 👏😀❤️

[@joygood9811]

Well done. I thoroughly enjoy watching you two, you are both upbeat, positive couple with a can do attitude.

[@LifebyLiving]

Thank you Joy ❤

[@davidgoulding5600]

Hope you and pooches are OK with all the fires happening in Northern Portugal. It has been horrendous for so many people. ❤🥰🤗

[@LifebyLiving]

We’re all well thanks David 😊 Fortunately there were no big fires near our place

[@lieuwina]

Congratulations!! on the double power and yes a washing machine for Victoria, what a delight that would be. I know I washed by hand for 7 years when my washing broke down, our electricity was so expensive it was better to wash by hand and we were a family of 7, two adults 5 children. So I knew what wash days meant in the old days, Mondays and Fridays. Got a washing machine now and I can not tell you how happy I was. Though I do miss washing by hand now and again as it was believe it or not therapeutic for me. Have a lovely day.

[@melmaki1118]

Love your energy, humour and creativity! As an old engineer in Canada, I found another trick to add a pull cord to a roll of tubing, without having to unwind the tubing, it is to insert a spool of thread of similar diameter into the tube end, hold the free end of the thread and blow with your Hoover or Dyson. The thread unwinds off the side of the spool, until the spool with remaining thread miraculously pops out the other end. This trick works for any length of tubing as the is no friction to increase with distance or bends. If need a stronger pull thread then use the fist thread to pull in the second etc.; always unwind the tubing for main cable pull. Also love your solar system; here we have similar mounts that one can re-tilt seasonally to adjust for the sun path change and get maximum power. You could drill a few holes in yours to make adaptable. Also you may find the shady space under the panels is handy; if you raise it 8' in your Phase 2 to make a shady lead-to, it would be a good place for petanque or a shade garden. Here some use livestock to graze the grass underneath in summer, so no gravel needed.

[@sth.777]

I always enjoy your videos - you're real, and funny, and you're proving that you can do anything you put your minds to! And double the power... I can really appreciate the impact it will make on your everyday lives!

[@LifebyLiving]

Thanks!😊 It’s crazy how much quicker our batteries charge now!

[@liammackenzie7771]

Everytime I see you guys opening those shutters on the windows it must feel so good that you both made those together!

[@millywood6801]

Well done guys, power to the people. That was an excellent trick with the plastic bag and Hoover, I didn't think it was going to work.

[@mariannebhatia7245]

Have to say it again. You are just an. amazing couple. Good luck enjoy the luxury of energy. 👍🍀🇩🇪

[@katherinekurash6683]

You guys are such a blessing to watch!! Loved every second!!

[@LifebyLiving]

You’re very kind ❤ Thanks for watching Katherine 😊

[@abqresident4461]

103K and growing. SOOOOO happy for your successes! You may not yet be experts, but I think you've progressed way beyond amateurs. Well done, Ricky and Victoria. Love and hugs from me in New Mexico USA (where hard soil was invented).

[@MargaretHeil-zp2fq]

Really a treat watching you build your new home together, and thanks so much for sharing all your triumphs with viewers❤ God Bless!!

[@sue7190]

The old windows would be great for greenhouse or orangery. Or on a smaller scale would make beautiful mirrors. ❤

[@LifebyLiving]

We would LOVE an orangery but I think it’d get far too hot in summer

[@theresakellogg4431]

So happy for you guys!! Fantastic job! As usual, you work very well together!!! ❤🏡❤

[@ohntree]

Don't want to scare you, but depending on how old your windows are, in particular if they're from the early to late-mid 20th century, the putty might actually contain some asbestos. So you might want to take some precaution in particular if you're removing it and it generates a lot of dust.

[@wildwildwestie1]

Hello from Northern Michigan, I hope the current fires haven't affected you! Please carry fire insurance if you can afford it. Thank you for sharing! I do love seeing how you both are progressing in building your home.😊

[@dancub1]

The old windows might be useful as a cold frame for veg

[@miachambers830]

I was thinking the same.. would’ve been better with the glass in… ❤❤ x

[@robinpearson4583]

HI Ricky and Victoria, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but your paddles in your concrete mixer really need cleaning. However, there is answer to the problem, simply throw in some rough stones or pieces of broken brick and leave the mixer turning. Check after a few minutes or when you're fed up with the racket, and see if the paddles have by some miracle cleaned themselves. Hope this meets with approval. Regards Robin.

[@paulcoyne881]

Victoria has the best personality. Look forward to your new videos. 😊

[@andymccabe6712]

Er... doesn't everyone know that....!?!?

[@jilllangman9343]

@@andymccabe6712they do now!

[@marymick3402]

I enjoy watching the two of you working together and your joyful nature. Thanks for sharing 💖

[@DebbieHogan-m6n]

You 2 are great problem solvers

[@sgrvtl7183]

Impressed with the tech solar project! Congratulations ❗👌💯

[@leslierosslentz1988]

The biggest smile crosses my face when I see the two of you.

[@LifebyLiving]

❤

[@emma_m0]

I love how you guys set a project and get it done!

[@larhumba4233]

You two are unstoppable! Nothing you can't work out how to do yourselves, and the difference in size of panels is barely noticeable. 👍🥰🌞🌞🌞

[@Franknberrie]

Too late now but heat softens the window glaze and it makes removing it much easier. Luv your channel.

[@andymccabe6712]

Not really.... you have to spend a lot of time heating thr old putty....and, risk cracking the glass....!!

[@colinhead284]

Why not get a slightly bigger diameter smooth bore conduit which is suitable for underground use , then put the conduit that already has the wire drawn through into the bigger conduit ??

[@dennismatthews6660]

Always a good Sunday when you two show up. Great natural scenes. I love the conversations between you two and with your audience. Good luck as the projects continue.

[@professorlaffmoore6970]

To prevent up lift, from the wind, you will need to secure the assembly to the ground. The wing could lift it all and blow it away.

[@margomoore4527]

FYI If you ever must dig in hard soil to do plumbing work or installing an electrical conduit, you can make it easier by running water through a hose and then digging up the wet soil. My Dad put in a water line-just a dozen feet or so-from the spigot in his barn to the goatyard, where he installed a second spigot, so we wouldn’t have to carry pails of water. The soil in central TX was red granite sand (there was a quarry only about a mile away), and in midsummer it was hard as a rock. Letting the hose run on and off sort of softened the hard soil. My Dad had a certificate in plumbing from circa 1950 from Washburn trade school, so he could always do his own plumbing stuff. He later got into electrical and HVAC-pretty much an all-around Mister Fixit. He let me help! Despite the hot day, it was quite fun! Hope this helps.

[@carlabiacchessi2544]

Just two beautiful souls living life as it should be... with the challenges but also with the joy and pride of the achievements and grateful of the little things that can make life comfortable as well. You both really work hard and there is nothing stopping you. Much love to those gorgeous pups Teddy and Poppy. Love you both ❤

[@michaelrich555]

Solar is so cool! Congrats on the expansion of your power plant!!!

[@costasworldofmusicmemories5792]

Great Work Guys. Bringing a bright day from a cloudy one. Always looking forward to Sunday with you guys 💞💞 You guys rock. All the best mates . Jim, Harriet and Yuki from our current location at Chesapeake Bay , the Maryland side.

[@bmax43]

Great video - as usual. You two are a breath of fresh air. Thank you for sharing ❤❤❤Jacksonville Beach, Florida. USA

[@marcie685]

Happy for you both it’s the little things in life that mean the most in making life simpler.🇦🇺🙋‍♀️

[@andreadimartino125]

I love watching the two of you working and playing around together. I can see the love. I look forward to all of your videos. Thanks for filming and allowing us to come into your life! 😊❤️☮️

[@andreadimartino125]

Olivia ..your face is lovely. You don't need to wear anything but a sunscreen!

[@user-ey9bt7fs6n]

Outstanding work the two of you. The new solar array looks great!

[@acornhomestead3575]

Oh my! I built my solar panel frame yesterday for ACORN HOMESTEAD...now I'm so excited about a mini fridge (more panels and more batteries) will mean a washing machine for me too but this winter I'm excited about having a light in the house! And charging my phone! Well done you guys! I'm so happy for you

[@joeykottnitz4831]

Well done Ricky and Victoria. Having a good week, hope you get that rain. That you are waiting for. Love from Namibia.❤❤

[@jangrosemartindale8740]

So impressed with how y’all tackle a project, research different methods, some by trial & error, but you get it DONE! 🙌🏻👏🏻🙌🏻👏🏻🙌🏻

[@lindabrooks8242]

Yaaaay for big solar power! Awesome job, guys!🙌

[@pollyb.4648]

What a great resource that gave you time saving tips! That conduit went so easily! 🎉

[@RevGerryRM]

That was totally cool! Who would have thought you could use the vacuum cleaner to pull it through 🤣

[@britonwright6853]

I'm glad you both have opened up just a little bit of your lives to us. It's truly encouraged me to get moving on different projects at home. I'm like, if they can do THAT, i can do this. Thanks to you both!!!

[@Yorky222]

Well done you two.

[@gdrnrn]

When pulling the wire through conduit tip aways put spare string in it. Factory's aways leave spare rope is side for next time . Love your channel

[@clivewarren5404]

Just love your videos, thanks so much for letting us share your journey.

[@DanSmithBK]

Loving that Jaws reference ;-). Cheering up a rainy Sunday here in Blighty... thanks!

[@LifebyLiving]

It's one of my favourite comfort films...bit weird, I know 😂

[@DanSmithBK]

@@LifebyLiving it’s a classic for a reason! Shark!

[@LifebyLiving]

@@DanSmithBK HOOPERRRR!

[@carolashworth6855]

Use them to make a cold frame for your seedlings to get a head with your seedlings.

[@a1stchoicecleaningllc28]

So happy for you all🤩

[@smashthepoo435]

Tip for next time, pull an extra bit of string through with the wires then leave it there if you have to add any other wires to the conduit in the future. Great video as always. Thank you!

[@lostscotsman]

When puling the string thru the conduit, pull an extra two or three strings at the same time. Use the one and leave the others there for future needs. Trying to pull another string thru now might be tough if you need to.

[@Bugs1953]

Love you two so much fun to watch. Stay safe and keep going😊

[@The-Good-Life-Off-Grid]

Wow look at you both 🎉🎉😊

[@bobhale8325]

Congratulations on the new power arrray. HEY! Those shutters really look good -- very pretty.

[@assuncaomeireles198]

A Victoria e o Ricky sao pessoas extraordinárias adoro ver os vossos vidios sao fantásticos. Gostei muito de ver o Ricky a montar os paineis solares claro sempre com ajuda da Victoria que tambem sabe fazer tudo muitos parabens. Acho que sao um casal adoravel sempre bem dispostos e muito alegres. God bless you both ❤❤

[@miriammuskal5402]

It's been great watching you work together best of luck with your solar panels

[@64cuspofchange]

Hello from California 😎 its amazing to watch you both 'work it out' 👍

[@nancypelletier7590]

Washing machine, yay. 🎉More power to you. I can’t wait to see your little family in your beautiful little home. Love your videos.❤

[@jeremyhigginson9307]

Absolutely amazing!!!

[@sarajillianshepherd3858]

Hi Ricky and Victoria, when you're planning on burying the cable, leave the conduit in place and just run it through 90 mm PVC storm water pipe and bury that in place as it can be sealed from water and provide additional protection for your cables. 💞 Enjoying your KZbin's from Australia.

[@garylatto4191]

Great work guys 👏👏

[@jaytopham8514]

Hey, great work on the solar panel install. It looks like a very sturdy arrangement. Another achievement to be proud of. Stay safe - look forward to the next video, with love from a very rainy Bedfordshire, UK ❤

[@timothydunn5889]

Draw the mouse string through, fix the string to the first cable and attach a second string to the splice, pull both through, then repeat with the second cable. Just a suggestion for the next conduit. Congratulations on all of your achievments thus far. Great to share with you.

[@silvieb2024]

Good advice.

[@pamelalambe1356]

Enjoy your videos! Congrats on more solar power.

[@davidhofman4341]

WHEN you pull the final feed from the panels pull in a 220 outlet and a low voltage light you can control from the house. Leave a pull string in conduit. DOUBLE MOUSE PROOF BOTH ENDS

[@darwinsfish]

Yep, all external cables on my ground array are in conduits - rats, mice, deer and even rabbits are wont to have a little chew. Other pesky varmints like voles also available!

[@Karen.L.771]

well done with your new solar panels. I hope you guys are safe and nowhere near the fires, my Sister and her hubby have been on alert all week in Olivera as fires were all around their villages, they have had no sleep for a week! I'm pleased they are safe. stay safe both of you

[@Michael-m4y]

Hi , you could have used your electric saw to cut that aluminium frame, save you some time 👍👍😂😂, when the time comes instead of pulling the wires out of the blue conduit, just buy the correct one bigger than the blue one and feed the whole thing through the new one

[@ZeeCeeCreations]

Sounds wonderful, kids! My goodness, so happy for you! You will love having your own washer/dryer....such a game changer! The panels look amazing! Blessings!

[@garethlewis2680]

Another fab video. Look forward to seeing you all every weekend. Nice job on the power upgrade 😀😀

[@karenklucas923]

The cottage shutters and doors are soooo stinking cute😊.

[@LorraineinAustralia]

Great progress..❤️🌸❤️

[@gaynor3976]

Hi Victoria and Ricky. I love watching you work out how each task is to be done and then using tip/tricks you've seen online or read about. Your teamwork is impressive. Good job both. Xx

[@snippetsordinarylife]

I am a 65-year old woman. I have dug massive holes for trees by simply soaking the soil 30 minutes before. Easy peasy

[@vickigeer9203]

I look forward to you videos so much

[@tomwipert1808]

Enjoy your videos so much. Hoping you are safe from the wild fires.

[@pigswhist]

Always roll the pipe out from the outside inward, so you don't get a spiral!!

[@silvieb2024]

Ooh. That's good to know.

[@ericmiddelbos129]

nice progres

[@DMSP24]

Great job guys you both amaze us each week. We would be so lost. Love your videos interesting, learning and both of you are kind and have a great sense of humor we love. Can’t wait till next week. Love the dogs and I remember the dog just laying scared outside your house. They hit the lottery thank you ❤️🐕🐕

[@enmodo]

A couple of other ways to do the grounding rod are with conduit connected to a pressure washer hose. Or hit the end of the rod with an impact driver with a socket adapter on it.

[@debraimmer260]

Love watching your channel

[@kdclothes]

You guys did an amazing job.

[@lisaconnelly7731]

You two are so much fun to watch. It's nice to hear a bit about you personally. Best wishes on all your projects ❤

[@juliealtenburg9671]

You two are so fun! You always make me smile and laugh!😊

[@jeanrichardson2044]

My brother taught me a method of attaching my hose to a long narrow pipe, turning the hose on and driving the pipe into the ground to break up my lawn clay layer to improve drainage. It was easy and quite successful.

[@SusanBuckingham-ut2ez]

The problem was all the coils, worked fine in a straight line. Congrats on the new power source! Wa shing Ma Chine! My first choice, ha! Things are looking up! Thanks for sharing, see you soon!

[@ronaldlucas5360]

Enjoyed

[@olddon8456]

Are you two OK? I’m watching you from Arkansas USA (religiously watching, that is…every Sunday). I’m concerned that I might have missed this last Sunday’s upload from you “kids.” I’m 78 years old and wish the two of you were MY kids, Ha! Seriously? I wish you well…Old Don

[@kaarendrent]

I was so relieved to find your video this evening after viewing others about the fires in Portugal. I just love watching you two and those special dogs.

[@triciazimmerman3522]

Ya'll did such a nice job on the shutters. Love the color as well.

[@bobpenner4260]

The problem with pulling a small conduit through a larger one will be heat dissipation from electrical resistance in the wire.

[@marikajohn6522]

You can have some of our rain in U.K. on yellow warning as rained for days. 😊😊

[@ianedwards9136]

You shouldn't have to run a guide rope to put cables in hard case piping for burying, just slide each section over cables and glue together once the cables are inside plastic pipe. be much easier.

[@susanB24F]

Great job on the solar! We love dpending time with you and your positivity!

[@jlc7889]

Obrigado pela partilha do vosso maravilhoso trabalho ... Parabéns !

[@faithvansanden82]

Loved the video you always bring a little smile ❤

[@NaMatwo2]

👏🏽 congrats

[@clairecooper9931]

Great work guys, I’m envious of your solar panels 😂 I’d love to live off grid ❤ have a great week. Victoria your skin is beautiful 😁

[@sherryjohnson8272]

I love watching you two. It’s obvious how much you love each other. Thank you so much for sharing your life in Portugal. I watched the Newbys this morning and it looks like the area they live in is engulfed in flames. Watching y’all’s video this evening it seems y’all are safe. I love your chemistry. 😊

[@EricOnYouTube]

You sure the windows aren't full of lead? Just making sure. :) So happy you got your solar in place. :)

[@stuartandpaul]

Been looking forward to this one 😊 I'm really interested in how the panels are going to work

[@sarahnd]

Congratulations! We did the same a few years back and it was a total game-changer. Suddenly we were getting and using all these electric appliances that we had been unable to power for years -- amazing! 👏🥳