Log Cabin Wilderness Homestead, Maple Syrup, Wild Edibles, Primitive Skills

In our quest to live a self reliant lifestyle at the wilderness homestead, my wife, dog and I harvest sap from the forest around the log cabin and make maple syrup, one of the most accessible and abundant wild edibles in this area. Maple syrup can be processed using primitive skills, but this year, we use more traditional methods, inserting metal spiles into the maple trees and collecting the sap in metal buckets. We harvest the sap when the temperature is above freezing and boil it over an open fire in stainless steel pans.
Wild edibles in the Canadian wilderness are hard to come by, especially in the winter and early spring. Maple sap starts to run as soon as the daytime temperatures rise above 0C (32 Fahrenheit) and the night temperatures dip below freezing. It is slightly sweet and very refreshing when you drink it pure right out of the tree, but in order to make it into a syrup that stores for a long time withough going bad, you have to reduce it by about 40/1. Therefore, it takes 40 gallons of sap from a sugar maple tree to produce 1 gallon of maple syrup. You can harvest and consume sap from other trees, like other maple species and birch trees, but it's not quite as sweet and the ratio is not as good, approximately 60/1 in some cases.
Because spring has been cold this year, we have only harvested about 35 gallons of sap from 25 trees as of the date this video is published. Typically, we should have much more than that and should get hundreds of gallons. April may be better in the coming days for production however.
If we had more pails and spiles, which we can purchase relatively cheaply, we could tap at least a few hundred trees on our property. While the land here is not very productive for growing crops or other wild edibles, we could potentially produce enough syrup to barter and/or sell to offset our other food costs and to procure other foods that we cannot grow or harvest here. Realistically, we could harvest from the property in abundance - sap, mushrooms, raspberries, chaga, spruce tips, cattails and a few minor plant species as well as wild game, such as ducks, geese, bear, deer, moose, rabbit, raccoon, grouse, woodcock, frogs and turtles.
Links to products I use at the cabin;
Dog bowl - / northernpinecustoms
/ northern.pine.customs
Coffee grinder - www.redrooster...
Pancake Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 1/2 TSP baking powder
1 TSP salt
1 TBSP maple sugar
1 1/4 cups milk
1 egg
3 TBSP melted butter
To see what I’m up to during the rest of the week, please follow me on my other online channels;
Website: myselfreliance....
Facebook - / myselfreliance
Personal Facebook Page (Shawn James) - / shawn.james.msr
Instagram - / myselfreliance
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 20042
Barrie, Ontario
L4M 6E9
Canada
#logcabin #wilderness #primitive

[@MySelfReliance]

How do you like your pancakes? Thick and fluffy or thin and crispy? (Pancake ingredients are listed in the description above)

[@LeeShand]

Thin and Crispy with Lemon and Sugar!

[@johnathonneal603]

I prefer the happy medium

[@kennethalcorn7104]

My Self Reliance did u get a new Mike or camera because you're sound is fantastic now keep up the good work 👍

[@willk5413]

Thin and crispy, just like they do it at the Hoito in Thunder Bay. Some of the best pancakes in Ontario.

[@sdj9776]

Fluffy with crispy edges!

[@edsummers6869]

April 6th....the ground here is white again this morning, but for some reason, instead of calling it a "lazy day", I want to go out and tap a tree! Thanks for a great morning, Shawn! Health and happiness to you and yours always. Good Girl, Cali!!

[@oxfd611]

My dad was raised in Lac Magantic QB, and as kids he would take us up to visits family. One of his cousins had a small farm in Frontenac and he had a sugar shed in the woods. We would go up for a whole week to help out with everything, checking lines, cutting wood, tending the fire, boiling, filtering, canning. Then the treat for all that work was fried caribou, roasted carrots and for desert, dumpling & hot taffy dish called a “Grand-Pa”. I miss those days. Thanks for the reminding me of those wonderful memories.

[@xcal662]

I just discovered your videos. I am amazed at your skill set. No TV, No Phone distractions in order to get it done is ideal and try to focus on what's important and to be creative. You're family is very lucky to have you in their lives. You, dear sir, are very fortunate to have health and knowledge to assist you in your daily tasks. Geez, You've got this city girl thinking... man, if he can do it, why can't I? I am amazed, entertained, dreamy, and in love with the out doors and all its critters, (except mosquitos). To live in the woods is one of my secret dreams. It inspires me You're cooking is superb. Can't wait to see the new episodes with your wife. yay.

[@TheflickerofMotion]

The way you are living is completely different to how we all are forced to live... most people can get through each day without much thought, not wondering were to get food, how to keep warm , how to better your living environment ect,, modern living doesn't actually require a lot of thought. However what you are doing does, everyday is literally a new day....you have to constantly think, and learn new skills. You get away from all he nonsense of the modern world.... this my friend is living.... this is how everyone should be living... enjoying the world around us, rather than working towards a pay day.... great videos. although I am unfortunate not to have this lifestyle yet.. ( living in hope here lol ) I do feel am in the wilderness wild watching your videos :)

[@supriyagillHeart]

God bless you!

[@Nvidia_Mesh]

If every one live likes him, then my friend there would be no forest exist haha. What he is doing is passion after a certain age. He’s daughter quit mature to feed themselves and his wife takes care of them. Nothing bother him to fulfil his passion at this age. Quit relatable.

[@2000COCOTERO]

He can live like that because other people are working on many of the things he need to sustain that kind of life.

[@catalinaaraya8197]

I think I cried a little bit. The maple syrup, the sandwich, the dinner, the pancakes, Cali and her toy, your awesome wife. Oh my..

[@susancarr9955]

Cali is a good dog. Precious and worth more than gold.

[@gragasplayer8770]

I'm a giant nerd, super indoor guy who mostly likes to play video games and rarely leaves the house. These videos have woken something super interesting in me and I'm kinda excited to try and explore such an amazing looking adventure. Thank you for showing us how you live your life! Amazing life changing content.

[@100-AcreWoods]

The cabin must have smelled so wonderful after boiling off the maple, then fixing a nice steak! Cali is such a sweet dog. You did a great job training her.

[@Z-man8768]

I'm so fascinated by these vlogs, never thought I'd be infatuated with them. Keep up the good work, I'm very inspired and now I think anything is possible once a person sets there mind to it. Never let a person determine what you can and can not do!

[@ciscoB2183]

Shawn Love your channel. It’s better than any prime time tv shows in the us.

[@romz5330]

I visited canada once and had a road trip.I fell in love with the countryside and its beautiful nature that i almost cried when i saw Lake Morraine and Louise.For some strange reason this is very satisfying to watch and the dog is so cute.

[@jamestomas7333]

The focus should be on the God that Created this beautiful wilderness. It is an expression that he is real and reveals a glimpse of his glory and majesty.

[@keotte5234]

God is dead.

[@evaneparat]

@@keotte5234 okay Nietzsche

[@ashleighjaimaosborne3966]

Agreed. 😊🇨🇦

[@Sabrina-vw5dg]

Watching this from my studio. Thank you so much! Very comforting when I can’t sleep. People who like AMSR relaxing sound videos, would appreciate this too!! So thoughtfully made! Love y’all’s dog!! 🦮

[@chensenhan]

I escape all my city worries when I watch these videos

[@kiddobee3610]

Mr. Ahmad true dat

[@deborahxavier4637]

Kiddo Bee I could hardly wait to buy some land.

[@dobos420]

I've come to realize your channel in the best on KZbin in my humble oppinion. Thank you for sharing

[@serenagomez3864]

Love the quietness, love the fortitude, love the strength, love the gentle love. Thank you.

[@leannkennedy6826]

Loved this video. It brought back memories of me making maple syrup with my grandmother's neighbor. Out in the middle of the woods he had a huge container that he would fill and carefully watch. If the syrup looked like it was going to boil over, I believe he add a splash of cream. Just remembered by drizzling maple syrup into the snow we were making maple syrup "candy". I had a brain injury which caused some memory issues. Thank you for this video. I had forgotten this memory.

[@sarahpantanella5013]

What a cozy scene that was where you and your wife enjoyed dinner together! That was special. Great job as always Shawn!

[@GrooveyTuesday]

Not a word spoken, but volumes said.

[@ronhart8857]

Great job boiling the sap for maple syrup. That was a great pancake breakfast with the fresh made syrup. Thank you for sharing.

[@georgevangordonjr8963]

I’m starting to think there’s not much you can’t do Shawn.. i consider myself an outdoor type person but watching you is pretty humbleimg.

[@karene9131]

I’ll bet no one has ever called you lazy! You seem to have boundless energy!

[@MichaSchlechtriem]

Yes, he seems.And this made me tired.I found his blog very interesting! I loved it. But now I always see and hear him working and working and working. Maybe this is normal, but I would have loved to hear more thoughts about living this way. Sorry, but I will quit my abo now. The dog was cute, but it is enough.

[@caiinperience8722]

I often found out. If I do what I love, what I do with passion, what really drives me from INSIDE, I have endless energy. You can "work" 24 hours or even more straight through with no problem. The reason for "beeing lazy" (in other words "without motivation") is often a resistance against forces from outside. And it gets complicated where after so many years of living the so called "normal modern life", the outside forces have become a part of us, like believes of which we are convinced they are OUR believes and our wishes. So we can even have resistance inside against our (seemingly) own believes and wishes. And then we blame ourselves for "beeing lazy". Therefore I think living a life like e.g. Shawn's is a very good way to find back to the true inner forces. You need freedom and time to discover it. Its not easy to get there by just thinking about it for some days or weeks but always worth trying. Spending time in nature always helps.

[@David030973]

If thats your choice ,its ok........For me it was once more relaxing and instructive .

[@abmcd9381]

That woman needs to get to work!...typical though. (Just kidding.)

[@ilauthr8538]

Doesn't even roast his own coffee beans, lazy 😂

[@m.c.l.8386]

Thank you for inviting us into your beautiful home! It was a pleasure.

[@arzdagbaglas5439]

me and my partner moved to a small village near aegean sea after retirement.Your videos are so real possible incentive and motivating in calmness.We are addicted to them.Thanks for sharing your decisions and everything else.

[@julza7885]

Man I love what you do, I just north from you, on Manitoulin Island and currently building a tiny home and saving up to buy a little chunk of land and be totally off grid/self sustainable and have a homestead. Ive been clean Almost 2 years, shooting dope almost killed me and drained me mentally and physically. I now have the opportunity to start over, have a clean slate and live a beautiful life, you definitely know whats up in life ha, Cherish the simple things you have, live free, live happy, live with peace.

[@rmkpilates]

You can do it

[@erikvaldur3334]

I wish you all the luck in the world. stay strong.

[@mikegrozli1869]

What does the land cost over your way Intrestead in doing the same thing also!!!!!!

[@rorymurray78]

Fuking go for it mate... stay away from people that bring you down...

[@christopherkingsland4604]

Go for it all the way!

[@avidinhadacris]

Dogs are so lovely..all animals are but the dog....look at that face adoring you, adoring your touch, and so devoted....I just love 'em. She's such a sweet soul.

[@drewt1081]

And the award for the best supporting actor goes to...Cali!

[@Theweekiwachie]

That adorable dog just wants to retrieve

[@RafaelW8]

Cause itsa Retriever...get it?? I'll show myself out

[@perliva]

It is important work.

[@janelinley3624]

Theweekiwachie she is adorable

[@Lori_M]

It makes my heart happy when I see your wife in the videos. I wish she wasn't camera-shy, because I'd love to hear her view on everything you're doing. Both of you seem so perfect and harmonious together in your beautiful little corner of the world.

[@craigulatorOne]

That dog food bowl for Cali is the best!

[@coltonhicks9453]

Inspiring. This is the kind of life I would like to create for myself.

[@siegridthomas9674]

I watch your program at night, it totally relaxes me....don't quit...just beautiful, love the dog!

[@RobFomenko]

Whats to say.... a self reliant man, his wife and his dog. The maple syrup making was something I have not seen before so thank you for that. Food shots made me hungry even though I was full from my wifes supper. What harm can a pancake do with some fresh maple syrup? As usual for 20 or so minutes I am transported to someplace where hard work and knowledge reaps rewards of a kind you can't put a price on.

[@xeno126]

Very nicely put, Bob!

[@Robbie_S]

I loved the process. Thanks for generously showing how it's done. And nothing tops better than having homemade maple syrup on the pancakes.

[@user-kd3wp3ip6h]

I feel calm inside during watching your video. I can sleep well. Thankyou!

[@kriscupon4305]

You put as much work into your camera work, storyboarding and video editing as you do the work you’re showing us. RESPECT!!!!

[@brucemcconnell1467]

Wonderful video, again! I was doing fine watching you work making the syrup and playing with Cali and her playful insistance that you throw the toy. Then you showed that huge steak. And then you showed those pancakes with the syrup you made. I was starving by this time and I had just finished breakfast. You should try to talk your wife into being more of a presence on screen and talk now and again. You are very blessed Shaun!

[@Dogleg1957]

I brought back memories with my grandmother used to make her so-called" clumpy batter" pancakes or biscuits. I don't know what it is about your videos but it just seems like it's very relaxing and stress relieving. Keep up the great work

[@beatrizdominguez1072]

I have to tell you, I only watch your videos because of Cali..haha, just kidding. I'm a 55 years old RN from Wisconsin but I don't have a cabin up north, haven't even been camping, ever! I have been glued to your videos for the las 2 week, I think what you are doing is anazing! I only wish I could do something like that. Keep up the good work and the videos.

[@wyomom7260]

Seeing your Retriever reminds me of my dearly departed Chocolate Lab. That girl would fetch all day long, no matter how tired she was. The day before she died she didn't fetch. At that moment I knew she had a good 13 years.

[@Antiklimax1989]

This dog is having the time of his life :)

[@CannibalLecter]

I am simple man, i see your dog, i press like.

[@axeljohnson7625]

Lmaooo

[@zeecaptainz]

Oh, Hannibal you rascal

[@caseykelso1]

why the name???

[@Lee-Stirling]

@Hannibal Lecter I an a simple man too. lol

[@TipCrafter]

Being simple can be the best blessing

[@margaretpolzin5813]

When I watch you slicing your bread, I am positively drooling. All that crunchy crust and that soft, fresh inside. I think I could gobble up that whole loaf in one sitting. Not, in any way, comparable to that pap we usually get at the grocery store. Cali is just fabulous and utterly adorable. Wish I could provide that life style for my dog. No wonder she is so happy. All that fresh air and being able to run free every day. Well, I guess that all your care and attention has something to do with it too.

[@lelandpeck4585]

Cali is just one beautiful dog! Making maple syrup reminded me of my youth on my grandfathers' farm . They used to make gallons of maple syrup. I remember collecting the sap . Those were the days!!

[@jprestonpotter]

I was just struck that as the world progresses and things like maple syrup making become so much more advanced, it's so easy to lose sight of the very basic nature of most of the things we consume. Don't let it hinder you, don't let everything pass by; go tap a tree, raise a pig, build a house, build furniture, make some cheese. Do something that has been pushed technologically passed what you can do in your backyard and remember the roots of the product are easy to tap with some good sweat-equity.

[@punkbloater]

If 40 gallons makes 1 gallon i can understand the price of Canadian maple syrup is the equivalent of gold in Norway. 😊 Interesting to see the process of making it. Looks like you guys had a nice relaxing time at the cabin, thanks for taking us with you.

[@richardsabean5781]

32 DRIPS TO A DROP IS AT BEST & NOT EVERY TREE GIVES THE SAME.. LATER ON IN THE SEASON IT CAN GO TO 72 DRIPS TO A DROP..ALOHA

[@maxhughes5687]

From Vermont (amber grade A) it's about 35:1 and the best stuff is from Montreal, it's 25:1 and much better. Great, not to sweet.

[@neil2385]

at least someone knows whats going on here.

[@bgt63]

The biggest theft in Canadian history was a bunch of maple syrup

[@joshilemus3909]

bgt63 , wrong the biggest theft was the land from the natives

[@carolsceniak9673]

Love Cali,What a smart,sweet dog.

[@bucklo5]

These are the best videos on the friggin internet!!!!

[@lorenzodicocco3748]

Wow! 40 Gal of Maple sap = 1 Gal of syrup. Everything good in life is hard work. Labor of love....

[@ElementL116]

We took our kids to a local maple syrup tree farm here in Michigan last year. They got to experience the syrup making process first hand from tree to boil and were amazed at the amount of sap required to make just one jar of syrup. We like the grade B stuff, dark and rich! Pancakes for breakfast this weekend!

[@martinwuethrich9384]

Many many thanks for all what you are doing for us too! It is simply wonderful, thank you! God bless you and your family. Whith best greatings.

[@download77]

You make the difficult look easy. I live outside NYC and it is strangely comforting to know you are way up North living a quiet life of grace.

[@ionutiustin]

this is so peaceful.. i wish i'd can stay somewhere like this for a few days or weeks

[@simonecookie809]

Or years

[@lef358]

Entire life !

[@missc7503]

More like my entire life

[@katehopkinsbrent5573]

I agree with you - make it HOME. Live there year round , just live simple ♥️ A lot of people believe it’ll come to that the way the world is going. 🤷‍♀️ You’re thoughts??

[@juliettanornidante]

me too

[@brandoncaplan8175]

Wow Shawn, That was really impressive. I feel like in a lot of urban areas people do not even know what 100% real organic maple syrup even is. Thanks for the link to the hand coffee grinder as well! Keep up the fantastic work as always :D

[@doenjohnjo434]

The greatest outdoor/self reliance video I've seen on youtube, well done

[@siegridthomas9674]

This is so wonderful to watch the real thing....not those stupid movies Hollywood wants us to take in...I am so in love with these videos...the man and his dog, how better can it be....Thank you for letting us be part of it...........

[@Solly-ow4od]

You and Cali are living the dream. Cali seems so happy out there! Love your videos brother!

[@StepvanDan]

Thank you for the trip to the cabin,god bless

[@Lukinuk77]

This man has it right! best kind of living simple and natural.... Much Respect !!

[@campoayala9885]

Living like people did in the 1800's is amazing. I think millions of people are super jealous, including myself. I'm living vicariously thru you brother. Keep it up.

[@joelhenderson5526]

Good stuff Shawn good to see Miss James too it was funny to see those jars coming put of nowhere to help you. God bless!

[@johnathonneal603]

I'm making pancakes this morning. No doubt about it. Thanks for the lesson Mr. James, always a pleasure learning from you. 👍

[@anthonyfazio503]

You're living the life. I'm going to do that too, someday. Your videos are very inspiring. I've always loved camping and sleeping outdoors.

[@InFltSvc]

You are blessed brother ! I am happy for you both ....

[@battlekid90]

Video only showed up through Instgram for me as well , Glad to see you making Syrup Shawn . My Family has been making it for Generations here in Upstate NY . If your ever on our side of the border this time of year , stop into the Sugar house and hang out . Maybe you can pick some tips and tricks up for when you expand your operation ! I know its only a matter of time before you outgrow that Evaporator pan haha ! Keep it up sir your an insperation to watch !!! God bless !

[@rfrossjr]

I have enjoyed your videos. I too am a back yard sugar maker here in New Hampshire. Hope you don't mind a couple of hints. If you throw out the ice you can reduce your boil time. the Indians used to do this as the ice is all water. Another hint that I use is to pour the cold sap into a pot in your pan to preheat it before adding to the boil. I also use a tarp covered shelter to keep some of the weather off the sugaring operation. Hope these suggestions can help your project.

[@carolinadaily6190]

I’ve been watching your videos for 12 hours straight, today. I don’t know how I came across your Chanel but I’m so glad I did. What an amazing man you are, your family must be so proud of you. Well done and good luck in your future 😁 oh and big huge Scottish hugs for your beautiful doggy 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🐶

[@michaelneel4828]

Truly ! How many of us could do this ? I hope he truly enjoys this . I would enjoy it for a week at most .

[@ionadrian652]

hello my friend ! big like ! i.m from romania est europe .

[@matildac.1255]

My favorite channel to watch in the morning so relaxing and soothing. Also you see something new every day you don’t see in every day living!

[@ajtee721]

Matilda Carabajal great camera shots too.

[@matildac.1255]

andytrochejr yesss definitely

[@chriswhusker]

Great idea to watch in the morning. I'll be trying that over breakfast tomorrow. Thanks for the idea!

[@matildac.1255]

CZ-Hk-S&W You are Welcome. I promise you will not be disappointed ;)

[@robertorivera4231]

Matilda C. Hola

[@2thomask]

Seeing how happy your dog is makes me happy

[@corinnepage1260]

Your videos bring back such feelings of nostalgia. I remember as a child watching my grandma boil clothes in a large iron pot over an outside fire, having to go outside to a toilet and always having dogs and cats around. She raised her own chickens and hogs. (My grandpa had been killed in an auto accident years before.) Her youngest son took care of the farm. Anyway, those were simple, carefree days for me as a child and I will always remember them with a yearning in my heart. You and Cali are living a life of envy for me and I wish you and your family the very best. (I just love Cali!)

[@truebornsonofliberty554]

Cali had a lot to say in this episode. Only a true dog whisperer would understand. First, she said, “dad, stop messing around with the fire. We have to train more with the orange buoy. I have much to teach you”. And then, finally she said, “how about next time I cut up the steak?” Love your videos Shawn!!!!

[@Patch.of.clover]

Took me a second to realize what he was doing with the stones and the metal tub. Then realized it's just a smaller version of my grandfather's. He doesn't do maple, since we live in the south, so instead sits cane. He needs a much larger tub because he grows a lot of cane. He used to do it at his house, with an old wooden mill, done by horse, mule, or my cousin on a four wheeler. But now he does it in public for people to watch, while my dad and I cook sausage and pulled pork to sell, and other stuff goes on. It's a very wholesome experience. And despite my less southern nature, I truly enjoy it.

[@Patch.of.clover]

Let me also note, maple syrup is much much better than cane. Cane isn't bad and some people adore it, but to me, maple has a much better flavor.

[@cjmiller2677]

I love your dog!! Just following you around with his orange throw toy. It looks like alot of fun and work, but worth it.

[@xqa2736]

This is heaven. Your wife is a lucky lady.

[@matthewharris3672]

Love that coffee station Shawn!!

[@virginiareid5336]

Thank you for sharing. I can only imagine how wonderful the syrup must have made fresh..

[@mayim9311]

Wow look so peaceful, I live in the middle of big city. so many people, noisy, busy, everything is so fast. always watching monitor, tv, smartphone instead of sky, stars, trees, nature. I'm tired of city life.

[@callmeviper7723]

You put it perfectly.

[@svetlanikolova7673]

Nights up in the mountains is gorgeous and the birds singing? Stars the grapes hanging over your head while you chill ? I left city life 4 years back. I will rather be shot than go back to the meaningless rat race in a concrete jungle!

[@nesterperiwinkle]

That lunch looked great! You are truly living the dream!

[@OregonMikeH]

Thanks for the Instagram notification Shawn, so glad to get to witness this process and the excellent system you use for procurement. Man I'll bet that syrup tastes fantastic! Thanks so much for the insight and bringing us along. Loved Cali's Dog dish set up, everything you build is a work of Art evidenced with class! As Always, Blessings to your family from Oregon!..... Mike & The Kody Dog.

[@lindacummings6921]

Another thoroughly enjoyable day in the wilderness; but, I wonder if it ever gets crowded with all of us there with you? Also, Cali is forever the optimist that she can get one more toss from you. Thanks for the video.

[@billgaetz337]

As much as I have so enjoyed the story of what you have done the thing I love best is the fuzzy child you call Cali. Of all the homes I've had the one I miss the most is my log home.

[@jourdyn414]

Just discovered your channel and I really love it. The power of silence and just watching you work in nature is so relaxing and inspiring. Thank you for taking the extra time to film, edit and upload these videos, it's truly appreciated.

[@MikeS-um1nm]

I would SO LOVE to live like this! (well maybe not all year, or every year, year round!) What a way to live and just BE AWAY from all the CRAP so many have to live with every day! I like TV and video games, but I love books and nature too! I wish I had a home like this to go live in when I felt like it! I know I could build one! God knows, I spent enough of my life as a carpenter and a mason, building homes for other people while I rented an apartment and lived my life feeling unfulfilled! This truly seems like a beautiful way to live, at least some of the time!

[@Dutchshedwoodshop]

Great video again. Temerature will be around 20 degrees celsius overhere this weekend! I try to upload my next video tonight. Have a good weekend!

[@citydemo5701]

thank you for showing all the things a lot of people don't care about... like the coffee brewing and the loaf cutting and all that... I love to see every detail

[@motoryzen]

Man..this is the life. No stupid dub step cancer inducing music, no black lives matter, no political bullshit, no toxic conversations...just good..simple life with practice stuff in it. Cheers. man.

[@joemonty5922]

Could not agree more this world is so fucked been so politically correct makes my blood boil can't say this can't say that what happened to freedom of speech we have to be silenced by these arseholes back my day if you had something to say you said it by the way I am 63

[@motoryzen]

@@joemonty5922 Well Monty, back in your day, parents actually WERE parents ( at least..chances are 90% of them) and understood the simple fact that a butt whoopin ( aka tough love) WAS, ( and will always be) a necessary occasional part of raising kids correctly. But idiots like DHS will cry" waaa...child abuse" when the buttcheeks are meant to absorb a reasonable amount of damage, and does so with leaving just enough tiny damage to get the child's attention. It's pathetic. I'm happy I won't be creating a child or raising a child to deal with this world. I'd end up punching some idiot's lights out for trying to tell me how to raise a kid while I watch his ( and his partner's lol ) child or kids acting up in a grocery store. This is what happens when " tolerance" takes over. There is a such thing as too much of anything..including discipline and tolerance. The word " balance" has not been taught enough. I digress. Back to supper. Cheers.

[@4440pvc]

As a kid growing up in new England in the 50s I remember going to my uncles sugar shack and helping bring in the sap and making real maple syrup snow cones. Those were the days. Thanks for the memories.

[@davekimball3610]

Cali has all the fun.

[@robingaffner8044]

I FOUND UR SITE YESTERDAY, CANT STOP WATCHING IT..TY

[@laviniajujnovich4uuygtt719]

love how u play with your dog too...keeping him entertained

[@moiragoldsmith7052]

Time, patience, love and Mother Nature. Bliss. X

[@mikegaughan1068]

AMAZING TALENT and VERY INTELLIGENT man hands down.

[@ao2528]

With all that delicious and healthy food and environment and nice heavenly cabin, you are "Killing me softly", great video as always.

[@skidfrog]

so cool......I used to tap my own trees on the farm when I was 13-15.....carrying two 5 gallon buckets a day back to the house......boiling it all in the kitchen fireplace ! Brings back memories !

[@erockhefleyjr4254]

Relaxing just to watch you living off grid!! ☺️. Ty for your VLoGs

[@agrimonyscrafts2089]

Absolutely love your videos. I have been with you from the start and love every one of them. If I was younger I would talk my hubby into that kind of living. Your wife is blessed having a hubby who loves this kind of life. You need to keep her. I would lovce to see her in the videos. The team is not complete unless you see both LOL ! Just kidding. Maybe she don't like to be on camera. I understand because I am the same way. but I would just once like to see her face and see what a jewel you picked to be your forever partner. Thanks again for all your hard work. God Bless you and your family. Praying for all of you. OH by the way I love to see the excitement Cali has when you throw her toy. She is always carrying it around in hopes to play. Give her a hug for me please.

[@andyvswarhol]

I am fascinated by the calmness with which you realize all your projects. It relaxes me as a spectator, although sometimes you are working very hard. (in some situations I would like to help, hold or carry, haha) Everything in your videos gives peace and quiet, and every time I get hungry when I see you cooking. When I see your dog, I miss my dog - Cali suits you very well. I am looking forward to many more videos and wish you and your family all the best - many greetings from Germany

[@jaredduet]

This man is everything i aspire to be and have in my life. Thank you for this.