Monsoon Update and Big Decisions for the Future of Our Off-Grid Homestead.

Sorry for the delay on getting this video out, but hopefully it's content will shed a little light on the reasons why things have been delayed.
I'm not one to talk too much about my personal life, but I did want to mention the passing of my mom.
She was a huge supporter of our #Homesteadproject and was always ready to offer her design ideas either over the phone, or by sending us a thick envelope, filled with pictures and articles from magazines. Though she didn't live to see our home completed, a few of those suggestions she offered will most certainly be used and by doing so, we can keep a piece of her with us just a little longer.
Virginia Levitt 1932-2021.
My operation went well and I am on the mend. My physical capabilities have been reduced to "Don't Do It" according to Yvonne, who is doing an AMAZING JOB at picking up my slack. I'll probably be cleared for light physical labor I another week.
I want to thank everyone for the well wishes and positive thoughts during this time. It is more appreciated than I can ever really express.
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[@lanec5672]

Yep, I'd say a tractor's an 'essential' where you're located.. wise move.. you've got this!

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Funny. The tractor and all of the implements cost more than the land. BUT, it'll give us the ammunition needed to fight theses battles long term.

[@killcrazyvegan]

@@theupsideofdownsizing Wealth is a perception...the tractor will improve your lifestyle radically in ways you haven’t thought of yet. Also will drive you crazy from maintenance issues, so take good care of it. Let me know if you need help with the tractor shed.

[@lunayahwitch]

So sorry about your mom😔🙏🏼. Glad you’re alright too🤗

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Thank you 🙏

[@tagawa]

Condolences on the lost of your mother Virginia. May she rest in peace.

[@feliciaobryan6156]

Praying for you and your family.

[@skillmeup53]

R.I.P Virginia. Condolences Bill. She raised you right.

[@BrainStormAcres]

Hi Bill - sorry to hear of your mother. I’m so glad that you sandbagged your drive. As you have experienced, flood waters can be vicious in the desert. I built a few small swales and berms on our place. The water sheeting over our property wiped out the swales and berms in short order. Even the 4’ water retention pit got filled in during one storm. To do anything bigger I need engineered grading plans and permits. It’s a TON of money that may result in no approvals. Good luck with your new tractor!

[@cia1204]

Your place is so beautiful! You both are such hard working people and I've been enjoying watching all your projects! I'm glad to hear you're getting a tractor. That will be a tremendous help! It's so sad to hear about you losing your precious mother! I'll be praying for your heart to be comforted and also for your physical healing from your surgery. God bless you both!

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Thanks so much Marcia🙏

[@crowspeaker]

We know from experience it is hard to lose our moms. Take good care.

[@danielfisch655]

Condolences to you and your entire family. The recent rain has been very beneficial on our property. We have so much wood chip mulch down that flooding hasn’t been an issue since the wood chips absorb the water and speeds up the breakdown creating rich soil. Thank you for sharing.

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

I told Yvonne today we have to get the cap off the truck so I can start getting wood chips from Sierra Vista. They will definitely go a long way to helping us stabilize the ground from erosion.

[@OW...]

Sorry for all of the stress in your lives, and the passing of anyone close is never easy, best wishes to you both from this side of the pond.

[@OW...]

Smart move with the tractor..like it...

[@DerrynEHahn-ir2jv]

Feel better. So sorry for your loss. Sending you a big hug❤️✨

[@ericjohnson1008]

Great to have awesome neighbors, even better to be that great neighbor.

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

I'm looking forward to doing my part. Yvonne has been that kind of neighbor her whole life. We are very lucky to have landed where we are.

[@OW...]

That was a great video round up guys, great for us all out here in utube land to see what you have gone through and are going through. Stay safe and stay well, look after yourselfs... And looking forward to the next building vid when you get the time. ;)

[@mudhuthomestead8545]

Bill - I'm sorry to hear you've recently lost your mother. Take care of yourself. She sounded like a wonderful person.

[@desertgal_5042]

Great video.....loved the explanation of what you experienced and what you're doing about it. Yvonne garden..amazing. Those tomato stalks are so thick. Get to feeling better and may you have peace and comfort from your moms passing ❤

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Many thanks Sharon. 🙏

[@dezfan]

Very sorry to hear about your Mom’s passing. May she rest in peace. Good to hear you’re on the mend. The monsoon up here in Flag has been crazy. Over 24 inches this month! Mother Nature is a powerful adversary. Your fortifications need to be substantial. Good to hear you’ve decided to bring in some reinforcements in the form of a tractor. It should really help level the playing fiend. 👍🏼

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

I'm expecting the tractor to give us the opportunity to react quickly to the ever changing challenges of the season. There are times when I stand there, knowing what needs to be done, but even in my prime it wouldn't have been possible to accomplish. Work smarter not harder. The tractor should allow us to make that phrase happen. 👍🏻

[@otakelblanchemanor0659]

Just a heads up on letting the straw bales sit.... be careful when you break them open... I have found more than one bale with a mess of baby snakes in it (couldn't tell you what kind...as a friend tried to pinch their heads with pliers, I went running for gas to douse and burn the bales). And when I say a mess I mean over 20/30... I'm in coastal NC so not sure if that could happen in AZ.

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

We have found a rattlesnake inside our compost pile twice this year. They do like the straw but these bales are so dense I find it hard to believe that even a powerful snake could work their way into it. But who knows, better safe than sorry.

[@marmaladesunrise]

Sorry for the loss of your mother.

[@selahjourney4460]

So sorry for your loss.

[@SRfive2O]

2:16 sounds like the Santa Cruz - truly used to flow I’m really into your channel right now. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@CBsGreenhouseandGarden]

WOW I am so sorry to hear all this went down on you like it did Mr. Bill. Good to know your operation went well but not doing what the doc said made things worse. Losing your mother was devastating! Now the big rains are popping up to cause more damage. That tractor will shonuff come in handy. That was the best part of this whole ordeal to hear. So happy something positive came your way. Please know we are thinking and praying for you two! Stay strong!!

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Thank you CB. I hadn't seen the inside of a hospital (as a patient) in many years. It almost made me understand why healthcare is so darn expensive. Yvonne has clamped down and my work these days is restricted to video editing. And supervising of course. Oh man CB. Just got the call that those 24 tons of AB Mix is scheduled for this Wednesday. Yvonne is calling her girlfriends in for re-enforcement. Should make for some interesting video footage. 😉

[@CBsGreenhouseandGarden]

Yes Sir those hospitals are right scary. Starting next week I will need to put a mail box up at mine. That is awesome news to hear the AB is coming tomorrow. No doubt this is gonna be a kick butt video. Stay safe Mr. Bill and do what the boss says! Happy Wife, Happy Life!

[@martinparks7979]

Condolences on your loss

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Thanks Martin. ( Was my dad's name)

[@OW...]

If you can afford it maybe get some larger gravel or stones to fill in the tries you have in the banking. And planting of those banks/tire walls is now very important...

[@Jay-pc6jx]

New sub! I understand dealing with the water and property management can be a head ache at times. From where I'm sitting it looks like a lot of fun! Especially when you get that tractor. Wise decision it will pay for it self. Eventually you can sell it get money back out of it if you take good care of it. You guys do a great job on your projects! Sorry for the loss of your mother. Blessings.

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Thank you for your comments Jay and thanks for subscribing!. We are supposed to receive the tractor this coming Wednesday and I am very excited to get started on several projects. One of which includes building a parking spot for it. We have about 25 extra straw bales laying around I think we're going to try to put together a straw bale "Tractorport". Should be fun and interesting.

[@susandaugherty7035]

Oh my goodness you have had lots of things going on. Sometimes it seems life just gets tough and the loss of a parent on top is a very tough emotional journey. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Yvonne.

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Thank you Susan. Funny how things always seems to happen in waves. Never nicely spread out over the course of a year.

[@vantelontheroad1750]

Congratulations on the tractor purchase.

[@RVBadlands2015]

I feel the same about the desert. 🌵

[@jeffkrupke3810]

Sorry to hear about your mom.

[@phillip48ful]

Sincere condolences.🌧🌞👍

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Thank you 🙏

[@ThePikeywayne]

Hey I've been binge watching some of your posts today. Great work and videos. Condolences on the loss of your mum, it sounds like you have some great memories. In regards to your surrounding land/property and your swales. Have your heard of an Australian guy called "Geoff Lawton", he's amazing in regards to permaculture advice and his projects also include greening the desert (Jordan), although you guys have done an awesome job already I'm sure there will some useful information there for you.

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Thank you, I will check him out.👍🏻

[@duhe98]

Thanks for the update and tour of your land....The garden looks amazing.

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Want to hear something crazy? Yvonne is outside watering right now. That's how good the drainage is in her garden.

[@ericjohnson1008]

Y'all got this. We still have your backs. Definitely spend time with the ones you love.

[@ripsagoly]

My deepest condolences... we know how life goes, but it still gives us that punch we hoped wouldn’t happen, that little star still shines bright wherever you are ... As for the hardship with the land, I fully understand we too are experiencing things here that we never even imagined, You two are champions, and determined, you will overcome all the challenges because that’s who you are ... We do so much and sometimes it doesn’t turn out the way imagined but we DO IT ANYWAY... because this is where we are, and who we are , and this is ours to make it work .. and that’s just how it is ... Get well soon, take some rest, there lots of time and work to do when you’re better, but for now.... just rest .. Best wishes to you both !! 😊 The garden looks beautiful 🤩

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Thank you Rita. Sometimes it just takes a while to fully understand what is required in a given situation. So many people said to wait a full year before building in order to see the land in all 4 seasons. Well, we didn't wait, but even if we had, this year's storms have been completely different than the previous years. And according to our long time neighbors, the storms remain unpredictable year after year after year. Keep your head on a swivel and eyes to the sky and we too shall live to see another monsoon season in the desert. 👍🏻🚜

[@ripsagoly]

I must say, it’s been rather disheartening and discouraging... we didn’t really anticipate what actually has occurred... but we will get up and do what we have to do until we can figure out a solution, and every step has proved to make some thing positive, desert living is definitely not for the faint hearted, .......it’s one day at a time, and one step at a time one solution at a time .... we will get there !!🙏🌺🙏

[@ripsagoly]

And YES!! We will .....

[@AbidAli-bv2gl]

Excellent video. I am from Atlanta

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

We lived in Savannah before moving out here to Arizona! Thanks for watching!

[@mitchelltorrence]

Bless y’all’s hearts. So sorry to hear about your mother & the recent struggles. You guys will pull through ❤️✌️

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Thank you. Part of life and without the heartbreaks there'd be no joy. 🙏

[@miltonpomales5405]

So sorry for your loss!!! 😢🙏🏻

[@denniscostantini4179]

Great video can't wait to get to portal not Long now

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Thanks Tony👍🏻

[@TerraFirmaX]

Congrats on the tractor I guess I don't get to come help next week. lol

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Hey the tractor won't be here for another 2-3 weeks. Don't be surprised if you get put in the game. But the real question is, are you home?

[@TerraFirmaX]

@@theupsideofdownsizing I'll be home wednesday

[@BajanAlan]

In Darwin we have the wet and the dry. The wet is far more beautiful. Great sunsets and lightnin storms!

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Same here. Do you have big rainstorms that drop 3-4inches ( 10 cm ) in just a few hours too? The power of nature is beautiful and intriguing but at the same time can pose a real threat. An adrenaline rush at times for sure.

[@BajanAlan]

We have cyclones@@theupsideofdownsizing

[@robertking8648]

Yeah the cow poop has micro organisms in it and that words off bugs and keeps black mold out too And most of the molds that's a good mix

[@kmw4359]

Great pictures; your mom was a beautiful lady. That’s a tough loss to handle, no matter how old you are. Condolences to you and your family. You sound like you’re about as good a patient as my Dad. Even the weather is telling you to sit down and rest, dammit! :). Thanks for making the video … I know you’ve got a lot going on, but with all the monsoon activity, I’ve been wondering how everyone is doing around AZ. Excellent move to tarp the sides of your house … you’re the only off grid You Tubers I know of that did that. Good luck with all the improve,ents, and enjoy the tractor. In honor of the new tractor, here’s a joke from my Dad (who grew up on a farm): Why are John Deere tractors green? So they can hide in the tall grass when the red ones roll by.

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Thank you. It's funny you mention your Dad being a bad patient. My dad was the same way too. I remember back in 1972, my dad had open heart surgery. Back then it was a big deal, not like today where a person can have a triple bypass performed and be back to work in 10 days. Anyways, he got so sick of being in the hospital he discharged himself and came home in a cab! At least I'm not THAT bad of a patient. Oh boy, can't wait for you to see the color of our tractor.

[@layna8924]

MAY THE LORD GIVE YOU PEACE & COMFORT IN THE PASSING OF YOUR MOTHER...MORTALITY IS SWALLOWED UP IN 'VICTORY' & 'IMMORTALITY' FOR THOSE WHO PUT THEIR TRUST IN HIM...ALL THE BEST...;)

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

🙏

[@JasonEdelman66]

God Speed Virginia. that is awesome she had so many ideas/suggestions for your property... maybe the additional drive way mound can have an 'opening' (lower portion) at the end opposite of natural water flow direction?

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

The new design should allow us to pull the truck up and over any portion of the new speed bump. It'll just be high enough hopefully that the waters won't be able to come up over the top.

[@bob_frazier]

Sounds like Pantano Wash, up in Tucson. Wish Oregon had some of that rain. Not one drop this month.

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

I've got a few storms you can have 😉 But what's interesting is, they're saying that all this rain has only made a small dent in our long term drought.

[@bob_frazier]

@@theupsideofdownsizing Check out rainlog.org, (AZ only) where you can see rain totals for the day, week, month, customized. Some places in Tucson reporting 14 inches of rain for July!

[@maneuschwander6394]

Question: do you need to pack down the dirt, or add large boulders to those berms to hold the dirt in place? Will those flash flood waters - just tear that dirt away again? Thx - Condolences on the loss of your Mother! :)

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

If we are lucky enough to get a couple of reasonable rain storms, not too torrential, it'll help solidify the dirt. Our biggest berms have survived with minimal erosion (knock on wood) but overall the earthworks will require maintenance and modifications in the years to come. Hence the tractor decision. Maybe one day we will be able to cover the more critical optional of the berms with rip rap rock which would of course also help in preventing damage from rain and running water.

[@gertv6777]

Sorry for the loss of your mother, Sounds like you need to start raising the ground level on your property

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

We will be most certainly looking at the terrain very closely. If I made one smart decision during this entire homesteading adventure, it was to build the house up off the ground. Originally we just wanted to open up the views but the real value turned out to be flood prevention. 3 feet off the ground gives us a nice buffer zone. ( Not that I ever want to actually need it)

[@OW...]

Every one needs a CJ...... ;)

[@sth.777]

With your corner at 25:15, I'd just paint a mural on it and call it beautiful! :-) Just adapt the Japanese art of Kintsugi to your style. ;-)

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Ok, so now I have something new to Google and a whole new rabbit hole to go down. Oh well.Might as well, I certainly can't work for a few more days at least. 😉 I'm back! It only took 30 seconds for me to see how absolutely RIGHT you are! Beauty in the imperfections. This made my day!❤️

[@sth.777]

@@theupsideofdownsizing I can't wait to see what you come up with! Greetingss from Switzerland!

[@killcrazyvegan]

hurrah for the tractor! a must for rural AZ!

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Just got a text from the dealership. The tractor arrived ahead of schedule! Should be delivered by the end of next week. 👍🏻

[@DemingChiropractor]

Sorry for your loss.

[@DemingChiropractor]

oh my gosh..."balls to the wall!" I laughed out loud.

[@LeJimster]

Condolences on your loss. Glad to see your burms and swales have been improved and your property is even more secure against the monsoon. The garden and greenhouse are looking lush.

[@jimh4167]

Your mom has just moved to a better place .... In time we all will.. until then we can enjoy what we have here....

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Agreed! She was the last of that generation in our family.

[@jimh4167]

👍👍👍

[@otakelblanchemanor0659]

My condolences and prayers for the passing of your mother.

[@jamesgalleguillos5556]

when life gives you cowshit and clay....make plaster....perfect

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

LOL There's something poetic about using materials that once threatened our land to build the walls that will protect us from those very same elements.

[@jimh4167]

👍👍 Great video..

[@RonaldMedia]

Stay safe BIll and Yvonne. My condolences. And best of luck preparing the property with diverting the rain. You sure are making a little oasis in that Arizona desert.

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Thanks Ronald. It's a marathon not a Sprint for sure.

[@vantelontheroad1750]

Glad you are doing well. Sorry about your mom. Glad your drainage is working pretty good. This was an extremely powerful rain storm. Thank you for the update.

[@deezynar]

I'm glad that you're not washed away. We have a couple more days of possible rain before we get a break. If the forecast is correct, and the predicted rains are light, you'll probably be safe for the rest of the season. But you got to see what day after day of rain will do, your soil is now saturated. If the forecast is wrong, and we get a torrent, that water will tear through there.

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Yep, ground is saturated. Today is sunny and hot. Hoping it'll dry things out a bit. Once we get the main washes re-established, everyone will breathe a collective sigh of relief....until next season.

[@deezynar]

@@theupsideofdownsizing You could suffer from flood damage on your property if you do nothing, but alternatively, if you modify the channel of a wash and it floods a neighbor, you could get sued. Not to mention, many municipalities have laws forbidding private individuals from modifying waterways. And modifications that can get you in trouble even include those that are located completely within your own property boundaries. And it should be obvious that nobody has the right to modify their neighbor's land without express permission. Let's say that a property owner installs a means to keep water flow off of his own property, and that structure is located entirely on his own land, keeping the water from flowing across his land as it had previously, will force more water to flow on other properties. That extra flow can potentially cause damage to one or more of those neighboring properties that is greater than it ever had been. Even property owners who have not developed their land could be motivated to sue if the damage increased the cost for them to develop their land in the future. Just because nobody is living on a lot doesn't mean the owner isn't strongly interested in the condition of his empty land. And finally, even if it's county, or state land, they have an interest in what happens to it. Sometimes their interest is much stronger than it may appear by looking at the condition of it before hand.

[@GeographicallyFree]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Wishing you peace and a speedy recovery.

[@jamesstott5988]

God bless you and your family. Love your haybuild walls. plan on doing my shop with hay walls for insulation. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@maryg3143]

So sorry for your loss. It's very difficult to lose a loved one and especially during this stressful time in your life. We hope you heal quickly and feel better. Everything looks so green! Never seen Arizona when it's green.

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Thanks mary. I almost wish I had a lawn mower right now 🤣

[@nohomenomad1427]

Sorry to hear of the loss of your mum Bill, may she rest in peace, it's always tuff when you lose a loved one. Excited to hear about the tractor......hey "nothing runs like a deer" and great to get a "deer john" letter :) Glad when your completely mended up so you can get back to work......I can hear the anxiety in your voice of "I WANNA DO IT NOW DAMNIT" :)

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Thanks Steve. Yvonne is really pulling on the reigns. And I am glad about it too. I just get bored so easily.

[@awesomearizona-dino]

Hi from Dino in FH. Sorry for losses. The old saying, "when it rains, it pours" surely fits here. Rest up and be well. Regarding water management, its great you did as much as you did already.

[@robertking8648]

I don't know how long you Have the back hole But it might give you reassurance If someone on the other end of the property you build a pond

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Hi Bill. So much to unpack with this recent video from you folks. First sincere and heartfelt sorry to hear about your Mum passing. No matter what the age grief is never an easy thing for family. Also re: your health issues make sure you take it easy and recover well. As one 60+ male to another. I was thinking if rocks are available and with a new tractor you could certainly create a very serious berm that should be pretty much immune to serious flooding. Your going to have a lovely home in a very short time. Warm wishes. Your "neighbor" Don

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Thank you Don. I learned a lot from her about design and advertising. She was the reason I became a photographer. She would take me on photo shoots as a young teenager 12,13 years old. I would see a world where a guy could wear blue jeans and a t-shirt to work, and get paid to take pictures of beautiful women. Yep, didn't take too long to realize I had found my profession. The tractor will open up opportunities for developing our homestead in ways we could never have realized. Imagined yes, but without the right tools and equipment those ideas would have to stay just ideas. Can't wait to get started. But I need to give myself a few more days of recovery time first.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

@@theupsideofdownsizing Take your time Bill the projects will wait. Your health is the most important thing at the moment I figure.

[@et5222]

Condolences, and get well soon! Great to see the "water works" doing the job.... Bless you both and we've enjoyed all the progress you've made!

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Thanks David. The earthworks concept is now proven to work. Tweaking one thing or another will always be a part of working a Homestead. But a solid foundation is laid.

[@RVBadlands2015]

What do you spray on the building. Can you spray it on stucco.

[@TerraFirmaX]

Sorry for your loss.

[@HighDesertHomestead]

Sorry to hear about your loss brother. We have lost many loved ones in the last year. We will be praying for you and all your family.

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Thanks Moses. We still have her near by. Everyday.

[@danstirm4333]

I agree with the tractor, I bought one this spring and it is a great labor saver.

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Now maybe my progress can keep up with my imagination.

[@danstirm4333]

Na, your mind will just come up with more stuff to accomplish. But it will be easier to get it done, and at the end of the day your body won't hurt near as bad. Take care, and God bless.

[@roberteastman1396]

Sorry about your mom. My mother's name was also Virginia. Everyone called her Ginnie. I miss her every day. I'm west of you in Santa Cruz County. I love the monsoon, but what a mess I'm tackling today; at least the rain softens the dirt, so the weeds pull easy. You described well the same storms we had. I think this may be a drought ender. I hope so. Your wife's pumpkins are beautiful; I planted Cherokee Tan Pumpkin (got the seeds from Wanda King of Deep South Homestead). It, along with the melons and butternut squash are taking over the back yard.

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

We are BIG fans of Wanda and Danny too👍🏻

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

We haven't even thought about pulling weeds....well that's not true. Yvonne weeds her garden all the time. But we have so much greenery popping up all over the place it makes me wish I had a lawn mower. Either that or I gotta get out my big propane torch. Yvonne pulled an Armenian cucumber the other day that was 24" long and as big as a baseball bat around. At least her garden is loving this moisture.

[@ProjectsWithPaul]

Sorry for your loss. Good luck on your recovery.

[@layna8924]

I HAVE ONE QUESTION...THOSE TREES THAT SEEM TO DOT YOUR AREA...WHAT ARE THEY CALLED?...I LIVE ON THE WEST COAST OF CANADA...HAVEN'T SEEN THOSE TYPE OF TREES BEFORE...;)

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Those are mesquite trees, native to our State. Hardwood most weeks known for use in smoking meats and other proteins

[@KrissBartlett]

sorry to hear of your Mother passing and you operation you need to just rest ok hope you be ok and your wife will look after you lots work needed there still but you will get it done i think you still need higher hill keep the water out like i was telling you in Australia they had a 6 foot one all around the house you never know might work as you said the water was high hope all goes well for your health and hope your wife is ok to keep going you doing good but you need to rest ok !!!! good you are planing the driveway more high you just said

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Thank you. Yes, it was your comments that led to the decision to order more AB Mix, which will be delivered tomorrow morning. I think with a tractor we will be able to be strategic with our earthworks. I'm anticipating this project to go on into next year, as we see what mother nature brings and how we can best react. Thanks for watching and your comments.

[@lula_leftist]

My condolences, Bill 💔

[@fubarranch3359]

Sincere condolences on the your loss. Hope you have a speedy recovery. Look forward to seeing what tractor you purchased. I'm currently in the market for one as well and would appreciate your details on why and where you purchased your tractor. I'm trying to find a good/reputable dealer in Cochise county...

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Thanks for watching! The tractor is being delivered next week and I will be doing a full series of videos on the delivery as well as why I chose the model I chose. I'll also have some information for you about the dealer from which we bought the tractor. They're not in Cochise County but they are close and are delivering it to our property in Cochise county. And they have been fantastic thus far.

[@paulaarthur57]

I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you. That along with your recovery are a tough combination to deal with. The property looks wonderful and you are certainly blessed. The greening desert is lovely. Be well.

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Thank you Paula. Your kind words are much appreciated.

[@michelewalters9421]

Wow Bill so sorry for the loss of your mom. Thats gotta be a real hard one. I thought you had just been to see her. No need to explain but if you went home to see her before she passed so good for your heart and mind. Mamas are important even when you are an adult. I myself will never see my mama alive being that she is the meanest person in the world. Glad that you are on the mend and glad that you and Yvonne have each other to lean on for those rough patches. Michele

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Thank you Michele. Yes, I saw her about 2 months ago. I knew, (and she did too) that would be the last time we would see each other. But we told each other something different. Yvonne is my rock and I know exactly how special she is, and how lucky I am to be with her.

[@ripsagoly]

You are the master of your land, your determination and a tractor will work work miracles ... 😀🌷😀

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Bless you 🙏

[@bondpaz]

I know how it feels to lose your mother and I'm so sorry Bill. Glad she lived a good long time.

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Thank you Pam. She was a real pioneer in the field of advertising. If you ever watched MadMen, that was the environment in which she worked. Only difference was, she was the boss!

[@bondpaz]

@@theupsideofdownsizing Oh cool. I have seen Madmen.

[@speedbuggy16v]

Condolences on your mom. The one thing about the desert, the right amount of water is rare! You are either praying for the rain to start, or to stop without much inbetween!

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Thank you. So true...

[@thackeray4]

Love your channel! Sorry for your loss. You are so talented! Can’t wait to see the new tractor!

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Thank you. 🙏 Got a call yesterday and it'll be here next week! 👍🏻🚜

[@greglastname4453]

So what is your sq footage…is their a limit when you build with the straw bales?

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Our interior is 760sq ft. If you use timber frame or hybrid method of strawbale construction, you can go significantly larger.

[@kennhurt5636]

Where did you buy your tractor? What Brand and model did you get. I am looking into purchasing a tractor and have very little knowledge about tractors. What price should I be looking for to purchase. I guess I am a little paranoid about having them take advantage of me since I am new to all of this. I have bought 26 acres in the area of McNeal. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

I bought it in Tucson and I did a video all about it. Check out my other videos. Thanks for watching!

[@kennhurt5636]

@@theupsideofdownsizing sorry I bothered you.

[@ROHDESONTHEROAD]

Prayers to you all Brother. Right there with ya.

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Thanks Scott. It's appreciated.

[@CarlJones14]

Sorry at your loss. You were very dignified. Tractor is a great addition. I am just thinking if you'd had five inches of rain? Doctors don't get everything right, but rest is one thing they always get right. 👍

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

I don't even want to think about 5 in of rain. The images I saw out of Phoenix were just crazy!. But if you want to see really amazing flood waters, check out what happened two weeks ago in germany. Complete towns which were hundreds of years old wiped out by flood waters. Makes our storms seem like a drop in the bucket by comparison.

[@CarlJones14]

@@theupsideofdownsizing Germany hit by weaponised weather attack, Nord Stream 2 retribution. Your situation is a bit more personal, as we are taking an interest. I don't think you can over prepare. 5 inches would have wiped you out, and sure, it might not happen for another 10yrs, but it will happen. I think you know what needs to be done.

[@ProjectsWithPaul]

What kind of tractor did you order?

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

JD3025e Looked at Kubota and thought that was going to be the one....then I sat in one in person. Not impressed with the overall fit and finish. Heck, even the stickers were put on crooked with wrinkles. I expected more for that kind of money. John Deere dealer was awesome. Professional salesman can make all the difference. I know, I sold cars for about 13 years.

[@ProjectsWithPaul]

@@theupsideofdownsizing I looked at the 3025 but the lift capacity was to low, 1356 lbs compared to the Branson that I ended up buying was 2200 lbs

[@Mark_Chandler]

light showers in phoenix for the last couple of days. Love to see it. What I don't love is when the monsoons drop a inch of rain in 30 minutes.

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

You got that right. The videos we saw are scary. We lived in Phoenix ( Fountain Hills) for about 8 years and only one time did we see the Salt River flowing.

[@feathersky860]

@@theupsideofdownsizing We used to FLOAT The Salt as teenagers❤️✔️🦅

[@bob_frazier]

Oh, sorry 'bout your Mom, Bill.

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Thanks Bob.

[@RVBadlands2015]

Was that the Santa Cruz River.

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

No, it was a broken Culvert by Karchner Caverns that sent 7 feet of water our way.

[@bvisel4558]

Thank you for being strong, many people look up to you. It's very tough to lose a close family member. We are looking forward to a healthy return to your projects. God speed friend.

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Thank you Bob for your continued support. Feeling better everyday. Tomorrow the 24 tons of AB mix get delivered. Luckily Derek and his Tractor will be back to help me out. 👍🏻

[@bvisel4558]

Glad to hear Derek is helping. I can give you a couple of days after August 14th if you need some help.

[@bvisel4558]

Do you have an email so I can contact you?

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

I appreciate the offer Bob, but I'm getting back into the swing of things. Got a follow up appt. early next week and on Wednesday the tractor it's scheduled to be delivered! 👍🏻

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

You can email us anytime at: [e-mail]

[@jameskniskern2261]

So sorry for your loss.

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Thank you.

[@SamsLiberty]

Sorry to hear about your mom. Hope you heal quickly.

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Thanks Sam. Feeling better every day as long as I don't over do it.

[@SamsLiberty]

Good to hear I look forward to seeing your new tractor.

[@MidlifePrices]

Good update, guys. Condolences on your loss. We're with you on the "living in the desert" philosophy. The monsoon is the small price we pay for what we love so much the rest of the year. We just have to be as prepared as we can to weather the storm.

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Thanks guys. I think you two saw more rain this weekend in Phoenix that we did here at home.

[@honthirty_]

Sorry for your Mother's passing. Rest a bit! Embrace the moment and break out of your old rut. Find a new Mexican food resturaunt & toast Mom's influence. The house will wait.

[@theupsideofdownsizing]

Thank you. 🙏