Prepping to Survive HOT Summers on Our Portuguese Homestead

[@vickiwalker3486]

I watch a fairly diverse bunch of KZbinrs and I really appreciate your approach to problem solving, how you work together.

[@rosettaroper3317]

Just wanted to let you know that ticks love human’s too. I love watching you both!

[@sirrichardpumpaloaf8154]

Loving the ‘bucket waddle’ Victoria……spat my tea out laughing!, 😂😂

[@veepotter307]

You guys work so well together! Love your channel, you are always so positive and informative!

[@LifebyLiving]

Thanks Vee! You’re always so positive with your comments too! Thanks for watching every week ❤️

[@costasworldofmusicmemories5792]

As always, Ricky and Victoria ; you do such wonderful work. It's not easy to run a Homestead. Working together so well. That's gravy for your Bisquit . And having a great sense of humor which I suspect you guys have, is what makes it all worth it. Looking forward to so much more video, we never miss one. Love you Guys Dearly ! ❤❤❤ Harriet, Jim and Yuki. Richmond, Va.

[@2roddmann2]

The art of land husbandry is so key when you have land, even small-scale farming. Water management is a part of that. I'd suggest using every roof on your home and out buildings to collect rain water in either multiple large-scale containers or create an underground cistern . (Which , if I remember correctly, you have on your property (?) Any way, enjoy your vlog, great job both of you. P.S. there are some great homeopathic remedies at your pharmacy that can help with your hayfever. Wearing a mask when cutting grass will help also, but amazingly hot.:-)) All the best to you ,from America.

[@LifebyLiving]

Thanks Rodney. We collect all the water from the main house roof already - that’s what feeds the big 30k litre tank. Once we renovate the tiny house we’ll start collecting the water from that roof too 👍🏼

[@lauraquigley6403]

Watching you guy’s before bed & I find you both so relaxing! Thank you for being such kind good people with Love for your animals and each other!🙏🙏🙏Blessing’s

[@frankindustries356]

For your plunge pool I can't recommend Montó's Poseidon paint enough. Used it on my 6mx12m natural pool and it still looks brand new. It also fills hairline cracks. Good luck with what ever you choose, just get it done soon. Having a pool of any kind is a legitimate life saver!

[@LifebyLiving]

Thanks for the recommendation Frank 👍🏼 Sounds like it’ll do the trick!

[@owheatl]

When I work in the yard, I have to wear a mask because of allergies. It really helps.

[@s.d.750]

In 4 weeks we want to start our vacation with our mobile home to see Portugal. We hope it won't be too hot by then, because we're also taking our Golden Retriver with us! We're really looking forward to it.❤

[@LifebyLiving]

It’ll be pretty warm but I’m sure your retriever will be fine. Ours manage in 40 degree celcius. Have a wonderful vacation!😊

[@skurinski]

its not too hot in May, its springtime

[@sgrvtl7183]

good job on the future plunge pool!! your tarp over the veggie planters is perfect, still get plenty of indirect sun and prevents burning of the plants. Great team work, so smart on your ideas and thoughtful planning on future projects.

[@michaeldowdle6123]

Really enjoying watching your progress. Your humour will keep you sane in tough moments, looking forward to the next video, cheers Michael🇨🇦

[@carringtonherrington4025]

Wow seeing how many subscribers you have already is very impressive!! Way to go you guys!!!! Congratulations 👏

[@TofferJ-UK]

Super update as always. My Sunday evenings are complete with your videos. 👍🇬🇧❤️

[@2010katak]

Such a productive week! One thing I thought to mention is that olive leaves when fresh as you are using as mulch are alkaline. Some trees prefer an acidic pH. It may be a good idea to check to see which trees prefer the pH of the olive leaf mulch before applying. Just a thought. I accidentally killed two mango trees by not checking 😞

[@fromSpringfield]

Thanks for another glimpse into your work, your thoughts, the lives of your lovely dogs, and life in Portugal. Your videos are much appreciated, as is your attitude about life. I hope you are happy each day. I've built miles of fence over my lifetime. It's all about the tools. All the best, HS.

[@lindabrooks8242]

You guys are the ultimate troopers, and everything is looking so awesome. Videos are superb, and I love watching!♥️

[@raymonde4272]

Lots of progress being made despite issues you're facing. Hopefully the fence will get easier as you advance. The tap not being totally seized was a great result.

[@silvieb2024]

You are such a pleasant couple. I really enjoy watching your channel. ❤

[@LifebyLiving]

Thanks for watching Silvie ❤

[@wafamughrabi8723]

Now that I 've watched you suffer with that 3 ml wire,you might as well consider getting a fence wire twisting small tool/gadget for your drill.It's much easier&faster.Check it on line if you want....try the mechanical wire twist tool for wires,too

[@clairecooper9931]

Great job you two! We are always learning as we go. The fence looks great. Glad you’re keeping your big water tank thingy 😂 Have a great week 🙌

[@yo-taskitchen958]

I was hoping you had a video this week. You both are so sweet. I love watching your videos. Great job again this week.

[@alexstavrou]

Ricky, take some ginger for your hay fever. Either dry ginger capsules or juiced with some apple. It’s very effective 😊

[@bryansarty3821]

Ginger is certainly a wonder. I find that a couple teaspoons of 'local' raw honey (not liquid) during the season helps a lot as well.

[@LifebyLiving]

Thanks for the tip Alexandra! I’ve tried everything else over the last 15 years but never ginger! 🤞🏼

[@LifebyLiving]

I did try the honey Bryan but didn’t have any affect on me unfortunately

[@bryansarty3821]

@@LifebyLiving That’s too bad Ricky. Everyone is different I know. Like Alexandra, my wife swears by ginger. Not only for hay fever but also for illness prevention. We drink ginger tea probably every other day, cook with it a lot and I also put a half thumb of it in our morning smoothies. Maybe after all it’s the ginger that helped with my hay fever rather than the honey. Hmm…

[@jarilyden]

Thank you Alexandra, I knew there is a reason why I wanted to comment on this unwatched video. I'm off to the greengrocers now.

[@stephanie2053]

Congrats on reaching 30K subs!!!

[@davidallen7745]

Maybe you could tile your plunge pool depending on the height of your drain taps. Great job guys. Your home is looking great 👌

[@LifebyLiving]

We would LOVE to tile it but you have to be careful here as technically it’s an agricultural tank & tiling etc can cause it to be deemed as a “pool” by the council. Ordinarily wouldn’t be a problem as they’d never know but seeing as we’re filming it probably not wise 😁

[@Magical_Thinking]

It’s so interesting how there are rules and regulations out in the country/rural areas. I’m sure it can be a nuisance at times, but probably for the greater good in the long run. When we were building houses in Sayulita Nayarit, Mexico in the late 80’s and 90’s there wasn’t any type of formal government or community council. The only rules were to have proof of land ownership and stay inside your property lines. We did have to pay “taxes” but have no idea what they used it for.

[@davidallen7745]

@@LifebyLiving fair point. Hadn’t thought about that to be honest

[@donnawarmouth9329]

I love watching you guys interact!!!

[@guzinska1]

As soon as we got to see the uneven tension I thought to myself, that's because the holes are smaller at the bottom, so that means it's stronger, therfore uneven tension from top to bottom. I'm glad you figured that out overnight..🙄

[@grandmasstories3418]

Good for you, to prepare for the brutal summer temps of that region

[@wafamughrabi8723]

Those big green almonds are picked and sold here in the middle east these days.We wash&eat them as they are as fruits or with a tiny sprinkle of salt and even cut them in tiny slices to add to our green salad.It's so yummy&we call it (لوز) pronounced like "lowz".You should try a few.We actually have a variety of it every Spring.Enjoy

[@LifebyLiving]

Interesting! Thanks Wafa. We’ll give them a go 🙂

[@pathogan4854]

pity there isnt a way to funnel the rain from ireland over to you 🤔 Great work folks that plumge pool will be your saviour in the heat (If you can fill it )🤞🤞Take care

[@dreamstarworld1]

Victoria is such a lovely woman and she is so fit... Ricky, you are a very lucky man!!! Take good care of her!!!

[@LifebyBertie]

Great vlog and love the little pool idea, you'll spend a lot of time there during the hot months. Love you guys!

[@kathymathis5396]

My husband and I really enjoy your videos..We are in the USA, the state of Georgia. We will look forward to your next video 😊😊

[@joefussey2758]

It's fantastic how it's all coming on for you both. You're both doing a fantastic job. Regarding the fencing wire have a look at "wire clamps".

[@V.Friend]

Think of your compost as not "stinky", but aromatic. It's nutrition for your food. Your site is truly amazing. I'm a handy woman and your site has so many wonderful hints. I'm now retired, have 2 cats, one dog and 12 chickens. Cheers, farmers.

[@mariadange06]

It's all a learning curve, perhaps ask Nick from Project Portugal re fencing tightening as he's been doing a lot on his land.

[@bevtrue6937]

Great job. You work so hard. NOW the fence looks impenetratable. Such nice looking property.

[@elizabethfleck6536]

LOL!! Poppy pouncing. . .sooo cute💜.

[@jackier2870]

Just had a lol. The ad straight after Ricky with the plugs up his nose from allergies, was Clarantyne....allergy and hay fever medication haha

[@maureenlowther7621]

Loved the vlog you both certainly have been working hard and everything is coming together, the fencing is the main problem but knowing you two you will come up with a plan.❤️❤️

[@arjanvogel6444]

The fence is good.

[@sasindugalagedara6755]

Love from Sri Lanka😃

[@thesimpleplan]

Try eating local honey to build up an immunity to the flowers / pollen in your local area Ricky. Keep topped up on those anti histamines aswell 😂👌🏼 keep up the hard work. You are both smashing it! 💪🏼👊🏼

[@alx491]

Hi small tip, get a small tube, closest to the diam of the wire you are using, make the bent over the wire stick and insert the wire in the tube and start turning it over the wire until it is coiled the way you want. No need for any force, It will go on tight, and you save your fingers and hand, I hope it works out for you, take care you two, and good luck.

[@eldrinod]

On the centre supports on your shaded areas it might be less damaging to the fabric with breeze movement etc., to place upturned plastic bottles (milk type?) over the tops of the support sticks to stop the wood working a hole in the fabric. Just a thought👍🏻

[@LifebyLiving]

We have yoghurt pots on them at the moment but they definitely still add a little strain on the fabric so bottles might be the way to go 😎

[@johnburnett5624]

Just a thought! As a temporary measure for anchoring corners of shade cloth/tarps etc without eyelets push a peddle (25mm or larger) into each corner and tire the anchor rope around it using a clove hitch knot. I use this method to secure loose material on the trailer with shade cloth when taking it to the local tip.

[@pamela5568]

I really like your fencing. Hopefully, you'll sort out the tension issues with the fencing and top/bottom wires. Definitely get the plunge pool ready and a shade cover to survive the summer. Would the ashes from the burn pile be good for the garden?

[@LifebyLiving]

Definitely! We’ll be spreading them throughout the land 🙂

[@Reet64]

A lot of hard work but it's paying off. I hope you get your cool-down pool done before too long.

[@gaynor3976]

Everything is trial and error isn't it Ricky and Victoria but with patience you get there. The fence looked a lot more sturdier and the veggiesare growing nicely. Can't wait to see your dipping pool, bet you'll get a lot of use out of that. Have a good week ahead both of you xxx

[@LifebyLiving]

Thanks Gaynor! We’ll be using that pool so often in the summer to cool down…can’t wait! Have a wonderful week 😊

[@patriciabrown8301]

What a lovely place you have veg coming on them peas will be up that string in no time fence looking good all hard work but worth it best to do the job right in the first place saves money in the long run good job Ricky

[@LifebyLiving]

Thank you Patricia 😊

[@ahzzz-realm]

Add a pole to pull the fence so you are pulling against the full height with your fence or both wires. 😉

[@johnlamb1142]

Ricky from experience try spinning the wire its easier to form. clamp it to a drill and keep taught, spin drill keeping tension it will straighten and you will have a maleable wire. love your videos ❤ keep the faith

[@paulmcgroggan7749]

Welcome to farm life. Use what you got and make it work is the only way

[@gdrnrn]

Hi Guys valve maintenance You done good , this may help in the future, open and close ALL valves 3 or 4 times a year , a little heat on valve body if sized , and thing oil or cooking oil in the removable Stuffing box ( the bit u turn ) nut helps Ron 🇬🇧

[@breid2323]

change out to 1/4 turn ball valves. when i was a kid i used to dip honey out of cess pools. ty raz

[@cherylrosalis1948]

Oh! You need some fencing pliers. They help so much.

[@cherylrosalis1948]

Good job on the two spots to tension from!

[@krisdelrio6895]

Muchas felicidades pareja !!!!! Que gran noticia 🎉🎉🎉

[@ruthstevens770]

Ricky, get a nasal rinse for the pollen and dust in your sinuses. Some use a neti pot. I prefer a squeeze bottle (Neilmed by name). It really carmaker a huge difference.

[@ronaldfrancis3628]

Ricky, Smear VASELINE up the Nostrils (more the merrier) and over the EYELIDS, this will catch the Pollen and stop the discomfort of HF!. Did this 30 + yrs ago NEVER got it since, plus, it will save money on the useless and expensive Meds/Tabs!. REALLY enjoying your channel and the development of your little bit of paradise. Bless you both!

[@doriskuhberger8559]

🙏Praying for the rain that you need🙏💚💚💚💚 Doris, Penrith 🇦🇺🦘

[@JCarlos.unknown]

Loved it. There's nothing like a good old dirty job...

[@LorraineinAustralia]

Oh dear.. Ricky, I hate hay fever. Victoria, you are marvellous. Soon you will both be very happy that you have persevered. Cheers from Australia 🇦🇺❤️

[@lieuwina]

The fence looks great and I am glad you found a way to tighten it..

[@JoyN246]

Lovely vlog-wow y'all have been busy! Looking forward to next week's progress, as are you I'm sure, haha. -Burundi, Africa

[@taylorgontkovic4543]

My parents bought a farm, I was six yrs old, it was 1965..In putting up our fencing my Dad used large long chisel to tighten the fence each fence square and it was tight...I used a large flat head screw driver, Yep installing new fencing at 6..Was my dad's farm hand & loved it...later I Still used a screwdriver Or flat tire iron... Great job..

[@monalingan9523]

I always enjoy your videos, you’re such a great couple. 😊

[@lucy2beme]

Can you fix the CC (closed captions) for us hearing impaired? Love your videos.

[@LifebyLiving]

Hi 👋 They are on, it just always takes KZbin a couple of hours to process them after we’ve uploaded 🙂

[@stan525]

Gate Valves FYI the valves were more than likely over tightened because they are installed in the last ideal position. With the valve mounted handle up the Gate of the valve cannot seat and seal if gravel or dirt are in the bottom area rotate the valves to the side an debris will not be tarped preventing the valve from sealing

[@N5XHIworkshop]

At my local farm supplier (Tractor Supply) we have a High-Tensile Wire 2-3 Gritted Crimping Sleeves for 12-1/2 Gauge wire (other wire sizes are available)that would work for your top and bottom wire. You just use a crimping tool to install. Your farm supplier or wire rope supplier should have them.

[@margomoore4527]

The 4” fencing you are using is fairly light-gauge. You might consider rigid cattle panels, especially if you eventually want to keep sheep or goats in. They come in the same 4” squares. You might need heftier posts for that, though. Best wishes with your essential fencing!

[@duartemonteiro7463]

😊 Hello, hello! 😊

[@LifebyLiving]

Hello hello! 👋

[@conniehuffaCRE8]

Love this! Real stuff and the place you've created is beautiful.

[@BobL417]

Your valves are probably "Gate Valves" and anything that gets around them acts as a seal and causes you problems getting them open. A good cleaning and lubrication should make them good as new. Good luck

[@colleenkopp56]

The first Vlog of yours that I watched was your conversation of this Tank. So I have seen the end before the beginning!! 06/28/23 5:39am PDT

[@lolaabbis9875]

I love watching your videos. You two looked great together

[@lydiajaeschke8140]

Its cold here in Germany....love your storys...

[@anneliesjoss]

We had different size peaches on our trees last year. Some were teeny tiny, and others almost full size peaches. We never had that happen before.

[@johnjones888]

Idea for you to try... How about a three eights ring spanner,where you would put the wire through the ring and just wind.Try it and see

[@TheAngela2468]

Be safe 😊

[@timlewis5096]

Re your fencing. Get a pair of fencing pliers. They will make your job so much easier

[@johnbarryheath8962]

The smaller almonds can be broken off to ensure more nutrients go to the stronger ones.

[@marionjohansson4235]

Have you built a shade house yet, this was 7 months ago. A lot happens with you 2 energetic people. PS I am enjoying all this sunshine. 😍

[@lorrainecostanzo9092]

you usually put the plain top, bottom and middle wires on first then add the mesh or netting, we used to put a crow bar evenly through the netting then added the tension, good luck

[@carollloydjones5735]

Great job you're doing in that heat!🥵 You could've used the water on your young trees and the gunk in your compost bin

[@LifebyLiving]

Gunk went on the compost but we didn’t want to use the water for the trees as it was extremely stale & smelly!

[@LaurelCanyonMojo]

the pool will actually help the local water-table

[@stevenpainter7853]

I didn't notice off you were doing this, but all those grass clippings make great compost, and can be particularly helpful, given their sheer mass, with heating up the compost pile. They typically are a great source of nitrogen per returned to the soil. Also the sludge from the water reservoir can make good compost as long as you spend it out well.

[@mikeduda3173]

Ricky, there are staples you can hammer into your posts around the fencing. You don't have to tie them by hand

[@PaulRansonArt]

Could you use a pond liner for your tank?

[@zlatahume3134]

You should use the draining water on the new trees as they will need watering first year😊😅

[@jwestrik9308]

To be honest, I never bother with compost bays like that anymore. Unless you live in a terraced period cottage with a small garden. If you have the space, just dump the hay, kitchen waste manure, grass cutting leaves on a big pile and move to the next pile and start again. The stuff will turn into compost with plenty of worms. There is no stopping it. And those pallets will rot anyway..

[@avalonhomeintheuk]

to turn the wire try drilling a hole in a flat piece of metal ,gives more grip for you rather than the bent end. just a thought. great job though guys

[@verandahmeander]

Hi Ricky. Have you planned some regularly placed gates, so that you can access the space between the stone wall and the inner fence for essential clearing and maintenance?

[@rebeccaokumu]

Moved over from Uk in January to Escalos de Baixo near Castelo Branco. Enjoying your videos 👍

[@arjanvogel6444]

Thanks for your vid 😇💟💟💟 Love and bless you guys,the fence looks wonderful good work 👍.

[@AaronJames-ll3ep]

Hello Arjan how are you doing today?

[@joycegronenthal2560]

Is your little dog Puppy or Poppy? You both are working so hard. I love watching you, very inspiring ❤️

[@hansejr]

Had no idea that Portugal was that dry and prone to fires. Here in the Pacific Northwest of the United States we too have a fire season that has caused some major fires here…dangerous because there is a lot of wild mountainous land in those areas.

[@joewalsh733]

Great video!

[@LifebyLiving]

Thanks Joe!

[@joanbroadway759]

It might help to wear a surgical mask when you're strimming. I've been wearing them while walking my dog this spring here in the Washington DC area, and it really helps to filter out the pollen.

[@skurinski]

yeah but you end up looking like a covid nutjob to everyone else

[@joyceb5864]

I saw Ricky when he was helping Theo of Indie Projects. I was curious so I located his you tube channel (before the name change). So glad I did as I enjoy the videos very much. I'm curious about your plans for the rock structure on the property and the one you are currently living in. Have you ever shown the interiors?

[@dircia7754]

When you go for smaller wire asking them for the tool to use to twist the wire

[@Alfablue227]

Great job guys! Ricky you need to get some Atarax 25mg and Fexofenadine 180mg. Inexpensive and they save my days during Spring and Fall. 🙏🤗

[@LifebyLiving]

Currently taking Ebastina Mylan which solves the problem MOST days, but some days it just feels like there’s nothing that can stop me sneezing, weeping & snotting! 😂

[@Alfablue227]

@@LifebyLiving I know, I have terrible allergies myself. Maybe that isn't the right med for you maybe it is, but on windy days especially in Spring and Autumn I stay inside, or I am completely miserable. Get better! 🙏👍