Spring routines on our homestead.

[@HelenRullesteg]

I just love that you have chickens called Gary and Andy :-))) - I don't know much about bees in Portugal, but in the rest of Europe wild bees are getting quite endangered through loss of habitat and competition from the many honey bees that people keep that compete for food, so unless one really wants one's own honey letting the wild bees rule the roost, so to speak, is at least in most countries the better option.

[@quintadospardais597]

Congratulations for your work. I enjoy seeing your videos. I live in Castelo Branco ans have a small garden. I enjoy the same things that you do. Nature,calm, animals. Maybe we meet someday. Jaime

[@grandmasstories3418]

A tip: Some local Grandma's place a long, strong stick under the clothes lines (in the middle), to prop them up, keep them far from the floor and get the clothes more exposed to the wind

[@charlenequinilty7252]

We did that when I was growing up

[@Marie-yx5ie]

@Grandma's Stories, yes when I was a child we always had a stick in the middle of the line, with a split about 4 or 5ins at the top of the stick so it won't fall down 👍😉🇮🇪☘️Eire

[@theshedrepairguy2413]

Washing line prop. A 2.4m length of 3x2 would work well

[@mafish7962]

Beautiful video ☀️🌸🌸🌸

[@mariadange06]

Two perches for space as it'll get hot in the Summer 🐓🐓🐓🐓🐓

[@angiemoore6518]

It may be the first time that you have grown California poppies, but they will be with you forever! They self seed everywhere ❤

[@jeangodding6348]

A plumber friend told me that Teflon tape should be wound on in the same direction as the fitting will turn, otherwise the tape can be sliced by the threads . 🚿

[@FrankieOffGrid]

You’re spot on Jean!

[@moonhunter9993]

Happy Birthday, Iwan!

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Thank you!

[@daphnemays1969]

If you have enough space, the chickens will be happier to have another roost. They may not need it, but they will certainly be happier.

[@tomprice2501]

Again, I must have missed this video because it’s 3 months old. I did tick the notification bell, but your video only showed now. Anyway, I enjoy you guys putting a lot of effort into your new farming skills, and as kids growing up with chickens in the 1960/65 before going to a boarding school, our jobs were to care for our chickens, ducks, and geese. We did not really go into the sheds to collect the eggs, except if all the nesting boxes were full with chickens laying eggs, some chickens would lay them on the floor. Our nesting boxes were built into the wall (flush on the inside and the back of the box stuck outside of the wall where you could open up the lid and remove the egg (s) close the lid fasten the catch to prevent mongoose or other animals opening up to get into the chicken house. The chicken boxes were tall with a 30 degree slope for rain to run off. Every box was made identical, so if a box became damaged we could put another in its place with out do building work. There was a steel 90 degree bracket sitting underneath the nesting box outside. Hope this helps, plus inside we had four different levels of straight poles for perches. Then once every two months we would remove the old bedding and replace it with new bedding. Once every six months we would shut down that pen, remove them on to a clean pen. Clean that pen, disinfect it and leave it without chickens for two weeks. Happy chickens, happy cockerel. One cockerel with ten hens per pen.

[@cliffordchristopher1]

Hello Carissa, with all of your lovely flowers everywhere, you should invest in a bee hive. Bees are incredibly calming and entertaining just like your beautiful videos.

[@ednahawkesworth7551]

Thank you so much for such a relaxing video. The music and the sound of the birds were so soothing 🤩

[@sheilakerr-jones4345]

Concur!😊

[@pattiwhite9575]

I hope this year is going to be your best yet. I would be interested in seeing any local market days you go to. Here in the US there are homesteaders that arrange meet up on a large scale once a year. They arrange pop up tents so people can sell and share what they have. Everyone brings their own chairs, ice chest and own lunch for the day. They arrange for guest speakers from people that have the most knowledge in sharing info on a host of different topics. It is a great way to learn a little or a lot about something your interested in. With all the x pats that have moved to Portugal I think you should all get started in doing this. Within your area. Watching all the strimming you do I was wondering if you have thought about throwing out a grass seed to grow a shorter grass. Some grass's will choke out the tall stuff so that you don't have to strim so much. Is that a thing in Portugal?

[@sgrvtl7183]

Your opening was beautiful, all the lovely flowers and music.....enjoyed the video!

[@steveperrett9395]

Hens need two perch's, one lower than the other. The dominant hen(s) will take the higher perch leaving the subordinate hens to gather on the lower perch. :)

[@rachelfrees1268]

Happy Birthday Iwan. Carissa your love of beauty and gardening shines thru your videos. The chickens are beautiful. What fun company they provide. Take care❤.

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Thanks Rachel!

[@annagilda1]

Beautiful video as always. If you leave your egg collection towards the end of the day, the eggs layed early, encourage the remaining hens to also lay. 😊

[@raymonde4272]

I love all the wild flower areas on your land. I know they're not particularly productive for food but they feed thy soul.

[@FrankieOffGrid]

They’re beautiful ey?

[@rubyjools]

Chicken Union here😊 yep we vote for a second perch, keep us cluckers happy 🐔

[@ruthconstantino6861]

Loving your Californua poppies and other pretty blooms all the way from California 😊! Simão🐈 is such a cutie. Bless you Iwan for laser strimming around those helpful planties on your land. Good work on the perch, nesting box, pump, clearing a space for your shaded storage project. Enjoy your company, refreshing showers, everything 💖.

[@martinab3774]

So lucky to be surrounded by such a glorious orchestra( birds, insects...)!! Greetings

[@FrankieOffGrid]

We really are!

[@isabellevince5174]

Another lovely video. Can't wait to see what you do with the barn next to your refurbished one. Really appreciate the gentle and relaxing music.

[@krisledrew3668]

when you do the roof consider lifting the front and adding windows to let in natural light...having the rain water run off the back for collection instead of the front, just an idea;)

[@leslietarboxjr4287]

Happy Birthday Iwan. Carissa I really love your work ethic and love for flowers and gardening, they are so beautiful this time of year. They soft music and your calm whispery voice is so soothing. Your videography is excellent, and I feel and see all the effort that you put into it which makes it so special and beautiful to watch. Thank you for all you do for us, your viewers and friends. I am from Swansboro North Carolina, USA and I really love seeing different countries and their special beauty. I was in Lisbon in the 80's when I was in the U.S. Marine Corps but that was totally different than the countryside where you live. Thanks for sharing your special place.

[@ercilia4736]

I love the flowers and birdsong! I wish for you many more glorious days. PS Please more footage of Frankie. I adore her so! 💗

[@johnmitchell5351]

Sweet peas you can smell them a mile away

[@irislozinsky3960]

It seems the jobs never end on a farm! Hope you don’t run out of steam. Glad to see you sketching again

[@patriciabrown8301]

Green house looks healthy things are growing i love this time of year chickens look happy

[@jenniferkelly6450]

California Poppies are so beautiful, have them in my garden and they come up every year. So pretty. Your garden is looking stunning. Jenny, Cape Town, South Africa 💜

[@josecorreadequeiros9062]

Dear Carissa, chicken castle is very small indeed…Carissa you must enlarge the area to the chicken happiness…❤🍀👍🙏🇵🇹

[@irislozinsky3960]

Everything looks so healthy and beautiful! Spring is such rebirth! Happy birthday Iwan! Love being part of journey!

[@juanitakauffman6336]

Your videos are so relaxing with the music. I know you are working hard to put them together and completing tasks on the homestead. Happy birthday Iwan.

[@daphnemays1969]

If you can find some plaster of Paris, make a small hole in the end of a few eggs and put a toothpick in to break the yolk, then clean out the insides (you can use the insides for baking or scrambled eggs). Then fill the shells with plaster of paris. You can then leave the fake eggs in the nest to encourage the hens to keep laying in that spot.

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Genius!

[@meglange3595]

🍷🍾Happy Birthday Iwan🎂!! Carissa your drawing of the poppies is just lovely, and I so appreciate that you identify all the flowers. I know some of them but not others so it's helpful. Your choice of music is always perfectly suited to the lovely photography. The chickens, dogs and kitties all look so happy and healthy. It's a joy to see. 😊 Take care and have a good week and visit with Iwan's mom. 🥰 ♥️🌿

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Thanks Meg!

[@johnsuegibbons]

I have heard that one perch end should be higher on the one end cause the boss chicken likes to perch higher then the other chickens…and I have noticed that of my grandson’s chickens. Just an idea!🇨🇦

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Ah really that’s interesting, we were told the opposite 😅

[@AleeshaSattva]

I cheered for you when you got that screw in to the perch!!!

[@FrankieOffGrid]

😆 thank you! I had a little cheer when it was all done, such an awkward angle!

[@francescatappi3241]

Hi Iwan and Carissa, your videos are always relaxing. Spring looks magical there, and your drawing of the poppies is quite beautiful. 😊 Have a wonderful weekend! ❤

[@layna8924]

HELLO CARISSA & IWAN, FURBABIES & ASSORTED FEATHERED FOWL...IT SEEMS YOU HAVE A NEW LITTLE FURBABY NAMED SIMAO...I MAY HAVE MISSED A VIDEO...THINGS ARE COMING TOGETHER VERY NICELY FOR YOU ON YOUR LAND...THERE IS NOTHING MORE LOVELY THAN HEARING BIRDS SINGING AROUND YOU WHILE YOU WORK...ALL THE BEST...🙏;)

[@Anna-og2df]

Очень хорошие видео у вас! Смотрим в России и радуемся!)

[@daffs0]

Awesome job going around the flowers Chicken box looks good and the chickens laid eggs in there so they like it😁 Thank you for sharing 😁

[@deborahwhite2339]

Happy Birthday Iwan! Great Vid as always! The chickens look happy in their new digs. The doggies and kitties are so adorable. 🙂👍👍🇨🇦🌷🌻

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Thank you!!

[@theyellowbootshomestead]

What a beautiful video, guys:) Love all that you're up to in your beautiful paradise, and, as always, I'm so inspired by your work ethic and handy skills:). California Poppies are indeed medicinal. A great one for calming, helping with anxiety and insomnia, and for relieving pain (especially gut or uterine spasms). I can't wait for them to grow out here- fingers crossed! Last but not least, Happiest of birthdays, Iwan!

[@debramairs7806]

Always ❤ the choice of music you use xx ❤❤❤❤

[@rosbeaton637]

A very happy birthday to you, Iwan. Lovely to have your mum visiting, Carissa, especially when it is all looking so lovely. Have a great visit. I would live to hear, sometime, what, if any, building restrictions you have on your land. Can you add anything on at all such as a verandah or extra room? Can one apply for permission to increase the size of a dwelling?

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Thanks Ros! There are different ‘articles’ of land in Portugal such as rural or urban. If the land is classed as rural then permission is necessary. It’s also quite strict on what you can do to the building. All very complicated.

[@carolbulmer8253]

Hi, Carissa and Iwan. Spring is a busy time on your homestead. Good job on the chicken roost and the nesting box, Carissa. Iwan, I like that you strimmed around the beautiful lupins. You also did a great job on the pump. Have a good week❤️❤️

[@monalingan9523]

I absolutely love your musical choices. 😊

[@peterwhite9261]

Happy Birthday, Iwan. I love the videos you both put out, very calming and enjoyable. All of the animals are so content. I like the new drawing of the poppy flowers. Every year you will have more and more poppies.

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Thank you Peter!

[@ilonakatalindako-tolman5545]

loving your many gardens in your area, also your beautiful painting...I just love flowers...growing up with mom in her garden I learned to appreciate the Lord's nature creation ... a place where you can enjoy and feel the purpose of life...all else flows😇🥰💫

[@louistorcello3525]

Great video. I am sure you are both unfortunately going to face a very hot summer. Good idea to get your water needs prepared. Put in an extra perch the chooks deserve the space. Look for a good secondhand ride on with catcher. Strimming in the heat of summer will become very tiring. Best wishes from Sydney Australia.

[@ronroelevink7097]

Thanks again for sharing your beautiful paradise with us. Have a nice weekend!

[@projectportugal]

Awesome video again loved the birdsong throughout ❤

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Thank you!! Orioles are back!

[@joannecanetti7481]

Happy birthday Iwan. What an amazingly relaxing video. You are the best.

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Thanks Joanne!

[@deborahbasel184]

Yes, put up a second perch, at the same height

[@judithtaylormayo]

I think it is about time you invest in a lawn mower, especially since you do it for a lving too. You probably can get some company to send you one to sponsor, if you are very clever !!!

[@biddiemutter3481]

I like the music!

[@michelebushnik2874]

Had to pause at just 1:33 because I adore your California poppies! But also adore all the wild flowers you are pulling and call weeds! I wish I could grow such a beautiful crop of weeds as you do there, in my hard pan desert soil in Reno, Nevada!❤

[@100Noddy]

Seriously, your season is two months ahead of UK. Here in Cornwall it is 10 degrees C today with almost icy rain.

[@mariajoaopeixoto9006]

Parabéns 👏👏 por desenhar tão bem. Beijinhos 😘 de Lisboa ❤❤

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Obrigado Maria! 🙏

[@whatsupchannel3047]

So relaxing to share your lovely environment that you open up to us to watch . The one thing I have noticed is that on all the videos , the trees all seem to be leaning over at steep angles . It's everywhere here in the UK as well . Maybe its a sunlight issue. Tree trunks are bending on a lot of the bigger trees also, or maybe they have always been like it, but I haven't noticed before? 😊

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Yes I’m not sure why they’ve been allowed to grow like that? Very strange! One has already fallen down

[@heidihughes8806]

Another lovely video Carissa. Your land is looking so pretty, your animals are really happy and content. You're both doing a fab job on the chicken coop.., Carissa your woodworking skills are coming along nicely 😜 Happy days ❤️

[@martinjames3950]

In France the blue cornflowers are the same as UK poppies for armistice day

[@SoberJak]

Happy Birthday Yong! Hope you’re both well out there 😊🙏👍👌

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Ahh thanks mate!!

[@johnsuegibbons]

Oh have a good weekend! Happy birthday Iwan and great job on your chicken box Carissa!

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Thank you!

[@leannewilson7788]

Old lawn mower grass catchers are great for nesting boxes. And they’re portable. Great job.

[@magicwendy210]

looks like lack of water or could be Iron chlorosis, iron deficiency that is a huge problem, many trees are acting out of character even here in the uk, lovely video as always ☺

[@arjanvogel6444]

Or it's the chem trails in the sky to block out the sun it's aluminum oxide to make fake clouds planes spray them in the morning first they're stripes and then they become all over the place and it also gets in the ground water and i think it's poisonous for the trees and nature and also for us.

[@eunicehenderson9095]

Put a second perch at a lower level and not under the top one or chickens will poop on the bottom ones. They have a pecking order and the boss chickens get the top.

[@deborahlee8135]

❤ love it, i didnt know stonefruit grow true. Will be saving all kernals now

[@villagegreenlightbulbdistr104]

Cork Oaks: you showed us the flowers. I believe the leaves last two years. Then they spoil like the ones in the picture you showed of the flowers, and fall off, in the spring. We have california coast live oaks and cork oaks on our property in Los Angeles. Both species have similar habits. They are, I think you would say, semi-deciduous. In other words, they keep their leaves over two seasons, so when the older ones are falling off, there are still green ones from the past year's growth. They do not shed their leaves in the fall. But do your own research. These are my observations from watching our oaks for several decades.

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Ahh that’s very interesting!! Thanks!

[@villagegreenlightbulbdistr104]

@@FrankieOffGrid I'd say, watch them for the next month or so. Most likely the flowers and old leaves will fall off, and the trees will return to their normal selves. If not, you might consider some of the other problems others have suggested to you in these comments.

[@marybates-pu3bq]

happy birthday Iwan, so how many returns is it?. Carissa, wow your hair is so long and beautiful. I noticed your threw the marigolds on compost heap, were they no good for tea? Your land is beautiful, i can see how you have fallen in love with it. And you do. You love and respect the land, and for me i see that in the way you have things laid out and planted. Although when you were digging, it already looks dry. I hope it will not be so hot this yr for you there and for us here in England So pleased you have gotten the rain. Good pressie Iwan off mother nature. The sunsets are beautiful too OOOh thumbnail for me personally it is the 1st 1. xx

[@GalloRancho]

I have four hens and they all perch at one end together. I’m sure the one is fine in my opinion. Beautiful land!

[@juanitakauffman6336]

Love the birds and flowers.

[@leeworley5160]

Guinnea hens males are fantastic about clearing ticks. I saw a you tube of a lady that hired hers out.

[@punjabseth260]

so nice

[@noreenmadden3028]

I was amazed when you said 30degrees, where I live in Australia I get 45plus for months on end, but then I remember that you are English.Lovely to see all the green.Youve done a lot in your time there.I live in hope for rain,I don't get much as I live in a drought are where I almost cont every drop . Noreen Australia 🦘

[@arjanvogel6444]

Happy birthday Iwan, this flowers you pull out are maybe golden flower and you can make a medisional cream for wounds from the leaves, this pomp is for in the house to keep the pressure on your pipes and there is a klep with a ball in side that you can put in the tube that pull's the water out of the well and that keeps the water from flowing back. Thanks for your vid 😇💟💟💟 Love and bless you guys.

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Thank you Arjan!

[@mariettedallo7541]

Happy birthday 🎉Iwan🎉😊 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@moniquevelasco20]

Guys the land truly looks beautiful. Your hard work is definitely paying off. Keep it up. Love and be safe!😘🤗🌼🇻🇪

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Thanks Monique! You too!

[@KwPaMiles-lf7lu]

Happy birthday !!!! Love your videos 😍

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Thank you!!

[@inekeroos9264]

Thank you for another nice episode 🤗

[@F-J.]

Dandelion is really good for the liver.

[@joyguthrie964]

Happy Birthday 🎉🎊🎂🎈🎁

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Thank you!

[@maureenlowther7621]

What a lovely relaxing video thank you it was very soothing.❤️❤️

[@jeangodding6348]

Happy birthday to Iwan !

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Thank you!!

[@michelebushnik2874]

Beautiful video! Reminded me to order seeds for California poppies❤

[@barbaranielsen2888]

Yay!

[@terryevans5476]

Rand for the lovely video. Happy birthday to Ewan

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Thanks Terry!

[@jeanniehyde8090]

Great vlog 🤗love your content 💕 Happy Birthday Iwan 🥂🎂🎉🥳for tomorrow

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Thank you!

[@andim2286]

I love your videos and look forward to them every week. Thank you for sharing your life with us! 2 questions: Does your little paradise have a name? Do you have an overhead map to show is where everything is? I keep finding myself confused as too where the garden plots are and then get turned around mentally 😂

[@Neilhuny]

I like the idea of a name - I don't think I've heard one heard one There is a very good map in one or two videos a few videos back - 5 or 8 back?

[@lindaburrows4724]

Lovely video x

[@theshedrepairguy2413]

Can you use battery tools after 11am? Might be worth getting makita strimmer then you can use your drill batteries 🔋 😊

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Ooh good idea! I’m not sure whether we’d actually be allowed to be honest.

[@lindaburrows4724]

Just saw frankie 😘

[@sheilakerr-jones4345]

Reference your trees, just went outside and ours look similarl towards the canopy, quite bare. I shall be more aware from now on and watching out for either revival or ground flutter!

[@theshedrepairguy2413]

Great episode. Happy birthday 🎂 🎉

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Thanks so much Andy! Hope you’re well!

[@tomprice2501]

Yes, you’re California Poppy has medicinal uses, edible to. The leaves are edible if cooked. Caution is advised because other plants in the family are poisonous. Medicinal use, CP is a diuretic, relaxes spasms, relieves pain, promotes perspiration, and is sedative. It is non-addictive and can help with opiate withdrawal. It most likely works with GABA receptors. The entire plant is used medicinally, with the root being the most potent part. Has sedative properties and antispasmodic. California poppy is a mild sedative that also works well for incontinence, especially for children. It aids in treating sleep deprivation, anxiety, and nervous tension. The sap is somewhat narcotic and works well for alleviating toothaches. Unlike opium poppy, it does not depress the nervous system and it’s much milder in action. Take it at bedtime since it induces sleep. It is also an antispasmodic. It normalises psychological function, PTSD, and anxiety. CP seems to normalise the thinking patterns of people with psychological issues, and is mild enough to use for children. It does not have a narcotic effect, but helps calm the spirit and helps people regain normal function. It works well for anxiety disorders and PTSD. It suppresses the milk in nursing mothers. When lactation is not desired, apply CP Tea made from the roots as a wash on the breasts to suppress the flow of milk. It helps the milk dry up quickly. Yes, from a brief scientific research, there is so much more and I do agree with you that you must do more research. Check out some tea recipes too. You can even make tinctures using vodka or other alcohol, or substitute raw natural apple cider vinegar. This way you can keep this tincture for up to seven years.

[@margaretlovelock7031]

One would never be enough

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Thanks Margaret!

[@empret7704]

Happy birthday 😘👌💯

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Thank you!

[@deborahthomas3475]

Poppies/Opium. I bet it does make you feel good.

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Haha not for us but whatever you’re in to 😅

[@justoneacre7873]

Have you considered getting a mower? I am sure you would cut the grass in a much shorter time! 😊

[@FrankieOffGrid]

We’d love to but because the land has been ploughed for years it would only last a few minutes.

[@Michelle_Buckley]

Hi guys the trees most likely have iron deficiency.

[@vonderdornburg]

Nice video! You need a sponsor for an electric lawn mower!