Summer Days on Our Little Farm Renovating an Old Stone Cabin

Summer is well & truly here on our little farm & renovations on our old stone cabin enter a new phase as we take our first step working on the interior of the building!
The beautiful stone house has been ruined in the past with messy concrete pointing, but bit by bit we're repairing & stripping it back to reveal the original walls & give our tiny house the transformation it deserves!
Elsewhere on the farm, the intense summer heat is causing our veg garden to struggle so we need to act now & rescue our plant babies before the sun overwhelms them. 🌞
LIKE THIS VIDEO if you enjoyed it and SUBSCRIBE to follow our journey as we document our life here in Portugal and the many DIY projects that we'll be tackling including renovating a tiny stone home, setting up systems to grow some of our own food and finally restoring the 100+ year old farm house.
Also say hi in the comments! We'd love to hear from you 😊
Ricky and Victoria x
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We're Ricky & Victoria 👋 We're slowly bringing an abandoned off grid Portuguese farm back to life & transforming it into a beautiful homestead for us & our two rescue dogs Teddy & Poppy.
We both agree that we’re not experts in anything that we do here, however we don’t let that stop us from giving it a try. We live our life by trying. We live our life by doing. We live our LIFE BY LIVING.
#renovationproject #stonehouse #abandonedfarm

[@dyannejohnson6184]

I remember when the little dog begged for a home….and now the joy of seeing them play is so touching

[@tracyplath863]

I love it that you're unafraid to show the things that don't work out, and then brainstorm and execute solutions that eventually end up even better than the original plan. It gives the rest of us amateurs hope, lol. Love this channel so much, keep up the great work!

[@LifebyLiving]

Thanks Tracy!😊 if we didn’t show things that don’t work out we’d only be making 5 minute videos every fortnight 😂

[@jenniferstrachan7084]

😂😂😂

[@bettywatson9200]

The two of you seem to enjoy each other others company so well. I enjoy your show so much and the biggest part of that is your personalities and your sense of humor. Thank you for ALWAYS making my day.

[@julielaxen9520]

Ditto xx

[@sueg2658]

Well said, I agree. 👍🏻♥️

[@LifebyLiving]

Awww thanks Betty! ❤ it makes our day to hear that our little videos bring people so much joy 🥰

[@geraldineross5168]

Girl you are so cute, you are always so fresh even when your hard at work,and you and you sweet husband work so hard together. My husband and I have been married 57 years and we bought homes and refurbished them through our lives. We loved working together. My husband now has Alzheimer’s Dementia and will be going into a care facility the last week of July 2024. I am his only caregiver for the last six years but his Dementia is progresses and he needs professional help. Hold on to each other as long as you can life can change in an instant. Much Love from Minnesota, USA 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸❤❤❤

[@kgrand62]

Don't feel bad about having to place your husband in a home. You need to care for you first so that you can be healthy.

[@LifebyLiving]

Your love for your husband shines through in your words Geraldine. It sounds like you have lived a wonderful life together ❤

[@LilybetMells]

One thing you can say about you two is, you don't do anything by halves ❤💛💜

[@lauraquigley6403]

I am sharing this video in hopes that you reach 100 subscribers today! I have so.. enjoyed your vlog since the very beginning!You both are such great videographers & you bring such great content & humor to us! Thank you, & you both deserve the utube Plaque .. I can’t wait to see it in your possession 🙏🙏🙏Blessing’s

[@LifebyLiving]

Thanks Laura. So grateful to have you show up every week with your kind words ❤ you’re one of our biggest cheerleaders & we really appreciate it 😊

[@CatHaywood]

The life you bring to your videos is so lovely. Thank you for sharing your lives with us all ❤❤

[@assuncaomeireles198]

Olá meus amigos Victoria e Ricky eu adoro vocês sao pessoas tao adoraveis . Uma coisa que admiro muito é que sao pessoas que fazem tudo na perfeiçao e tambem estao sempre de bom humor e por vezes sao muito engraçados😂😂 a Victoria parece uma fada é tao linda e tao simpática o Ricky tambem é uma pessoa maravilhosa quando as coisas nao correm bem nunca fica irritado e tem muita paciencia enquanto a maioria das pessoas ficam completamente fora de si mas o Ricky e a Victória nao. Para dizer com franqueza eu era capaz de estar a ver o vosso canal durante horas é tao estimulante eu sinto uma paz de espirito quando os vejo sao pessoas fora de série. Adorei ver os seus cãezinhos a brincar sao tao fofos . Uma pergunta nunca reparei se tinham galinhas sinceramente nao tenho visto. Tenham uma boa semana e cuidado com o calor que no centro de Portugal é terrivel eu como vivo muito perto do mar a 40 Km e tenho aqui um parque e passa o rio Tejo nao tenho tido tanto calor e coisa muito boa as noites muito frescas uma pessoa consegue dormir lindamente.

[@assuncaomeireles198]

God bless you ❤❤

[@LifebyLiving]

Thanks Cat 🥰

[@LifebyLiving]

@@assuncaomeireles198 É uma pessoa muito, muito amável. Obrigada pelas tuas palavras tão simpáticas ❤

[@maryannklein2235]

Greetings from Brittany France 🇫🇷. Good luck! My husband and I (late 60's) renovated an old broken down longère and 7000 sq meters wild land. It's amazing what one can do when you are determined! Took us 3 hard years and we still busy with odd jobs!

[@LifebyLiving]

That’s impressive work in 3 years! Can you recommend some places to visit in Brittany? We’re thinking of a little trip later in the summer to either Brittany or Upper Normandy to escape the super hot weather for a few days

[@maryannklein2235]

@@LifebyLiving the whole of Brittany is spectacular. I would suggest you research the gulf of Morbihan. The capital city there is Vannes and up, down and around the gulf is just too beautiful.

[@LifebyLiving]

@@maryannklein2235 Thanks for the tip! We'll look into it 😊

[@jeffreylocke8808]

You can replace the whole carburetor on that weed eater and it will run great. Just find the part number and order a new one online. Take the old one off and DONE!!!

[@lizregan1949]

You have done such a fabulous job on that little cottage. When you are done you will have friends come and visit you and never leave.

[@LifebyLiving]

That’s the plan!😁

[@HT-io1eg]

I had to pause half way through. I decided I had to give some love to my tomatoes. So, a 5 minute job becomes an hour, moving canes, tying string, watering. And I have little tomatoes coming along!

[@LifebyLiving]

Why is it that 5 minute jobs ALWAYS turn into an hour!😂

[@toddhuff-wx9we]

On your weed strimmer. First check outlet of the muffler usually there's a fine screen there to keep sparks from creating a fire hazard but they will plug up. Just use propane torch. Heat till bright red and quick wire brush will look like new. Then yearly replace spark plug. Otherwise if still having issues. Just adjust carburetor. It's easy adjust the small needle valve with a L on it when motor is at idle just turn out for more fuel and in for less same thing with the jet that has a H next to it. Hold engine wide open throttle and adjust as needed

[@LifebyLiving]

Thanks Todd 👍🏼 about to attempt getting it up & running so will look at the carburettor as the spark plug is all good

[@gorillax1374]

Things to check for: 1) spark plug fouled or corroded (clean egap eplace) 2) fuel line\fuel filter clogged (clean eplace) 3) water in fuel (drain and refill tank)

[@KABITH0888]

My only issue is that we have to wait a whole week to see you guys again. Till Sunday then. ❤

[@user-kg2kz6ed3z]

The new brackets certainly look like they should do the job, looking forward to their arrival and installation. Thanks folks for another great insight into your lives.

[@LifebyLiving]

Itching to get the shutters fitted!

[@rolandtb3]

Great solution for the windows. For the bed sunshade some recommendations: Large span with little support against wind, rain, rain runoff, stretch and drooping. Material already cut. Start with two taller center posts connected by a horizontal beam(s). Sort of an A-frame to the outer posts. You may have to relocate or re purpose two outer posts based on elevation changes. Evaluate if additional shorter middle A-frame pieces like the center piece are required. Reduces overall forces on the sunshade and allows for runoff. Or make two outer posts the tallest, middle posts shorter and the furthest outer posts proportionally shorter. Sort of a downwards sloping sunshade. More support, additional attachment points, better drainage. Alot depends on the wind, rain volume.

[@katiadp2145]

Victoria you and Ricky are an amazing team.❤❤❤❤🇬🇷 🇬🇷

[@LifebyLiving]

Thank you!🥰

[@gaynor3976]

RIP Colin Courgette, the canopy looks to be serving its purpose. The wall you were working on looked good despite all the drilling and reverbs in your arms. Ricky the shutters are lovely well done. Xx

[@elizabeththomas8746]

I am like a little girl anxious to open your new episode every time it pops up. Your smiles and humour together brighten up my day. And always amazed at your progress. ;)

[@carolwoodward6141]

Your subbie numbers are growing. Proud to have been one of your early subbies.

[@LifebyLiving]

Thanks for all the support Carol 😊 & for being the first person to comment most weeks!😁

[@esmekaffen4961]

Me too! Right from the start. They rock ❤

[@davecleggett9371]

Been for my daily walk, watered the garden and had my Sunday lunch, now I can look forward to the highlight of the day, my weekly dose of niceness from Victoria and Ricky, plus the two dogs of course! Thank you guys, another lovely episode!

[@jeanniehyde8090]

RIP🤭Colin - the Courgette 😢 great idea with the new shaded area. I have the same shade fabric, I will copy your clever idea for my patio garden 🤗. Great vlog

[@andrewroland]

You two are putting a lot of effort into your tiny house. You will be well rewarded.

[@tinanieborg787]

great job guys i love to see you two work together

[@spygone]

I love this channel. You are such a sweet couple. Greetings from Denmark.

[@annettev8362]

I am always thrilled when I see you have a new video out... Hello 👋🏻 from Alhambra Southern California 🌴

[@LifebyLiving]

Hi Annette! 👋 ❤

[@alanatkins4315]

Removing the concrete from the stones give's a clear definition of the stone work. Better look than before.

[@LifebyLiving]

We can start to see what we’re working with with it removed! 😅

[@lulemon5828]

Caught myself saying out loud "Trusty Greek Yoghurt". Love how that bucket keeps popping up!❤

[@LifebyLiving]

😂 it’s just the perfect size for so many things!

[@andrewwatson5346]

To help put tension on the four corner posts .. think camping and tents poles . Add a guy rope or 2 to each corner posts and they will pull the posts out a little and tension the sail /shade cloth .. just an idea

[@katherinekurash6683]

Love the shutter brackets! Great work, guys, on stabilizing the shutter area! Hope your garden loves its new cover! Your puppies look so happy and healthy! Have a blessed week, and see you next Sunday!

[@user-ib1vs6hk2i]

Hubby sez, new fuel filter, spark plugs...ck gas for water...love u 2. You work so hard, TOGETHER. We r in our 60s and u 2 r so refeshing.

[@nancibishof6462]

I'd encourage you to string rope in an X across the center of the veg beds to keep the shade cloth from drooping across them. I also used plastic coated wire rather than rope to string the shade cloth. I used the same disks on the shade cloth. I used galvanized steel fence rails from chain link fencing rather than wood as they last longer and set them in concrete. Works a treat.

[@joanbroadway759]

It always impresses me how much you guys accomplish in such hot weather. You're amazing.

[@carolwoodward6141]

Good morning from Virginia 🌳

[@AbigailGerlach-zt1sh]

Your repair work looks really good! I'm amazed at how seamlessly it blends in. I think your addition of the stone helped too. I have a covered porch. I've put my pots of corgettes and cucumbers on the porch. They get morning sun (until about 10 -11am) and then indirect light the rest of the day. The only thing that doesn't mind the sun are the tomatoes. The hotter, the better. You've got this! Keep going. There is a cool pool waiting when the sun goes down!

[@davidhall4079]

An amazing way of life you and your dog's are so happy out there ☺️

[@ginacrusco234]

The way you filmed the shade-raising sequence against the sky and in slo mo was wonderful. The whole enterprise took on a pioneer-like majesty.

[@ConstrucaoLondonuk]

hey guys good morning you are our inspiration! We are going to buy our farm here in Portugal too. we live in London Anderson and Paty, my wife, follow and love you kisses and a thousand hugs

[@jdjonesiii]

Next time you want to texture take one of your stones and hot glue it to the end of a stick or wood dowel. Use the surface of the stone to texture your concrete patch.

[@jonasmichaelmoir9378]

Ricky seems to be a proper "rigger" not bad on the knots and tension... Sailorman!😂

[@SandraBull-qm4lc]

I watch your show every Sunday as a way to relax with a cup of coffee. I got to say I got a big chuckle about the pole with the face on it...😊😊

[@margaretmurphy6546]

Early on with your courgettes bury a couple of outside leaf stems about midway. They will form roots and will keep your plant alive. Worth a try.

[@LifebyLiving]

Oo I’ve not heard that tip before Margaret! Thank you 😊

[@jeffreylocke8808]

I always use a drill post hole digger to get posts down three feet and put concrete around it after it is leveled.

[@secret_one]

Very impressed with the job you have done filling those window stone holes. Keep up the grest v-logs, I am thoroughly enjoying your content and banter. I learn something each time and sometimes I shout at the screen "Why are you doing it like that?" Then I see the finished article and then I go "Ahhhhhh."

[@LifebyLiving]

Yeah we have a habit of doing things unconventionally!😂 it mostly works out though 😁

[@SusieMonk-jh8tj]

Aah a proper sewist with a Bernina. Excellent choice Victoria, it will pay for itself in no time. If it can’t do something nothing will❤❤👏👏❤❤❤❤

[@sarahnd]

I got my first Bernina in 1974 and wouldn't go with any other brand. The old one still works beautifully, but my daughter stole it from me so I had to get a newer one. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@LifebyLiving]

Go Team Bernina 🙌 15 years on & she’s never missed a stitch! 😄

[@rontanser9369]

Well done what a great idea to cover your plants up with that cover and an ingenious solution to fix it’s, the ironic thing is here in the UK we’ve had the coldest wettest summer so far. It’s only now starting to warm up.

[@havvashenol6777]

it really is a joy watching you two work together such a lovely couple i will share too lets hope you reach 1000 target

[@robertunderwood3393]

Oh my goodness what a lot of hard work. You both should be so proud of yourself. The place is beautiful

[@landrover4124]

Greetings from Scotland - watching you from early days and pleased to see how your viewership has increased !! Slip off to the beaches one day and show folks all the great things about Portugal.

[@lynnemac1402]

Your garden is looking amazing Victoria the shade cloth will really help the plants and you when working there. Really pleased you found a solution for the hinges, the patch areas look good and over time will look better. You have both done such a good job on the wall inside x

[@daynagayle]

Hi Victoria ! I loved your tiny voice impersonation for the post face. Realistic as I felt bad for the post person being tightened. Hi Ricky ! I’m now happily addicted to these videos. Thank you ! The video editing and camera work getting better and better. Who needs movies when Life by Living has a new video! Hello from BC, Canada. Dayna & Ed.

[@PaulRobison-kw2ce]

Never a dull moment Ricky. That woman of yours is bloody barmy 😂. Always good to watch, keep up the great work. 👍

[@peckbrian2546]

You two have really gotten the hang of this!! Not just the renovation and gardening, but the videography and story-telling as well. All good fun for viewers like me. Here's to cracking 100k!! It shouldn't be long now.

[@icepick1945]

Hi, to help with the "touchup" on the existing fill, try a wire brush, the type you can fit in a drill They have the shape of a pine cone, leaves an uneven texture, no lines you get with a grinder face. Also works well on the concrete. Are going to use lime pointing on filling the joints, it remains flexible, better for the walls than mortar or concrete.

[@williameckamn1745]

I’ve been subscribed to your channel for about a month now…sat and binged all the eppys in order then. I eagerly await your next installment! But I will say…you guys make me tired just watching lol. And love your pups as well. As you would say, “Cheers” from Atlanta, Georgia, USA!! ❤

[@abqresident4461]

You're just shy of 100K subscribers! A testament to your hard work, good humor, delightful personalities, and the overall fun you bring to the project. Even when things go wrong there are no tantrums; you just move along to find a solution. Have watched since the beginning so I send boodles of love and hugs to you both from New Mexico USA.

[@user-ei3cj6ry2j]

Always look forward to a new video and seeing the progress you make on your homestead. What a great team you two make and seem to have fun too. Love from Texas, USA

[@barbarashapiro7499]

So close to 100K subscribers, and well deserved. Your channel is a delight.

[@louisepanton7344]

Love your vids 🎉 Poppy has filled out/grown up so beautifully. A different dog ❤

[@mincollins-bell5696]

Loved seeing the dogs playing together.❤❤

[@margaretlehmann-berry263]

Thanks for another great video. Watching from Vancouver Island, BC, Canada

[@RMCluff]

It's looking better all the time! Thanks for allowing us to see you work and plan.

[@ZeeCeeCreations]

Your stone repair looks great! You are both so positive! Your inside wall looks wonderful, too! Blessings!❤

[@dennismatthews6660]

Thank you for an always nice Sunday adventure.

[@-herebedragons-]

Top notch MacGyvering💪🏻💪🏻

[@JoyN246]

How exciting you're doing things on the inside now! 🎉 Enjoy watching 😊

[@lindabrooks8242]

Love watching, as you two solve all the problems that pop up. It won't be long, and you will be living in this adorable cottage.❤

[@SecureInformationSystems]

Love the amazing relationship of the two of you. My wife and I have been married 49 yrs. Your working together reminds of our time starting out together. Love you both. Next time consider a palm size stone to texture. Wet the stone and dip in the stone dust to add both texture and colour.

[@Valcour]

Fabulous! Your videos are never long enough... 😊😊

[@gothicgorey]

A guy I know in France on hot days he ties up white sheets around his home/farm for parts of shade and act like fans 👍

[@user-du3fg6vz3i]

Amazing

[@paulchadwick4907]

Brilliant.......Tiny house is coming along, shutters will make it smile 😃 With propping up the shade cloth have you considered using washing line posts &/or an old garden umbrella in the middle ? ❤

[@SandraH.-ro2ox]

Is it possible the fact that your garden containers are metal that they are heating up soil/roots, essentially cooking the plants? I love your videos. You both are so natural, easy going.❤

[@JudySchwartzHaley]

so much fun watching this little house come together

[@cathylewis2181]

I just love your episodes! Always so rewarding and well done and delightful. I wish that you and the Newbies could collaborate on an episode somehow because you could swap subscribers and you're both such lovable families making your home in Portugal!! It's a pleasure to watch.❤

[@calindafleishman]

Great idea to install a shade cloth for the garden! 2 ideas: one is you may want to cut some U-shaped slits in them for wind to more easily flow through and prevent the entire structure from flying away in a big wind storm (speaking from experience!), and another is to tether the 4 posts, ropes pulling them away from the centre and staked to the ground. Maybe double them as trellises for beans!

[@user-bc5gl4tb2v]

When putting the pole in the middle, put some netting on top of it. The wind will make a hole when the roof net rubbed on the pole

[@user-it2jo8bx4n]

Pe4haps some water where you need the poles might help soften the ground

[@margomoore4527]

The Italians actually use various structures to shade their grapevines from sunscald. That Mediterranean sun is just brutal at times. When my singing group of that era toured Italy (10 concerts in 12 days) in 2002, we drove in buses from Rome and Florence up through Tuscany. We passed a lot of vineyards, gardens, and large prosperous-looking garden centers, in mid-June. I imagine conditions in Portugal and Spain are similar.

[@user-ly6ez1dh2o]

Portugal is on my bucket list!

[@clausb5826]

You should get chickens to help with the compost, and more importantly get some protein in your diet 😂 I'm sure Rickey will be happy about it ...

[@user-vw3hv9wi9n]

Nice video guys, strongly advise you to reinforcing the corner posts, with e.g. stakes and steel cable. Good luck.😊

[@faithvansanden82]

Great video as always guy's ❤

[@Linda-it6ci]

All the UTubes I watch come out on Sunday/Monday around 1am.....if I'm having one of my, I can not sleep, episodes, I have to waite until Monday to view.....Anyhoop, I do enjoy watching your building shaping up .. I love it big time .... blessings darlings from Granny Linda in OZ...... sweethearts....

[@leeboss373]

13:17 vole attack: AKA Ricky’s had enough of courgettes 😂

[@juliequinlan6564]

Love watching your progress! Can’t wait to see the stone house once complete! Good luck guys 💙💕👏👏👏👏

[@michaelrich555]

You two are always very resourceful. I think the shade cloth will really help. 😉

[@Pauline-m9m]

Another great video. A gentleman’s pill, and Colin cut down in prime!! You two are priceless. Pauline

[@costasworldofmusicmemories5792]

It's great you found a solution to the install of Louver windows. Look to French to help out. Couple of questions ? 1. Are you learning portuguese or speaking it sufficiently? and are there any plans to study for Portuguese citizenship ? Harriet and I were in the Azores and Madeira Islands a couple of weeks ago. Simply Lovely 😁 Very chill as we are. Hope you guys are enjoying that plunge pool. All the best mates😍 Jim, Harriet and Yuki ( just returning from a wedding in Newport R. I )

[@janehodgetts6078]

Well done with the shade cloth guys, I've seen a few of those myself.

[@shanesykes1235]

I think you may need to anchor your posts with rope back to the ground. The anchor rope pulling in the opposite direction to the strain from the shade cloth. Think like a tent.

[@andreadams4574]

I'm loving it! I just can't wait for a new episode week over week. I'm so proud you chose my country to become your little piece of heaven! Thank you!

[@gracemeneses9910]

You two are like peaches and cream 😊so cute together! Thanks for bringing joy to our very ordinary boring lives. A big hug from extremely hot sunny Florida. Temperatures reaching 💯 off and on for over a month now. 🥵

[@ChristineWichard-o3f]

If you mounted a wood frame on the two sides and top of the window opening then you could screw the shutter hinges into the wood frame. The wood frame can be glued, screwed &/or cemented onto the stone.

[@williamshaven8289]

I use hoops, plastic pipe slipped over steel rods driven in the ground to make a tunnel. The hoops support the shade cloth and the ropes hold it down, not up. Good Job.

[@evolve2learn1010]

I am in awe on every episode and each time I learn something new and finding the solutions I thought about! Great minds. I would still use some of the original stone to dab it outside as an accent finish. Love the sun tarp over the beds😊 save the veggies!

[@bobhale8325]

Still loving your rolling work benches. We had a wilted pumpkin plant and later in the day is was totally collapsed. A gopher chewed it off at the root.

[@sawo1337]

Just run a piece of metal wire through the clips and twist it to lock them in place :) A garden without metal wire is never going to work :)

[@margaritalee1]

Victoria, you are a Champion Sewer. Incredible, I'm impressed !!!

[@shawnastratton3893]

"it needs a little blue gentleman's pill" 😂