Happy Sunday Pack!! We decided to try something new, and bring you along for a full 37 minutes this week! Let us know if you enjoy the longer videos. We hope you feel like you’re here with us💛
Axe?? holy cow, was not expecting the wildfire aspect as you all had not mentioned it, it has been devastating for all. My area in Ontario has been impacted by smoke heavily and kids can't play outside. People across Canada have either lost their homes or can't leave home safely, it is a nation wide crisis. We need to stop calling this wildfire season, that is not true, this is climate change and we have to call it what it is, or it will never be addressed properly. You all need to get a minisplit for heat and keep that fire as a back... sell of your incinerator toilet and buy a composter... not just you, we all need to see our own use of fossil fuels as a last resort, not a go to.. you two are miles ahead with your solar system though.. Cheers.
Y’all should buy those fly traps from Home Depot. ( I think it’s by RAID) one of my friends lives on a farm and she put about 10 bags out ( spread them out) Holy moly the bags were full of flies 😳 She keeps buying the bags because the flies are not as bad anymore and they are attracted to something in the bags.
Not going to lie, hearing about the Canada fires we instantly thought of you two. So happy you’re not affected but sad for those that are. Thank you for the longer format, that made our Sunday.
You two and your two great friends MAKE Sunday. Longer is better. Please, you have done the right things by being prepared to be out quickly. The drone is a real tool to help keep you stay safe by providing some ‘lead time’ but, just remember, everything you have built can be replaced. The four of you cannot. Praying for rain.
Yes I worried also. I have in Nova Scotia. Plus a list of Canadian Cousin's. 😮 please everyone stay safe from the fire Hotspot and smoke fill winds. In my prays tonight. Gold to see you 😊both
I could watch you both, all day long, 24/7. It was a fun, longer vid but have to say, as a Dad, Grandfather and firefighter, it was tough seeing you both so concerned. Wished I lived closer to help you both through that tough time. Glad you're all safe. 😉💚
I have been so worried about you four and Tyler and Todd and their little family. My dad, uncle and son, who now lives in Wyoming, were all volunteer fire fighters so when I hear wildfires, I listen very closely. I have been out to visit him when the Hoback fire was happening near Pinedale, Wyoming. It was like driving into a war zone when we drove into their remote little town. Helicopters flying in, filling up, flying towards the fire, all in a field right along the road. I had watched the Canadian news daily, listening to the updates. I was building a floating deck and drawing up plans for my tiny house...which brought all of you to my mind again and again. I have watched you guys from the beginning and at 58 learned how to use a chainsaw, lol. I don't need a four bedroom house for just me and my little dog so I have the plans at the builders and hopefully by next winter I will be in my tiny home. I appreciate all that you do and a long the way teach us all that we can do anything we put our minds to. This is the first time I've dared to write and I'm sorry it's way too long. Good luck, stay safe and prepared.
Love the long format. As an Albertan who has been dealing with fires for the last two months with little change I think you showing your emergency preparations are a good thing for everyone to know whether they live in a city or in the woods. Many Albertans have had little to no notice of having to evacuate their homes leaving pets and farm animals behind.
How does someone leave their pets and farm animals behind? I could never, leave my animals behind. Charges should be laid for abandonment. We need to do better.
Thanks Matt, the king format is a favourite it seems. Yes so important to have emergency plan in place and evacuation routes all mapped out before the time. 💛🐾
@stormfaith being able to evacuate livestock quickly is often not an option. Where do you evacuate them too? Do you have trailers and trucks to evacuate them all at once? How quickly could you load them all onto that trailer? Sometimes you have only minutes to evacuate.
I live in Sonoma County in Santa Rosa where we had devastating fires. We bought a Minnie Winnie RV and honestly mostly to be able to evacuate in the case of another fire. We have all the stuff ready to go all the time but especially in fire season. Keep gas full like you do and non perishable food and water We always have backpacks with non replaceable belongings ready. Keep our Jackerys charged, meds etc. It is really scary when your area is affected. Thank goodness our neighborhood was spared but just 10 minutes from us lives and homes were lost. You are doing the right thing to be prepared. I am keeping you all in my prayers. Someone posted in a comment here about livestock. We have a very rural area here and livestock was saved wherever possible but when you aren’t expecting a fire it is hard. It was devastating to people who had to run for their lives and leave behind animals. Our fairgrounds and neighboring communities helped out by providing shelter and trailers. In times of disaster lots of good work is done by brave and generous people.
As an Australian who lives in the Blue Mountains in one of the most fire prone areas of the world , I understand all the stressful waiting. I'm sending love and thoughts and I'm glad you are both safe (and the girls). It is indeed a price we pay for living in the middle of a massive forest. I have been on notice for evacuation many times and i've been evacuated several times over my lifetime - including the 2019 fires which made international news , this fire front was just a few km's from our house. Probably some of the most stressful time in all of that is preping and having stuff ready by the door. I'm sure many are giving you ideas but i thought i'd my thoughts. We have an evac kit (LOL in winter the box becomes our black out kit). I pack this fairly early in the fire season. It includes documents of importance.. passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, land deeds etc. It also includes things we can't replace including things like our wedding album (pre-digital times). Besides what we want to save, the evac kit also includes wool blankets or clothing (wool is quite fire resistant) , hand cranked torch, some water etc. We don't go overboard here because of our fire plan (mentioned below). these are things we'd need in very worst case. This kit varies a lot on your fire plan but you should have the essentials. Your local fire brigade could advise. In many bushfires you either have just minutes notice.. if you are the ignition point on a windy day, through to days and weeks or agonising waiting, preping and tracking. If you are in the situation of only having a few mins then the evac kit is what's gonna go with you as you walk out the door. Every Australian who lives rural or on the edge of a city area has a fire plan. Every year all fire stations have info nights and drop in times when you can get advice on your plan. The plan can include lots of things but first and foremost it will have a very clear plan for the point you decide to stay or leave and you'll know exactly how to make this choice. It depends on your comfort level, your fitness, your expertise and skillset, dependants etc. It also factors in enviromental factors like your local topography and what directions you are most vunerable from. The plan is super clear all the way through, you don't want to be working it out in a fire. An exmample.. a catastrophic fire rated day (we have a daily rating here in australia) ... it will be high temps (maybe in the 40's) and high winds (in the mountains where i live it can gust up in the 70-90km per hour). This condition is general considered... if there is fire, it is unlikely we will be able to stop it.. it will be up to mother nature. So if there was also a fire in area ... i would want to know where (toporgaphy between the fire and me - i live in amongst giant forested canyons ) and wind direction and speed and i would track this. Depending on how close the fire was .. 5kms, 10km, 20km, 50km (these are the watch zones i set on an app we have here) would mean something different in plan. I'd know to gather stuff together, at a certain safe zone, put it in the car and prep the land at another , and leave now at another. I don't know if Canada has an app and alert system for tracking fires? We do, its not perfect but its a starting point. For us our local firefighters in our community are our best timely info and most communities have a bush fire safety group (on FB or something). You obviously can't rely on having access to online (thats why you have a fire plan) but the information flow is far faster there and very local compared to the official app. Besides a fire tracking app you also want something like windy for tracking wind speed and direction. Your fire plan also should include a "shelter in place" plan. We personally have never had to fall back to this part of the plan, but you should have it. Again it depends on your situation. In Australia "Shelter in place" is the alert given when the fire is too close now to be outside. It is now too dangerous to leave. Rural properties have different plans to semi-rural towns. If you only have one way in and out then that needs to a serious consideration depending on where the fire is and which way the wind is blowing. If you are really pretty remote in deep forest then you have many ways you could loose access out of the area and you need to consider further distances to clear those conditions to get to a safe zone. You'd need to factor that in to your choice when to stay and leave. If i lived where you do, I would consider putting in a "shelter in place" fire shelter (and i would hope to never use it, but i'd be so thankful if i did need it). With your incredible skillset for building i think you'd probably do something amazing. There a resources far more knowledgable than me out there on how to build these for your area. In some ways fires, like all of mother nature, brings us closer to the land we live on. We learn our topogrphay, our natural fire breaks (like lakes), and natural fire corridors, we read the land. We learn the topography around us and we learn it in relation to north, south, east and west. We also learn to read the weather. We can recongiste a 20kt wind from the south west when we stand in the garden, and there is something very connecting about that ... there is also plenty about fires that a stressful and horrible, fear inducing and cry worthy. I'm sending love to all for a fire free summer.
You’re doing all the right things to learn more about living in seasonal fire zones. It helps you prep, it helps you feel safer and gives you the confidence to keep loving and growing your homestead. After living in Northern California for 30 years, I recognized everything I saw you going through. I know you’ll continue to love the beautiful home and country you’ve chosen. Plan, anticipate and LIVE!
Ladies, it’s part of your life and I for one am very happy to share it, so yes, this video format was great and I’m so glad that your area is safe. My heart goes out to those families that may have lost everything and hopefully didn’t lose lives and us down here in the United States. Found out how bad those fires were up there in Canada because we actually experience the smoke and the sup from those fires even as far down as I am in North Carolina. I have family in upstate New York and they actually saw all the smoke from your fires so we realized how bad they were again so happy that you all are good take care. See you next Sunday.
I'm so glad you are safe, and I pray for All People who are in these devastating wild fires, Here in Iowa, in the Midwest, the air quality is very bad, a hazy fog like appearance, I can only imagine how Bad it is there, it makes it difficult to breathe, we had rains here today, I pray they reach all of you, this dought has been harsh. I send you women Love, and Gratitude, for all your hard work, and uplifting Beautiful Spirits, for your Sweet Dogs too, I love Aussie Shepards, smart dogs, great companions, and Big Heaters.
Really enjoyed the longer video. My heart goes out to everyone and to all the animals that are affected by the wildfires it is good to see that you ladies are okay and the doggies as well wishing all of you good things. Take care, Crystal and jazz Bella and Izzy
My friend lives in Northern CA, two years ago a wild fire went through her area in the mountains at the 5000 foot level. She offered her cabin, home, to Cal fire as a base camp. She moved out, they moved in. The fire got within a couple hundred feet of her cabin burning up most of the huge ceder trees, melted and burnt two of her storage containers that were half buried in a hill side. The fire fighters saved their base camp, her cabin. She lost some machines. Her neighbor lost his shop and living loft a few hundred feet from her place. Her neighbor lost a deuce and a half, big army truck to the fire. People think we should leave the forest alone, but without thinning and taking out the under growth, it is a tinder box waiting to go up. I am glad you got through that fire and able to do what you need to do around your property to reduce the chance of losing everything you two have built.
My heart goes out to all the people that have been affected by the fires up there. Thank you for not leaving us hanging about your safety .I like the longer format. I think you guys showing getting prepared in case of evacuation was great.being far out and not having many roads forces you to think wiser.
Thank you for caring and sharing. Yes we really have to have a plan I place. There is only one road out. We need to have alternative plans I place as well. See you next Sunday.💛🐾
I am so relieved to hear you all are not in danger and getting prepared for a fire emergency. Despite the scariness of the end of the video, I loved the longer glimpse into living remotely! Wishing you safety and peace of mind to all Canadians!
That was my worry as well. Here in Alberta, the fires are very far north, and while they do effect quite a few people it’s not as many in a small province, such as yours. But the smoke has been just unbelievable. I’m so glad that you were safe, but, being prepared is so important. this is a good life lesson for anybody that wants to preserve their treasures not just in case of natural disasters, but all the time. Always assess what is most important in your life and either make copies of it or keep them very safe.
Meant to pass this on BEFORE black fly season. I spent 25 yrs living in Muskoka Ontario and the best thing that works for black flies is..........good old Vicks Vaporub. Yup, the same stuff your mom used on you as a kid! Helps keep them at bay. Just put some behind your ears, bend in your elbow and behind your knees. PLUS, put in on after you have bites. Gets rid of the itch, promise! Thank you ladies for letting me live my dreams through you. Keep up the good work!
You ladies could post hour long videos and I'd still keep watching! You both have a great camera presence and your editing skills are killer! So glad that you are both safe from this close encounter with wild fires. Great content in showing how to prep for an emergency. P.S. I love the new windows and doors in your cabin.
As an Aussie I recommend you have a backup to an evacuation plan. So if you are in that worse case scenario and are stuck and can’t get out that you have wool blankets you and wet and take down to your lake to take cover in while the fire front passes. Also a fire safe box you can keep your important things in too. Unfortunately fires are something we all have to get used to in this changing climate 😢
Glad you weren't affected by the fires. It's so scary because we're so helpless. A good reminder to always be prepared to a certain level. Have a wonderful week!
This was an amazing video! We live in New Mexico USA and have experienced more than our share of wildfires. From what I’ve seen on this video, you have been doing exactly what you need to do to prepare for a wildfire. One thing you have available as a last resort is the lake where, if all other escape routes are blocked, you and the dogs can retreat into the water. One comment that Crystal made was thinning the forest. Absolutely need to do this and limb the trees up 1/3 of their height to prevent a fire from laddering up into the crown of the trees. A key phrase for you is “ defensible space”. Hang in there ladies, you are doing everything right to prepare yourselves for any future challenges!! Our love goes with you ❤
Hello ladies, so sorry about the devastating wildfires and the effects on people's lives. I often wondered whether you were okay. Grateful that you were not affected. Always a bit worried about your remote location, but also grateful for the peace and tranquility of those lovely evenings you're showing in this longer video. That coming together after a hard day's work and unwinding with your loved one. I miss that. Here in South Africa, our Western Cape province is experiencing heavier than usual winter downpours and severe damage from stormwater and flooding. Roads swept away, farmland and infrastructure destroyed. People being evacuated from their homes and in many instances losing the little they have. That is when one realises the force of Nature. How fragile we are... On a lighter note. Never have I ever laughed as much as when I saw Jazz hanging from her pants in that red tractor! Thank you for sharing the heartache and the joy. The welcoming for Crystal made my heart sing. What a tsunami of pure joy! Take care. Have fun. Be safe. Thank you! Love, love, love the longer video format. Much love! 👭🐕🐕❤❤
I’m so sorry for all those folk affected by the fires, as an Aussie I know how unsettling it is , even if you’re not directly impacted, it’s gutting 😢, glad you’re preparing for evacuation if needed, NOTHING is worth risking your lives , just grab the girls and go , love to you all, Jules 🌈😘
I thoroughly enjoyed this longer video. It was fun to see your normal day to day activities along with work. The forest fires are just a nightmare. We have been smelling the smoke in Ontario. So glad all of you are safe. Thank you for making Sunday even better.
Hey ladies , so happy that you have been spared so far from the fires. I'm glad that you showed getting prepared for a speedy getaway. So important for all to get the message that you need to prepare for the worst senerio. Thanks for extending this video for 2 weeks so that we know that you guys are safe! I do like the longer format as long as it stays under an hour!! Be safe!!
My wife and I love the longer format for sure. After each video we are like " it's over already, bummer" . Each week, when we're able, we say to each other "hey let's see what the girls are up to". We are so glad you are safe. Peace be with you both.
Tornados are our natural disaster trauma in Iowa. The stress level is peaked for a much shorter period of time. I can't even imagine going days on edge, Thankful ya'll are safe for now. Great to see a little of the fun life as well. Longer format? Sure, your videos are always great to watch. There's a touch of reality, life, love, and humor in each story.
Here in the UK, we don't thankfully have to go through such devasting things as wildfires. Hope all those in Nova Scotia currently going through the aftermath, are ok. Sending Love & hugs to you both, and to all those in the affected area. xx
Loving the longer format! I was thinking of you all during the fires. I'm glad you weren't affected physically. Sharing your emotional journey through it will help others be prepared. Here in Northern NS, I could smell smoke for a day, but that came in from the west. The rain was great, but it knocked off the blueberry blossoms. Stay Safe!
I am so relieved to hear you ladies are safe. Forest fires are devastating, we all need to do our part in preventing them. Loved the cuddle puddle when Crystal came home. Seeing that pure, genuine love put a smile on my face. Thank you for the longer episode, i absolutely loved it!
I’ve been thru fire evacuations here, in Northern California. In 2017 so much of our town was lost to fire. We had to leave again in 2019, but our area was spared. In 2020 there were fires, but they didn’t travel to us that time. Fire season here is from September to December. We had a very wet and snowy winter this year, so hopefully we’ll avoid large fires this year. We’ve had our go bags packed since 2017 & every so often I swap out some clothes. I hope your beautiful land stays safe. ❤
You did well with the emergency preparedness. The drone was a good idea albeit confronting. When I saw the news about fires in Nova Scotia and other Canadian locations I was freaked out. In Australia we are used to high temperatures and bushfires . Since the 2019 fires here in Australia so many people are thinking twice before living in the bush now. Including me. All I can do is be as green as possible and have the least impactful footprint in this world 🌎 🙏🏻 I’m so glad your properties are safe.
Happy Sunday Jaz , Crystal , Bella & Izzy 👋😀☕☕ so happy to see that you safe from those wildfires , I was getting concerned for you guys and it is good to see you preparing essentials just in case. Your garden is looking quite awesome indeed as is the rest of your homestead. Absolutely loved the longer version of your video!! Catch ya on the flip side .. 🐾🐾 Paws Up 🐾🐾 .. Cheers!!
SO happy to hear your area stayed safe. My heart goes out to all the people effected across the country. As someone who lives in Alberta and has been evacuated before, I know this horrible feeling all too well.
Thank God you both are safe and you didn't have to evacuate. You were the first one I thought of when I heard about the fires. And by the way, your videos could never be to long!! Love you both ❤
I don't know what you would call it kindred spirits or bestfriends in another lifetime or whatever but every time your podcast comes out every time your video on Sunday appears on screen my heart races because you just bring so much joy and I just love the journey with you and Jasmine building this blank slate of property and making it into this gorgeous absolutely stunning home that is so perfect for you both and I can't wait for more videos and I love how long and in-depth your videos are I feel like I'm transported and just literally watching a point of view in the most unsurreal awesome experience . But then again I'd watch you guys if you had two hour-long episodes I'm that enthralled😊
Relieved you both are safe and unaffected by the wildfires and deeply saddened for those who are. Global warming is no joke and with it comes crazy weather and natural events, some quite devastating. Stay prepared and take care of each other ❤ The longer video format is wonderful - such a nice way to spend the morning. Glad you were able to remove the tree from your garden bed. Also, not sure what types of berries you are growing. I just planted blueberries and raspberries this year and while I knew blueberries require very acidic soil conditions to thrive, I had no idea that raspberries also like acidic soil. I’m using fertilizer specifically made for acid loving plants, like azaleas, blueberries and raspberries - purchased fertilizer from local big box store, sprinkled around base of each plant, watered it in and it’s helped significantly.
I enjoyed this long segment immensely. The fires are scary indeed. I have counseled people who have been burned out of their homes, their businesses, and their jobs, plus many have lost close friends, family members, and beloved pets. ~ Northern California, north of Sacramento.
Love _all_ of the video! The length is a viewing challenge usually, but I had Sunday free for it. It is raining here (Pacific Northwest), and that makes it much easier to view the forest fires. We had our "torching" three years ago with widespread fires. That occurred with reacord breaking high temperatures, crushing the old records by 6-8 °F. This summer has been very pleasantly cool, around 70-80 °F (21 - 27 °C).
SO glad to see you are all safe. My heart has been heavy for the thought of what you could have faced and seeing this in reality certainly brought tears to my eyes. The bravery of you both is so inspiring and the raw emotions you shared is humbling. I pray for your continued safety. And I pray for your country to heal. Bless you all.
I'm glad you are all doing good 👍. Yes it's a great idea to learn preventive tactics such as placing a fire line between what you are trying to keep from catching fire and the forest and thinning out the forest itself. Good luck to you all going through any of the natural disasters my thoughts and prayers 🙏 and of course good vibes 🤗
Firstly, thank you for sharing your anxieties and preparations regarding the wild fires. Where I live in the UK fires are very unlikely, but not impossible. So it was an interesting insight into your lives. Secondly, I like the longer format but 40 minutes is the limit I can fit in to my days, as I follow over a hundred UA-camrs. I think 'vanwives is one of the better videos ( not flattery) as it is an insight to a very different life style. So Thanks for what you produce. Love the Pack.
We had a huge wildfire in Oregon in 2020 and it came within 15 miles of us. Burned beautiful old growth forest to the ground and was so damaging. The sky turned red and the air was thick. Its so scary and really shows impacts of global warming on our world. So glad you all are safe and sound!
Absolutely love the videos lately. I’m not sure if black flies are like mosquitoes if they are vanilla and lavender scent usually repels them some of the time. Can’t wait to see all the improvements to the cabin
Where I live in South West, Western Australia we also have to be prepared for bushfires. Some have come as close as 350 metres from our boundary before. Scary stuff! The best thing to have is an underground bunker/root cellar for an absolute last resort if it is too late to leave or way-out is blocked. Have a stock of water, food, torches blankets etc always stored there during the fire season. This way you can wait it out until the fire has passed. Stay safe and alert!😊
I LOVE seeing your daily life. Projects are good, but I've been watching you ladies for years and what hooked me on your videos is seeing the two of you loving and laughing together. Your energy and outlook on life is inspiring. The fun with the ATV's and dogs are always entertaing. Teaching Crystal to ride with a clutch, cleaning dog poo of the plywood....it's all enjoyable to watch. Stay safe and keep posting.
OK, it's the silly helmet kiss and the "can you pull my toes" for me. You two together make me happy. Berries will be much happier and tractor fabulousness, Jazmyn! Thanks for the long format, hope it gave you some joy on your end too.
I love longer-form videos. Granted, the trend right now is supposed to be shorts, but I am totally not a fan of those. This longer content from you makes me happy, happy, happy! Also, I am so glad to hear that so far you are relatively safe, as well as well-prepared regarding wildfires. It is heartbreaking to hear of all the others in NovaScotia being affected. Sending lots of love to you and the pack.
ps.: don’t piece spaghetti before cooking! Let them fall in a tall pot of happily boiling water -add salt, just enough for the amount of the spaghetti- by twisting the top of the bunch you want to cook. Both hands on upper part, twist and let go. The bunch will open up like a blooming flower. Let it happily 😉 boil; scoop all the amid foam as it forms, lower the flame and start the timer. To check if the consistency of the pasta is OK: ‘fish’: (spoon and fork) a couple of spaghetti quickly out of the water, blow on them and gently bite. If ready, drain them quickly from the water, dress in a large hot pan and serve -almost straight away, adding some extra virgin olive oil on top of the “hill”. Enjoy 😘 (from Italy 😉)
Fellow Nova Scotian here! So glad to hear your family wasn’t evacuated💛 I loved the longer style of vlog; felt like you guys chatted more, explained how you feel and showed the little relatable moments in your day to day💛
To get ideas on how to work less than ideal soil into fertile soil, go over to Cog Hill Farm. Jason places tarps over his rocky hard soil that will be a section for a garden. The tarps keep moisture in the soil. Then Jason uses a plow attachment on his tractor to turn the soil over a good 18 - 24 inches deep. Then he plants a cover crop. When the cover crop is ready, Jason plows the cover crop back into the soil, so the cover crop fertilizes and adds to the soil. Soil can take over a year to get properly set up for sustained gardening. No amount of dumping good soil over rock hard soil is going to get anything growing. That rock hard desert where the berries are planted needed to be properly worked over with a good plow.
I am so happy to hear your safe, and don't mind the long format for something so critical. Generally, I prefer To-Be-Continued smaller drops more frequently than longer format. But you do you, we all will watch anyways.
Hi ladies, I don't normally post, but watch you each Monday morning ( in Australia) and wanted to empathise with you and your fellow Canadians about the wild fires. In 2019 we had wild fires in our back yard all up and down the east coast of Australia and literally across the back of our house. We lost millions of animals, including koalas, kangaroos and many many more beautiful native animals. If it wasnt for the skill and dedication of our wonderful fire fighters and helicopter pilots dumping water on the fires, our home like many others would have been burnt to the ground. Unfortunately some fiefighters lost their lives helping protect other peoples' properties. 😢 It breaks my heart to think that so many people have gone through and are still going through what we and my fellow Australians have so recently been through. It is so important to have a fire plan and I'm so glad you girls are taking measures to make an escape plan. Thinking of you all and when you come across a firefighter, give them a hug and tell them what wonderful people they are. We are forever in their debt. Stay safe Canada ❤
What a terrible ordeal for so many of us here in NS, I had to take a break from social media as the stories of the devastation were hurting my heart. It was such a relief to get that rain and I will try to never complain about our rainy weather ever again. On a brighter note, I think an electric fireplace or some type of water feature would look amazing on that wall between your two big windows. Glad you ladies are safe and I tell you, the events of the wildfires have made us all a little bit more conscious of what Mother Nature can do to us here in NS.
We have had huge fires in Alberta and its causing amazing smoke issue south of us in the USA. What is amazing is how this has affected other parts of Canada including you guys in NS. Look at your environment around you and look at how old and how dead some of the trees are. As I say this is a natural cleansing for the forest to get rid of all the deadwood....Be prepared always good job to both of you for showing us what to do... Nice work ladies as always
Hi girls, I live in the Santa Cruz Mountains in California and a few years ago we had a terrible terrible wild fire here called the CZU Fire, you can look it up. We had to evacuate for two weeks. So many of our friends and neighbors lost their homes. So we praying for Nova Scotia 🙏🏼 So glad to see your prepared. Stay safe and btw love love the new awesome windows. You guys are so inspiring.. love you guys so much. Thanks for the smiles
What you have done with your home is absolutely amazing. It's beautiful and really coming along. Fires are absolutely terrifying. I lived in Big Bear Lake, CA next to the forest and have lived through 3 very serious fires 🔥 Arrowhead and surrounding areas on the mountain and forest were absolutely destroyed. I had to evacuate at the time. That's why I always had a Motorhome. It was a life saver. Now my van will do. Glad you're all safe.
We had the smoke in the sky here in Glenville, NY last week for about 4 days. The skies were so dark and it smelled so bad. The air quality was so bad we were told by the governor of NY to stay inside as much as possible. I'm so glad you are okay.
Being in Northern California we have to prepare year round, but especially summer and fall...fall being our worst fire season for sure. In 2017 we lost 9 people in our very small community and one county over they lost so many more....those two fires were burning simultaneously during the freakiest wind storm we've ever experienced. The fire moved so fast and late at night. so people were sleeping and unaware and the old fashioned fire department fire alarm didn't sound off, I'm not sure why. Anyway, my childhood home burned down and the entire neighborhood I grew up in. Since then we've had more fires but none as devastating at the 2017 fire but neighboring communities across Northern California, Paradise in particular, took their hit a couple years later. It's something we are always thinking about. I'm so glad you're safe and your property was not affected. And it's really great that you are taking preparedness seriously and setting the example. It's great peace of mind too.
This is seven months ago-the wild fires are a huge concern, east and west. I am in the middle in Ontario but watch with caution. I am new to your channel. The videos cannot be too long for me. I am an artist in the city and turned my sleeping loft into a cabin so love to watch your experiences from my own (somewhat imaginary) cabin! You are making a beautiful life!
Exactly! Life IS the journey NOT the destination. Stop, and enjoy the berries 🍒🍇🥝🍓🫐 then the berry pies 🥧 🧀..... 😉 You girls totally rock and delight 🙏🏼 Thank you for sharing your incredible journey 🔆🧡🦋🌈☮️
I wish you had a few scrap 4x4's about 3' long that you could use as "stickers" for the fork lift. Find a level spot, lay the stickers down and set the load on top. If the load is level, set some more stickers on top and stack the next load on top. Then you don't have to load and unload, dump and restack etc, all your lumber every time you move it, or need something from the bottom of the pile. Overall it is great to see the life you building and enjoying.
I’m down here in New York and the smoke was apocalyptic. I’ve never seen anything like that in my life. I was worried about you when I heard where the fires were. You need to have two escape routes off of your property in opposite directions. And install sprinklers on the house and the edges of the property where it’s cleared. And keep as much room cleared around it as you can. Lightning can strike at any time and set the woods ablaze leading to those kind of massive uncontainable fires. Love you,stay safe.
Thank God you are safe from those wildfires, good to see you are well prepared for an emergency evacuation. Such a worry though. Loved your video, great to see all your preparation in the gardens too. You are both such hard and skilled workers. Stay safe and keep us posted. 💕
Hi girls, I've been watching you for years. I'm 69 years old and once again I want to say how proud I am of you. My husband would have loved you too. He believed women should know all the things you're learning. My daughter is in her 40's and is amazing like you. She bought an old house in New Mexico and has been remodeling it. So I've been seeing her progress with yours....... I love it all. Your home is amazing be proud of everything you've done. You have both grown in knowledge, skills, and self confidence a bunch and it is heartwarming to see. I didn't realize you lived anywhere near where you have to worry about the fire. For what it's worth I am keeping you all in my prayers.
I'm in Connecticut, USA and we had smoke here from the Canadian wildfires. It was horrible and apocalyptic...I can only imagine what it's like there. Glad you are safe so far ❤ God bless all those effected...human and animal 🙏✝️🙏 As far as your preparation shouldn’t you just put everything in the van and then if you have to leave it's all packed and you will be taking your tiny home with you? I would think that's the best vehicle to take as it’s self sufficient.🎉 I LOVED THE LONGER VIDEO❣
I enjoy your videos. Because I like seeing you guys work on different projects. Van life not my favorite, but the building and garden stuff I like. Just to be honest, I believe you choice of lifestyle is not right, but it’s the choice you make and don’t hate you. So don’t hate me and keep us updated on projects.
Enjoyed longer video. Please be safe. Suggestion? A couple 9f big IBC totes filled with water, hoses and a couple of pumps. Paint the totes dark so dont grow mold. That will help you and give you fire proection. I think they hold 250 gallons of water. Not going to drink it so wont matter what was in it as long as not toxic. Could also help with other fire prention. Drain em in fall and winterize pumps. You tube videos to help you set them up.
Always know you can go to the water - all four of you can get in the water cause we can’t replace you - anything else can be replaced, we love you and grateful you are prepared and aware. Love hugs Mother Medicine
Ladies you are always WINNING!! You make a point of doing what you can daily. For the black flies I use lavender oil, I looked online and they suggest vanilla or pine extract. I had never heard of Pine extract.. lol do not forget to mound your beans when they start to grow, this helps them stay upright when the beans are produced. Happy Planting!
I do like this longer format. I also appreciate your honesty, and allowing us to see your highs and your lows as you live your lives in such a beautiful part of the world.
We had Forrest fires all around us last year here in the Pacific Northwest of the USA. It is a horrible feeling not knowing. We’ll be sending good thoughts your way. We’ll be praying for rain with no lightning for all of us. Be safe.
Glad to see you guys are safe. During the packing montage, I could only think of one thing, hope you have two copies of your footage and preferably one offsite. The offsite copy can be a large drive that you keep t a friends house or the cloud. As someone that works in post I understand it is not IF a drive dies, it is WHEN a drive dies. Take care.
Long format is a go! Not only do you share your big projects, but the little things in life are equally important. Your safety is important, and how you feel, or at least exploring how you feel on environmental impacts is important too.
I was an active fire fighter and live in a place called St Andrews, Victoria Australia. At the base of the Kinglake mountains. We experienced, fought, lost so many friends and homes, stock and pets, in what is now called the Black Saturday fires. It was terrifying shocking and like living in an apocalyptic nightmare. As a firey we learnt there is no such thing as fighting fires, we hope to try and send them in different directions. It was a wind change that allows me to still be here to watch you two and tell this short tale. The Forrest is a beautiful place we have to accept that to enjoy such beauty comes with risks. I am so glad that you and your beautiful puppies are safe. Always have multiple escape routes leave when winds are high and humidity is low. Many people I knew stayed to protect their homes and died, there are many who stayed to protect and survived. ❤
We appreciate you sharing your experience with us. We are also happy to have you still here. Thinking of you and everyone who has been affected by the wild fires. 💛💛
My dog has dug out my blueberry bush several times and this was after I let it sit unpotted for a few weeks. Yeah I'm not getting fruit but it's also alive. Plants are resilient little things
So many emotions, so much to say, I hope I can remember it all. First, I didn't even realize how long the video was. Especially after the update about the fires. I have been wondering how you were doing and was afraid you were adversely affected by them. So glad to see you were safe the whole time. Glad too that you are now prepared in case any other fires break out. My wife and I have been using Brooklinen sheets for a couple of years now and won't use anything else. The berries. There was enough life in them (green leaves, etc.) that they should fully recover with the treatment you gave them. Oh, Crystal and Jasmin, I love you so much. So glad you are doing so well. Stay safe, ladies. 🌈💖🧡💛💚💙💜💋
Love the longer post! Sorry you have been through a tough couple of weeks. I can totally relate because here in Australia our Summer months are dangerous for either bush fires or floods (cyclones). We approach each season, just like you have with a plan for water, long life food, securing valuables & ensuing you have the apps updated for emergency updates. While we enjoy the reprieve of winter, may your summer be blessed with the right amount of rain to keep the fires at bay but not too much it floods! xxoo
You were using a trim saw. Small, close teeth not meant for cutting down trees, also use your elbow to move the saw back and forth, not your wrist or shoulder. Native/aboriginal suggestion as to black flies, mosquito's. They have to put their 'feet' down to bite you. Use olive oil with citronella oil and cover your skin ect. It wipes off easy and leaves skin smooth and bug bite free. They also cannot see white. A mans extra large white dress shirt works great, allows breeze to blow up. Bugs cannot fly up so button up cuffs and neck but leave tail loose.
So glad to hear you was out of the fire zone. I live in the mountains. 1hr from tahoe and was evacuated last year for 2weeks, before they let back in. But a lot of people lot t everything, with the grace of god our place was saved
LOVE LOVE LOVE TODAYS VIDEO!! One thing we have done at our cabin was buy 2 fire proof safes. 1 has all important paperwork n 1 has video/ pictures that can’t be replaced n meds for everyone. We are in a drought here in Michigan n no burn bans are in place. Keep the safes right inside door. They r like $30 here at Walmart. Can’t wait to see more videos like today’s
Glad you all are safe. The smoke from the fires is very far reaching and again it has arrived in middle TN. Air quality was 103 to today which is unheard of in my little rural area. Let's pray for rain and a lot of it
Love having a long video. Ladies and fur babies please please please be safe. Hope and pray mother nature comes and down pours heavy rains to stop wild fires. I truly laughed out loud when Jazmin shorts got caught and your fur babies so happy mommy arrived home safely.
I’ve been praying for the ones affected by the fires..sooo sad..and heartbreaking..praying u NEVER have to deal with that..u need a safe to keep important papers and valuables..storage for necessities (food water meds toys)for the dogs and meds,blankets,clothes,ect all in one tote that u can grab in a quick second to evac.I have one like this every winter in case of tornados,storms ect..u need to do fire breaks around your property and through the woods u have..they help tremendously..to control fires..I never understand Calif..doesn’t do those..it’s heartbreaking to see them every single year..stay safe..God bless u all.
Hello lovlies, have just heard about Kunzea oil...aka tick bush. Worth a try making it into a spray for ticks and I'm sure the blackflies won't enjoy it either. Love your work.😻
Happy Sunday Pack!! We decided to try something new, and bring you along for a full 37 minutes this week! Let us know if you enjoy the longer videos. We hope you feel like you’re here with us💛
Love the longer videos ladies, from Vancouver BC Canada 🇨🇦 😊🙌🙏❤️
Love the long videos 😊
Axe?? holy cow, was not expecting the wildfire aspect as you all had not mentioned it, it has been devastating for all. My area in Ontario has been impacted by smoke heavily and kids can't play outside. People across Canada have either lost their homes or can't leave home safely, it is a nation wide crisis. We need to stop calling this wildfire season, that is not true, this is climate change and we have to call it what it is, or it will never be addressed properly. You all need to get a minisplit for heat and keep that fire as a back... sell of your incinerator toilet and buy a composter... not just you, we all need to see our own use of fossil fuels as a last resort, not a go to.. you two are miles ahead with your solar system though.. Cheers.
Loveeeee the longer video ❤
Y’all should buy those fly traps from Home Depot. ( I think it’s by RAID) one of my friends lives on a farm and she put about 10 bags out ( spread them out) Holy moly the bags were full of flies 😳 She keeps buying the bags because the flies are not as bad anymore and they are attracted to something in the bags.
Not going to lie, hearing about the Canada fires we instantly thought of you two. So happy you’re not affected but sad for those that are. Thank you for the longer format, that made our Sunday.
Thank you for thinking about us 💛 so devastating what has/is happening xx
I see you only reply to a few comments. Good to know.
You two and your two great friends MAKE Sunday. Longer is better. Please, you have done the right things by being prepared to be out quickly. The drone is a real tool to help keep you stay safe by providing some ‘lead time’ but, just remember, everything you have built can be replaced. The four of you cannot. Praying for rain.
Yes I worried also. I have in Nova Scotia.
Plus a list of Canadian Cousin's. 😮 please everyone stay safe from the fire Hotspot and smoke fill winds. In my prays tonight.
Gold to see you 😊both
@@billiemontgomery8646 They have over 2K comments.
I could watch you both, all day long, 24/7. It was a fun, longer vid but have to say, as a Dad, Grandfather and firefighter, it was tough seeing you both so concerned. Wished I lived closer to help you both through that tough time. Glad you're all safe. 😉💚
Firefighters are heroes!
Thanks Andy! & thank you even more for being a firefighter. We appreciate you 💛
I have been so worried about you four and Tyler and Todd and their little family. My dad, uncle and son, who now lives in Wyoming, were all volunteer fire fighters so when I hear wildfires, I listen very closely. I have been out to visit him when the Hoback fire was happening near Pinedale, Wyoming. It was like driving into a war zone when we drove into their remote little town. Helicopters flying in, filling up, flying towards the fire, all in a field right along the road. I had watched the Canadian news daily, listening to the updates. I was building a floating deck and drawing up plans for my tiny house...which brought all of you to my mind again and again. I have watched you guys from the beginning and at 58 learned how to use a chainsaw, lol. I don't need a four bedroom house for just me and my little dog so I have the plans at the builders and hopefully by next winter I will be in my tiny home. I appreciate all that you do and a long the way teach us all that we can do anything we put our minds to.
This is the first time I've dared to write and I'm sorry it's way too long. Good luck, stay safe and prepared.
Love the long format. As an Albertan who has been dealing with fires for the last two months with little change I think you showing your emergency preparations are a good thing for everyone to know whether they live in a city or in the woods. Many Albertans have had little to no notice of having to evacuate their homes leaving pets and farm animals behind.
How does someone leave their pets and farm animals behind? I could never, leave my animals behind. Charges should be laid for abandonment. We need to do better.
Thanks Matt, the king format is a favourite it seems. Yes so important to have emergency plan in place and evacuation routes all mapped out before the time. 💛🐾
Longer format!!
@stormfaith being able to evacuate livestock quickly is often not an option. Where do you evacuate them too? Do you have trailers and trucks to evacuate them all at once? How quickly could you load them all onto that trailer? Sometimes you have only minutes to evacuate.
I live in Sonoma County in Santa Rosa where we had devastating fires. We bought a Minnie Winnie RV and honestly mostly to be able to evacuate in the case of another fire. We have all the stuff ready to go all the time but especially in fire season. Keep gas full like you do and non perishable food and water We always have backpacks with non replaceable belongings ready. Keep our Jackerys charged, meds etc. It is really scary when your area is affected. Thank goodness our neighborhood was spared but just 10 minutes from us lives and homes were lost. You are doing the right thing to be prepared. I am keeping you all in my prayers. Someone posted in a comment here about livestock. We have a very rural area here and livestock was saved wherever possible but when you aren’t expecting a fire it is hard. It was devastating to people who had to run for their lives and leave behind animals. Our fairgrounds and neighboring communities helped out by providing shelter and trailers. In times of disaster lots of good work is done by brave and generous people.
As an Australian who lives in the Blue Mountains in one of the most fire prone areas of the world , I understand all the stressful waiting. I'm sending love and thoughts and I'm glad you are both safe (and the girls). It is indeed a price we pay for living in the middle of a massive forest.
I have been on notice for evacuation many times and i've been evacuated several times over my lifetime - including the 2019 fires which made international news , this fire front was just a few km's from our house. Probably some of the most stressful time in all of that is preping and having stuff ready by the door.
I'm sure many are giving you ideas but i thought i'd my thoughts.
We have an evac kit (LOL in winter the box becomes our black out kit). I pack this fairly early in the fire season. It includes documents of importance.. passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, land deeds etc. It also includes things we can't replace including things like our wedding album (pre-digital times). Besides what we want to save, the evac kit also includes wool blankets or clothing (wool is quite fire resistant) , hand cranked torch, some water etc. We don't go overboard here because of our fire plan (mentioned below). these are things we'd need in very worst case. This kit varies a lot on your fire plan but you should have the essentials. Your local fire brigade could advise. In many bushfires you either have just minutes notice.. if you are the ignition point on a windy day, through to days and weeks or agonising waiting, preping and tracking. If you are in the situation of only having a few mins then the evac kit is what's gonna go with you as you walk out the door.
Every Australian who lives rural or on the edge of a city area has a fire plan. Every year all fire stations have info nights and drop in times when you can get advice on your plan. The plan can include lots of things but first and foremost it will have a very clear plan for the point you decide to stay or leave and you'll know exactly how to make this choice.
It depends on your comfort level, your fitness, your expertise and skillset, dependants etc. It also factors in enviromental factors like your local topography and what directions you are most vunerable from. The plan is super clear all the way through, you don't want to be working it out in a fire.
An exmample.. a catastrophic fire rated day (we have a daily rating here in australia) ... it will be high temps (maybe in the 40's) and high winds (in the mountains where i live it can gust up in the 70-90km per hour). This condition is general considered... if there is fire, it is unlikely we will be able to stop it.. it will be up to mother nature. So if there was also a fire in area ... i would want to know where (toporgaphy between the fire and me - i live in amongst giant forested canyons ) and wind direction and speed and i would track this.
Depending on how close the fire was .. 5kms, 10km, 20km, 50km (these are the watch zones i set on an app we have here) would mean something different in plan. I'd know to gather stuff together, at a certain safe zone, put it in the car and prep the land at another , and leave now at another. I don't know if Canada has an app and alert system for tracking fires? We do, its not perfect but its a starting point. For us our local firefighters in our community are our best timely info and most communities have a bush fire safety group (on FB or something). You obviously can't rely on having access to online (thats why you have a fire plan) but the information flow is far faster there and very local compared to the official app.
Besides a fire tracking app you also want something like windy for tracking wind speed and direction.
Your fire plan also should include a "shelter in place" plan. We personally have never had to fall back to this part of the plan, but you should have it. Again it depends on your situation. In Australia "Shelter in place" is the alert given when the fire is too close now to be outside. It is now too dangerous to leave. Rural properties have different plans to semi-rural towns.
If you only have one way in and out then that needs to a serious consideration depending on where the fire is and which way the wind is blowing. If you are really pretty remote in deep forest then you have many ways you could loose access out of the area and you need to consider further distances to clear those conditions to get to a safe zone. You'd need to factor that in to your choice when to stay and leave.
If i lived where you do, I would consider putting in a "shelter in place" fire shelter (and i would hope to never use it, but i'd be so thankful if i did need it). With your incredible skillset for building i think you'd probably do something amazing. There a resources far more knowledgable than me out there on how to build these for your area.
In some ways fires, like all of mother nature, brings us closer to the land we live on. We learn our topogrphay, our natural fire breaks (like lakes), and natural fire corridors, we read the land. We learn the topography around us and we learn it in relation to north, south, east and west. We also learn to read the weather. We can recongiste a 20kt wind from the south west when we stand in the garden, and there is something very connecting about that ... there is also plenty about fires that a stressful and horrible, fear inducing and cry worthy. I'm sending love to all for a fire free summer.
You’re doing all the right things to learn more about living in seasonal fire zones. It helps you prep, it helps you feel safer and gives you the confidence to keep loving and growing your homestead. After living in Northern California for 30 years, I recognized everything I saw you going through. I know you’ll continue to love the beautiful home and country you’ve chosen. Plan, anticipate and LIVE!
You’re so right. Well said Joan. Thank you xx
Ladies, it’s part of your life and I for one am very happy to share it, so yes, this video format was great and I’m so glad that your area is safe. My heart goes out to those families that may have lost everything and hopefully didn’t lose lives and us down here in the United States. Found out how bad those fires were up there in Canada because we actually experience the smoke and the sup from those fires even as far down as I am in North Carolina. I have family in upstate New York and they actually saw all the smoke from your fires so we realized how bad they were again so happy that you all are good take care. See you next Sunday.
I'm so glad you are safe, and I pray for All People who are in these devastating wild fires, Here in Iowa, in the Midwest, the air quality is very bad, a hazy fog like appearance, I can only imagine how Bad it is there, it makes it difficult to breathe, we had rains here today, I pray they reach all of you, this dought has been harsh. I send you women Love, and Gratitude, for all your hard work, and uplifting Beautiful Spirits, for your Sweet Dogs too, I love Aussie Shepards, smart dogs, great companions, and Big Heaters.
That’s actually amazing how far that smoke travels.
Really enjoyed the longer video. My heart goes out to everyone and to all the animals that are affected by the wildfires it is good to see that you ladies are okay and the doggies as well wishing all of you good things. Take care, Crystal and jazz Bella and Izzy
My friend lives in Northern CA, two years ago a wild fire went through her area in the mountains at the 5000 foot level. She offered her cabin, home, to Cal fire as a base camp. She moved out, they moved in. The fire got within a couple hundred feet of her cabin burning up most of the huge ceder trees, melted and burnt two of her storage containers that were half buried in a hill side. The fire fighters saved their base camp, her cabin. She lost some machines. Her neighbor lost his shop and living loft a few hundred feet from her place. Her neighbor lost a deuce and a half, big army truck to the fire. People think we should leave the forest alone, but without thinning and taking out the under growth, it is a tinder box waiting to go up. I am glad you got through that fire and able to do what you need to do around your property to reduce the chance of losing everything you two have built.
My heart goes out to all the people that have been affected by the fires up there. Thank you for not leaving us hanging about your safety .I like the longer format. I think you guys showing getting prepared in case of evacuation was great.being far out and not having many roads forces you to think wiser.
Thank you for caring and sharing. Yes we really have to have a plan I place. There is only one road out. We need to have alternative plans I place as well. See you next Sunday.💛🐾
I am so relieved to hear you all are not in danger and getting prepared for a fire emergency. Despite the scariness of the end of the video, I loved the longer glimpse into living remotely! Wishing you safety and peace of mind to all Canadians!
So scary :( thank you for joining us xx
That was my worry as well.
Here in Alberta, the fires are very far north, and while they do effect quite a few people it’s not as many in a small province, such as yours. But the smoke has been just unbelievable.
I’m so glad that you were safe, but, being prepared is so important.
this is a good life lesson for anybody that wants to preserve their treasures not just in case of natural disasters, but all the time.
Always assess what is most important in your life and either make copies of it or keep them very safe.
Enjoy the longer video so much!! Glad you guys are safe prayers for those affected
Thanks for the feedback and prayers for those affected 💛
Meant to pass this on BEFORE black fly season. I spent 25 yrs living in Muskoka Ontario and the best thing that works for black flies is..........good old Vicks Vaporub. Yup, the same stuff your mom used on you as a kid! Helps keep them at bay. Just put some behind your ears, bend in your elbow and behind your knees. PLUS, put in on after you have bites. Gets rid of the itch, promise! Thank you ladies for letting me live my dreams through you. Keep up the good work!
You ladies could post hour long videos and I'd still keep watching! You both have a great camera presence and your editing skills are killer! So glad that you are both safe from this close encounter with wild fires. Great content in showing how to prep for an emergency. P.S. I love the new windows and doors in your cabin.
As an Aussie I recommend you have a backup to an evacuation plan. So if you are in that worse case scenario and are stuck and can’t get out that you have wool blankets you and wet and take down to your lake to take cover in while the fire front passes. Also a fire safe box you can keep your important things in too. Unfortunately fires are something we all have to get used to in this changing climate 😢
Glad you weren't affected by the fires. It's so scary because we're so helpless. A good reminder to always be prepared to a certain level. Have a wonderful week!
So so scary :( thank you, you as well
This was an amazing video! We live in New Mexico USA and have experienced more than our share of wildfires. From what I’ve seen on this video, you have been doing exactly what you need to do to prepare for a wildfire. One thing you have available as a last resort is the lake where, if all other escape routes are blocked, you and the dogs can retreat into the water.
One comment that Crystal made was thinning the forest. Absolutely need to do this and limb the trees up 1/3 of their height to prevent a fire from laddering up into the crown of the trees. A key phrase for you is “ defensible space”.
Hang in there ladies, you are doing everything right to prepare yourselves for any future challenges!!
Our love goes with you ❤
Hello ladies, so sorry about the devastating wildfires and the effects on people's lives. I often wondered whether you were okay. Grateful that you were not affected. Always a bit worried about your remote location, but also grateful for the peace and tranquility of those lovely evenings you're showing in this longer video. That coming together after a hard day's work and unwinding with your loved one. I miss that.
Here in South Africa, our Western Cape province is experiencing heavier than usual winter downpours and severe damage from stormwater and flooding. Roads swept away, farmland and infrastructure destroyed. People being evacuated from their homes and in many instances losing the little they have. That is when one realises the force of Nature. How fragile we are...
On a lighter note. Never have I ever laughed as much as when I saw Jazz hanging from her pants in that red tractor!
Thank you for sharing the heartache and the joy.
The welcoming for Crystal made my heart sing. What a tsunami of pure joy!
Take care. Have fun. Be safe.
Thank you! Love, love, love the longer video format.
Much love!
👭🐕🐕❤❤
Praying for everyone affected by the fires. Praying for you two🙏❤️
I’m so sorry for all those folk affected by the fires, as an Aussie I know how unsettling it is , even if you’re not directly impacted, it’s gutting 😢, glad you’re preparing for evacuation if needed, NOTHING is worth risking your lives , just grab the girls and go , love to you all, Jules 🌈😘
I thoroughly enjoyed this longer video. It was fun to see your normal day to day activities along with work. The forest fires are just a nightmare. We have been smelling the smoke in Ontario. So glad all of you are safe. Thank you for making Sunday even better.
Many blessings to all those who have been affected by the wild fires... Yes , we love the longer videos.. happy y'all are safe 🌻🫶✌️
Hey ladies , so happy that you have been spared so far from the fires. I'm glad that you showed getting prepared for a speedy getaway. So important for all to get the message that you need to prepare for the worst senerio. Thanks for extending this video for 2 weeks so that we know that you guys are safe! I do like the longer format as long as it stays under an hour!! Be safe!!
My wife and I love the longer format for sure. After each video we are like " it's over already, bummer" . Each week, when we're able, we say to each other "hey let's see what the girls are up to". We are so glad you are safe. Peace be with you both.
Tornados are our natural disaster trauma in Iowa. The stress level is peaked for a much shorter period of time. I can't even imagine going days on edge, Thankful ya'll are safe for now. Great to see a little of the fun life as well. Longer format? Sure, your videos are always great to watch. There's a touch of reality, life, love, and humor in each story.
Here in the UK, we don't thankfully have to go through such devasting things as wildfires. Hope all those in Nova Scotia currently going through the aftermath, are ok. Sending Love & hugs to you both, and to all those in the affected area. xx
Loving the longer format! I was thinking of you all during the fires. I'm glad you weren't affected physically. Sharing your emotional journey through it will help others be prepared. Here in Northern NS, I could smell smoke for a day, but that came in from the west. The rain was great, but it knocked off the blueberry blossoms. Stay Safe!
I am so relieved to hear you ladies are safe. Forest fires are devastating, we all need to do our part in preventing them.
Loved the cuddle puddle when Crystal came home. Seeing that pure, genuine love put a smile on my face. Thank you for the longer episode, i absolutely loved it!
I’ve been thru fire evacuations here, in Northern California. In 2017 so much of our town was lost to fire. We had to leave again in 2019, but our area was spared. In 2020 there were fires, but they didn’t travel to us that time. Fire season here is from September to December. We had a very wet and snowy winter this year, so hopefully we’ll avoid large fires this year. We’ve had our go bags packed since 2017 & every so often I swap out some clothes. I hope your beautiful land stays safe. ❤
You did well with the emergency preparedness. The drone was a good idea albeit confronting. When I saw the news about fires in Nova Scotia and other Canadian locations I was freaked out. In Australia we are used to high temperatures and bushfires . Since the 2019 fires here in Australia so many people are thinking twice before living in the bush now. Including me. All I can do is be as green as possible and have the least impactful footprint in this world 🌎 🙏🏻 I’m so glad your properties are safe.
Happy Sunday Jaz , Crystal , Bella & Izzy 👋😀☕☕ so happy to see that you safe from those wildfires , I was getting concerned for you guys and it is good to see you preparing essentials just in case. Your garden is looking quite awesome indeed as is the rest of your homestead. Absolutely loved the longer version of your video!! Catch ya on the flip side .. 🐾🐾 Paws Up 🐾🐾 .. Cheers!!
Glad to hear that you 4 are safe, sorry about the fires. Enjoy watching this longer video. Sending prayers for all affected by these fires. Stay safe.
Only just started but yes absolutely will love the longer videos 💛💛!! Happy Sunday 🐾🐾
Thanks for you feedback. We sure do appreciate your input. Happy to have you in our pack!💛🐾
SO happy to hear your area stayed safe. My heart goes out to all the people effected across the country. As someone who lives in Alberta and has been evacuated before, I know this horrible feeling all too well.
Your pups...when crystal came home! And y'all's laughs! Gold.
Thank God you both are safe and you didn't have to evacuate. You were the first one I thought of when I heard about the fires. And by the way, your videos could never be to long!! Love you both ❤
I don't know what you would call it kindred spirits or bestfriends in another lifetime or whatever but every time your podcast comes out every time your video on Sunday appears on screen my heart races because you just bring so much joy and I just love the journey with you and Jasmine building this blank slate of property and making it into this gorgeous absolutely stunning home that is so perfect for you both and I can't wait for more videos and I love how long and in-depth your videos are I feel like I'm transported and just literally watching a point of view in the most unsurreal awesome experience . But then again I'd watch you guys if you had two hour-long episodes I'm that enthralled😊
Awwwwwe this is the sweetest comment ever!!!!!! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave that here 💛💛 See you sunday!
@@Vanwivesholy applesauce honestly didn't think you would reply even better keep being amazing guys your content is chefs kiss
Relieved you both are safe and unaffected by the wildfires and deeply saddened for those who are. Global warming is no joke and with it comes crazy weather and natural events, some quite devastating. Stay prepared and take care of each other ❤ The longer video format is wonderful - such a nice way to spend the morning. Glad you were able to remove the tree from your garden bed. Also, not sure what types of berries you are growing. I just planted blueberries and raspberries this year and while I knew blueberries require very acidic soil conditions to thrive, I had no idea that raspberries also like acidic soil. I’m using fertilizer specifically made for acid loving plants, like azaleas, blueberries and raspberries - purchased fertilizer from local big box store, sprinkled around base of each plant, watered it in and it’s helped significantly.
I enjoyed this long segment immensely. The fires are scary indeed. I have counseled people who have been burned out of their homes, their businesses, and their jobs, plus many have lost close friends, family members, and beloved pets. ~ Northern California, north of Sacramento.
Love _all_ of the video! The length is a viewing challenge usually, but I had Sunday free for it.
It is raining here (Pacific Northwest), and that makes it much easier to view the forest fires. We had our "torching" three years ago with widespread fires. That occurred with reacord breaking high temperatures, crushing the old records by 6-8 °F. This summer has been very pleasantly cool, around 70-80 °F (21 - 27 °C).
SO glad to see you are all safe. My heart has been heavy for the thought of what you could have faced and seeing this in reality certainly brought tears to my eyes. The bravery of you both is so inspiring and the raw emotions you shared is humbling. I pray for your continued safety. And I pray for your country to heal. Bless you all.
I'm glad you are all doing good 👍. Yes it's a great idea to learn preventive tactics such as placing a fire line between what you are trying to keep from catching fire and the forest and thinning out the forest itself. Good luck to you all going through any of the natural disasters my thoughts and prayers 🙏 and of course good vibes 🤗
Thank you for your kind words craftmom. Happy Sunday.🌞🐾
Pergola comes from the Latin pergula, which first meant 'extension' and then 'framework (for example, to support vines)
Thanks for sharing with us!💛🐾
Firstly, thank you for sharing your anxieties and preparations regarding the wild fires. Where I live in the UK fires are very unlikely, but not impossible. So it was an interesting insight into your lives. Secondly, I like the longer format but 40 minutes is the limit I can fit in to my days, as I follow over a hundred UA-camrs. I think 'vanwives is one of the better videos ( not flattery) as it is an insight to a very different life style. So Thanks for what you produce. Love the Pack.
We had a huge wildfire in Oregon in 2020 and it came within 15 miles of us. Burned beautiful old growth forest to the ground and was so damaging. The sky turned red and the air was thick. Its so scary and really shows impacts of global warming on our world. So glad you all are safe and sound!
Absolutely love the videos lately. I’m not sure if black flies are like mosquitoes if they are vanilla and lavender scent usually repels them some of the time. Can’t wait to see all the improvements to the cabin
We grew so much lavender for this reason. We have our lavender essential oil we will see how it goes. Thanks for being part of our pack.💛🐶
@@Vanwives Your welcome, just looking out for our pack.
I loved this video! it feels so much more raw and like we are TRULY living trough the lenses of you guys. 💛
Oh thank you for the kind comments.so cool that you were actually living every day with us. This was so raw and true to everyday life. 💛🐶
Glad the pack is safe from the wildfires. Enjoyed the longer video. Stay safe❤
Where I live in South West, Western Australia we also have to be prepared for bushfires. Some have come as close as 350 metres from our boundary before. Scary stuff! The best thing to have is an underground bunker/root cellar for an absolute last resort if it is too late to leave or way-out is blocked. Have a stock of water, food, torches blankets etc always stored there during the fire season. This way you can wait it out until the fire has passed.
Stay safe and alert!😊
I LOVE seeing your daily life. Projects are good, but I've been watching you ladies for years and what hooked me on your videos is seeing the two of you loving and laughing together. Your energy and outlook on life is inspiring. The fun with the ATV's and dogs are always entertaing. Teaching Crystal to ride with a clutch, cleaning dog poo of the plywood....it's all enjoyable to watch. Stay safe and keep posting.
OK, it's the silly helmet kiss and the "can you pull my toes" for me. You two together make me happy. Berries will be much happier and tractor fabulousness, Jazmyn! Thanks for the long format, hope it gave you some joy on your end too.
Aww love that you notice the little silly things! Right! 🤩🐾
We all need some silliness in our lives!!
I love longer-form videos. Granted, the trend right now is supposed to be shorts, but I am totally not a fan of those. This longer content from you makes me happy, happy, happy! Also, I am so glad to hear that so far you are relatively safe, as well as well-prepared regarding wildfires. It is heartbreaking to hear of all the others in NovaScotia being affected. Sending lots of love to you and the pack.
To the person reading this, even though I don't know you. I wish you the best of what life has to offer 🙏 🙌😊❤️
Thank you.🙏. Same back to you.💕
@@Mtnsunshine 🙏🙌❤️
Thank you.
Same to you. 💛
ps.:
don’t piece spaghetti before cooking! Let them fall in a tall pot of happily boiling water -add salt, just enough for the amount of the spaghetti- by twisting the top of the bunch you want to cook. Both hands on upper part, twist and let go. The bunch will open up like a blooming flower. Let it happily 😉 boil; scoop all the amid foam as it forms, lower the flame and start the timer.
To check if the consistency of the pasta is OK: ‘fish’: (spoon and fork) a couple of spaghetti quickly out of the water, blow on them and gently bite. If ready, drain them quickly from the water, dress in a large hot pan and serve -almost straight away, adding some extra virgin olive oil on top of the “hill”.
Enjoy 😘
(from Italy 😉)
@@101doreen ❤️😊👍
Fellow Nova Scotian here! So glad to hear your family wasn’t evacuated💛 I loved the longer style of vlog; felt like you guys chatted more, explained how you feel and showed the little relatable moments in your day to day💛
I'm guessing you may need some kind of blossoming flowers down your garden rows . Here in France they put flowers in the vineyards to keep bugs off
To get ideas on how to work less than ideal soil into fertile soil, go over to Cog Hill Farm. Jason places tarps over his rocky hard soil that will be a section for a garden. The tarps keep moisture in the soil. Then Jason uses a plow attachment on his tractor to turn the soil over a good 18 - 24 inches deep. Then he plants a cover crop. When the cover crop is ready, Jason plows the cover crop back into the soil, so the cover crop fertilizes and adds to the soil. Soil can take over a year to get properly set up for sustained gardening. No amount of dumping good soil over rock hard soil is going to get anything growing. That rock hard desert where the berries are planted needed to be properly worked over with a good plow.
I am so happy to hear your safe, and don't mind the long format for something so critical. Generally, I prefer To-Be-Continued smaller drops more frequently than longer format. But you do you, we all will watch anyways.
Hi ladies, I don't normally post, but watch you each Monday morning ( in Australia) and wanted to empathise with you and your fellow Canadians about the wild fires. In 2019 we had wild fires in our back yard all up and down the east coast of Australia and literally across the back of our house. We lost millions of animals, including koalas, kangaroos and many many more beautiful native animals. If it wasnt for the skill and dedication of our wonderful fire fighters and helicopter pilots dumping water on the fires, our home like many others would have been burnt to the ground. Unfortunately some fiefighters lost their lives helping protect other peoples' properties. 😢
It breaks my heart to think that so many people have gone through and are still going through what we and my fellow Australians have so recently been through. It is so important to have a fire plan and I'm so glad you girls are taking measures to make an escape plan. Thinking of you all and when you come across a firefighter, give them a hug and tell them what wonderful people they are. We are forever in their debt.
Stay safe Canada ❤
What a terrible ordeal for so many of us here in NS, I had to take a break from social media as the stories of the devastation were hurting my heart. It was such a relief to get that rain and I will try to never complain about our rainy weather ever again. On a brighter note, I think an electric fireplace or some type of water feature would look amazing on that wall between your two big windows. Glad you ladies are safe and I tell you, the events of the wildfires have made us all a little bit more conscious of what Mother Nature can do to us here in NS.
We have had huge fires in Alberta and its causing amazing smoke issue south of us in the USA. What is amazing is how this has affected other parts of Canada including you guys in NS. Look at your environment around you and look at how old and how dead some of the trees are. As I say this is a natural cleansing for the forest to get rid of all the deadwood....Be prepared always good job to both of you for showing us what to do... Nice work ladies as always
Hi girls, I live in the Santa Cruz Mountains in California and a few years ago we had a terrible terrible wild fire here called the CZU Fire, you can look it up. We had to evacuate for two weeks. So many of our friends and neighbors lost their homes. So we praying for Nova Scotia 🙏🏼 So glad to see your prepared. Stay safe and btw love love the new awesome windows. You guys are so inspiring.. love you guys so much. Thanks for the smiles
Love the longer format it means you can get deeper into the story you're telling,like the wild fires . Keep them like this please
Thank you for your kind comments. See you next Sunday. 💛🐾
What you have done with your home is absolutely amazing. It's beautiful and really coming along. Fires are absolutely terrifying. I lived in Big Bear Lake, CA next to the forest and have lived through 3 very serious fires 🔥 Arrowhead and surrounding areas on the mountain and forest were absolutely destroyed. I had to evacuate at the time. That's why I always had a Motorhome. It was a life saver. Now my van will do. Glad you're all safe.
So thankful the fires haven't affected y'all but very sad for those they have 😢. Please stay safe!❤️🐾🐾❤️
We had the smoke in the sky here in Glenville, NY last week for about 4 days. The skies were so dark and it smelled so bad. The air quality was so bad we were told by the governor of NY to stay inside as much as possible. I'm so glad you are okay.
We have an auger for our drill just for gardening! We planted 80 tomato plants this spring! Love y'all!
Being in Northern California we have to prepare year round, but especially summer and fall...fall being our worst fire season for sure. In 2017 we lost 9 people in our very small community and one county over they lost so many more....those two fires were burning simultaneously during the freakiest wind storm we've ever experienced. The fire moved so fast and late at night. so people were sleeping and unaware and the old fashioned fire department fire alarm didn't sound off, I'm not sure why. Anyway, my childhood home burned down and the entire neighborhood I grew up in. Since then we've had more fires but none as devastating at the 2017 fire but neighboring communities across Northern California, Paradise in particular, took their hit a couple years later. It's something we are always thinking about. I'm so glad you're safe and your property was not affected. And it's really great that you are taking preparedness seriously and setting the example. It's great peace of mind too.
This is seven months ago-the wild fires are a huge concern, east and west. I am in the middle in Ontario but watch with caution. I am new to your channel. The videos cannot be too long for me. I am an artist in the city and turned my sleeping loft into a cabin so love to watch your experiences from my own (somewhat imaginary) cabin! You are making a beautiful life!
Exactly! Life IS the journey NOT the destination. Stop, and enjoy the berries 🍒🍇🥝🍓🫐 then the berry pies 🥧 🧀..... 😉 You girls totally rock and delight 🙏🏼 Thank you for sharing your incredible journey 🔆🧡🦋🌈☮️
I wish you had a few scrap 4x4's about 3' long that you could use as "stickers" for the fork lift. Find a level spot, lay the stickers down and set the load on top. If the load is level, set some more stickers on top and stack the next load on top. Then you don't have to load and unload, dump and restack etc, all your lumber every time you move it, or need something from the bottom of the pile. Overall it is great to see the life you building and enjoying.
I’m down here in New York and the smoke was apocalyptic. I’ve never seen anything like that in my life. I was worried about you when I heard where the fires were. You need to have two escape routes off of your property in opposite directions. And install sprinklers on the house and the edges of the property where it’s cleared. And keep as much room cleared around it as you can. Lightning can strike at any time and set the woods ablaze leading to those kind of massive uncontainable fires. Love you,stay safe.
Thank God you are safe from those wildfires, good to see you are well prepared for an emergency evacuation. Such a worry though. Loved your video, great to see all your preparation in the gardens too. You are both such hard and skilled workers. Stay safe and keep us posted. 💕
Hi girls, I've been watching you for years. I'm 69 years old and once again I want to say how proud I am of you. My husband would have loved you too. He believed women should know all the things you're learning. My daughter is in her 40's and is amazing like you. She bought an old house in New Mexico and has been remodeling it. So I've been seeing her progress with yours....... I love it all.
Your home is amazing be proud of everything you've done. You have both grown in knowledge, skills, and self confidence a bunch and it is heartwarming to see.
I didn't realize you lived anywhere near where you have to worry about the fire. For what it's worth I am keeping you all in my prayers.
11:54 - I love it when talking in sounds makes more sense than actual words. Jasmine is awesome.
Hahaha she is awesome- always so silly 💛 thanks for watching xx crystal
I'm in Connecticut, USA and we had smoke here from the Canadian wildfires. It was horrible and apocalyptic...I can only imagine what it's like there. Glad you are safe so far ❤ God bless all those effected...human and animal 🙏✝️🙏
As far as your preparation shouldn’t you just put everything in the van and then if you have to leave it's all packed and you will be taking your tiny home with you? I would think that's the best vehicle to take as it’s self sufficient.🎉
I LOVED THE LONGER VIDEO❣
I am constantly in awe of your love for each other as evidenced in the work you do together and the results at the end.
well i just love you ladies for redoing the house and just how you both are with each other
I enjoy your videos. Because I like seeing you guys work on different projects. Van life not my favorite, but the building and garden stuff I like. Just to be honest, I believe you choice of lifestyle is not right, but it’s the choice you make and don’t hate you. So don’t hate me and keep us updated on projects.
Enjoyed longer video. Please be safe. Suggestion? A couple 9f big IBC totes filled with water, hoses and a couple of pumps. Paint the totes dark so dont grow mold. That will help you and give you fire proection. I think they hold 250 gallons of water. Not going to drink it so wont matter what was in it as long as not toxic. Could also help with other fire prention. Drain em in fall and winterize pumps. You tube videos to help you set them up.
Always know you can go to the water - all four of you can get in the water cause we can’t replace you - anything else can be replaced, we love you and grateful you are prepared and aware. Love hugs Mother Medicine
Ladies you are always WINNING!! You make a point of doing what you can daily.
For the black flies I use lavender oil, I looked online and they suggest vanilla or pine extract. I had never heard of Pine extract.. lol
do not forget to mound your beans when they start to grow, this helps them stay upright when the beans are produced. Happy Planting!
I do like this longer format. I also appreciate your honesty, and allowing us to see your highs and your lows as you live your lives in such a beautiful part of the world.
We had Forrest fires all around us last year here in the Pacific Northwest of the USA. It is a horrible feeling not knowing. We’ll be sending good thoughts your way. We’ll be praying for rain with no lightning for all of us. Be safe.
Thank you so much Amanda, we sure do appreciate all the love you are sending out. 💛🐾
Glad to see you guys are safe. During the packing montage, I could only think of one thing, hope you have two copies of your footage and preferably one offsite. The offsite copy can be a large drive that you keep t a friends house or the cloud. As someone that works in post I understand it is not IF a drive dies, it is WHEN a drive dies. Take care.
The fires are so bad. Went through it in 17 it happens in minutes, it's so so sad. 🕊️
You two handle it so so well. ❤❤
Long format is a go! Not only do you share your big projects, but the little things in life are equally important. Your safety is important, and how you feel, or at least exploring how you feel on environmental impacts is important too.
I was an active fire fighter and live in a place called St Andrews, Victoria Australia. At the base of the Kinglake mountains. We experienced, fought, lost so many friends and homes, stock and pets, in what is now called the Black Saturday fires. It was terrifying shocking and like living in an apocalyptic nightmare. As a firey we learnt there is no such thing as fighting fires, we hope to try and send them in different directions. It was a wind change that allows me to still be here to watch you two and tell this short tale.
The Forrest is a beautiful place we have to accept that to enjoy such beauty comes with risks. I am so glad that you and your beautiful puppies are safe. Always have multiple escape routes leave when winds are high and humidity is low. Many people I knew stayed to protect their homes and died, there are many who stayed to protect and survived. ❤
We appreciate you sharing your experience with us. We are also happy to have you still here. Thinking of you and everyone who has been affected by the wild fires. 💛💛
So glad you are safe. My heart goes out to those affected by these devastating fires. Love the longer format!!! ❤
My dog has dug out my blueberry bush several times and this was after I let it sit unpotted for a few weeks. Yeah I'm not getting fruit but it's also alive. Plants are resilient little things
It was an honor to have you share these details with us. Glad you have been spared from the fires. Stay safe, joyous and healthy.
So many emotions, so much to say, I hope I can remember it all. First, I didn't even realize how long the video was. Especially after the update about the fires. I have been wondering how you were doing and was afraid you were adversely affected by them. So glad to see you were safe the whole time. Glad too that you are now prepared in case any other fires break out. My wife and I have been using Brooklinen sheets for a couple of years now and won't use anything else. The berries. There was enough life in them (green leaves, etc.) that they should fully recover with the treatment you gave them. Oh, Crystal and Jasmin, I love you so much. So glad you are doing so well. Stay safe, ladies. 🌈💖🧡💛💚💙💜💋
Love the longer post! Sorry you have been through a tough couple of weeks. I can totally relate because here in Australia our Summer months are dangerous for either bush fires or floods (cyclones). We approach each season, just like you have with a plan for water, long life food, securing valuables & ensuing you have the apps updated for emergency updates. While we enjoy the reprieve of winter, may your summer be blessed with the right amount of rain to keep the fires at bay but not too much it floods! xxoo
You were using a trim saw. Small, close teeth not meant for cutting down trees, also use your elbow to move the saw back and forth, not your wrist or shoulder. Native/aboriginal suggestion as to black flies, mosquito's. They have to put their 'feet' down to bite you. Use olive oil with citronella oil and cover your skin ect. It wipes off easy and leaves skin smooth and bug bite free. They also cannot see white. A mans extra large white dress shirt works great, allows breeze to blow up. Bugs cannot fly up so button up cuffs and neck but leave tail loose.
So glad to hear you was out of the fire zone. I live in the mountains. 1hr from tahoe and was evacuated last year for 2weeks, before they let back in. But a lot of people lot t everything, with the grace of god our place was saved
LOVE LOVE LOVE TODAYS VIDEO!! One thing we have done at our cabin was buy 2 fire proof safes. 1 has all important paperwork n 1 has video/ pictures that can’t be replaced n meds for everyone. We are in a drought here in Michigan n no burn bans are in place. Keep the safes right inside door. They r like $30 here at Walmart. Can’t wait to see more videos like today’s
Glad you all are safe. The smoke from the fires is very far reaching and again it has arrived in middle TN. Air quality was 103 to today which is unheard of in my little rural area. Let's pray for rain and a lot of it
I live in the midwest USA the air is hazy from Canadian fires. I am so glad to see you girls are safe and that your beautiful homestead is intact 😊
Love having a long video. Ladies and fur babies please please please be safe. Hope and pray mother nature comes and down pours heavy rains to stop wild fires. I truly laughed out loud when Jazmin shorts got caught and your fur babies so happy mommy arrived home safely.
I’ve been praying for the ones affected by the fires..sooo sad..and heartbreaking..praying u NEVER have to deal with that..u need a safe to keep important papers and valuables..storage for necessities (food water meds toys)for the dogs and meds,blankets,clothes,ect all in one tote that u can grab in a quick second to evac.I have one like this every winter in case of tornados,storms ect..u need to do fire breaks around your property and through the woods u have..they help tremendously..to control fires..I never understand Calif..doesn’t do those..it’s heartbreaking to see them every single year..stay safe..God bless u all.
Hello lovlies, have just heard about Kunzea oil...aka tick bush. Worth a try making it into a spray for ticks and I'm sure the blackflies won't enjoy it either. Love your work.😻