Hi. I am from Ukraine. Your video distracts from the reality we have now. And yet, you speak very clearly . I understand everything. You are my English teacher.
I just want to say thank you, for being an inspiration too my wife and I. We watch your videos regularly and it they have helped us to make our decision to get out of the city and move to upper peninsula michigan! Give moss and the cats some love for us!
As well as the content, I just love reading through the lovely comments on here.. Best of luck on your move dogdude24, I’m sure it will be a great success. 🙋🏻♂️🇬🇧❤️🙏🏻
It's impossible for me to overstate my admiration for you as a person and for the lifestyle you are pursuing. I thought this was one of your most enjoyable and interesting videos. A beacon of sanity, given what's happening elsewhere in Europe at the moment.
You might want to think about an electric bike in your situation..I live in a similar situation and it has truly been one of my best additions..I can charge it with solar from the sun, get an 80 mile range, save tons of money on gas, never get hemmed in by fallin trees and it's just great exercise, transportation and fun..I found a good used mountain bike and added the Bafang mid drive motor and 28 amp hr battery, have over 80, 000 miles on it, this is it's 9th year, with limited maintenance, built another one over the winter...I love your life..Not sure I would worry about retirement age, that's probably not in the cards for any of us, never know, but understanding our reality, it's extremely unlikely..Living in the moment, is what our times call for...
Can I suggest that you invest in a strap to go over your caravan and it will help secure it to the ground. Tie it on with a couple of anchors in the ground
Really good to see that almost everything survived on Mossy Bottom, especially the polytunnel. I was really worried it might get blown away. Hope the next storm will not do more harm. Always nice to see you smile while talking about your life, your work, the animals and everything around you. And thank you for your positive attitude. That's really inspiring.
You're just so genuine, Daniel; that's a big part of the popularity of your channel. No fluff, just fascinating stories and information, and your obvious happiness with your chosen life. As someone else said below, your positive attitude toward challenges that discourage many of us - well, it's helped reset my own attitude many times, when I've had the grumpies, so thanks for that too! Glad your home and animals were all okay in the recent storm. Very excited about your writing (your earlier book is wonderful). I don't think you will have to worry much about retirement; you will find a way to have a good life, every minute of it, and enrich the lives of others as well.
an old man who grew fruit in ireland all his life shared with me about growing fruit trees, so he said watch out for where you plant them meaning if you get late frost and the sun shines on the blossom it burns them and you loose the fruit so always plant in an area with shade from early morning sunshine :) giving time to taw out before the sun shines on it and ruin your fruit - God bless from wexford
You are such an inspiration. The modern world is a chaotic place to live, and all the war on TV. You are such a peaceful man and your animals love you, especially that dog mossy. Your videos are a absolute delight to watch.
@@marleypumpkin4917 very true, as tragic as the suffering on ordinary Ukrainians is, The media are vulture parasites who thrive on disaster... And over the last 2 years actively promote fear, anxiety and mental illness.
Would love to see a children’s illustrated ‘Adventures of Moss & friends at Mossy Bottom’ one day. Planting the seeds while young. Always a pleasure to watch your videos. Thankyou 🙏❤️.
Way back in the day before everyone blindly believed the telly we used to be kicked out to go and play in the weather. We just wrapped up and called it winter.
I have only been watching your channel for the last 6 weeks and I finally caught up. My wife and I own a 100 year old house in Pittsburgh. Our primary heat source is boiler and radiator heat. Last year we ditched the window AC unit and put in a split ac unit with a heat pump. The unit has three modes, heating, cooling and dehumidifier. If you really wanted to use your granary to store crops and not have to deal with mold, you might look into getting a heat pump. Heat pumps are over 80% efficient, they run on electricity and can keep your food stores cool and dry. Probably for less money than running your freezers. You homestead looks great. You did a really nice job on the bunk house. Cheers.
I think your blog is fantastic. I would love your life if I was not 80 . I only learned I was half Irish until I was 39. I moved from the city 40 years ago. The happiest years of my life.
Hi Daniel. Just want to say thanks. You are a true inspiration. Next month I am moving to a cottage in the countryside with a couple of acres of barren land in the hope of emulating what you do. I might even document my progress on UA-cam.
Hey Daniel--a few things. 1) I hear ya on how wet and wild Ireland is. I live in the west of Scotland and wet, wild and windy are de rigeur. Also, having spent a good chunk of my adult life in Georgia in the States, I don't get bothered about wind gusts until they hit 74mph (Category 1 hurricane level). 2) I may have missed this (watching too much regular news from the US instead of your lovely channel; my bad and lesson learned), but have you done any videos on the cottage itself and any reno going on there? 3) I really wanted to thank you for giving a shout out to that nice young man named Kyle a few weeks ago who is also chucking the city life and started smallholding. I noticed his foot traffic on his channel skyrocket after your interview with him and I just wanted to say how nice it was of you to help him out like that. I really wish the rest of the world would come on board with being decent human beings so we wouldn't have mad men invading other countries. I hope you two can catch up another time and do a 'year in review' video to see how far you both have come. Well done. 4) Lent is upon us and if I have to give up something it might as well be the horrible news channels; I am grateful you have your videos to restore my faith in humanity and that there are good souls out there. Hats off to you, my dear (hope that didn't sound too condescending; I'm probably old enough to be your grandmother, though...) and many blessings!!
Greetings from the hills south of Gurteen Co.Sligo. Great to see you going strong, 23yrs since we left England for our derelict cottage covered in brambles and yes our old caravan came with us. Same as you 1 acre and lot's done over the years and enjoying it is the most important thing.
Hi Mossy! A couple of ideas for getting an apple crop :- Plant cordons or espalier trained trees against a south or west facing wall of your cottage or other outbuildings. You will get shelter, retained heat from the stone, and you can provide frost protection for the blossom easily! Plant 'step-over' apples. If you don't know them, it's a training method with just one main branch trained horizontally opposed. A kind of horizontal double cordon! They can be planted along paths and so take up very little space. As they grow low to the ground they're much less susceptible to wind damage and also you can provide frost/bird etc protection easily.... Nice to see the smallholding in winter..
And in years to come, when you're windbreak has grown up, those first fruit trees will have had years putting all their energy into growth vs fruit so they will be bigger and stronger when you do get a crop from them.
I have a pear tree growing against a stucco wall here in New England and while you don’t get as much yield and fruits are bigger in a higher quality and in Springs when the flowers get nip by frost in the orchards the espaliered fruit comes through
More info on an apple crop: - I live on the south west coastline in an exposed spot and got hit by the same storms you mentioned. We have a nice piece of sheltered land, with large trees providing shelter for large bushes, framing a protected orchard with productive apple trees. We also had a couple of trees and branches come down this year and also use it as firewood or for my workshop. Just keep planting!
Your life of self sufficiency seems so idyllic to me. I know there is much work involved and am under no illusions it is not always positive and romantic appearing. However, you have brought peace and tranquility into my life for a little while for which I thank you greatly. God bless you and may the coming year be as bountiful as you may hope for. 💛🌍💚
I love the videos and your outlook on life. Have you considered keeping honey bees on your small holding? They are great for pollination, lovely to watch as the come and go about their business, which i find very relaxing. There can be the option and added bonus to take some honey off if the colony has had a good year. If this is something you have or would consider please reach out to me and i will help in what way i can.
THIS IS MY IDEAL LIFE. and its right around the corner. for those people who worry about the hard work and growing older i believe that the hard work keeps you fit and able longer in life. and what we really need is to get back to our roots and instincts of eras gone past. For a couple decades now i have let my body take care of the rhythms of the seasons. sleeping more in the winter months and being up at 0430-0500 during the spring and summer for sowing and working. i love what you are doing and it may take a couple more years until i am there (land prices have gone daft here in Northern Ireland) so i might have to wait and save a bit longer. I do find it difficult to keep the faith because i am itching to grow grow grow. i have a garden already in some things anyway but we will see how it all pans out this year. I wish you and Moss all the best and hopefully minimal storms but they have their use too (making it easier to get the wood needed for the fire and clearing spaces for new growth) much love from the us up here in the north.
I'm glad you survived the storms Daniel! I've been thinking for sometime now about trying to start a more self sufficient lifestyle and finally at the age of 48 this dream is becoming a reality, thanks for sharing all your videos I'm learning a great deal about what works and what doesn't here in the wild West of Ireland, glad to hear that rhubarb grows well, it's one of my favourites!
We’ve had stressful days so always love Daniel and Mossy and animals really love your channel make the world beautiful it’s in such a mess at the moment peace to you and all the World 🌍.🏴🏴🏴🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪☮️☮️☮️☮️☮️☮️☮️☮️
This was one of my fave videos... but I may also say that all the time! This one felt cozy and just what was needed while the world rages on in unsettled times. Thank you.
Your winter in Ireland sound identical to our winter in Oregon, USA. I am now living in the Rocky's where winter is not so moderate and it is dry, being desert. About the rhubarb, when I lived in the state of Texas for four years and asked in the produce department of my store for rhubarb, the produce manager asked me "What does it look like?" Uhm...... red celery but not growing in a clump? He had never heard of it or eaten it. Good grief.
I love watching your videos...wish I could live like that... if I sold my apartment I probably could , but I'm 67 and don't have all the knowledge of how to live like that.
Daniel, your videos inspire me to do activities that I usually don’t have time to ever do. During the worst of COVID-19, I was very worried about the future. But as you said, “life is to short to worry about the future”. Your videos gave me hope to one day start my own little small holding. My family is very rooted in Ireland, especially in Longford and Cavan. Thank you for making these amazing videos. May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face, may the rain fall soft upon your fields. And until I write again, may god hold you in the palm of his hand. P.S. give moss a stick for me
Greetings from Oaxaca Mexico. I retired here 35 years ago on a small income and have been very happy. I'm half Irish half Puerto Rican (A Yank of course). Love your channel, admire your hard work, and offer you whatever long distance assistance I can give. I'm a polyglot, gourmet cook, amateur gardiner, mathematician, philosophy and history student and a general bookworm. I adore animals and watching your ducks pigs chickens dog cats rabbits plus all the wild animals and plants in my ancestral homeland. It all brings me a smile. Your a great guy and I wish you all the best. hugs to you and all the bairns JIM 🐽
Hi Daniel, I was walking my dog this morning in my local park and noted the Bluebells were out and flowering, the Daffodil chutes were up and the Woodpecker was hammering away at a rotting tree. Spring is on its way and I for one can't wait. Stay well my friend. Regards Jim UK.
We had 14 ha of indigenous forest with a small wooden house. Very much off the beaten track . Unfortunately ( here in South Africa) , it became too much of A worry for our children with us being there alone. . Many places in the area were been broken into while the people were in their homes . I just can’t explain the sadness of having to have sold to the neighbouring farmer. While there, We cleared a piece of that forest, grew vegetables , and had 50 chickens . I watch your programs but I must say, it reminds me of the wonderful times back then , and , well , I do get sad . We are now in our 70’s and have to rely on just enjoying video’s like yours .
Your videos are like jewels, so precious and beautiful. I love how you take care of the animals, how you care for your home. I don't know what it is about your aesthetic that is so pleasing and calming but I love them. Please don't stop and please don't let your success change you, it is your authenticity that is what makes this channel what it is.
You`re brilliant, Daniel. Can`t wait for your book. Glad you survived the storms. In later life, you could also even give talks about growing food, etc - there`s many lovely venues around Ireland that would only love to have you share your deep and vast knowledge and experience. Your opportunities are endless. Boy, do we need you! You lift my spirit.
Oh the red cedar hedge is lovely!!!!! Exactly. We humans are part of the cycle of life. Seasons are part of the cycle of life and are wonderful to experience while immersing ourselves in each moment. Thank you for recognizing that.
Hope your camera recovers! The phone video looks fine to me. Thanks for showing all of the animals, it is great fun to watch Moss getting his exercise too! Spring is starting here in the PNW and I can't wait to get started in the garden (flowers). Looking forward to all of your project updates!
We really enjoyed watching your daily routine. Always love your vlogs. Your cats follow you around the garden for company, so sweet. Looking forward to the next one. Take care and keep safe
"Well done, great video, inspiring me to get out there again. Just getting over cancer treatment, and looking out at an acre of overgrown garden. Time to go for it, Thank You"!
Thank you for posting this delightful video. It is a welcome break from the stress of the war (am married to a Ukrainian who is stomping around like an angry Grizzly Bear) and I love The Witcher too! We are feeling the first days of Autumn here (NZ) and it is my favourite time of the year. Take care, lots of love to you and Moss, the Kunekunes, cats, ducks and hens.🥰
This was LOVELY Daniel You have a 'Blessed' attitude. When you can live and appreciate the 'present moment' ...it eliminates the 'fear' of the future and allows you to enjoy 'peace' in all things...both the good and the challenged. Besides, it takes the wind to strengthen the roots of a tree. Thank-you most kindly 4 sharing. Health and God Bless!
You really are an amazingly positive person and such an inspiration. You are so right. Eat what is in season and organic. Looking forward to the next video. !!!
Thank you, Daniel, for another brilliant episode. I love hearing how you and Moss are doing. Here in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, we have had a very snowy winter. It’s just Mother Nature telling us that she is still the boss😊
Being stuck in the rat race, the more I watch your videos the greater my desire within grows to live in this way. Hopefully I get the courage one day to take the plunge. Lovely video as always.
Lovely to see you, I was worried for you in the storms and im glad youre ok:-) i am keenly waiting for more fairy tales and legends, i absolutely love listening to you.
Hi hi, me and my partner are getting going on a derelict property in Scotland, and we regularly view your work. It's very inspiring. Thank you for taking the effort and I hope you keep on filming.
Hi Daniel, I've came across your channel two weeks ago, and binged all your video. And to see the pictures from your farm have specially made an account on Instagram. I am loving your content and presentation and all your (animal) helpers. Moss is a cutie. Have not commented on any of the video before this, but am planning to watch it again cause it's so so beautiful. Loving your videos. Keep them coming. Thank you. God bless.🙏🙏
Thank you Mossy Bottom. A welcome distraction here at the moment in the UK. Glad to see that storm damage was minimal and that the Polytunnel hasn't ended up in the next county...
Hi Daniel great to see u all survived the great Storms of Eunice and Franklin without too much damage to the homestead . We are all looking fwd to Spring now I think ,I know I am ! My poor horses lost their BIG 12'x6' barn without any injuries thank goodness . Look fwd as always to more of Ur videos this coming year . Stay safe and healthy🙏 . Jacks 🙂
Loved this video especially. I love the chopping and clearing work. I’m lethal with loppers saw and secateurs. I’m too advanced in years to do what you do but I get absorbed in my garden with my animals and the wildlife, it’s the frogs who are providing the delightful entertainment at the moment. Lol the mating antics going on in my pond these days has been eye opening. I’m not sure if they didn’t know what to do or were experimenting but I now call them my kinky frogs. Thank you for sharing your day with us.
Hi Daniel, Would you mind compiling a list of what tools/ gadgets you are using on your small-holding - or what you'd recommend to someone thinking of setting up sth similar to your little paradise? Sort of like a check-list what to consider purchasing and bringing with you? You already dropped hints here & there e.g. 2 wheelbarrows/yr, spade, shovel, drill, chainsaw, shredder, solar panels... but it would be great to have a dedicated video going into some detail (why which model etc)... Loved every single one of your videos so far and already eagerly looking forward to the next!
Hi from Oklahoma (US)! We had a dust bowl here in my state in the 1930s that was so bad they started planting red cedar as a wind breaks. It grows incredibly quick so it was efficient, but they found out that not only does it cause terrible allergies, it can be invasive and a fire hazard (I wouldn't imagine it gets dry enough in Ireland for that problem though). If it does start reseeding you might use the wood around the property for posts and fencing. Burning it might be risky if you do have any allergy troubles, especially asthma. Best of luck and don't get blown away!
Kibble has been shown by many pet food experts to be low-quality food. It’s easy and convenient for pet parents. Cats need much more moisture to prevent kidney issues. I always thought dry food helped keep dogs’ and cats’ good dental health. My favorite holistic health vet said in a newsletter that advocating kibble is like humans eating granola (oats & dried fruit concoction) thinking it’s good to clean teeth. Once you research kibble’s origins (waste product of human meat production) you might re-think dried kibble. And heated multiple times during process & synthetic vitamins/mineral added back in! Carolyn (Vermont/USA/Cat Lady)
You are so right. I recently researched feeding kibble to my cat and learned it removes water from their kidneys which isn’t good. Cats especially need moist food, I’m sure dogs too. They would have never found kibble in the wild. As much as possible we need to feed them what nature would have provided for them. I know in these times it’s not always possible. However, convenience doesn’t always mean better.
Thanks for the content. Yes ,here in Donegal wind and rain and rain and wind. Yes humans have lost touch of any natural rhythms,which can only add to a sense of separation and contribute to feeling alienated from our ever ‘synthetic’ life.
Your story really reminds me of a guy that left the world behind back in 1968 into Alaska and built his log cabin. He started when he was 53 though so you are certainly ahead of your game. He lived there until he was 83 and then to a retirement home. He didn't want to leave but the harsh winters of Alaska at an average of -30 to -50 F. made it impossible for him to stay. The film he made is a classic called Alone in the wilderness.
Been waiting for this as needed the relaxed and happy feeling your videos produce in me. You’re a grower of food and a grower of happiness in your subscribers. 🥰
Love traveling to Mossy Bottom vicariously through your wonderful videos! This was a glorious break from my Wisconsin winter morning, and just what I needed to help motivate me through March and April. Looking forward to Spring as well. May have to watch it a few more times. Loved the trip to the woods, and seeing the diversity. God Bless !
Glad you missed the worst of Eunice, we regrettably had alot of power failures in the south east. Played merry hell with incubating on our small holding. Came across your channel a week ago, very enjoyable seeing your progress.
I've always dreamed of living like this but poor health has put paid to my dreams. I echo your sentiments regarding your mention of old age and not being strong enough to live the lifestyle anymore. My parents have a small holding in Jamaica but my Dad has Alzheimer's and isn't able to work the land anymore. You're living the dream. Thanks for the uploads they're addictive and pure escapism as we watch and dream you living life as it should be lived.
We are wild, wet and windy with lots of harsh winter storms here in Nova Scotia Canada. Hoping that your camera turns back on once it's had a chance to dry out! Wonderful to see you, Moss, and the menagerie in such good spirits, despite the punishing winter. Like you. dreaming of plans for the homestead keeps us content, anticipating spring and all the glory of another sunny, warm day. No matter what the weather, or mode of filming, we appreciate your excellent efforts keeping Mossy Bottom humming and happy❣🐝
Hey Dan! Love the pic of "Moss for March"Have recently acquired a taste for Kale. Here in.W Cumbria, we're quite lucky to miss the worst of the storms, but still have lots of rainy weather. You're such an inspiration Dan... It's so scary at prez, with what's going on on in the Ukraine. Oh boy! let's stay positive, & safe. Wishing you well. ♡ x
Appears to be a sight more comfortable than that old caravan. I didn't know that the cottage was for you - as I remember. I was under the impression that you built that cottage for your volunteers. I can't blame you though, it looks quite solid from the inside. Thanks for the content. Keep up the good work. בס'ד
Great to see you , Moss and the cats are keeping well! Moss is looking stunning! Love how he runs in front of the bike. Was thinking I could suggest that to my neighbour who is 74 and is worried about his collie, Rag, not getting enough exercise. My neighbour lost his farm and then his job, and Rag is living in town now. But he has a big area to run and they walk 5kms once a week when there is very little traffic. Looking forward to see how you get on with the cottage. Take care with the storms!
Hi Moss, Love your video's about self sufficiency, growing what you want and need, keeping animals etc. Always looking forward to your video's. Keep it up! On the subject of eggs in the winter... My wife and I are located in the north of The Netherlands with a pretty similar climate to yours I think, and we have 3 hens which are Australorp and Bleu de landes. Both are known for their resistance to illness, cold/wet climates, are very friendly, easily tamed, and best of all, their ability to lay eggs troughout the entire year without the need for artificial light in their coop. Our hens have been laying 5-6 large eggs each troughout the winter without any additional effort needed whatsoever. So, if you woud like to have fresh eggs in the winter as well, both Australorp and Bleu de landes hens maybe worth taking a look at. Good luck this season and huggs to all of your animals!
I miss Moss he was such a great dog..RIP Moss your running free in doggy heaven and i Hope Daniel is enjoying his New life in Finland
Hi. I am from Ukraine. Your video distracts from the reality we have now. And yet, you speak very clearly . I understand everything. You are my English teacher.
Stay safe my friend, praying for your people and country💓
Wishing you and your family much love. Irish smiles
Hearts
🇺🇦❤🇺🇦❤🇺🇦❤
Sending love and prayers for peace 💜
Poor old Moss bless him
Your videos are a welcome distraction to what’s happening in the world!
I hope small homesteads are left alone by the NWO. They do fit in with the whole sustainability agenda so fingers crossed.
What’s happening??
@@marleypumpkin4917 you're joking right!?!?
@@marleypumpkin4917 if you don’t know what’s taking place by now I’m afraid it’s too late
@@marleypumpkin4917 Ha Ha .. LOL
I took a break from war news, and watching this, this is really amazing and giving hope for future and its relaxing.
“Television is a sewer in your livingroom”.
I just want to say thank you, for being an inspiration too my wife and I. We watch your videos regularly and it they have helped us to make our decision to get out of the city and move to upper peninsula michigan! Give moss and the cats some love for us!
As well as the content, I just love reading through the lovely comments on here.. Best of luck on your move dogdude24, I’m sure it will be a great success. 🙋🏻♂️🇬🇧❤️🙏🏻
@@tomthumb2062
Thank you very much and I couldn't agree more about the positivity in the comment section!
@@dogdude2457 Have a nice move to your new choice of life :)
Hello from the GR area. The U.P. is beautiful, but too cold for us. But we are hoping to also slow down (somewhere warmer) soon.
@dogdude24 That's wonderful! Best wishes on your move. I love to visit the Upper Peninsula when I see family in Western Michigan.
Please do more videos like this. Im a medical doctor who loves your lifestyle. Greetings from Slovenija.
It's impossible for me to overstate my admiration for you as a person and for the lifestyle you are pursuing. I thought this was one of your most enjoyable and interesting videos. A beacon of sanity, given what's happening elsewhere in Europe at the moment.
What’s happening??
And what is happening in the entire world... Daniel is teaching what we have to go back to ...basics of life.
You’re a such a kind soul ❤️ I don’t even know you, but your animals show me how kind you really are.
I love the old saying 'a tired dog is a happy dog'...and it's very true.
You might want to think about an electric bike in your situation..I live in a similar situation and it has truly been one of my best additions..I can charge it with solar from the sun, get an 80 mile range, save tons of money on gas, never get hemmed in by fallin trees and it's just great exercise, transportation and fun..I found a good used mountain bike and added the Bafang mid drive motor and 28 amp hr battery, have over 80, 000 miles on it, this is it's 9th year, with limited maintenance, built another one over the winter...I love your life..Not sure I would worry about retirement age, that's probably not in the cards for any of us, never know, but understanding our reality, it's extremely unlikely..Living in the moment, is what our times call for...
Can I suggest that you invest in a strap to go over your caravan and it will help secure it to the ground. Tie it on with a couple of anchors in the ground
Yip nice watch takes ya away from the rubbish of today
Really good to see that almost everything survived on Mossy Bottom, especially the polytunnel. I was really worried it might get blown away. Hope the next storm will not do more harm. Always nice to see you smile while talking about your life, your work, the animals and everything around you. And thank you for your positive attitude. That's really inspiring.
You're just so genuine, Daniel; that's a big part of the popularity of your channel. No fluff, just fascinating stories and information, and your obvious happiness with your chosen life. As someone else said below, your positive attitude toward challenges that discourage many of us - well, it's helped reset my own attitude many times, when I've had the grumpies, so thanks for that too! Glad your home and animals were all okay in the recent storm. Very excited about your writing (your earlier book is wonderful). I don't think you will have to worry much about retirement; you will find a way to have a good life, every minute of it, and enrich the lives of others as well.
an old man who grew fruit in ireland all his life shared with me about growing fruit trees, so he said watch out for where you plant them meaning if you get late frost and the sun shines on the blossom it burns them and you loose the fruit so always plant in an area with shade from early morning sunshine :) giving time to taw out before the sun shines on it and ruin your fruit - God bless from wexford
You are such an inspiration. The modern world is a chaotic place to live, and all the war on TV. You are such a peaceful man and your animals love you, especially that dog mossy. Your videos are a absolute delight to watch.
“Television is a sewer in your livingroom.”
@@marleypumpkin4917 very true, as tragic as the suffering on ordinary Ukrainians is, The media are vulture parasites who thrive on disaster... And over the last 2 years actively promote fear, anxiety and mental illness.
Would love to see a children’s illustrated ‘Adventures of Moss & friends at Mossy Bottom’ one day. Planting the seeds while young. Always a pleasure to watch your videos. Thankyou 🙏❤️.
Wouldn't that be wonderful?! Inspiring a new generation!
Way back in the day before everyone blindly believed the telly we used to be kicked out to go and play in the weather. We just wrapped up and called it winter.
I have only been watching your channel for the last 6 weeks and I finally caught up. My wife and I own a 100 year old house in Pittsburgh. Our primary heat source is boiler and radiator heat. Last year we ditched the window AC unit and put in a split ac unit with a heat pump. The unit has three modes, heating, cooling and dehumidifier. If you really wanted to use your granary to store crops and not have to deal with mold, you might look into getting a heat pump. Heat pumps are over 80% efficient, they run on electricity and can keep your food stores cool and dry. Probably for less money than running your freezers. You homestead looks great. You did a really nice job on the bunk house. Cheers.
I think your blog is fantastic. I would love your life if I was not 80 . I only learned I was half Irish until I was 39. I moved from the city 40 years ago. The happiest years of my life.
Hi Daniel. Just want to say thanks. You are a true inspiration. Next month I am moving to a cottage in the countryside with a couple of acres of barren land in the hope of emulating what you do. I might even document my progress on UA-cam.
Let us know here on a comment so we can follow from the start.
Id love that x
Same. Good luck Marc and do let us know where we can follow you.
@@maggiedoor6093 Thanks that's very kind. Hope to be there on the 19th.
Hey Daniel--a few things. 1) I hear ya on how wet and wild Ireland is. I live in the west of Scotland and wet, wild and windy are de rigeur. Also, having spent a good chunk of my adult life in Georgia in the States, I don't get bothered about wind gusts until they hit 74mph (Category 1 hurricane level). 2) I may have missed this (watching too much regular news from the US instead of your lovely channel; my bad and lesson learned), but have you done any videos on the cottage itself and any reno going on there? 3) I really wanted to thank you for giving a shout out to that nice young man named Kyle a few weeks ago who is also chucking the city life and started smallholding. I noticed his foot traffic on his channel skyrocket after your interview with him and I just wanted to say how nice it was of you to help him out like that. I really wish the rest of the world would come on board with being decent human beings so we wouldn't have mad men invading other countries. I hope you two can catch up another time and do a 'year in review' video to see how far you both have come. Well done. 4) Lent is upon us and if I have to give up something it might as well be the horrible news channels; I am grateful you have your videos to restore my faith in humanity and that there are good souls out there. Hats off to you, my dear (hope that didn't sound too condescending; I'm probably old enough to be your grandmother, though...) and many blessings!!
Greetings from the hills south of Gurteen Co.Sligo. Great to see you going strong, 23yrs since we left England for our derelict cottage covered in brambles and yes our old caravan came with us. Same as you 1 acre and lot's done over the years and enjoying it is the most important thing.
Hi Mossy!
A couple of ideas for getting an apple crop :-
Plant cordons or espalier trained trees against a south or west facing wall of your cottage or other outbuildings. You will get shelter, retained heat from the stone, and you can provide frost protection for the blossom easily!
Plant 'step-over' apples. If you don't know them, it's a training method with just one main branch trained horizontally opposed. A kind of horizontal double cordon! They can be planted along paths and so take up very little space. As they grow low to the ground they're much less susceptible to wind damage and also you can provide frost/bird etc protection easily....
Nice to see the smallholding in winter..
And in years to come, when you're windbreak has grown up, those first fruit trees will have had years putting all their energy into growth vs fruit so they will be bigger and stronger when you do get a crop from them.
I have a pear tree growing against a stucco wall here in New England and while you don’t get as much yield and fruits are bigger in a higher quality and in Springs when the flowers get nip by frost in the orchards the espaliered fruit comes through
More info on an apple crop: -
I live on the south west coastline in an exposed spot and got hit by the same storms you mentioned. We have a nice piece of sheltered land, with large trees providing shelter for large bushes, framing a protected orchard with productive apple trees. We also had a couple of trees and branches come down this year and also use it as firewood or for my workshop. Just keep planting!
Your life of self sufficiency seems so idyllic to me. I know there is much work involved and am under no illusions it is not always positive and romantic appearing. However, you have brought peace and tranquility into my life for a little while for which I thank you greatly. God bless you and may the coming year be as bountiful as you may hope for.
💛🌍💚
Rhubarb is great to have in any garden! Grows like a weed, and makes for some mighty fine jams and pie filling. :)
I love the videos and your outlook on life.
Have you considered keeping honey bees on your small holding? They are great for pollination, lovely to watch as the come and go about their business, which i find very relaxing. There can be the option and added bonus to take some honey off if the colony has had a good year. If this is something you have or would consider please reach out to me and i will help in what way i can.
Calming video and way of living. This is Walden mood.
The cats in almost every shot of the video really made me smile. I love how they seem to be following you around as you're working.
THIS IS MY IDEAL LIFE. and its right around the corner. for those people who worry about the hard work and growing older i believe that the hard work keeps you fit and able longer in life. and what we really need is to get back to our roots and instincts of eras gone past. For a couple decades now i have let my body take care of the rhythms of the seasons. sleeping more in the winter months and being up at 0430-0500 during the spring and summer for sowing and working. i love what you are doing and it may take a couple more years until i am there (land prices have gone daft here in Northern Ireland) so i might have to wait and save a bit longer. I do find it difficult to keep the faith because i am itching to grow grow grow. i have a garden already in some things anyway but we will see how it all pans out this year. I wish you and Moss all the best and hopefully minimal storms but they have their use too (making it easier to get the wood needed for the fire and clearing spaces for new growth)
much love from the us up here in the north.
Daniel you are brilliant and inspirational!
I'm glad you survived the storms Daniel! I've been thinking for sometime now about trying to start a more self sufficient lifestyle and finally at the age of 48 this dream is becoming a reality, thanks for sharing all your videos I'm learning a great deal about what works and what doesn't here in the wild West of Ireland, glad to hear that rhubarb grows well, it's one of my favourites!
You are good for my heart, Daniel.
This is how we should all live our lives , the world would be a better place instead of forcing and changing seasons and nature
The planet woul fail in about five minutes!
Appealing though it is to many people (including me..!) It only works if most of us DON'T do it....!!!
We’ve had stressful days so always love Daniel and Mossy and animals really love your channel make the world beautiful it’s in such a mess at the moment peace to you and all the World 🌍.🏴🏴🏴🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪☮️☮️☮️☮️☮️☮️☮️☮️
This was one of my fave videos... but I may also say that all the time! This one felt cozy and just what was needed while the world rages on in unsettled times. Thank you.
Your winter in Ireland sound identical to our winter in Oregon, USA. I am now living in the Rocky's where winter is not so moderate and it is dry, being desert. About the rhubarb, when I lived in the state of Texas for four years and asked in the produce department of my store for rhubarb, the produce manager asked me "What does it look like?" Uhm...... red celery but not growing in a clump? He had never heard of it or eaten it. Good grief.
I love watching your videos...wish I could live like that... if I sold my apartment I probably could , but I'm 67 and don't have all the knowledge of how to live like that.
I've been struggling with all the constant war talk so thank you for this and reminding me how beautiful the world still is
Happy March! It was nice to have Mossy’s cute face staring at me for a whole 31 days:)
Daniel, your videos inspire me to do activities that I usually don’t have time to ever do. During the worst of COVID-19, I was very worried about the future. But as you said, “life is to short to worry about the future”.
Your videos gave me hope to one day start my own little small holding. My family is very rooted in Ireland, especially in Longford and Cavan. Thank you for making these amazing videos.
May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face, may the rain fall soft upon your fields. And until I write again, may god hold you in the palm of his hand.
P.S. give moss a stick for me
Beautiful... so glad you never suffered too much damage and are ok 👍
Greetings from Oaxaca Mexico. I retired here 35 years ago on a small income and have been very happy. I'm half Irish half Puerto Rican (A Yank of course). Love your channel, admire your hard work, and offer you whatever long distance assistance I can give. I'm a polyglot, gourmet cook, amateur gardiner, mathematician, philosophy and history student and a general bookworm. I adore animals and watching your ducks pigs chickens dog cats rabbits plus all the wild animals and plants in my ancestral homeland. It all brings me a smile. Your a great guy and I wish you all the best. hugs to you and all the bairns JIM 🐽
Hi Daniel, I was walking my dog this morning in my local park and noted the Bluebells were out and flowering, the Daffodil chutes were up and the Woodpecker was hammering away at a rotting tree. Spring is on its way and I for one can't wait. Stay well my friend. Regards Jim UK.
We had 14 ha of indigenous forest with a small wooden house. Very much off the beaten track . Unfortunately ( here in South Africa) , it became too much of A worry for our children with us being there alone. . Many places in the area were been broken into while the people were in their homes . I just can’t explain the sadness of having to have sold to the neighbouring farmer. While there, We cleared a piece of that forest, grew vegetables , and had 50 chickens . I watch your programs but I must say, it reminds me of the wonderful times back then , and , well , I do get sad . We are now in our 70’s and have to rely on just enjoying video’s like yours .
Your videos are like jewels, so precious and beautiful. I love how you take care of the animals, how you care for your home. I don't know what it is about your aesthetic that is so pleasing and calming but I love them. Please don't stop and please don't let your success change you, it is your authenticity that is what makes this channel what it is.
Such s pleasure to watch your videos, especially given the current world situation. Always happy to see a new video from you. Thank you
Place is looking great Daniel.
You`re brilliant, Daniel. Can`t wait for your book. Glad you survived the storms. In later life, you could also even give talks about growing food, etc - there`s many lovely venues around Ireland that would only love to have you share your deep and vast knowledge and experience. Your opportunities are endless. Boy, do we need you! You lift my spirit.
Oh the red cedar hedge is lovely!!!!!
Exactly. We humans are part of the cycle of life. Seasons are part of the cycle of life and are wonderful to experience while immersing ourselves in each moment. Thank you for recognizing that.
Hope your camera recovers! The phone video looks fine to me. Thanks for showing all of the animals, it is great fun to watch Moss getting his exercise too! Spring is starting here in the PNW and I can't wait to get started in the garden (flowers). Looking forward to all of your project updates!
We really enjoyed watching your daily routine. Always love your vlogs. Your cats follow you around the garden for company, so sweet. Looking forward to the next one. Take care and keep safe
That first storm wrecked havock on my husband's family dairy down in Co.Cork. Lots of trees down! Be safe!
"Well done, great video, inspiring me to get out there again. Just getting over cancer treatment, and looking out at an acre of overgrown garden. Time to go for it, Thank You"!
Thank you for posting this delightful video. It is a welcome break from the stress of the war (am married to a Ukrainian who is stomping around like an angry Grizzly Bear) and I love The Witcher too! We are feeling the first days of Autumn here (NZ) and it is my favourite time of the year. Take care, lots of love to you and Moss, the Kunekunes, cats, ducks and hens.🥰
This was LOVELY Daniel You have a 'Blessed' attitude. When you can live and appreciate the 'present moment' ...it eliminates the 'fear' of the future and allows you to enjoy 'peace' in all things...both the good and the challenged. Besides, it takes the wind to strengthen the roots of a tree. Thank-you most kindly 4 sharing. Health and God Bless!
You really are an amazingly positive person and such an inspiration. You are so right. Eat what is in season and organic. Looking forward to the next video. !!!
Thank you, Daniel, for another brilliant episode. I love hearing how you and Moss are doing. Here in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, we have had a very snowy winter. It’s just Mother Nature telling us that she is still the boss😊
Another masterpiece. Thanks Daniel.
Being stuck in the rat race, the more I watch your videos the greater my desire within grows to live in this way. Hopefully I get the courage one day to take the plunge. Lovely video as always.
Lovely to see you, I was worried for you in the storms and im glad youre ok:-) i am keenly waiting for more fairy tales and legends, i absolutely love listening to you.
I have 13 animals to feed each day and the omly return is one chicken egg possibly two if the sun is shining!
Hi hi, me and my partner are getting going on a derelict property in Scotland, and we regularly view your work. It's very inspiring. Thank you for taking the effort and I hope you keep on filming.
Fantastic vid .....thankyou . Total escape from the devastation from the news x
Hi Daniel,
I've came across your channel two weeks ago, and binged all your video. And to see the pictures from your farm have specially made an account on Instagram. I am loving your content and presentation and all your (animal) helpers. Moss is a cutie. Have not commented on any of the video before this, but am planning to watch it again cause it's so so beautiful.
Loving your videos. Keep them coming. Thank you.
God bless.🙏🙏
Welcome Sucheta! Videos are always great and Moss is so great.
It is my birthday today and it was sooooo nice to see such a peaceful video! thank you for the excellent timing!
Happy birthday 🎈🎉🎂🎊
@@jacksg1809 Aww thank you so much 🙂
@@kierstenhoyal6572 I hope it was a great day 🙂
Wishing you and Moss many more years of contentment.
Thank you for the lovely video. Moss is looking very happy.
Thank you Mossy Bottom. A welcome distraction here at the moment in the UK. Glad to see that storm damage was minimal and that the Polytunnel hasn't ended up in the next county...
Hi Daniel great to see u all survived the great Storms of Eunice and Franklin without too much damage to the homestead . We are all looking fwd to Spring now I think ,I know I am ! My poor horses lost their BIG 12'x6' barn without any injuries thank goodness . Look fwd as always to more of Ur videos this coming year . Stay safe and healthy🙏 . Jacks 🙂
Loved this video especially. I love the chopping and clearing work. I’m lethal with loppers saw and secateurs. I’m too advanced in years to do what you do but I get absorbed in my garden with my animals and the wildlife, it’s the frogs who are providing the delightful entertainment at the moment. Lol the mating antics going on in my pond these days has been eye opening. I’m not sure if they didn’t know what to do or were experimenting but I now call them my kinky frogs. Thank you for sharing your day with us.
Thank you for this video. I’m grateful to be able to watch your channel.
I'm obsessed with him boiling potatoes for the pigs 😍
Hi Daniel,
Would you mind compiling a list of what tools/ gadgets you are using on your small-holding - or what you'd recommend to someone thinking of setting up sth similar to your little paradise?
Sort of like a check-list what to consider purchasing and bringing with you?
You already dropped hints here & there e.g. 2 wheelbarrows/yr, spade, shovel, drill, chainsaw, shredder, solar panels... but it would be great to have a dedicated video going into some detail (why which model etc)...
Loved every single one of your videos so far and already eagerly looking forward to the next!
Hi from Oklahoma (US)!
We had a dust bowl here in my state in the 1930s that was so bad they started planting red cedar as a wind breaks. It grows incredibly quick so it was efficient, but they found out that not only does it cause terrible allergies, it can be invasive and a fire hazard (I wouldn't imagine it gets dry enough in Ireland for that problem though).
If it does start reseeding you might use the wood around the property for posts and fencing. Burning it might be risky if you do have any allergy troubles, especially asthma.
Best of luck and don't get blown away!
Love listening to your beautiful voice, love your films, thank you!
Spring is actually the New Year . Great life.
I feel like I could watch an hour long video of just attending the animals. So wholesome
Kibble has been shown by many pet food experts to be low-quality food. It’s easy and convenient for pet parents. Cats need much more moisture to prevent kidney issues. I always thought dry food helped keep dogs’ and cats’ good dental health.
My favorite holistic health vet said in a newsletter that advocating kibble is like humans eating granola (oats & dried fruit concoction) thinking it’s good to clean teeth.
Once you research kibble’s origins (waste product of human meat production) you might re-think dried kibble. And heated multiple times during process & synthetic vitamins/mineral added back in!
Carolyn (Vermont/USA/Cat Lady)
Holistic health vet? lol
You are so right. I recently researched feeding kibble to my cat and learned it removes water from their kidneys which isn’t good. Cats especially need moist food, I’m sure dogs too. They would have never found kibble in the wild. As much as possible we need to feed them what nature would have provided for them. I know in these times it’s not always possible. However, convenience doesn’t always mean better.
Thank you Daniel! As always, I find encouragement in your videos. Blessings to all at Mossy Bottom! 💚
Thanks for the content. Yes ,here in Donegal wind and rain and rain and wind. Yes humans have lost touch of any natural rhythms,which can only add to a sense of separation and contribute to feeling alienated from our ever ‘synthetic’ life.
What good kittens!!
Your story really reminds me of a guy that left the world behind back in 1968 into Alaska and built his log cabin. He started when he was 53 though so you are certainly ahead of your game. He lived there until he was 83 and then to a retirement home. He didn't want to leave but the harsh winters of Alaska at an average of -30 to -50 F. made it impossible for him to stay. The film he made is a classic called Alone in the wilderness.
Been waiting for this as needed the relaxed and happy feeling your videos produce in me. You’re a grower of food and a grower of happiness in your subscribers. 🥰
Love traveling to Mossy Bottom vicariously through your wonderful videos! This was a glorious break from my Wisconsin winter morning, and just what I needed to help motivate me through March and April. Looking forward to Spring as well. May have to watch it a few more times. Loved the trip to the woods, and seeing the diversity. God Bless !
Glad you missed the worst of Eunice, we regrettably had alot of power failures in the south east. Played merry hell with incubating on our small holding. Came across your channel a week ago, very enjoyable seeing your progress.
This has to be one of Your Best Videos....Blessings To You, from CT, USA where the weather can also change in a heartbeat~
I've always dreamed of living like this but poor health has put paid to my dreams. I echo your sentiments regarding your mention of old age and not being strong enough to live the lifestyle anymore. My parents have a small holding in Jamaica but my Dad has Alzheimer's and isn't able to work the land anymore. You're living the dream. Thanks for the uploads they're addictive and pure escapism as we watch and dream you living life as it should be lived.
Your videos are beautiful and inspiring☺.
BLESS your beautiful soul👍
Can I suggest reinforcing your wind break with a wire fence. I found this helped mine in rural cork
...and I was just beginning to think that it had been a while since the last vid you posted. Thanks for the great videos always.
We are wild, wet and windy with lots of harsh winter storms here in Nova Scotia Canada. Hoping that your camera turns back on once it's had a chance to dry out! Wonderful to see you, Moss, and the menagerie in such good spirits, despite the punishing winter. Like you. dreaming of plans for the homestead keeps us content, anticipating spring and all the glory of another sunny, warm day. No matter what the weather, or mode of filming, we appreciate your excellent efforts keeping Mossy Bottom humming and happy❣🐝
Hey Dan! Love the pic of "Moss for March"Have recently acquired a taste for Kale. Here in.W Cumbria, we're quite lucky to miss the worst of the storms, but still have lots of rainy weather.
You're such an inspiration Dan... It's so scary at prez, with what's going on on in the Ukraine. Oh boy! let's stay positive, & safe. Wishing you well. ♡ x
I sure wish I could live like you Daniel…🥰🇨🇦🙏🏼
Start one step at a time and above all have fun
Mossy Bottom is quiet simply the best channel on UA-cam...Best wishes from Melbourne, Australia!
Appears to be a sight more comfortable than that old caravan.
I didn't know that the cottage was for you - as I remember. I was under the impression that you built that cottage for your volunteers. I can't blame you though, it looks quite solid from the inside.
Thanks for the content.
Keep up the good work.
בס'ד
Great to see you , Moss and the cats are keeping well! Moss is looking stunning! Love how he runs in front of the bike. Was thinking I could suggest that to my neighbour who is 74 and is worried about his collie, Rag, not getting enough exercise. My neighbour lost his farm and then his job, and Rag is living in town now. But he has a big area to run and they walk 5kms once a week when there is very little traffic. Looking forward to see how you get on with the cottage. Take care with the storms!
Hi Daniel, great to see your video, always very interesting, be good to see work on the cottage. Take care 🙂
Hi Moss,
Love your video's about self sufficiency, growing what you want and need, keeping animals etc. Always looking forward to your video's. Keep it up!
On the subject of eggs in the winter... My wife and I are located in the north of The Netherlands with a pretty similar climate to yours I think, and we have 3 hens which are Australorp and Bleu de landes. Both are known for their resistance to illness, cold/wet climates, are very friendly, easily tamed, and best of all, their ability to lay eggs troughout the entire year without the need for artificial light in their coop. Our hens have been laying 5-6 large eggs each troughout the winter without any additional effort needed whatsoever.
So, if you woud like to have fresh eggs in the winter as well, both Australorp and Bleu de landes hens maybe worth taking a look at. Good luck this season and huggs to all of your animals!