Happy new year Cindy... You are a very remarkable woman and I often think why are you continuing to work this homestead when you are not in perfect health, but I've come to realize too, it's what keeps you going, what gives you a purpose to get up each day. Just wanted to say Well done for what you are doing!
Cindy, I am 61, and the reason why I would want to homestead is because I do not like what this world has become. People hurting each other, so many killings, people only caring about themselves, the rudeness in this world is unbelievable. I would like, not being around so many people. As long as I have a book and some chores, stuff to keep me busy I would be happy. Unfortunately I have some health problems. So for now I travel and do things that make me happy as I can be. I watch you so I can see someone doing what their dream is. All the best in this new year. Cheers
Many coming to homesteading are those retiring, searching for a better lifestyle and youngsters keen on wellness and depending on the bank of Mum and Dad. No matter what the reason, those cheap farms were abandoned for a reason. You’re right Cindy. Don’t be blinkered to the massive financial, physical and emotional challenges. Know your limits and reach out to friends❤. I had your dream but realised I can’t harvest 3 olive trees on my own let alone 50. Plus, scared of power tools. I have the rural experience with a small village plot, my doggies and follow you to keep learning about resilience❤.
Cindy, cool video. Your dad was not wrong and you did it. Be very, very proud of your achievements. Its easy for us to sit on a couch and comment but it is YOU who is doing it. So congratulations my friend you bit the bullet. Now, after reflecting, perhaps think about a change of homesteading? You are a wonderful writer and mother to hoomans and animals. What about doing workshops and or retreats? Capitalise on your strengths. The future is yours to change to suit your needs. Having read the comments, everyone is behind you no matter what you do. All the best 👍
Oh my word I am 62 year's old and will not survive a homestead like yours. I was a very strong woman once but at the end now I am not so mobile anymore. The brain want to do things but the body is not moving 😂 . I am a very positive person and just keep going. 🙏🤗🐕🐖🐑🌺
Happy New Year to you too, stay strong, and enjoy the journey wherever it takes you, as a small holder here in ireland , I gave up with the animals when I was 60, now just concentrating on the vegetables and timber, much easier, we're also hoping to get to Portugal this year 😊
I’m glad you have stuck it out through thick and thin Cindy. Watching your channel is so enjoyable. Thank you for all your hard work, commitment, and for putting up with wacky subscribers like me…lol
Happy News, Cindy !! Wishing you all the best that life can bring. Wealth, health , and Joy in whatever you do. Love your videos!!!! As long as you enjoy your place . Keep on keeping. I admire you and wish you the best life can bring. ❤
Cinds in south africa eastern cape where i live.....just before new year we had no electricity for 5 days so we didnt have nice new year...had water and flush toilet but even here u r forced to go off grit........enjoy y animals......they love u back 😊
Re your children visiting, why not rent something locally that they can be comfortable in and you can join up daily to experience Portugal? Homesteading is not easy and I know that it would be too much for me, so I think you're doing amazing Cindy.
My children have jobs, so any visits have to be when they get leave. My youngest is getting married this year, so all their leave will be used for the wedding.
I can honestly say that was a very well thought out video made me think and understand maybe it’s a little to late for me to go off grid with my health deteriorating quit quickly but there are other options there are always other options thank you for sharing and hope you had a wonderful Christmas and new year stay well ❤😁
We think the key is realising what you can manage and what you wouldn't be able to. That does change over time but with planning and preparation you can be ready for it. We can't really agree on the points about the suburbs. We know we are really lucky to live in our village but do feel it is far lonelier in cities and suburbs than it is the countryside, just in our experience. You also have to consider finances and you can certainly live a life that would not be financially possible elsewhere. Happy New year Cinders - we know we will see you soon and there are some events we want you to pop in the calendar for this year.
Happy New Year to you Cindy. I've enjoyed watching all your videos in 2024. We're on a farm in Scotland with chickens, ducks, geese and peacocks, plus lots of cats, so we're always covered in something lol!!! We wouldn't have it any other way. I've always wanted the rural life (I was born and brought up in London) and with my daughter and son in law we've created the dream we wanted. Some days it's hard, the weather isn't always kind up here in Scotland, the animals get ill and we lose some which is heartbreaking, but we soldier on as you do. I look forward to seeing what you get up to in 2025!!!
I am in the U.S and im 45 and let me tell you homesteading is not for the faint of heart. You have to get out the house and still feed everyone and make sure everyone is safe and secure even when your sick and injured. I through my back out a week ago when my pigs got out. I still had to catch them and put them back, feed them, and mend the fence the broke out of. I had to use a 15lb fence post pounder to pound 6 new stake in the hard clay ground with a thrown out back. 4 days later i found out i missed a spot because they got out again and i had to do it over again and re aggravated my back injury. I chose this life so i dont whine about it i just keep on moving at a very slow but deliberate pace. Alot of people are not built for this kind of living.
Good morning sunshine I think you’re doing a great job. You’re doing what you wanna do and you can do it as long as you want. I know seeing your grandbaby and I have to leave. Don’t feel good but he’ll remember his grandma the lady that went to Portugal and filled her dreams. Wish I could’ve met you while you were in the states. Good luck God be with you.
Very nice and planned, well thought out video. I recognized your son's house. So glad I met you there.. is that the sweatshirt I made you? Looks too new 🥰 My homesteading is MORE than hard for this 73 yr old BUT ...I DO NOT miss society. I'll die on my mountain first.
@@CindyVine EXACTLY !!! Gotta have something to keep us going !! (So we can just drop over dead in our footsteps instead of slowly deteriorating in a chair.
Yes I agree it's about reality and work havery day and injoy it, carry on with the good work good rest of this Sunday and good new week 😀 👍 🎉party 🥳 🎉 on.
Very nice and planned, well thought out video. I recognized your son's house. So glad I met you tgere.. is that the sweatshirt I made you? Looks too new 🥰 My homesteading us MORE than hard for this 73 yr old BUT ...I DO NOT miss society. I'll die on my mountain first.
I suuuuuuuuuuppose...I have an "urban homestead" even though I'm renting!! I know its 10 metres wide!! Probably 30 metres long?? I have no comprehension of metric maths...so what that is in terms of acres and metres I have no idea!! LOL!! Basically its a small house with a backyard in the middle of suburbia!! The city has a mix of the beach and bush!! I am setting up my garden at the moment...so slow going!! It's just me and my budgie!! I used to live in a 3 bedroom house...but have downsized onto a smaller block of land!! Same rent unfortunately!! I keep thinking...gee...wouldn't it be nice with no neighbours...space and so forth!! But I have a Bunnings next to me...the shops and doctor next too me!! And I love my alcohol delivered!! All this I would have to give up if I move or go off grid!! Its a tough choice to make when I'm probably actually in my forever home!!
well done!! whatever you do, I hope you are happy with it. I am 24 years young, my dream is to take care of my husband and our future kids by myself. I don't want strangers to raise them. I want to know where my food comes from and especially take care of the animal based food production, because it's honestly fucked up in this world what we do to livestock. but I don't want it to be 100 % independent, I guess that would be too much stress. my husband wants to go work, he loves being a carpenter and would like to provide for out family by earning money while I am doing the work at home. That's so far our DREAM. Whatever the reality looks like, I hope we are happy and healthy doing whatever we want. health and love is the most important thing in the world I guess
Cindy, perhaps you could do another "reality video" about how many piglets you'd need to sell to have an income equal to the portuguese minimum wage, which is for year 2025 around 12,000 Euros per year / 1,000 per month. You've said you sell each piglet for 100 Euros, so you'd need to sell 120 piglets a year, but you'd also need to cover all costs of feeding their mothers all year, plus vet bills, equipment, petrol & other costs. I reckon one would need to sell at least 240 piglets a year to cover all costs and have a net profit at least equal to the minimum wage. Am I right?
Homesteading is not for the faint of heart. You can't do it effectively without community. Skills, one learns over time. It's hard work. I wouldn't do it in 🇨🇦 by myself, unless i had a drilled well and a septic somewhere close to town within range of medical care. Because i am not a spring 🐔. My focus would be growing. N. S. Is pretty good for that.🙂👍🇨🇦🐓
It's not always easy but I find it very rewarding!
วันที่ผ่านมา +2
people think that homesteading is done overnight, it's not. it's a life's work, requiring continuous hard work. resilience is the key! just roll up your dolce and gabana sleaves and get to it. laugh, sing or whistle during work times! eat well, work, rest. repeat. blame the government (not to loud), the weather or the pornstars for everything wrong in the farm! joke about it. i know it's hard to keep yourself happy while shoveling shit, but, hey!... try aguardente, it fortifies the bones and senses become a little numb... 😜😂 próspero ano novo! stay warm, stay strong. 🤠😎
Well don’t know what your kids would do there was no such thing as composting toilets in our day. In Africa it was a long drop. That was in the 50’s. My gran farmed she always had a long drop until her dying day. She lived right out in the bush, there were zero facilities. We loved being on her farm. Kids are a different species these days, too spoilt. They should come to visit you regardless of what home comforts you have. They can be very hurtful and self centred these days.
Cindy, I think you’re describing yourself when you try to explain how some homesteaders have this romantic idea of homesteading. And you are so wrong about the majority of homesteaders all around the world - they do succeed. I can’t teach you in this one text what has exhausted you regarding homesteading AT retirement. You are lots of fun but you bit off more than you can or should chew. It’s become painful to watch. I asked you once how Luke and Sarah’s neighbor is making it…while gratefully joyful and energetic. You sent me a ? (seem confused). My US, Australian, Canadian and South African homesteaders all married teachers that left a pretty healthy line of responsible farmers (and teachers). It pains me to see you struggle emotionally and physically nearly every video. It’s not meant to be this way. There is more to life than beautiful Portuguese sunsets ( and yours is stunning), your own hills of boulders and feeling independent (I’m sorry you’re not.) Have you asked yourself what if this life is not healthy for me?
I don't think I was describing myself.I grew up on a farm so this isn't new to me. I follow quite a few other homesteaders in other parts of the world and many have been commenting on people leaving homesteading for some of the reasons I mentioned in the video.
Reality check: you cannot grow ALL your food, nobody can, unless you don't mind eating the same few foods from your land over and over again. In my grandmother's village in Portugal they had a saying for this reality: "When you'd eaten cabbage with potatoes 18 times, you knew it was Sunday" 3 meals a day X 6 days a week all winter because potatoes and cabbage was the only food there was for the cold months. Homesteaders often think that they can grow everything that they see on offer at the supermarket, all year round, and that it will be all FREE to harvest, no costs involved. LOL Wannabe homesteaders would do well to look at what the local portuguese do in rural areas. At least 1 or 2 in each family has a full time job, they grow veg & fruit and raise chickens as a SIDELINE but don't depend on it for their food & income. They eat a variety of different foods most of which bought from the supermaket including imported foods. Or they are retired folks and receive their monthly pension topped with savings. The locals all live in new or renovated homes, ALL have bathrooms, showers, hot water and flush toilets, electricity etc. There's a reason so many old houses are in ruins: because it's cheaper to build new than to recover an old house with damp & mould problems that cannot be solved. Only solution for this is to demolish and build new = that's what the portuguese do. Composting toilets are a health hazard, they attract flyes that can spread disease as they fly into your kitchen... and your neighbours' kitchens... and land on your food! And some homesteaders with composting toilets also have outside kitchens...! Yuk. I think composting toilets are illegal in Portugal (or they should be) and the only people who have them are foreigners who do their research on TH-cam. Sheeple?
Haha true! I have a flush toilet, shower and electricity. My animals are a side hustle, not my income. My income is from the education consulting work I do.
A peaceful New year to you, Cindy. Homesteading...without animals would be advisable. So one could come and go whenever. First thing is to cover all wells so they are safe and water is pure. Then the french drain for bathroom / loo. A Dover type stove and gas one and paraffin? frig. VIP, covered patio for outdoor living, also that one does not step straight into dirt, outside, and gravel further . A couple of grape vines planted to cover patio. This is what we did. No chickens or ducks as they were murdered by wild cat.Cats as well. Awful.😢 Concentrated on a garden, fruit tree orchard. Local coop, neighbours give advice. Nurturing is the no 1 priority. Moats around the fruit trees, leading from one to another. No weeds. Beautifying everywhere. Agapanthus, Roses, Lavenders, Rosemary...enjoying country style living....if one has a dog, a small gutsy, fox terrier/Jack Russel, excellent watch dog, that can be left with caring neighbour, if one has to leave,No problem or easy to take along.Happy memories, otherwise of our off grid mountain home.Living alone is very hard, especially if one is ill. Also not seeing anyone...noone to say "good morning/ goodnight...sharing a cuppa...lonliness can be depressing, especially far from family. So important to have a bnb, and have folks coming and going, an interest and a income. Think on these things...
It’s not negative Advice…. It’s a true opinion by a woman who has done what many others would like to do, and like normal life has its ups and downs. I’ve watched from the beginning and she has made me laugh, cry and shout at the screen, but she is doing it her way whilst still working away to earn the money to finance her beloved homestead and animals. 😊
You are an inspiration to many of us!
You are very kind!
Happy new year Cindy... You are a very remarkable woman and I often think why are you continuing to work this homestead when you are not in perfect health, but I've come to realize too, it's what keeps you going, what gives you a purpose to get up each day. Just wanted to say Well done for what you are doing!
It does give me a reason to wake up each day!
Cindy, I am 61, and the reason why I would want to homestead is because I do not like what this world has become. People hurting each other, so many killings, people only caring about themselves, the rudeness in this world is unbelievable. I would like, not being around so many people. As long as I have a book and some chores, stuff to keep me busy I would be happy. Unfortunately I have some health problems. So for now I travel and do things that make me happy as I can be. I watch you so I can see someone doing what their dream is. All the best in this new year. Cheers
Thanks and safe travels if you are still traveling.
Many coming to homesteading are those retiring, searching for a better lifestyle and youngsters keen on wellness and depending on the bank of Mum and Dad. No matter what the reason, those cheap farms were abandoned for a reason. You’re right Cindy. Don’t be blinkered to the massive financial, physical and emotional challenges. Know your limits and reach out to friends❤. I had your dream but realised I can’t harvest 3 olive trees on my own let alone 50. Plus, scared of power tools. I have the rural experience with a small village plot, my doggies and follow you to keep learning about resilience❤.
There are days when a small village plot sounds inviting!
Cindy, cool video. Your dad was not wrong and you did it. Be very, very proud of your achievements. Its easy for us to sit on a couch and comment but it is YOU who is doing it. So congratulations my friend you bit the bullet.
Now, after reflecting, perhaps think about a change of homesteading?
You are a wonderful writer and mother to hoomans and animals. What about doing workshops and or retreats? Capitalise on your strengths.
The future is yours to change to suit your needs. Having read the comments, everyone is behind you no matter what you do.
All the best 👍
Something to think about.
Oh my word I am 62 year's old and will not survive a homestead like yours. I was a very strong woman once but at the end now I am not so mobile anymore. The brain want to do things but the body is not moving 😂 . I am a very positive person and just keep going. 🙏🤗🐕🐖🐑🌺
My body can't keep up with my brain either lol
Happy New Year! And thanks for all your inspiration. Hope you will always burn for your homestead and never really burn-out.
That's the hope!
Happy New Year to you too, stay strong, and enjoy the journey wherever it takes you, as a small holder here in ireland , I gave up with the animals when I was 60, now just concentrating on the vegetables and timber, much easier, we're also hoping to get to Portugal this year 😊
You'll have to pop by for a visit.
@@CindyVinewill do
Happy New Year, Cindy! My love to you and all of the farm babies. The recipe book is sooo good!
Thanks so much!
Hard and dity work didn't kill
But bad health did
Very important to eat and drink healthy with good sleep
very true
Glad you are still enjoying it. Live watching what you get up too. 😊
You're the best!
I’m glad you have stuck it out through thick and thin Cindy. Watching your channel is so enjoyable. Thank you for all your hard work, commitment, and for putting up with wacky subscribers like me…lol
You are so welcome!
I could never do what you are doing! Physically I'm not strong enough! Well done You!
You can live vicariously through me!
Happy News, Cindy !! Wishing you all the best that life can bring. Wealth, health , and Joy in whatever you do. Love your videos!!!! As long as you enjoy your place . Keep on keeping. I admire you and wish you the best life can bring. ❤
Thanks so much!
Cinds in south africa eastern cape where i live.....just before new year we had no electricity for 5 days so we didnt have nice new year...had water and flush toilet but even here u r forced to go off grit........enjoy y animals......they love u back 😊
😍
Thank you Cindy for your experience and perspective. Happy New Year...I wish you Joy and good health. ❤❤❤
Thanks so much!
Re your children visiting, why not rent something locally that they can be comfortable in and you can join up daily to experience Portugal? Homesteading is not easy and I know that it would be too much for me, so I think you're doing amazing Cindy.
My children have jobs, so any visits have to be when they get leave. My youngest is getting married this year, so all their leave will be used for the wedding.
Rentals in Portugal are expensive they take advantage sad!
Cindy wishing you all the very best for 2025. You truly are an inspiring woman.❤
Thank you!
I can honestly say that was a very well thought out video made me think and understand maybe it’s a little to late for me to go off grid with my health deteriorating quit quickly but there are other options there are always other options thank you for sharing and hope you had a wonderful Christmas and new year stay well ❤😁
One does need to know exactly what you are getting into.
Happy New Year, Cindy, all the best for 2025. Thanks for the videos
Thank you too!
Happy New Year, Cindy! ☺
And to you!
Happy New Year Cindy. Great vlog 😘
Thank you! You too!
Happy New Year Cindy
We love your homestead. One day we hope to do the same ❤
excellent!
We think the key is realising what you can manage and what you wouldn't be able to. That does change over time but with planning and preparation you can be ready for it. We can't really agree on the points about the suburbs. We know we are really lucky to live in our village but do feel it is far lonelier in cities and suburbs than it is the countryside, just in our experience. You also have to consider finances and you can certainly live a life that would not be financially possible elsewhere. Happy New year Cinders - we know we will see you soon and there are some events we want you to pop in the calendar for this year.
Are you away on your travels yet?
@@CindyVine nope we are firmly here - pop over for a cuppa!
🎉 Happy New Year❤
Thank you for your honest thoughts and for sharing your feelings❤
You are so welcome!
I think it's always hard to do ALL YOUR WORK yourself!!!
true story
Sage advice Cindy. Happy New Year.
Happy New Year to you Cindy. I've enjoyed watching all your videos in 2024. We're on a farm in Scotland with chickens, ducks, geese and peacocks, plus lots of cats, so we're always covered in something lol!!! We wouldn't have it any other way. I've always wanted the rural life (I was born and brought up in London) and with my daughter and son in law we've created the dream we wanted. Some days it's hard, the weather isn't always kind up here in Scotland, the animals get ill and we lose some which is heartbreaking, but we soldier on as you do. I look forward to seeing what you get up to in 2025!!!
Thanks Jenny!
Happy new year Cindy . I wish you good , happy and healthy year . Be blessed . I enjoy you and your beautiful farm. Greetings Namibia. ❤😂🎉
Thanks Joey!
Happy New Year Cindy. May 2024 bring you joy, happiness and zero stress....❤🎉❤
Happy new year!!
Thank you Cindy, best wishes a heath through 2025. I enjoy your videos so please keep making them. From Oklahoma
Thank you! Will do!
Happy New Year Cindy! Grandsons sweater is beautiful. You are a woman of many skills.
Thanks so much!
May you have a long life to be on your homestead. Happy New Year.🎉
All the best for 2025!
happy new you cindy,all the best.
Thanks, and to you!
I am in the U.S and im 45 and let me tell you homesteading is not for the faint of heart. You have to get out the house and still feed everyone and make sure everyone is safe and secure even when your sick and injured. I through my back out a week ago when my pigs got out. I still had to catch them and put them back, feed them, and mend the fence the broke out of. I had to use a 15lb fence post pounder to pound 6 new stake in the hard clay ground with a thrown out back. 4 days later i found out i missed a spot because they got out again and i had to do it over again and re aggravated my back injury. I chose this life so i dont whine about it i just keep on moving at a very slow but deliberate pace. Alot of people are not built for this kind of living.
I agree with you totally! Hope your back heals!
@CindyVine I hope your back is better also .
Good morning sunshine I think you’re doing a great job. You’re doing what you wanna do and you can do it as long as you want. I know seeing your grandbaby and I have to leave. Don’t feel good but he’ll remember his grandma the lady that went to Portugal and filled her dreams. Wish I could’ve met you while you were in the states. Good luck God be with you.
Thanks so much!
Great video Cindy ❤!
Glad you liked it!!
Hi cinds...happy new year...and u also must b a bit sad having left fam....now y animal fam....u r amazing...love watch y tv ❤ u cinds
Always sad to leave the farm, but full of joy when I get back!
Very nice and planned, well thought out video. I recognized your son's house. So glad I met you there.. is that the sweatshirt I made you? Looks too new 🥰 My homesteading is MORE than hard for this 73 yr old BUT ...I DO NOT miss society. I'll die on my mountain first.
I have a strong positive feeling about this new year for my friends and family... and you are one of them. ❤ HAPPY NEW YEAR !!
I need to do a video like this..
It is the sweater you made me! I enjoy homesteading and the different challenges. Stops me from slipping into dementia lol
@@CindyVine EXACTLY !!! Gotta have something to keep us going !! (So we can just drop over dead in our footsteps instead of slowly deteriorating in a chair.
Yes I agree it's about reality and work havery day and injoy it, carry on with the good work good rest of this Sunday and good new week 😀 👍 🎉party 🥳 🎉 on.
Happy New Year!
Keep safe,strong and healthy Cindy 👍👏🌟🍀💐
Thank you, will try!
Where is your store. I’d like to buy at-shirt?
There should be a link in the description.
Well I think I bought a tshirt. Didn’t understand the whole order thing
Very nice and planned, well thought out video. I recognized your son's house. So glad I met you tgere.. is that the sweatshirt I made you? Looks too new 🥰 My homesteading us MORE than hard for this 73 yr old BUT ...I DO NOT miss society. I'll die on my mountain first.
😍
I suuuuuuuuuuppose...I have an "urban homestead" even though I'm renting!! I know its 10 metres wide!! Probably 30 metres long?? I have no comprehension of metric maths...so what that is in terms of acres and metres I have no idea!! LOL!! Basically its a small house with a backyard in the middle of suburbia!! The city has a mix of the beach and bush!! I am setting up my garden at the moment...so slow going!! It's just me and my budgie!! I used to live in a 3 bedroom house...but have downsized onto a smaller block of land!! Same rent unfortunately!! I keep thinking...gee...wouldn't it be nice with no neighbours...space and so forth!! But I have a Bunnings next to me...the shops and doctor next too me!! And I love my alcohol delivered!! All this I would have to give up if I move or go off grid!! Its a tough choice to make when I'm probably actually in my forever home!!
Sounds like you have a good life there!
well done!! whatever you do, I hope you are happy with it. I am 24 years young, my dream is to take care of my husband and our future kids by myself. I don't want strangers to raise them. I want to know where my food comes from and especially take care of the animal based food production, because it's honestly fucked up in this world what we do to livestock. but I don't want it to be 100 % independent, I guess that would be too much stress. my husband wants to go work, he loves being a carpenter and would like to provide for out family by earning money while I am doing the work at home. That's so far our DREAM. Whatever the reality looks like, I hope we are happy and healthy doing whatever we want. health and love is the most important thing in the world I guess
You are so right! Health and love is most important!
Cindy, perhaps you could do another "reality video" about how many piglets you'd need to sell to have an income equal to the portuguese minimum wage, which is for year 2025 around 12,000 Euros per year / 1,000 per month.
You've said you sell each piglet for 100 Euros, so you'd need to sell 120 piglets a year, but you'd also need to cover all costs of feeding their mothers all year, plus vet bills, equipment, petrol & other costs.
I reckon one would need to sell at least 240 piglets a year to cover all costs and have a net profit at least equal to the minimum wage.
Am I right?
My feed costs are 50 a week, so selling 2 piglets covers a month's feed.
People leave homesteading because laziness is the father of invention.
haha that's definitely another reason!
Also hard for u cinds because u have to continual travel to earn r u thinking of giving up stay syrong😊
Not thinking that yet.
are you thinking of leaving? 💕
Not at this time, I have too much I still want to accomplish on the homestead.
@@CindyVine Im glad when I heard you say you are staying how much you love it.
Homesteading is not for the faint of heart. You can't do it effectively without community. Skills, one learns over time. It's hard work. I wouldn't do it in 🇨🇦 by myself, unless i had a drilled well and a septic somewhere close to town within range of medical care. Because i am not a spring 🐔. My focus would be growing. N. S. Is pretty good for that.🙂👍🇨🇦🐓
It's not always easy but I find it very rewarding!
people think that homesteading is done overnight, it's not. it's a life's work, requiring continuous hard work. resilience is the key! just roll up your dolce and gabana sleaves and get to it. laugh, sing or whistle during work times! eat well, work, rest. repeat. blame the government (not to loud), the weather or the pornstars for everything wrong in the farm! joke about it. i know it's hard to keep yourself happy while shoveling shit, but, hey!... try aguardente, it fortifies the bones and senses become a little numb... 😜😂 próspero ano novo! stay warm, stay strong. 🤠😎
Good advice!
Well don’t know what your kids would do there was no such thing as composting toilets in our day. In Africa it was a long drop. That was in the 50’s. My gran farmed she always had a long drop until her dying day. She lived right out in the bush, there were zero facilities. We loved being on her farm. Kids are a different species these days, too spoilt. They should come to visit you regardless of what home comforts you have. They can be very hurtful and self centred these days.
They will come visit in the future.
Best of luck on the farm in 2025
Thank you!
Cindy, I think you’re describing yourself when you try to explain how some homesteaders have this romantic idea of homesteading. And you are so wrong about the majority of homesteaders all around the world - they do succeed. I can’t teach you in this one text what has exhausted you regarding homesteading AT retirement. You are lots of fun but you bit off more than you can or should chew. It’s become painful to watch. I asked you once how Luke and Sarah’s neighbor is making it…while gratefully joyful and energetic. You sent me a ? (seem confused). My US, Australian, Canadian and South African homesteaders all married teachers that left a pretty healthy line of responsible farmers (and teachers). It pains me to see you struggle emotionally and physically nearly every video. It’s not meant to be this way. There is more to life than beautiful Portuguese sunsets ( and yours is stunning), your own hills of boulders and feeling independent (I’m sorry you’re not.) Have you asked yourself what if this life is not healthy for me?
I don't think I was describing myself.I grew up on a farm so this isn't new to me. I follow quite a few other homesteaders in other parts of the world and many have been commenting on people leaving homesteading for some of the reasons I mentioned in the video.
Reality check: you cannot grow ALL your food, nobody can, unless you don't mind eating the same few foods from your land over and over again.
In my grandmother's village in Portugal they had a saying for this reality:
"When you'd eaten cabbage with potatoes 18 times, you knew it was Sunday"
3 meals a day X 6 days a week all winter because potatoes and cabbage was the only food there was for the cold months.
Homesteaders often think that they can grow everything that they see on offer at the supermarket, all year round, and that it will be all FREE to harvest, no costs involved. LOL
Wannabe homesteaders would do well to look at what the local portuguese do in rural areas. At least 1 or 2 in each family has a full time job, they grow veg & fruit and raise chickens as a SIDELINE but don't depend on it for their food & income. They eat a variety of different foods most of which bought from the supermaket including imported foods.
Or they are retired folks and receive their monthly pension topped with savings.
The locals all live in new or renovated homes, ALL have bathrooms, showers, hot water and flush toilets, electricity etc.
There's a reason so many old houses are in ruins: because it's cheaper to build new than to recover an old house with damp & mould problems that cannot be solved. Only solution for this is to demolish and build new = that's what the portuguese do.
Composting toilets are a health hazard, they attract flyes that can spread disease as they fly into your kitchen... and your neighbours' kitchens... and land on your food! And some homesteaders with composting toilets also have outside kitchens...! Yuk.
I think composting toilets are illegal in Portugal (or they should be) and the only people who have them are foreigners who do their research on TH-cam. Sheeple?
Haha true! I have a flush toilet, shower and electricity. My animals are a side hustle, not my income. My income is from the education consulting work I do.
A peaceful New year to you, Cindy. Homesteading...without animals would be advisable. So one could come and go whenever. First thing is to cover all wells so they are safe and water is pure. Then the french drain for bathroom / loo. A Dover type stove and gas one and paraffin? frig. VIP, covered patio for outdoor living, also that one does not step straight into dirt, outside, and gravel further . A couple of grape vines planted to cover patio. This is what we did. No chickens or ducks as they were murdered by wild cat.Cats as well. Awful.😢 Concentrated on a garden, fruit tree orchard. Local coop, neighbours give advice. Nurturing is the no 1 priority. Moats around the fruit trees, leading from one to another. No weeds. Beautifying everywhere. Agapanthus, Roses, Lavenders, Rosemary...enjoying country style living....if one has a dog, a small gutsy, fox terrier/Jack Russel, excellent watch dog, that can be left with caring neighbour, if one has to leave,No problem or easy to take along.Happy memories, otherwise of our off grid mountain home.Living alone is very hard, especially if one is ill. Also not seeing anyone...noone to say "good morning/ goodnight...sharing a cuppa...lonliness can be depressing, especially far from family. So important to have a bnb, and have folks coming and going, an interest and a income. Think on these things...
One thing I never get, is lonely!
Hello NEW SUBSCRIBER LOVE TO HAVE YOU JOIN US AS WELL CENTRAL PORTUGAL 🇵🇹
Thanks, will take a look!
I suggest that everyone that has been put off by all this negative advice watch Maya Feliz and Make.Do.Grow. Truly inspirational, never negative.
So no need to spread your negativity here.
It’s not negative Advice…. It’s a true opinion by a woman who has done what many others would like to do, and like normal life has its ups and downs. I’ve watched from the beginning and she has made me laugh, cry and shout at the screen, but she is doing it her way whilst still working away to earn the money to finance her beloved homestead and animals. 😊
@@myrah1600Perhaps I have misinterpreted your first sentence. But whose “all this negative advice” are you referring to?🤔
I'm not sure if pointing out the realities is negative, as it is the reason some people decide to leave homesteading. It isn't for everybody.