It’s been awesome to see Shawn come out of his shell over the past year and talk with us! Nice to see you smiling Shawn you have a great personality my friend.
Shawn, You see, belatedly, I used to have a shirt just like the red one. Inside it, it said something like Canadian Lumberjack Wear..... it's a long time ago. When I went to university in 1979, my Uncle John, who had been stationed in Canada during WW2 was worried about me. He gave me this red check shirt, same pattern as yours, thick as a blanket and said "This will keep you warm!" It was from the war years!! He was not wrong. In London it was like an overcoat!! Every time I see the red shirt, I remember him! A great man who watched out for me. He died a few years ago aged 96, an engineer and RAF veteran. What a man, memory and reminder. Regards Stephen.
You sir are one tuff dude. In my younger days i enjoyed the snow and cold, but at 72, I prefer the warmth of the house and a good cup of coffee. I enjoy watching your videos and mostly envy your life style. Your certainly to be admired for you work ethic.
Love you are re-purposing those windows. Just a tip on re-glazing (you may already know): remove all the old glazing compound (putty) down to the wood. Sometimes this means removing the glass and putting down a new thin bed of putty to set the glass on. Scrape the wood bare and treat with boiled linseed oil+ turpentine (about 4:1) until the wood can soak in no more. If you can, let it cure for a few days. Apply glazing compound (NOT caulk), let it develop a skin, then coat with a light amount of linseed mix. Let dry thoroughly before painting (oil paint is best IMO). You may never need to do them again in your lifetime. The ones I did 40 yrs ago are still like new. The dry wood otherwise draws the oil out of the glazing compound and causes it to dry out and crack. Found this in an old house restoration book from the 1950's or 60's. Carry on... Namaste
It good to see that you are relaxing a bit in your warm cabin ! It sure sounds like it is very cold where you live and it is difficult to do any work outside. Thanks for making this video and answering some of your Subs questions on what your thoughts are on natural clothing vs non natural material and clothing. Thanks again !
Mr Shawn James: This is Andrew Slone Retired Army Vietnam And Desert Storm Veteran with 22 yrs of Service. Reading yesterday about your brother who was in Vietnam, pray he has or did survived the War. Your story and your intellectual and or individual skill’s has brought you success in life; therefore enjoy your family and your nice warm cabin in the woods. God bless you.
Here in the Midwest (United States) tonight it's going to dip down to 28 degrees below zero (Fahrenheit) with the wind chill. I have a feeling it's going to be a long cold lonely winter. Thank God I have Shawn James and My Self Reliance videos to watch.
Those windows can be double up also, just put a hinge on both of them and insulate the trim where they close. Have one swinging out and the other swinging in, that way you can have light coming in all the time. Just a thought!
Taky myslím, stačila by dvě skla po dvou milimetrech, klidně zesílit rám, při tomto rozměru to závěsy udrží. Určitě dvojité sklo. Zdravím z České republiky.
David Floer that’s a good idea if Shawn has the extra casements. A vacuum or special gas isn’t essential for good thermal insulation, as I’m sure you know. They take the air out, or put gas in between double panes because they are so close together and cold/heat would get transmitted quickly between them. Increase the amount of still air/distance between the panes and the insulation value goes up. Thermals will start inside with the difference in temperature between the panes, so they will transmit some heat/cold, and they will need cleaning inside if they open separately, but they are still a good option. Regards, Gerry
We have had cold weather too the last weeks here in northern Sweden. Right now -30C and I dont get anything done outside. We are 64 deg north so extremely short days and no heat from the sun at all. Luckily I finished my new workshop so I can get stuff done anyway. I found your channel recently and I really like it.
Good Morning Shawn - It does not matter what you are doing, you always inspire me to do something. I do not care if you are working on projects in the cabin, building the sauna, splitting firewood, trekking in the snow with Cali, hunting, fishing, cooking a healthy meal or just sharing your knowledge and thoughts with us, I am inspired. You are the reason I started my own RUclips channel and for that I owe you a "HUGE THANK YOU"! I check for your video releases first thing every day, they are such a treat to watch.
The most effective way, for me personally, to lessen the impact that your clothes purchases make on the planet is to buy pre-owned clothes. Or as we call them in my clan 'thrifty store bargoons'. To reuse a product that has already been used has a far better impact. Its also cheaper. I am currently wearing a lovely grey merino wool sweater that I purchased at my local thrift store for $5. Its warm and beautiful and in my price range. The bottom line is that all any of use can do is our best
Shawn: Nice to hear from you and watch your great videos. You are doing such a good job on your projects. Being 80 makes me cold watching you. Keep up the good work. You are a class act. Timmer C
Shawn, As a Glass man here in California. We take them Wood sash windows and DBL them up to make Dual pane windows. That will work in your case because combined they should only be 31/4 over all. I run a bead of caulking on one side and then sandwich them together together and then run some screws thru them or put a wood Vice on each side and let them dry. I did a complete house like that because the owner wanted to keep the old look. He was, as U was completely surprised of the Insulating value. The further the distance between each pane, The better the insulating value. Just thought I would toss that at you. best wishes from my family to you and your's...
I love your videos and although I would not do it so stringent to keep like a 1800 style living I certainly respect and admire. what you are doing. I came across your channel about a month ago and I enjoy it very much.
Hello from Australia, Shawn it's hard to get motivated here to do anything because we are dealing with many days of 48 degrees Celsius where I live, it doesnt get cooler than 30 at night! It's making life really hard working in this! Extremes are never good for anything! Keep on doing what you can, stay warm and safe! Love the footage with Cali enjoying her life alongside the man she loves! See you here next time, thanks for bringing us into your life!
I feel your pain! Living in mountains area here in the Czech Republic, we woke up this week several times with -22 Celsius. All the previously melted snow is hard as a rock on our homestead. A pick is a piece of must-have equipment when trying to shovel out some paths.
It’s comforting to know that I’m not the only one who can’t t remember dates, lol. I used to be really good at finding and negotiating deals when I was married, not so much anymore....🤷🏼♀️😕. I love your channel, Shawn, thanks for sharing!
Shawn: what you said about minimalization clothes wise got me to thinking, as I have 5 wardrobes full of clothes I very rarely wear, as I used to work in a suited environment but now I am retired so thermal shirts and sports pants in Winter and in Summer T's and shorts.
Enjoying this journey with you. Thank you for sharing it with us all. As for the windows, I have seen many greenhouses built with recycled windows. A great idea to consider if wanting to live 24/7 on the land. Looking forward to more of your journey. Thanks again!
You made me laugh when talking about your wife buying the windows because I bought some antique windows off an old house not that long ago for one of my projects. They’re beautiful. My husband on the other hand said why’d you buy that 💩 lol I find beauty in the simplest things. Love your talks Shawn.
The opposite of the "buy at the right price", is giving to those that will "love it like you did", or "can't afford the dream right now", etc. It's a similar, maybe even better feeling. Generally I see this beautiful emotion in certain older folks that want to share their things with another generation or person that shares their values.
Hi Shawn, you mentioned that you were experiencing cold temperatures. Well, yesterday in Adelaide South Australia, we had a record of 46.6 + Celsius. Damn hot. I am enjoying your videos from the snow, it makes us all feel better. Keep up the great work. Xx Brad
Do you ever just carve, when staying inside? Also do you ever hear weird sounds at night when sleeping? Take care Shawn and thank you for all your sharing!❤️❤️❤️ we need a log cabin emoji!
When I was in Egypt I was told that people were encouraged to live in homes built of concrete because they were told it was durable and modern, and the kick backs for contractors from government of course. . A lot of villagers abandoned their concrete homes and went back to building in mud brick because mud is plentiful and free by the Nile, it is cool in summer and warm in winter, concrete is exactly the opposite. I think this is a good example of how sustainability must be allied to terrain. We have to build homes using materials that are plentiful in our own country, Wood in Canada mud brick in Egypt, it’s also, like the tiny house movement, a good way to maintain citizenship freedom from control by the state through over regulation.
As always Shawn, an excellent video! Trying to keep up with your postings and sometimes it’s hard, since you produce high quality content on RUclips. Anyway, you’re doing a great job so please keep it up!
I think the key to getting better and more natural products is through small family owned businesses as you mentioned, but keeping in mind that you may not always have that option. Good video Shawn & thx for sharing!
I agree that the easiest step for most issues in sustainability is to first reduce our needs. After that I feel the same way as you do, however, man-made fibres end up in the landfill and are a whole other problem whereas natural fibres can be composted. Just an added consideration for me. Love that you share these thoughts.
I too have a sister who kept a few sheep here in northern NY. She sent her wool off to the Amish and had socks made. I've received a few pair for Christmas over the years. They are wonderful. It made me think, with your desire to make your own clothes, hand tools etc., if you were familiar with the Amish and their practices. May be worth a study for you. I'm enjoying your videos very much, thank you.
Thanks for the videos. I enjoy watching. I would love to live off the grid but not able to anymore. Your videos are so peaceful, thanks ! From the US in Tennessee.
Thanking you Shawn your footage and conversation is always filled with great advice especially for younger couples. Blessings to your beautiful wife and family.
Have you considered purchasing some merino sheep? You're sister could look after them for you and then you could spin your own yarn from it. And the resale value of it could really help you out too. I'd also recommend you look into kashmir goats and angora rabbits for resale value of the fibers if you're interested in that route. Also alpaca wool has some interesting features that you might like as well as their wool is hollow. Keep up the great work, Shawn.
I've got 2 spare spinning wheels, Shawn! Lol -And some spare weaving looms, also fleece, alpaca and silk to spin! Silk is supposed to keep the cold out according to Tibet people. Also cheer up. 2 days ago we had it 47 degrees Celsius here in South Australia..
I know for me my clothes have to be Cotton (sensitive skin) Wool irritates my skin something awful. For some reason though, Cashmere does not. I would also recommend that whatever material you buy, wash it before you wear it. I used to work in trade shows and learned ALL materials are sprayed with flame retardant and chemicals to keep bugs and rodents from munching on them. Thanks for the video, Shawn. P.S. I love the way Canadians pronounce ou. Like out sounds like oout or aboout. Very cool :)
Looking forward to more videos on both of your channels. My goodness, just to sit back and read a great book with a nice fire burning in a fire place; what a joy that would be. I enjoyed this video, and as always, thanks for sharing.
A young friend of mine here in Sydney Australia, owns 2 Dingo Dogs (which are taller than Cali but have similar fur including the fluffy fur both sides of her tail). He was asking if he could use their fur to make something, because when they molt twice a year, it's enough fur to make a mat. I used to be a farmer (and I'm a 4th generation farmer) I explained that if he mixed the fur with some Merino Sheep's Wool he will be able to make a felt vest, he was really interested when I told him it would be cool in the summer, warm in the winter and shower poof in light rain.
Shawn, You are a real thinker. I like your view of all things and being honest that you struggle with your thoughts on things. We live in a 24 x 24' log cabin and feel like we have the most room. We have learned to do with less and feel much better for it. We also have the same stove you do and it keeps our place toasty here in the Arrowhead. Keep up the great work!!!
That topic of real or fake is a massive one. Just think about every time you go shopping and all the plastic that is around us as we go. It's an absolute nightmare!
Thanks for the motivation! I've recently started building a off grid cabin after I started watching your videos! I have a couple vids on my channel of the progress. Thanks again and hopefully someday I'll live in a cabin on the lake! 😍
A few cabins with bunkbeds for a teenager's winter and or summer 2 week conservation camp learning self reliance from one of the best would be awesome.
Interesting response about buying quality even if it initially cost a little more. The best bargains I have ever found were high quality items, cars, stereo, furniture, that I have kept and used for decades. They are so much less expensive they are worth the wait and effort to buy. One of the best ways to impact the environment is by the quality and stop throwing stuff away. We are such a throw away society today it is scary. Good shoes should last 20-30 years, good wool clothes 10-20 years, a well made car 15 years, not 3, a well made rifle 50-75 or more years.
@Gordon Stanley Very well stated Sir ! The other people are just keeping up with the Jones and status symbols. Sort of a religion for them. Ha. They wouldn't be caught dead camping, ….only five star hotels for them ! Good... leaves more Canadian wilderness for us ! Cheers !
If you want a good car get a older volvo that has been taken care of properly. There are cars around here that has a couple million kilometers on the clock and they still run smooth as a bell
6 лет назад+1
Hi Shawn grate video as always thanks for the update and sharing this video 🤔 time for a few beers for me time to relax and enjoy 👍👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
My step-father build a cabin, not with logs though, and he put a holding tank for his fresh water in the rafters. It worked really well. Later he had a well drilled. Do you think you'll have a well drilled for your water?
Hey Shawn, watching you from southwest Florida for the last two months. Tons of folks from Ontario down here so it must be really lonely up there. As for clothing, I haven’t worn anything but a cotton t shirt and cargo shorts for the duration. My impact is minimal here.
I would love to see you do a similar video about kitchen tools, like pans and pots or whatever, maybe a video about titanium vs alu vs stainless? I have my own questions about this as I use titanium, mainly because of the weight savings in my backpack.
Hi shawn, I got three ideas for you: Build a solar shower for summer, devellop pollard trees and make green coal. Solar shower are just a tank of water which heat up with the sun all day long. Pollard trees are the old western ways to got fire wood for future. You made it by cutting the head of a tree every 3~4years at 5 foot high (i don't think it work really well with conifer). It's hard to explain how it work exactly. Green coal is made with straw, by burning it without oxygen (it is name pyrolysis), and it can easily be done. Thanks for all your videos, Greetings from France
Cotton will never go away as a crop, it is used in so many things. You didn't mention bamboo or silk or hemp. Those bamboo grow so quick. Have you ever sleep on bamboo sheets? Oh man they are the best.
While on the topic of clothing, how do you wash your clothes ? I saw an idea where you use a 5-6 gallon bucket with a top on it and a small hole in the middle, thru the hole is the handle of a commode plunger. Kinda like making diary products, just up and down with the plunger makes a nice hand operated washing machine ? I certainly enjoy your video's.
Hey Shawn, how about using two of the single pane windows together to make a double glazed unit? You could have a nice thermal gap and stop some condensation and icing over. Anyway love your videos, keep warm!
I've seen this done in other large cabins using two single pane windows at least four inches away from each other. It really works very well and is an inexpensive solution to insulating.
Hi Shawn. I’m subscribed to both your channels and your footage, music and commentary are top notch. I have one simple question, that would make living at the cabin difficult: How do you wash your cloths/laundry? I’ve never seen you do it on any of your videos. I assume just hand wash and hang them on a line, but what about in the winter? Nice score by your wife on the windows by the way! Keep the videos coming!
I know what you mean about the extreme cold. When we hit -27*C over the last week I was glad to not be working outside anymore but the cold is easier for me to take than the dampness. Car batteries however are a different story and many people were late for work. The organic craze has never convinced me that the claim is 100% true or that it is even beneficial to spend the extra money. Especially here in Canada where we already have laws preventing hormones and steroids in milk and most meat.
A couple other people have mentioned bamboo, spun bamboo is supposed to more sustainable and environmentally friendly than cotton, as well as softer and more durable. Hopefully it becomes more popular. One downside of some of the organic fabrics is the tendency to retain moisture, which can be a problem in cold weather, as I'm sure you know. If you haven't read it, the book "Let My People Go Surfing" by Yvon Chouinard (founder of Patagonia) is an interesting read, and touches on their philosophy with sustainable products and lifestyle. That book as well as your videos and other factors have inspired my wife and I to minimize our environmental impact as much as possible, not just recycling our waste but also consuming less. We have even taken up baking sourdough bread and have even started making our own cheese and yogurt. Keep up the great work!
What -20 your a Hardy folk living in that :-) I work welding in heavyweight cotton and keep warm in wool myself, I didn't realize cotton had such a big footprint tho. Thanks for sharing Shawn
If you put bubble wrap on the inside of the window it will help insulate it and allow light to come through. I enjoyed your video brother thank you for sharing.
Have you considered getting a air cleaner/conditioner with a Hepa filter for your cabin? They only use a fan for intake and discharge, so current draw is low. Here In Thailand I use one made by Hatari which is famous for their long lasting, high quality house fans. Mine has 4 fan speeds and also has a remote.
LOL.. I thought I had somehow missed a video then I realized that this is your other channel, that I have started watching once I realized it was there. I don’t know anything about windows so I ask this question from the depths of ignorance. Are single pane windows just as good as double pane? I mean in a sauna or not. I’m just curious. I think it is so wonderful to hear a husband talk about his wife the way you do about yours. Y’all seem like a real team. That is how it should be.
Totally off topic...Shawn..LOVE all your videos...but I laugh every time you sign off....it reminds me of one of my most LOVED program as a child...The Friendly Giant...you sound like him..."Thanks for watching , I appreciate it..hope to see you up here at the cabin next time." lol...your sign off isnt funny in itself..its quite sincere...it just brings me down memory lane...so thank you for that!! :)
Every year here in the Spring there are folks who invest in a better class of windows. The ones being replaced very often end up on the front lawn with a "free" sign. We also have something called The Front Porch Forum, where folks offer windows free for the taking. Communities that recycle this way remind me of the olden days when you could go to the town dump and pick over the "still useful" pile. Boss of the Swamp has a local dump that still works that way. Unfortunately it is only practical on a small scale.
Plexiglass is a good alternative in cases like this. Economical too and glazes like glass. The Finnish people use saunas daily. They have good knowledge on building saunas and extreme temperatures.
hi shawn.. new to your two channels as of this year. I came over from homesteaders top ten. Could you catch up your new viewers as far as your family? Will they move in your cabin at some point when it’s finished ? And why do we not see them in your vids? ( if you don’t mind answering ) thanks enjoy your channels here in Kansas!
Shawn i don't know how you can smile like that when it's that cold. When you work on those windows it's glazing, a type of putty that hardings slowly.I've used it for years. It's old school, but I'm sure caulking would work fine.
You've never mentioned anything about your drone videos. Can you?? They're very interesting and I'd like to know if you are the pilot or you have someone else doing the flying? Some really great shots.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts in reply to that Shaun :) always enjoy hearing your voice of reason. I have read that you can source t-shirts made in bamboo and hemp online (with your own designs) which are supposed to be fairly sustainable sources of material. Maybe something to think about if you'd prefer not to buy/sell cotton ones. But not sure if the shipping legists would be and issue. I agree that minimizing is best, I need to downsize my wardrobe big time!
There were a couple days there were even Willow (my GS), whom I call Snow Dog, didn't want to stay outside. The dogs went out then wanted right back in the cabin. I don't know how you do any work in tht cold. It might be interesting to do a series of skype dialogues with different YTers on topics like cliimate change, hunting, etc.
Climate change is just a *YUGE SCAM brought on by governments to suck money (taxes) from those citizens living there. After decades of pressuring folks to build above grade and making folks plug into the grid for power heat water sewer ad infinitum some of us say ENUF!! Really I'd just as soon tell all these ppl to F Off. Especially when they TRESPASS & come right to your place and ORDER YOU to plug into their game.* If I sound bitter guess what?
Hi Shawn, I wouldn't like to kill the magic but wanted to know how you illuminate your captures inside the cab, the light looks awesome, do you use some spotlight? how you handle the energy with the batteries? only sun energy or some diesel electric generator? I follow from Chile and left the city to do the same, so I admire what you do :)
FYI; My family has raised Goats w/Cashmere on them. Also Wool from the Sheep. All are sheared the same way. Been involved in that since I was 5 years old. Now 58. Farm life or what was good is now obsolete in the USA. Not enough money to survive here in the USA.
If you put two windows into an opening with about an inch of air space between them, you will get an insulating effect. That only works for windows that won't be opened (if you don't double up the windows to make sliders, for instance).
Just a tought here what you need is glass mastic not caulking and as someone else mentionned you could use two windows together. Outside ones and opening outwards that could be interchangeable with screens fro the summer. Inside window could open which ever way. I think it would be easier to control humidity between the windows and thus making sure the wooden frames never rots away. Plus it would be a lot warmer. Or even better if you found the double frames to fit these windows in... now that'd be perfect. I often seen window makers selling frames and windows they remove from homes for dirt cheap. Anyhow, great discussion and lots to think about.
It’s been awesome to see Shawn come out of his shell over the past year and talk with us! Nice to see you smiling Shawn you have a great personality my friend.
Shawn, You see, belatedly, I used to have a shirt just like the red one. Inside it, it said something like Canadian Lumberjack Wear..... it's a long time ago. When I went to university in 1979, my Uncle John, who had been stationed in Canada during WW2 was worried about me. He gave me this red check shirt, same pattern as yours, thick as a blanket and said "This will keep you warm!" It was from the war years!! He was not wrong. In London it was like an overcoat!! Every time I see the red shirt, I remember him! A great man who watched out for me. He died a few years ago aged 96, an engineer and RAF veteran. What a man, memory and reminder. Regards Stephen.
You sir are one tuff dude. In my younger days i enjoyed the snow and cold, but at 72, I prefer the warmth of the house and a good cup of coffee. I enjoy watching your videos and mostly envy your life style. Your certainly to be admired for you work ethic.
Love you are re-purposing those windows. Just a tip on re-glazing (you may already know): remove all the old glazing compound (putty) down to the wood. Sometimes this means removing the glass and putting down a new thin bed of putty to set the glass on. Scrape the wood bare and treat with boiled linseed oil+ turpentine (about 4:1) until the wood can soak in no more. If you can, let it cure for a few days. Apply glazing compound (NOT caulk), let it develop a skin, then coat with a light amount of linseed mix. Let dry thoroughly before painting (oil paint is best IMO). You may never need to do them again in your lifetime. The ones I did 40 yrs ago are still like new. The dry wood otherwise draws the oil out of the glazing compound and causes it to dry out and crack. Found this in an old house restoration book from the 1950's or 60's. Carry on... Namaste
Looking very very chilled, love the windows but more importantly I love your enthusiasm in tandem with your partner.
It good to see that you are relaxing a bit in your warm cabin ! It sure sounds like it is very cold where you live and it is difficult to do any work outside. Thanks for making this video and answering some of your Subs questions on what your thoughts are on natural clothing vs non natural material and clothing. Thanks again !
Really enjoy your videos Shawn. You seem to be very happy and have a spring in your step recently. Happy for you.
When you cut your own firewood, it warms you twice- Henry Ford
If you haul it, you get warm again when you load it, and again when you unload it.
three times if you have to move it very far...
Stacking is another one.
Mr Shawn James: This is Andrew Slone Retired Army Vietnam And Desert Storm Veteran with 22 yrs of Service. Reading yesterday about your brother who was in Vietnam, pray he has or did survived the War. Your story and your intellectual and or individual skill’s has brought you success in life; therefore enjoy your family and your nice warm cabin in the woods. God bless you.
you and your wife are so blessed to have each other and you are also very smart about your spending habits and planning for your future.
Here in the Midwest (United States) tonight it's going to dip down to 28 degrees below zero (Fahrenheit) with the wind chill. I have a feeling it's going to be a long cold lonely winter. Thank God I have Shawn James and My Self Reliance videos to watch.
Those windows can be double up also, just put a hinge on both of them and insulate the trim where they close. Have one swinging out and the other swinging in, that way you can have light coming in all the time. Just a thought!
You read my mind !!!
Taky myslím, stačila by dvě skla po dvou milimetrech, klidně zesílit rám, při tomto rozměru to závěsy udrží. Určitě dvojité sklo. Zdravím z České republiky.
double pane windows have a larger insulating value not because of the glass but of the sealed insulating gas sandwiched between the panes...
need a vacuum.
David Floer that’s a good idea if Shawn has the extra casements. A vacuum or special gas isn’t essential for good thermal insulation, as I’m sure you know. They take the air out, or put gas in between double panes because they are so close together and cold/heat would get transmitted quickly between them. Increase the amount of still air/distance between the panes and the insulation value goes up. Thermals will start inside with the difference in temperature between the panes, so they will transmit some heat/cold, and they will need cleaning inside if they open separately, but they are still a good option. Regards, Gerry
We have had cold weather too the last weeks here in northern Sweden. Right now -30C and I dont get anything done outside. We are 64 deg north so extremely short days and no heat from the sun at all. Luckily I finished my new workshop so I can get stuff done anyway. I found your channel recently and I really like it.
Good Morning Shawn - It does not matter what you are doing, you always inspire me to do something. I do not care if you are working on projects in the cabin, building the sauna, splitting firewood, trekking in the snow with Cali, hunting, fishing, cooking a healthy meal or just sharing your knowledge and thoughts with us, I am inspired. You are the reason I started my own RUclips channel and for that I owe you a "HUGE THANK YOU"! I check for your video releases first thing every day, they are such a treat to watch.
The most effective way, for me personally, to lessen the impact that your clothes purchases make on the planet is to buy pre-owned clothes. Or as we call them in my clan 'thrifty store bargoons'. To reuse a product that has already been used has a far better impact. Its also cheaper. I am currently wearing a lovely grey merino wool sweater that I purchased at my local thrift store for $5. Its warm and beautiful and in my price range.
The bottom line is that all any of use can do is our best
Sounds to me like you have a wee bit of thirfty Scott blood in you methinks. Good buy !
@Sir Kevin I think you mean all water has been recycled since the beginning of time. I know. Mr. Chips taught us that. Cheers !
Or buy American made and cotton, hemp etc..
jesse greywolf is he not allowed some creature comforts. He is living off the land surely we can allow a few clothing purchases?
jesse greywolf are you a Democrat? What is he supposed to wear a fig leaf?
Having a coffee in Perth Western Australia 🇦🇺 on Saturday morning. Love watching your videos Shawn 😄
Shawn: Nice to hear from you and watch your great videos. You are doing such a good job on your projects. Being 80 makes me cold watching you. Keep up the good work. You are a class act. Timmer C
Shawn, As a Glass man here in California. We take them Wood sash windows and DBL them up to make Dual pane windows. That will work in your case because combined they should only be 31/4 over all. I run a bead of caulking on one side and then sandwich them together together and then run some screws thru them or put a wood Vice on each side and let them dry. I did a complete house like that because the owner wanted to keep the old look. He was, as U was completely surprised of the Insulating value. The further the distance between each pane, The better the insulating value. Just thought I would toss that at you. best wishes from my family to you and your's...
That's how I bought my kitchen cupboards. Fire sale. New and slightly sooty but washed them and they are fine
Oooh, i LOVE flannel. So cozy. My sleeping bag was flannel lined.
I love your videos and although I would not do it so stringent to keep like a 1800 style living I certainly respect and admire. what you are doing.
I came across your channel about a month ago and I enjoy it very much.
Shawn, Very chilled, very philosophical and very true. Regards Stephen.
You and your channel are the real deal! Stay warm and safe!
Hello from Australia, Shawn it's hard to get motivated here to do anything because we are dealing with many days of 48 degrees Celsius where I live, it doesnt get cooler than 30 at night! It's making life really hard working in this! Extremes are never good for anything! Keep on doing what you can, stay warm and safe! Love the footage with Cali enjoying her life alongside the man she loves! See you here next time, thanks for bringing us into your life!
I feel your pain! Living in mountains area here in the Czech Republic, we woke up this week several times with -22 Celsius. All the previously melted snow is hard as a rock on our homestead. A pick is a piece of must-have equipment when trying to shovel out some paths.
It’s comforting to know that I’m not the only one who can’t t remember dates, lol. I used to be really good at finding and negotiating deals when I was married, not so much anymore....🤷🏼♀️😕. I love your channel, Shawn, thanks for sharing!
Cup of tea and my self reliance video...nothing better than this😃
I'm with you on that. Nothing better...
Yup, me too.
Me 3
Nixon Bushcraft s
Me as well! Crazy how we all have the same good ideas! ☕
Shawn , I'm 75 years old ,and enjoying having you mentor me .Keep up the good work !
Shawn: what you said about minimalization clothes wise got me to thinking, as I have 5 wardrobes full of clothes I very rarely wear, as I used to work in a suited environment but now I am retired so thermal shirts and sports pants in Winter and in Summer T's and shorts.
Shawn you and your wife must a hell of a team!!!.... all the best man to you and your family!
You’re a very wise man. I really enjoy your videos. I always learn something
Enjoying this journey with you. Thank you for sharing it with us all. As for the windows, I have seen many greenhouses built with recycled windows. A great idea to consider if wanting to live 24/7 on the land. Looking forward to more of your journey. Thanks again!
You made me laugh when talking about your wife buying the windows because I bought some antique windows off an old house not that long ago for one of my projects. They’re beautiful. My husband on the other hand said why’d you buy that 💩 lol I find beauty in the simplest things. Love your talks Shawn.
The opposite of the "buy at the right price", is giving to those that will "love it like you did", or "can't afford the dream right now", etc. It's a similar, maybe even better feeling. Generally I see this beautiful emotion in certain older folks that want to share their things with another generation or person that shares their values.
Hi Shawn, you mentioned that you were experiencing cold temperatures. Well, yesterday in Adelaide South Australia, we had a record of 46.6 + Celsius. Damn hot. I am enjoying your videos from the snow, it makes us all feel better.
Keep up the great work. Xx Brad
Do you ever just carve, when staying inside? Also do you ever hear weird sounds at night when sleeping? Take care Shawn and thank you for all your sharing!❤️❤️❤️ we need a log cabin emoji!
When I was in Egypt I was told that people were encouraged to live in homes built of concrete because they were told it was durable and modern, and the kick backs for contractors from government of course.
. A lot of villagers abandoned their concrete homes and went back to building in mud brick because mud is plentiful and free by the Nile, it is cool in summer and warm in winter, concrete is exactly the opposite. I think this is a good example of how sustainability must be allied to terrain. We have to build homes using materials that are plentiful in our own country, Wood in Canada mud brick in Egypt, it’s also, like the tiny house movement, a good way to maintain citizenship freedom from control by the state through over regulation.
Noting that the earliest written laws had sections on shoddy builders
As always Shawn, an excellent video! Trying to keep up with your postings and sometimes it’s hard, since you produce high quality content on RUclips. Anyway, you’re doing a great job so please keep it up!
I think the key to getting better and more natural products is through small family owned businesses as you mentioned, but keeping in mind that you may not always have that option. Good video Shawn & thx for sharing!
I agree that the easiest step for most issues in sustainability is to first reduce our needs. After that I feel the same way as you do, however, man-made fibres end up in the landfill and are a whole other problem whereas natural fibres can be composted. Just an added consideration for me. Love that you share these thoughts.
I too have a sister who kept a few sheep here in northern NY. She sent her wool off to the Amish and had socks made. I've received a few pair for Christmas over the years. They are wonderful. It made me think, with your desire to make your own clothes, hand tools etc., if you were familiar with the Amish and their practices. May be worth a study for you. I'm enjoying your videos very much, thank you.
Thanks for your time. God Bless
Thanks for the videos. I enjoy watching. I would love to live off the grid but not able to anymore. Your videos are so peaceful, thanks ! From the US in Tennessee.
Those old windows make good cold frames for starting seeds.👍✌️
Thanking you Shawn your footage and conversation is always filled with great advice especially for younger couples. Blessings to your beautiful wife and family.
Have you considered purchasing some merino sheep? You're sister could look after them for you and then you could spin your own yarn from it. And the resale value of it could really help you out too. I'd also recommend you look into kashmir goats and angora rabbits for resale value of the fibers if you're interested in that route. Also alpaca wool has some interesting features that you might like as well as their wool is hollow. Keep up the great work, Shawn.
Some good advice and practical information, thanks ! You are living what I hope to in the future...
I've got 2 spare spinning wheels, Shawn! Lol -And some spare weaving looms, also fleece, alpaca and silk to spin! Silk is supposed to keep the cold out according to Tibet people. Also cheer up. 2 days ago we had it 47 degrees Celsius here in South Australia..
I know for me my clothes have to be Cotton (sensitive skin) Wool irritates my skin something awful. For some reason though, Cashmere does not. I would also recommend that whatever material you buy, wash it before you wear it. I used to work in trade shows and learned ALL materials are sprayed with flame retardant and chemicals to keep bugs and rodents from munching on them. Thanks for the video, Shawn.
P.S. I love the way Canadians pronounce ou. Like out sounds like oout or aboout. Very cool :)
Looking forward to more videos on both of your channels.
My goodness, just to sit back and read a great book with a nice fire burning in a fire place; what a joy that would be.
I enjoyed this video, and as always, thanks for sharing.
A young friend of mine here in Sydney Australia, owns 2 Dingo Dogs (which are taller than Cali but have similar fur including the fluffy fur both sides of her tail). He was asking if he could use their fur to make something, because when they molt twice a year, it's enough fur to make a mat. I used to be a farmer (and I'm a 4th generation farmer) I explained that if he mixed the fur with some Merino Sheep's Wool he will be able to make a felt vest, he was really interested when I told him it would be cool in the summer, warm in the winter and shower poof in light rain.
Shawn, You are a real thinker. I like your view of all things and being honest that you struggle with your thoughts on things. We live in a 24 x 24' log cabin and feel like we have the most room. We have learned to do with less and feel much better for it. We also have the same stove you do and it keeps our place toasty here in the Arrowhead. Keep up the great work!!!
That topic of real or fake is a massive one. Just think about every time you go shopping and all the plastic that is around us as we go. It's an absolute nightmare!
Thanks for sharing Shawn.
High Shawn enjoy your videos so much and your sincerty is refreshing Martin in Halifax England
Thanks for the motivation! I've recently started building a off grid cabin after I started watching your videos! I have a couple vids on my channel of the progress. Thanks again and hopefully someday I'll live in a cabin on the lake! 😍
Cotton is a natural product. Thank you for this video Shawn! 👍😁
A few cabins with bunkbeds for a teenager's winter and or summer 2 week conservation camp learning self reliance from one of the best would be awesome.
Great video as always with reeeeaaally good thoughts about using resources. I wish more people would be like you (me included).
Goodness I don’t blame you for staying inside! How does Cali take the cold? ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Interesting response about buying quality even if it initially cost a little more. The best bargains I have ever found were high quality items, cars, stereo, furniture, that I have kept and used for decades. They are so much less expensive they are worth the wait and effort to buy. One of the best ways to impact the environment is by the quality and stop throwing stuff away. We are such a throw away society today it is scary. Good shoes should last 20-30 years, good wool clothes 10-20 years, a well made car 15 years, not 3, a well made rifle 50-75 or more years.
@Gordon Stanley Very well stated Sir ! The other people are just keeping up with the Jones and status symbols. Sort of a religion for them. Ha. They wouldn't be caught dead camping, ….only five star hotels for them ! Good... leaves more Canadian wilderness for us ! Cheers !
I have a Parker Shotgun that is 125 years old.....I wish it could talk.....especially to me when I’m long gone !
If you want a good car get a older volvo that has been taken care of properly. There are cars around here that has a couple million kilometers on the clock and they still run smooth as a bell
Hi Shawn grate video as always thanks for the update and sharing this video 🤔 time for a few beers for me time to relax and enjoy 👍👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
You make a hell of a lot of sense Shawn... great vid as always xxx
I appreciate your thought on materials for clothing.
Love hearing your point of view
My step-father build a cabin, not with logs though, and he put a holding tank for his fresh water in the rafters. It worked really well. Later he had a well drilled. Do you think you'll have a well drilled for your water?
Hey Shawn, watching you from southwest Florida for the last two months. Tons of folks from Ontario down here so it must be really lonely up there. As for clothing, I haven’t worn anything but a cotton t shirt and cargo shorts for the duration. My impact is minimal here.
I would love to see you do a similar video about kitchen tools, like pans and pots or whatever, maybe a video about titanium vs alu vs stainless? I have my own questions about this as I use titanium, mainly because of the weight savings in my backpack.
Stay warm friend. -25f forecasted for Wisconsin this weekend. Love the ending. A well thought out & reasoned response.
Hi shawn,
I got three ideas for you:
Build a solar shower for summer, devellop pollard trees and make green coal.
Solar shower are just a tank of water which heat up with the sun all day long.
Pollard trees are the old western ways to got fire wood for future. You made it by cutting the head of a tree every 3~4years at 5 foot high (i don't think it work really well with conifer). It's hard to explain how it work exactly.
Green coal is made with straw, by burning it without oxygen (it is name pyrolysis), and it can easily be done.
Thanks for all your videos,
Greetings from France
Fake or Real from Shawn James... 🤔
I expect Realism always from this channel...
Accomplished Goals and Hard Work is the real deal around here 👍
Nothing Fake here.
thanks me also.
Cotton will never go away as a crop, it is used in so many things. You didn't mention bamboo or silk or hemp. Those bamboo grow so quick. Have you ever sleep on bamboo sheets? Oh man they are the best.
I think minimizing is the main thing like you said. Very good thoughts.
While on the topic of clothing, how do you wash your clothes ? I saw an idea where you use a 5-6 gallon bucket with a top on it and a small hole in the middle, thru the hole is the handle of a commode plunger. Kinda like making diary products, just up and down with the plunger makes a nice hand operated washing machine ? I certainly enjoy your video's.
Hey Shawn, how about using two of the single pane windows together to make a double glazed unit? You could have a nice thermal gap and stop some condensation and icing over. Anyway love your videos, keep warm!
Great idea.
I did that too. Just seal them up and it really works- have a good distance between.
Was thinking the same.
@@LJones-uu4xy Hi Linda- it just makes sense. Try to save when you can.
I've seen this done in other large cabins using two single pane windows at least four inches away from each other. It really works very well and is an inexpensive solution to insulating.
Hi Shawn. I’m subscribed to both your channels and your footage, music and commentary are top notch. I have one simple question, that would make living at the cabin difficult: How do you wash your cloths/laundry? I’ve never seen you do it on any of your videos. I assume just hand wash and hang them on a line, but what about in the winter? Nice score by your wife on the windows by the way! Keep the videos coming!
Always great piece of wisdom from you Shawn. Have a great weekend ahead.
I know what you mean about the extreme cold. When we hit -27*C over the last week I was glad to not be working outside anymore but the cold is easier for me to take than the dampness. Car batteries however are a different story and many people were late for work.
The organic craze has never convinced me that the claim is 100% true or that it is even beneficial to spend the extra money. Especially here in Canada where we already have laws preventing hormones and steroids in milk and most meat.
Car batteries.... yah and forgetting to plug in the engine block heater. bad
Happy New Year Shawn James Andy Slone
I love watching Shawn.
A couple other people have mentioned bamboo, spun bamboo is supposed to more sustainable and environmentally friendly than cotton, as well as softer and more durable. Hopefully it becomes more popular. One downside of some of the organic fabrics is the tendency to retain moisture, which can be a problem in cold weather, as I'm sure you know. If you haven't read it, the book "Let My People Go Surfing" by Yvon Chouinard (founder of Patagonia) is an interesting read, and touches on their philosophy with sustainable products and lifestyle. That book as well as your videos and other factors have inspired my wife and I to minimize our environmental impact as much as possible, not just recycling our waste but also consuming less. We have even taken up baking sourdough bread and have even started making our own cheese and yogurt. Keep up the great work!
Definitely food for thought there Shawn! Thanks for posting and best wishes.
What -20 your a Hardy folk living in that :-) I work welding in heavyweight cotton and keep warm in wool myself, I didn't realize cotton had such a big footprint tho. Thanks for sharing Shawn
If you put bubble wrap on the inside of the window it will help insulate it and allow light to come through. I enjoyed your video brother thank you for sharing.
Have you considered getting a air cleaner/conditioner with a Hepa filter for your cabin? They only use a fan for intake and discharge, so current draw is low. Here In Thailand I use one made by Hatari which is famous for their long lasting, high quality house fans. Mine has 4 fan speeds and also has a remote.
LOL.. I thought I had somehow missed a video then I realized that this is your other channel, that I have started watching once I realized it was there.
I don’t know anything about windows so I ask this question from the depths of ignorance. Are single pane windows just as good as double pane? I mean in a sauna or not. I’m just curious.
I think it is so wonderful to hear a husband talk about his wife the way you do about yours. Y’all seem like a real team. That is how it should be.
Totally off topic...Shawn..LOVE all your videos...but I laugh every time you sign off....it reminds me of one of my most LOVED program as a child...The Friendly Giant...you sound like him..."Thanks for watching , I appreciate it..hope to see you up here at the cabin next time." lol...your sign off isnt funny in itself..its quite sincere...it just brings me down memory lane...so thank you for that!! :)
Every year here in the Spring there are folks who invest in a better class of windows. The ones being replaced very often end up on the front lawn with a "free" sign. We also have something called The Front Porch Forum, where folks offer windows free for the taking. Communities that recycle this way remind me of the olden days when you could go to the town dump and pick over the "still useful" pile. Boss of the Swamp has a local dump that still works that way. Unfortunately it is only practical on a small scale.
Be interested to know how that glass will behave going from -40° to sauna temperature, in a single pane
Plexiglass is a good alternative in cases like this. Economical too and glazes like glass. The Finnish people use saunas daily. They have good knowledge on building saunas and extreme temperatures.
hi shawn.. new to your two channels as of this year. I came over from homesteaders top ten.
Could you catch up your new viewers as far as your family?
Will they move in your cabin at some point when it’s finished ?
And why do we not see them in your vids? ( if you don’t mind answering ) thanks
enjoy your channels here in Kansas!
Shawn i don't know how you can smile like that when it's that cold. When you work on those windows it's glazing, a type of putty that hardings slowly.I've used it for years. It's old school, but I'm sure caulking would work fine.
thanks for sharing Shawn
You remind me of Kevin Costner🙂 and you're nice to listen too. Thanks for the videos!
You've never mentioned anything about your drone videos. Can you?? They're very interesting and I'd like to know if you are the pilot or you have someone else doing the flying? Some really great shots.
Thanks. My wife does 90% of the drone flights
Do you live on this property full time,,,,,,or do you have a house in Toronto ????????
Thanks for sharing your thoughts in reply to that Shaun :) always enjoy hearing your voice of reason. I have read that you can source t-shirts made in bamboo and hemp online (with your own designs) which are supposed to be fairly sustainable sources of material. Maybe something to think about if you'd prefer not to buy/sell cotton ones. But not sure if the shipping legists would be and issue. I agree that minimizing is best, I need to downsize my wardrobe big time!
There were a couple days there were even Willow (my GS), whom I call Snow Dog, didn't want to stay outside. The dogs went out then wanted right back in the cabin. I don't know how you do any work in tht cold.
It might be interesting to do a series of skype dialogues with different YTers on topics like cliimate change, hunting, etc.
Climate change is just a *YUGE SCAM brought on by governments to suck money (taxes) from those citizens living there. After decades of pressuring folks to build above grade and making folks plug into the grid for power heat water sewer ad infinitum some of us say ENUF!! Really I'd just as soon tell all these ppl to F Off. Especially when they TRESPASS & come right to your place and ORDER YOU to plug into their game.* If I sound bitter guess what?
Hi Shawn, I wouldn't like to kill the magic but wanted to know how you illuminate your captures inside the cab, the light looks awesome, do you use some spotlight? how you handle the energy with the batteries? only sun energy or some diesel electric generator?
I follow from Chile and left the city to do the same, so I admire what you do :)
FYI; My family has raised Goats w/Cashmere on them. Also Wool from the Sheep. All are sheared the same way. Been involved in that since I was 5 years old. Now 58. Farm life or what was good is now obsolete in the USA. Not enough money to survive here in the USA.
If you put two windows into an opening with about an inch of air space between them, you will get an insulating effect. That only works for windows that won't be opened (if you don't double up the windows to make sliders, for instance).
Just a tought here what you need is glass mastic not caulking and as someone else mentionned you could use two windows together. Outside ones and opening outwards that could be interchangeable with screens fro the summer. Inside window could open which ever way. I think it would be easier to control humidity between the windows and thus making sure the wooden frames never rots away. Plus it would be a lot warmer. Or even better if you found the double frames to fit these windows in... now that'd be perfect. I often seen window makers selling frames and windows they remove from homes for dirt cheap. Anyhow, great discussion and lots to think about.