Independence and No Authority

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beDiHq5LaJs The title of this post is part of a quote from the documentary. It’s what drew many of the young men who became “mountain men” in the 1800’s to that lifestyle. The promise of “independence and no authority” is … Continue reading

If I didn’t hear it…I’d miss it

We lived in New Jersey for a couple of years….and when we moved down South I couldn’t understand the way the folks down here talked. Of course, I couldn’t understand those Yankees when we moved to New Jersey from California … Continue reading

Two about Dick

OK….in the first video….that bear deterrent….little wires around your tent? WT….Heck? WTH? I guess that feeling safer is a small part of being safe. These two videos are about a man named Dick Proenneke. If you don’t know who Dick … Continue reading

The Warmest Village in Alaska

This is a video produced by an outfit out of Montana called WX TVĀ  (Weatherization TV). It’s part of the program in weatherization offered by Montana State University. You wouldn’t think that a video about insulation and weatherization would be … Continue reading

Side-door container 2nd life as WA’s ski town outdoorsy home

I’ve never seen a container with side doors. And….that brings up an interesting design option that the more common container doesn’t bring to mind: why not use the container as a protective shell….and build and insulate your house like you … Continue reading

the best rabbit hole leads to something good….like Foreign Fields

I watch a video about a wooden house….and discover a band like Foreign Fields. Thanks for the introduction, Neeman Tools! There is so much good stuff out there… I’m glad it’s all around me. … Continue reading

More about Jacob and his “Wooden House”

This is a continuation of yesterday’s blog post. Jekabs Dimiters! That’s the dude! Building the house! And….in the video below…..playing the music. To do something with extreme competence…..and play music, too….that’s a good life. And….his family seems really nice, too. … Continue reading

The Birth Of A Wooden House….the best video!

Man. To say that this is the “best video” is hype. Hype, hype, hype….crazy hype. But….this really is one of the single best things I’ve watched on YouTube. Here’s a fellow who builds this great house using hand tools and … Continue reading

Couple makes garage home + campervan a consistent life combo

Look at the design work in this garage apartment….the built-ins….the concrete countertops….the use of space! Skill + Creativity=a powerful combination! Man! That’s cool! This couple lives in their van most of the year while they’re travelling and uses this apartment … Continue reading

the right eyes…

I’ve said before that sometimes to see the beauty in the things around us we just need to look at it all with the “right eyes”. There’s beauty everywhere….if we look at it in the right light. And I really … Continue reading