Summerdays in Rural Sweden

Episode hundred and four, in which we are out on some summer excursions and working in the garden. Tova shows how to make a smudge stick and Mathias reviews the Bluetti powestation.

This is a vlog about our struggles and joys of living off the grid in the forests of Jämtland, Sweden.

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Take care,
Tova, Mathias and Ivar

[monikacarless_wordwitch]

Dear Tova and Mathias, whatever is happening that is stressful, I hope you also know that your viewers are inspired by you and support your journey with love. Heart hugs to you. I'm going now to make a smudge stick!

[royaldame]

The world, which has always been hard on regular people, seems to be getting harder for folks who just want a simple free life.

[skyval]

Dear friends, I'm so sorry for whatever is happening around you . I almost cried because I have been watching the government and a construction company building a big bikepath right across my driveway in the wilderness . The pretty winding backcountry road I live on has turned into a highway and they took out beautiful trees next to my yard and now they've decided to take away our mailboxes on our driveways and move them 300 yards away to another road . The bulldozers teeth cut my front yard away right up to the tree trunks and scraped the bark off some and told me to dig out my fences and all my old fashioned perennials like wild roses and lilies and hollyhocks, gave me 2 hours to do it all . New people have moved in on both sides of my land and they are rough people with no feeling for the land like I have, and I have been so sad and feeling so empty as I try to keep making gardens and improving my place but it's a helpless feeling . I remember Shawn James' youtube channel, My Self Reliance, when he had made that wonderful homestead and then had to move because of the very same type of things . I don't know where people can go to escape the "world" . Good luck to you, love your sweet channel and will send loving thoughts for things to get better there .

[dnothnagel]

I watch your videos to escape the sadness engulfing me from watching my husband losing himself to Lewy Body dementia . I wish we had chosen to follow our dreams when we were 1st married 42 years ago and raised our children away from all of the technology and rat race but without wallowing in self pity and saying I would have, should have, could have I'm thankful to you for the ability to forget my worries and follow along on your dream.. Thank you for sharing your journey and its beauty and hardships blessings to you and yours always.. a friend in the U.S.

[Samanthanewmexico]

I think the whole world is struggling right now. The cost of everything and the fear of winter. You are so clever to be as sustainable as possible. Don't get discouraged. You have your land and your family and community and love. I hope autumn brings it's own special joy and gives you a little time to rest.

[janetleeharrison]

Seeing baby Ivar working like his dad & mom is just adorable. I love that you let your toddler get close & watch you guys work. You will have instilled in him a wonderful work ethic that will serve him the rest of his life. The garden & lawn look amazing! Have a terrific weekend guys!

[ginny]

How darling to see Ivar tussle a little friends hair just like Mathias always does to Ivar …. So touching ❤️

[marialane]

It saddens me to know that you are both experiencing this additional stress. My hope is that whatever is attempting to hijack your freedom, dissolves and disappears! 🙏🙏🙏

[NeaFrea]

What a lucky woman you are, Tova, to have found a man like Mathias and vice versa. Hugs and blessings to both of you and of course to Ivar!

[Lisboooa]

Those herd calls… almost cried and my cats and dogs came closer and were very interested. It was funny and sweet.
The stressful situation … It’s by design.they do not want us independent and free from their systems and they want a say in every freaking thing in our lives.
Stay strong, and stubborn. You are the leading light…

[MsHomesteader]

We always enjoy your videos and are sorry to hear of your stress and issues with big industry. We'll be praying for good results for you both, I make smudge sticks and use a bit heavier string, it still loosens but not as much, because you can pull it tighter. Looking forward to future videos. Autumn is here in Montana, USA as well the chickens molted a month earlier than normal and the dairy cow and goats are getting in their winter coats as well. The wild animals seem ravenous in their preparation for a long and forecasted cold winter with lots of snow. We're still getting our firewood done, it's dry just needs to be split and stacked in the woodshed. At 59 and 57 yrs. old things take longer due to slowing down. We are blessed and thankful for our life in our small farm.

[FiresideChatWithKat]

Love smudging! Every morning after the kitchen is cleaned up, I use white sage from the garden to set a cleansing tone. I make my bundles much larger, and burn one a little at a time. I don't wrap them as much, and peel the string away as it burns down. I fold the large herbs back and forth to create the bundle. I like the idea of mixing herbs together.

Your st. John's wort may come back fine in a warmer summer. It grows in our open field, so it likes it hot and sunny.

[magic_hotel]

Amazing! I am still watching these videos as intently as I did in the beginning. Your relationship with each other, with Ivar, and with the flora and fauna is incredibly inspiring. Even the battery issues ... yes, even those have held my interest, despite a lifetime of being plugged into the grid. Keep up the hard work you gorgeous people!

[davidwear]

I’m watching all your episodes and haven’t gotten to the year your son was born. You two are very grown up compared to the early videos. The evil agendas that plague the world will have to be dealt with. I for one have not and will not give up my freedoms. Stay strong and well❤

[chrisberry]

You are incredibly strong people, and I’m sure that truth and integrity will find a way through your difficulties. Sending much love from the UK. You are truly an inspiration! ❤️

[GreenMountainTV]

Stay strong whatever evils happening around you. God bless your family. You're big boy now Ivar, such a lovely bb❤️

[cinemaparadiso]

I hv made some smudgies with lavander, rosemary and sage, that I gather in my neighborhood here in Portland, Oregon.The neighboors are usually v. happy to share their bounty. But when it dried up the strings were also very loose too. I like your wormwood smudge v, much, i think you're doing a fine job.

[karambaw]

Sell some online. You can definitely call them organic. Many people would love to buy them for own purpose. Love your content ❤

[Sherryonthego]

You are on in my prayers. What a beautiful way of life you

[almutphilipp]

As a musician, it is so nice for me to hear this traditional singing. You have a wonderfull life, but you have to work really hard and many problems have to be solved.
Good luck for you!