Well said Dave , I'm 59 and now that I don't have a lot of time left I truly appreciate time and how prescious it really is.

The builds are fun to watch, but it's the philosophy that keeps bringing me back. Merry Christmas Dave

Very good advice. I am 76 years old and regret not having documented more of my life. Enjoyed this video.

You could not have made a better video. More than ever, your true essence as a person came through. And that's what keeps me coming back to watch the inspiring content you post. Many thanks, Dave.

We just bought 7 acres and we want to build a cabin. I'm watching your videos to learn all the things. Thank you

Profound! I am now 71, and as I sit and enjoy the videos, I look out and try to remember some of the great times I have enjoyed. It gets harder every day. I do have some decent photo-records of the times that help. Having digitized them makes it easier to load and enjoy. I regret there are not enough photos of my Navy days, but, well, not much to do about that. A great video, thanks for the “nuggets”

Cool to see Maisy wandering about ❤

Our memories are something that we should never take for granted. My husband has had 10 strokes. They have affected his short term and working memories. Projects take us 100 times longer. We own 10 25' tape measures because they seem disappear into thin air right when you need one. They are strategically placed now so I can easily find one instead of stalling the project.

Oh my word!!!!! I always love and enjoy your videos... But this one, this one, touched my heart!!! As a Cardiac Arrest survivor, memory loss is something I now have to deal with... Thank you Dave for the wonderful advice! Thanks again for having an amazing channel. Much success and health to you, Brooke, your kids and everyone watching these great videos

Great video Dave at 67 and a contractor for 44 yrs this brings back memories! You'd think I would learn after that many yrs I would not put up a 14x16 addition on my little house lol I hurt in places I didn't know I had places lol! Good to see Daisy behind you i miss seeing her!!! Thanks Dave!

I’m a 60 year old grandma who can’t pound a nail into save my life, but I enjoyed listening and learned a few things .Time ,well said !

I had a dear friend of mine who homestead in Delta Junction. He has since passed away but was a hard working farmer who raised his family hunted and raised crops. Steve Holcomb was quite a fella in the short time I knew him I learned so much from him. But he got sick with MS in his middle 50’s had to sell the farm and moved to Florida where he died. Not sure why I’m telling this story Dave but I guess I’m hoping you two might have crossed paths he was a good man. Thanks for the great advice be well my friend 😊

Thanks Dave! I had read about balloon builds but the blueprints were hard to understand. As usual, you explained it so even my little brain could grasp it. You rock!

Dave, you are so right. When we built our home, we photographed everything and often look back and appreciate everyone’s’ hard work. It was a giant family project for us.

You were young, we don’t always do or think of the best way! Your life is amazing and you just keep learning. You’ve spent a lot of time showing your ventures, and we sure appreciate every second you’ve shared Dave! Tx so much for sharing. We love it! God’s blessings!❤❤❤❤

When I feel the need to be grounded and serene, I watch one of your videos and i don't think I ever blink. I don't know what kind of voodoo you doo, but I have been watching your videos for years and it's like the best kind of therapy and inspiration for me. THANK YOU! Keep keeping it real and just talking as with a friend. That's how it is received and appreciated.

I had a Great Aunt that filmed all of our family get togethers for birthdays and weddings and reunions all through the 50's and 60's. One of my cousins got those old "home movies" turned into DVD's for us. My grandkids loved watching them. I wish I had taken more pictures as they grew up. Thanks for sharing.

I live in the heart of the Cotswolds, in the UK. I think my life is really quite different from yours. And yet I find it really interesting that the lessons you shared today are as relevant to me as to anyone else. Time is so precious - and the ability to look back on what we've all achieved is a life treasure.

I used to be a firefighter in Eureka, California. There were a LOT of houses built in the Victorian era from old growth redwood, all balloon-framed. It’s a pretty rapid building style, but hard for firefighters. Since each stud bay is open from the very bottom to the very top, fire communicates up through the wall to the attic and down the wall to everything beneath it. As well, as you illustrate in this video, fire will run the floor/ceiling between levels. That is alleviated with some fire stop blocking, but back in the day they didn’t bother. Our strategy was a crew to the fire floor, a crew to the attic, and a crew to the bottom floor (there were few basements there).

Dave, you are a great story teller. Building homes seems so easy for you! Pretty amazing ! It was good to see “da woof” in the background. I’ll say that I also enjoyed your philosophical words at the end 😊. Merry Christmas to you, Brooke and your family 🥰🎅🎄

Dave what I've taken from this video is,you are a incredibly talented man! Who spent month's working damn hard away from his family to provide money that would feed,clothe,etc everyone! Yes you lost 6 month's away from your little ones & Brooke, but i can bet they would all say what you sacrificed for them and how much they love & cherish you for it... You really are a clever man and seriously dont give yourself enough praise! Both you & Brooke that applies to. Thank you for sharing that story and the importance of documenting events in life. 🙏 note taken & will endeavour to practise more. Merry Christmas to all Dave🎄,i hope your Christmas is filled with love and laughter & cozy nights with family 🎄

Great video and excellent commentary, thanks Dave!

Another great video,Dave...you're so down to earth. I've ran some rather large construction projects, some close to home that required 7 day work weeks and some that required being gone all week..and as with you, the time spent away from the family was the worst... you just have to remember that you're doing it for them and keep moving forward. Love watching your cabin builds in the silent woods... so relaxing at 72 to watch someone else doing the building in a much less hectic environment. Keep up your video journals, and I'll keep watching... Cheers

Mick will be home for Christmas? Enjoy family time- reminiscing, joking, laughing at bloopers in life, just never forget❤️ Enjoy all building videos and dreaming on what I wish I learned as a young woman. At 78 not going to start, that’s where the dreaming comes in. Love you all and pray for good health for all. Merry Christmas 🎄

Dave, in your description of ballon framing you addressed the important issue of putting in fire blocks. Years ago I was on a volunteer fire department and unfortunately got to see how fast a balloon framed structure with no fire blocks can burn.

Thanks for the video Dave ! Good story and it was well told. Merry Christmas to you & Brooke.

The telling of your story was Awesome Dave

Merry Christmas Dave and Brooke!🎉

Very interesting using balloon framing. From my years as a carpenter, long ago, I think two guys can get three times as much work done as one guy.

Wish you were my brother Dave. Im soon 62 and so appreciate your values. Yes Id be your older brother but I wouldn't mind. 😉 Merry Christmas to you Brooke and your family. Thanks for sharing.

I always enjoy your videos. They are full of down-to-earth common sense, which is so rare these days. A refreshing change.

I spent 6 months working away from my family and vowed never again!! Time is very precious to me now at 71 and having to retire from a heart attack!! I still keep busey building things but not in a hurry like I did a couple years ago! Thank you for sharing your story with us!!! We appreciate the quality of your wisdom even at your "younger " age ! You're wise for your age!!! I wish I'd learned as early as you did!

I have seen the ‘balloon frame’ on one of the old farmhouses in our rural area in NE Michigan, but never knew what it was called. I heard it said that they used a similar method for some barns, but stopped when dimensional lumber was popular and relatively cheap. Before that, they milled stock as needed. Interesting. Thank you.

this video could not have come at a better time! Thank you! I'm building a cabin just like this in the spring in northern Michigan.

Central Oklahoma. We have a 100+ year old home. Balloon construction. The air swoop is designed for cooling and it works very well except for the fire danger. This 2 story was constructed of California red cedar and used lathe and plaster. Yeah. I have a background in architecture and I can say Ithink its framing is fabulous. Triangles everywhere. Between every single stud in both floors are diagonal blocking and diagonal blocking between every rafter and floor joist. The roof is no exception to this. It’s complex gable ties right into the strength of the entire house. This one was a flop house for the railway workers which explains the access to California redwood more than 100 years ago. It was magnificent in its day.

My family and friends have some big projects coming up and we've been considering filming them. Youve just pushed me to make sure it happens

Dave, you had an idea, looked back in history and asked yourself a question. Then you tried building something historically to see if it was still viable. You built something with your hands and provided for your family by sacrificing your time as all strong men do. It was tough, but you made it out the other side with something tangible to show for your efforts and in the end, bet on your hard work paying off. It worked out and your family benefited from your strong will. I hope as men, we can all be as fortunate in life to find a goal, work at it and succeed to benefit from it as well as those around us. Thank you for your video! Just hearing anything from you brings me joy. You're an inspiration, man.

Thanks for the trip down your memory lane. You make a fantastic story teller.

I truly enjoy all of your videos, Dave, but this one hit all of my buttons. I've learned so much today, thanks to you, not just about balloon construction, but just about pros and cons on digging wells, nail gun versus hand nail, insulated box headers, lifting walls, the list goes on and on. Your delivery and editing are so appealing and friendly, and the content is presented in such a learnable way. So grateful for all of your efforts and that I found your channel. Thank you, and keep it coming!

I like that balloon style build, I lived in a house built in that style with four foot second floor side walls. Your video explained enough on how to build it to make it interesting and possibly doable for most guys with some building skills. Thank you.

At 56, I can say you spoke strong truth about time and documentation. After we are gone, nobody will be around to fill in the details. Well done, sir! 👍

You're such an inspirational person, and I love watching you telling stories about anything from building to general day to day in general. Hope to see you and brooke on your next video.Stay bless 🙌 🙌

I know all about that forgetting things Dave. I've been going through that for the last couple of months. I've tried to keep a journal or pictures on my phone just thinking that I might get me a small laptop to put it all on. I plan on tearing my house down come spring and rebuilding the whole thing in a different View. Plan on doing the dimension of the roof in two different levels so I can put the back level higher so I can put Windows up there or another set of solar panels. I've been living off the grid for over 20 years and that's back when solar panels were quite expensive. Can I manage to save and get things done. Even using old forklift batteries instead of solar batteries. You've been a real inspiration you and your wife to my building and how things go here in my home. You both have taught me quite a bit about things and I'm learning more everyday about eating off the land having natural teas etc. I really appreciate you both. I would like to wish you both your whole family a very merry Christmas, God bless you all

One of things I wish from my times in the Marines was that digital photos were a thing. Thank you for sharing. Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year!

Dave does deep dive. Dave does deep. Dave does. Dave. This is life well-lived. Thank you for sharing!

I've been watching your channel for a few years now, and well, it's different from what I build. I'm more automotive driven, but I've been looking to move south even southwest. Your videos have been giving me ideas to build a home instead of buying a home. I very much appreciate your videos and the knowledge that you give on all your projects. Thank you for all the detailed information through the videos. I appreciate your time. Thank you.

Dave, your stories and memories remind me of the conversations I had with my old man. Thank you for sharing sir and I will continue to watch your videos. Merry Christmas!

Interesting build and experience happy you were able to sell it . The house look's awesome. Memories eh WOW. A live and learn experience. Your chat about time and remembering was a real eye opener which makes a great deal of sence. Found this an interesting video. Thank's Dave

I am a retired firefighter from the rust belt. This was a very common building style in the older parts of Midwest towns. We did not love balloon frame houses. Upon arrival, what looks like an attic fire is often a basement fire that has run the void through to the attic. These are hard, if not impossible, to put the fire out and save the house if gets much of a head start. Those fire blocks are critical but it wasn't something they though of when this was the building norm. Great video.

You guys are amazing. We are blessed with Dave and Fam

Great build! Loved the story and love the production of this video!

Dave, you're a great teacher and an exceptional role model. I'm 78, a Vietnam vet, and retired. I made my money in equipment rental and sales in the Pacific Northwest. I have four successful sons, two in business and two dentists. If you ever need a "shirt tail" family, let me know. Love to have you as a family member. Keep up the good work. Bill from Sarasota, FL.

Hello Dave 👋 Really nice cabin & reflecting on your life 👌 metry Christmas to you & your family 🎄⛄🕯️

You have a very keen way of narrating your videos. Your knowledge and sound of your voice makes you a pro. Excellent video like your others!

Great advice Dave...Family time is precious ...time is precious!!! You can't undo what you already done did..so do it right the first time😊 Great video I really enjoyed it👍👍

This deserves 1MM views pretty quick. I can watch anything this radical guy makes.

Another great video. A perfect mix of building, story/history telling, and reflection.

I really could listen for hours to Dave talking about his projects. Awesome!

You described our home exactly it's over 150 years old farmhouse. We love it.

Good video Dave. I’m sure a lot of people needed that reminder of salvaging time. I’m one of those people. Thank you for the down to earth lesson.

Thanks for the video. I'm fixing to start building a house next spring. Your video has helped me decide how to do it. Thanks for the hard work you put into doing your video. Merry Christmas to you and your family

It's interesting because a lot of the Founding Fathers of America kept extensive journals about their day, what they build, what they grew in their gardens and what tips and tricks they had...all that stuff. Thanks for the reminder!

I would like to add a couple of things I see a lot of people struggle with; It's a lesson I my Dad taught me when I first got started as a contractor. Anytime you invest in a project or build an asset consider your exit plan. How is Someone going to buy it from you? What are the rules of financing? The traditional way to sell is with bank financing, which requires you to adhere to building codes and insurance. Job safety is #1. Your Healh is #1. Profits are great but if you get hurt or killed its all for nothing. Thanks for you insights on documenting your journey. A Daily journal is pure gold!

I always appreciate how positive you and Brooke are in life. The can-do attitude is always refreshing in all your videos! Thanks!

I saw all those nails on the face and wondered for just a split second if you used an air nailer...immediately i knew youd never do anything but hammer those suckers in. I still have my grandfather's best hammer he built wooden boats 3rd generation boat builder. Homes and buildings, too. A true perfectionist craftsman. Your kind is a rare breed. We are so lucky to go with you through your moments in time. Thanks butt loads! Love you guys, your videos make my day. So calming and informative🥰😊

Excellent reminder to all of us of what is important on this journey called life.

Some of my most fulfilling achievements were car stereo installs and antenna tower I welded together out of rigid electrical conduit. Incredibly strong but with just a little flex and free standing being bolted to a two cubic yard concrete footing I dug in two and a half hours. Delivering leftover concrete in my assigned concrete truck made it easier. Sand in my area is very easy to dig out plus the sides of the footing didn't cave in. That included the hoist system to stand it up and for servicing. But to be honest I enjoyed all the research and planning for those projects as well as building it.

So glad you share another video with us the fans,like how maisy daisy is still around,u r one of a kind in building,no one builds like u. U can look back and pat yourself on the back for all your hard work!

My son recently bought an old farmhouse in Vermont. As we were stripping the walls in the kitchen, we noticed that the build was done exactly the way you described here, but neither of us had ever seen anything like that before. This was very educational and entertaining as well and I appreciate the information you shared.

Dave, Thanks for sharing the story and photos. Your experiences and insight are very valuable. Happy holidays to you and your family.

Your thoughtful advice at the end was just profound. Thanks for sharing!

Great advice on time Dave! Another awesome vlog!

A classy story teller...Thanks Dave....I feel like building something (green house) but I failed at my last build - dog house....at 72 ?I look forward to hiring someone...

Always Look Forward To Seeing Your Videos. Thank You For Sharing This Valuable Information. Happy Holidays To You And Brooke 🎅 Love From Ohio

You and your wife has done so much. Many have enjoyed watching you two. Not many like you. Hope your family prospers so you can sit back and relax and enjoy your kids. Prayed for you.

I really liked the ending of this video and how you talk of making sure to keep record of what you do. I'm 58 and my name is also Dave and I took my original family home and made it my own I designed it I was the General and I was Hands-On. Making sure everything was done exactly how I wanted it to be play this was back in 2008 - 2009. It is solid as a rock and it's Title 24 and it's located in Southern California so I'm sure you can only imagine all the inspections I had to go through. I enjoy your videos keep making them and get yourself a digital camera or use your cell phone. I have a record of all steps of building my home and I love it and so does my family.

You are so right Dave! I've been taking pictures since middle school, I have photo albums full of pictures until i went digital... Now i have memory cards! Kinda wish I kept up with the photo albums... But I still have the pictures, they are just harder to locate sometimes...

Came for Brooke, Stayed for Dave. I have learned So Much watching you both; And Mick💞! From Technique to Philosophy, your Whole Family Enriches peoples lives...🥰 🙏🏻🙏🏻Thank you All So Much! Happy Holidays, y'all 🎄🎄

I learn so much from your videos and absolutely love your wisdom. Thanks for sharing 😊

Thanks Dave for another great video. I love the reminder to keep track and document our time. I have done it most of my life and I could say that it has taught me so much about how to make the best use of my time, which is never take our time for granted.

Bushy, you are a great story teller and philosopher too. Enjoyable video so time well spent watching.

A neighbor of mine lives in a 2-story balloon frame home built back when they built 'em like that. The man who had the house built also incorporated his farm to "Jimtown" and licensed himself to make whiskey in Jimtown. It's still called Jimtown road but Jim is long gone as is the distillery.

Thank you Dave for sharing your process. Not only with the interesting build, but with your perspective, and introspective.

Wow, for so few photos, you sure made the build come alive with your great ability to explain things!! So much great wisdom as always! Thanks and God bless!!

Hi Dave great story great build I built a tiny house called a B-52 by tumble weed but it doesn't exist anymore and I looked just to give me a idea on what I wanted it is basically a small little farm house style 16x16 with a room upstairs with a three foot knee wall and later I added a 12x12 kitchen with a den up top (wife calls it her studio!) it has a cathedral ceiling and I went with the balloon framing in the kitchen den section. It is a on going project long story. I didn't buy any plans as I changed it slightly. Most of the material was repurposed with the exception of the wall studs and steel on the roof. I didn't have a mill back then but now I do. I am up in NB Canada near Maine. You should move down Alaska winters great garden growing summers we could start a construction business. Hard to find good people with knowledge and zeal for moving forward.

Dave I love the build and the craftsmanship you shared. I agree with you about time. Your video made me stop to think about what I’ve done with my time over the past 63 years and looking back and reflect how much time I wasted chasing the dream of materialistic things. When it’s all said and done I hope I will be remembered as a good father, husband and friend in the end. Keep up the great content as well as your thoughts on life.

I'm a just say it. You are the Bob Ross of bushcraft. Always enjoy how calming, informative, and just wholesome you are. Keep up the amazing work.

Such good advice :) now your grandkids can watch your videos and see grandpa young healthy smart productive. I would give anything to have videos of my grandpa. I have some of my dad but not near enough Thanks for sharing your life with us! Merry Christmas to you and your family

Love what you have done with that past build. At least you have the photos to document 💖💖

Nailed on the journal part. Very inspirational video and thanks for sharing!

Excellent Dave, and poignant words, especially on documenting your life. My wife and I are now 70, and have been on the road in our self-converted Sprinter Campervan for 3 years in Eastern Europe, and it's all documented in photos and video, and when we are gone, there is a record. Recently started our UKposts channel, and getting used to editing skills and such. Thanks for sharing your journey. Best wishes.

This was so beautiful. Thank you Dave. Always enjoy you and your wife’s hard work and wisdom.

You are such an amazing storyteller! Thank you for sharing this piece of your life story with us.

People in the know, *_scaffolding is always worth the money when it comes to diy building._* Thanks, for reminding me Dave!

Fantastic vlog of the house build; you’ve pieced the events together well with just the photographs! Great advice, to keep track of our precious time here. Thanks for your wonderful sharing of parts of your life with us. Christmas blessings to all 🤗💕🇨🇦

Absolutely awesome story and video ... thanks Dave!

Great video Dave. Thanks for posting.

Love the reflective discourse Dave. Thanks for the time, thoughtfulness and insight. Thanks for being so honest about the whole process and particularly about the significance of time. P&L.

In my opinion you just captured that build. Pics are worth...well you know. But your words made it clear. Merry Christmas!!

Well Dave send my an invoice for this therapy session. I loved it buddy