#98 I'm back 

Amazing. You have been missed

My Sunday's weren't the same without you!!!!! So glad you're back!!! 💜🕯

There's something fundamentally human about watching someone gradually make shelter, warmth, and light in a beautiful and harsh place. Love this channel. Thank you for your patience in documenting this process. I hope you are enjoying it as much as we are.

While you were on break I had a pretty bad paragling accident in Mexico, which unfortunately led to spine injury. Been sitting in the hospital for the last 25 days and I finally got home today. I always watch your videos on Sunday but this one’s gonna be extra sweet. I’ve got a long road to recovery, but will cherish each one of these videos that will bring me happiness.

During you absence, Johannes has graced us with his wonderful vlogs. Now, with the exception of us viewers, I would imagine your chickens missed you the most. It is good to see you again. 🥰

Aaaaaaah! And the collective blood pressure of half a million people finally went back down. Thank God you are back Martijn!!! We have MISSED you (to the point of tears)!! ❤❤❤❤❤

I'd watch a sitcom with Martijn and Johannes.

I can't believe the joy of seeing a little black Suzuki again!

The white chicken growing her tail feathers back makes me happy

Welcome back. Johannes has kept us well entertained. He’s amazing

I find myself being a bit more mindful of my movements after watching. Even very simple things like making coffee. Somehow watching slows everything down a bit. I feel more in touch with my life, not hurrying through and missing out on what is actually happening. It’s wonderful. Such a gift.

WELCOME back…we missed you…I loved that the first thing you did was to check on the chickens;also, very kind and caring of you and Johannes to help the lady with her car 🙏😇🙌

You had me in tears again at the end. That feeling of wandering, restlessness and then finding a place you call home. It just touches my soul. Welcome home!

In this mad world, it’s great to have you back Martijin, peacefully sharing your lifestyle and progress once more. Love from England Feb 4, 2024.

Millions of years of history are stored in the stones of your beautiful cabin. The shadows each one casts is a picture. Love it.🇦🇺

Welcome back!! So glad everything survived your absence. I've only found you a few weeks ago and binge watched your videos for about a week 😊 I'm completely amazed with your talent, strength, patience, perseverance, and creativity. You are an amazing person. Thank you for sharing your life 🤗

You transfer your calmness to me as I watch your videos, I’ve an affiliation with your peace. Thank you for bringing me this, I appreciate it.❤️😊❤️

Mixing epoxy with sawdust from your flooring material will give you thicker paste consistancy that won't drip...plus you can do in 1 step and it will look just like your surrounding wood. Typical in boat repair and building. Welcome back! My wife and I always have our Sunday coffee with you!

As always, your presence makes me feel there is a real world out there! At 75, I am walker and electric scooter chair bound, after a life in harmony with nature and creating shelter and serenity such as you are. These make me able to relive those times. Thank you.

Hi mountain man, you have been missed, welcome home, 🫶 I love your videos, you look rested and your chickens look pleased to see you, time for DIY! now my Sundays look better 😃 much love xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx😘❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I remember when you said about the white hen that "....she lost her whole tail in the attack." I thought you meant the WHOLE thing and not just the feathers. I was so relieved to see the feathers back. I have had chickens for most of my life and came to realize that a good rooster is an absolute necessity. There is a saying in Mexico that is something close to, "A home without a rooster is just a house." They, roosters, may be grumpy, feisty or territorial, but they always look after the hens. I was outside one day and discovered that a rooster can actually make some sounds I have never heard come out of a chicken. I heard the screech of a Red Tail Hawk overhead and in the same instant Donald let out the loudest, most blood-curdling growl that I ever heard come out of a bird. The moment the hens heard his growl, they were all under my pickup. He was 'on duty' and they knew exactly what to do. I heard the same growl one morning and stepped out the door just in time to see a bobcat attack Donald. He was between the cat and the girls. He gave the bobcat all he had. The girls survived, but he did not. Roosters are great.

Wonderful, now we have the enormous pleasure of both yours and Johannes' videos to watch each weekend. Such a lovely way to end a week and prepare for the next one.

I watch every episode multiple times. There's a lot to learn from them about diligence, love of nature, and humility. If everyone were like you, the world would be a much better and more beautiful place.

There must be 10 thousand people who have missed you. We wish you well during the rest of this winter. 😃

Welcome Back , we have missed you 🌻

Sundays are finally perfect again :)

I just can't get over how beautiful your staircase turned out. It has by far the best looking stonework I've seen.❤

It's so sweet how he checks on his chickens first

I love that the first thing you did was check on your chickens! I have missed the feeling of peace and tranquility that watching your life unfold brings me. I would have loved living in your mountain paradise. Thank you for the beautiful filming you do with each episode as well. Hope you had a wonderful holiday!

I am so glad you're back. I am disabled and I absolutely look forward to your videos. They help me More than I can Ever explain thank you so much for coming back. Can't wait to see what you have planned

Well… To be honest, the thing that amazes ME the most is, that your little Jimny is still goin strong. Pulling the other car from a neighbor … Hauling stuff UP the mountain … Goin around Italy … And back and forth to the Netherlands 🇳🇱… after all these years … impressive really … 👍

February 5th 2024. I've been watching this since this has been on I believe. It has become part of my life I look forward to every Sunday when the new episode comes out. I sure did miss the month or so that he was gone and so glad to have him back excellent channel

You're are one of the most brilliant, persistent, driven persons I have ever had the pleasure to watch. If the world had more people like yourself the world would be more AWSOME. ❤ from OH IO

From the mountains of New Mexico to the mountains of northern Italy I offer my humble and heartfelt thanks to you for the gift you give to people all around the world. I think I can face the year now. Be safe. Know how much joy you provide.

Seeing that you were back was like welcoming a dear friend. You were missed. It's good that you took a holiday, you work very hard. I was very happy to see the hens survived the winter. Welcome back. 😊

Excited to have you back! I’m always glad when you and Father Johannes share a meal together. He seems like such a great Priest to have as your personal friend.

Welcome back Martijn, lovely to catch up with you and see you settling back in to your cabin. I was thrilled that your place feels like home to you now. I was worried that the comforts of your family home would lure you back to civilisation. I have really enjoyed getting to know Johannes in your absence, his voice is so restful and calming and though I'm not religious in any way, his view of the world seems to be so encompassing as to welcome everyone to just spend time with him. I will continue to support his channel as well as yours, and as I mentioned in the comments on his vlogs, I am just amazed at the chance of two very different, but very articulate, talented and creative men just happening to settle on the top of the same mountain. My thanks to you and Johannes for sharing your lives with us. Lovely to have you back with us. Please remember to press the 'like' button to promote Martijns channel on RU-vid.😊

Good Morning from Canada. You have made my day Martin. So happy to see the chickens are safe. Welcome back !

Great to see you back. Thanks for linking us with Johannes. We have enjoyed his 2023/12 month videos in your absence. Looking forward to more from him as well. I am enjoying his book on his Columban pilgrimage just now.

You promised to explain the plan this week but it is already being pushed to next week's video, glad to see the Italian way of life is getting to you 😅😉😊

Martijn, Johannes was brilliant during your absence and the only man who can fill your shoes. Welcome home.

❤Thank you for sharing. The paradox is you are working hard while making video, and we are relaxing by watching it. Good luck, be healthy and stay in a brave mood! ❤

10:58, now that’s a glorious picture to paint…Gods magnificent handiwork!

Those night shots are absolutely stunning. I Can't believe how much detail there is.

Now that I’ve watched your video I realize how much I’ve missed you! Your chicken greeting was sweet, the white one had a few things to say to you, and I agree, they have grown. When you unpacked your paintings I found my head twisting and turning to see them. 😄 I wondered if the paintings of people were of you and your brothers…..Was glad they made it through baggage handling! Your sunrise walk was breathtaking! That was an amazing view, so many colors and they slowly evolved. I like your choices of finishing touches. The LED kitchen light installation spot on! You put your Martijn ideas to it and it was a clean, not too bright kitchen light. Those handles are perfect and the outdoor light fixture is true to your cabin look! Just beautiful! Your floor finished out so nice! I had a chuckle when you ran your finger through the dust on your stove. 😄 It was nice to help the people stuck. Your Jimmy is perfect up there. It was a bit humorous and I know I shouldn’t have found it so when the neutral gear and brakes oversight happened, but I did. Your outro music was very nice and your hike was so pretty. I really liked the running water and nice small pool you went to. I love the sound of running water. In that nature setting it was magical. You said it all with “in balance, comfortable”. What more could a human want in this life? Can’t wait for next week! Take care! 💚from Texas

SO glad you re back - but it's been so nice to watch Johannes vlogs and I now enjoy following him!!

Watching the fire is so much better than watching TV or any technology

Nice to see you again. Love the outside lantern allowing you to move around safely and the beginning of a relaxing garden ambiance. Lamps and lighting make a house a home.

I think you have a spirit animal in you. You're happiest in nature. When I look at the mountains, and sky in your videos, it reminds me we all live in a majestic world. We're part of the sky and earth

After months of watching, I have finally caught up! It was bittersweet, because I really enjoyed spending entire days watching your progress, but now I am so excited to witness it alongside you! Now I will have the opportunity to exercise patience as I wait every week for the next wonderful update. Thank you Martijn, for giving me so much joy and peace

If I were 40 years younger I would have like to come and live with you in that BEAUTIFUL place!!❤❤

you work so hard to keep the historic soul of your property alive it is so rare and beautiful!!

Your words about feeling at home with the thoughts of balance are important. For me, your videos are part of that. I don't think I truly realized that until today's video. Thank you so much! I appreciate you more than you know.

Hello, Martijn! As you can see from the comments, we all missed our weekly peace and creativity therapy! So very glad you are home safe and sound, and looking forward to continuing projects! Hello, Johannes! Love the style of the outdoor light...and the lamp; those little details coming together! Take care, guys, and see you next time! 🥰❤🐔🐔

My most favorite shot ever, your wide angle night sky over your welcoming back home🙂

YEAH ! Welcome back MATE ! Can't wait for another year full of cool Mondays because of you

You not only have the technical skills and perseverance, but you had the vision to restore, beautify and make the place very livable. Chapeau, Martijn.

I've never been so happy to, once again, watch someone sand a floor! Seriously though. As a retired archaeologist, your videos bring me back to that peace and connection with the earth that I always felt. It is the best hour of my week. Welcome back!

You caused me to fall in love with the Italian Alps, and restoring a hundreds years old cottage

Johannes has a delightful voice and did very well, thank you for leaving it to him.

Sunday mornings are good again. So glad to have you back Martijn. I am sure everyone missed you as much as I did. You are very much loved and appreciated. Oh my Lord that floor is stunning! I'm hoping for a better look at those new paintings. The one with the figures looked very intriguing. :)

Finally!!! Been waiting for what feels like forever!

Welcome back, Martijn. Sundays weren't the same without a glimpse into your tranquil and beautiful world. You were missed.

It’s great to see you back Martyn. Those views at the beginning were spectacular. You certainly looked at peace at the end. Welcome back 🤩

So glad you chose the linseed oil for the floor, it's beautiful!!

Welcome Home, Martijn! Whitey is looking very well, and she was overjoyed to see you again along with the other Beautiful Chick. Thank you, Johnnannes and the other person mentioned for taking good care of things while Martijn was away. Looking forward to new extraordinary videos. Thanks, Everyone ❤😊

I saw an upsetting tv drama this evening and realised that the antidote was Martijn’s peace inducing video; similarly, Johannes’s videos have been having the same effect, only with the added theological/philosophical themes (which I welcome). Thank you to both of you for the richness and beauty of what you share with us. Blessings.

So happy that you have returned! It was delightful to see "the girls" looking hale and hearty. That sunrise was off the charts. Community is strong when you heed the call to aid others. Well done on the car rescue!. Good to see Johannes too...sitting in the sunshine having a meal together ....divine. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦

Martijn, I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your videos. I was so excited when I woke up this morning and saw you were back posting after your holiday. My cat also loves when you show the chickens, I was watching this video on my tv and as soon as he heard the chickens, he perked up and started watching the screen. So he loves your videos as well. Hope you have a wonderful week.

Hello Martijn, I am very happy that you are happy and satisfied back in your paradise. But also for myself, to be able to accompany you again every week. Because I am very interested in everything that you are so enthusiastically changing about your refuge in the mountains, step by step, with great perseverance and great attention to detail. So I send you my warmest regards - but also to your helpful friend Johannes, whose philosophy of life on the south side there also commands the greatest admiration. Horst (D)

It's so great to have you back. We had Johannes to keep us company on his channel, but Sundays just weren't the same without you. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas & holiday. I appreciate the nearly hour-long episode. Groetjes uit Nederland. 👍

Welcome back Martijn! You didn't miss a beat, right back to doing what you do best in making a home for yourself. And by the way, I hope you show us what you've done with your new paintings. Incorporating your 'Help' is a great idea!

WELCOME HOME MARTIJN. I BEEN WAITING TO SEE WHEN YOU RETURN. EXCELLENT TASKS INDOOR FOR WINTER. WHAT A MORNING SUNRISE IN THE INTRO MINUTES, WOW!!!! I ALWAYS IMAGINE BEING THERE IN REAL LIFE, AND HOW BLESSED THOSE ALPS MUST BE. ENJOY THE LATE WINTER SUNNY DAYS. ITS BEEN SUNNY AND COLD IN IDAHO, SNOW MELTED ALREADY. GOD BLESS🤙🤙👍👍🙏🙏🏔🏔🏔🏔🌞🌞

Ohh How I missed this Sunday portion of calmness and beautiful views of nature and work!

This is one of the best channels on RU-vid

So glad to have you back safe and sound! I was needing my Martijn FIX…. and as usual, you did not disappoint!! Hope you had an enjoyable time away. You certainly deserved it!!! Welcome home! 💕

Had a feeling as the sun rose today that you would be back….& so it is, gracing us with the beginnings of the promise of spring…the snow melt, the fire started, the white chicken renewed, sanding & working on the floor finishes….fresh, new & revived. Thank you Martijn & welcome home.

Schön zu sehen, dass das weiße Huhn wieder Federn hat 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

Great to have you back... The peace and serenity of those closing landscapes says it all... ❤ your videos!

Heyyy Martijn!! I am so glad to see you back and happy that you have come back to that balance you feel... I honestly feel like just starting this year although it's already February, but your videos really make me feel like part of it and in tune with new projects and new beginnings as I am unemployed at the moment after quiting my life as a chef, and trying to reinvent myself. So yeah... it feels empowering and encouraging for me to see your life and your dreams of a quiet life becoming true and becoming more comfortable for you every day after starting from zero, from cold nights, from living in a tent, from the constant work without all the tool at hand and against all odds and tricky weather.... I feel strong that everything is possible, and that one day I will find the quiet life within me once I can find myself.... I love your chickens, I love your projects and improvements and ideas... and this is personal opinion, as a woman hahaha, you should get those vacuum cleaners with rechargeable battery that are like a long stick, it would save you time cleaning and also you can actually get rid of all that dust and powder... brooms are ok, but they spread the dust or unnoticed dirt with the motion 😁😁😁😁🥰🥰🥰🥰 welcome back!

How lovely to see you and the chickens. Welcome back Martijn.

Welcome back Martin

You've got to know that valley well enough that it feels like home, you look totally at ease, in your element. Amazing video, thank you for sharing.👍

Glad to see the white chicken fully recovered!

What a pleasant surprise to find you have returned and are posting again. I missed you so much. Sunday mornings, I get up looking forward to your wonderful videos. You bring me peace and set the tone for my day. I am so glad you could have a nice long holiday and relax from work at your home. Welcome back...you were missed.

Welcome back Martijn. One thought from watching today’s video. You might consider putting a wood panel or a flat piece of stone behind the cooktop as a back splash. The splatter from cooking oil will stain your stone wall and it will be very hard to keep clean. Best of luck!

That sunrise breathtaking , beautiful...Thank you...

I like the finish on the floor, but understand that you may want it lighter. It's nice to have you back. Sunday evenings weren't the same without your beautiful videos.

So very glad you’re back! I have so enjoyed your story! The scenery and work is so amazing! And interesting. Love your painting hope you show it closer to thoroughly enjoy it.

Mountain communities tend to be like family.. OFF TOPIC: I almost cried when you answered that rescue call. That means they see you as a genuine neighbor. Priceless.

Welcome back. A milder winter so far. The chicks look healthy. Making the cabin homely. Finding a sense of balance, peacefulness, tranquility.

Welcome back! And thank you for another video... I felt like I was going through withdrawal for a few weeks without these videos! They make a lovely escape for people like me trapped in the rat race.

The episode on Fr. Johannes' "tiny home" brought me to your channel, and you sent me back to him! I am so glad he took the opportunity to put together a limited series sharing his version of that secluded alpine life. He was there to help you with that stranded car too! He is something extraordinary. Thanks and Welcome back home, Martijn, and may all your projects prosper in God from Whom all blessings flow.

Chickens look good - she got a tail. I did not miss you but feel positive energy....it is good to see someone who does live a simple life in this strange world.

Soo Great to See You Martijn and get back into Your way of Life, Great to see Johannes, Wonderful Scenery, Always Such Beauty in the Landscape surrounding You... Incredible Footage from the air, Such Magnificent Scenery, Thank You Martijn, So Wonderful to slot back into Your lovely Countryside.. And helping those who need help, may You truly be Blessed... Australia - Paul

Looks like the best television in the world, love the soft lighting against the stone, it's really beautiful.👍

It's so weird but as I watched your car pull up I had the exact same feeling I would have seeing someone come home in person. Kinda choked up, full of joy and excitement. I missed you, the chickens missed you and like me, I know they are happy you are home. I watched as you unwound from your holiday and returned to perfect balance. I hope you enjoyed your time away but I know it must be great to be home. Happy new year! May it be filled with peace and beauty.

OMG! You can’t imagine how my husband and I have missed you. Cheers from Arizona.

Yes, welcome back! Enjoying your extra home comforts, the advancement of the floors and cupboards, seeing your chickens again who are looking fat and well, and love what I could see of your paintings. Can’t wait to hear your plans for the year next week. I look forward to my next fix of mountain life! 🥰

The brick, stove, stair so warm and inviting. Truly homey.