Woman Living in Her Off-Grid Ambulance Camper Conversion

Woman Living in Her Off-Grid Ambulance Camper Conversion | FULL-TIME VAN LIFE

Рет қаралды 883,204

3 жыл бұрын

Take a full tour of this stunning DIY conversion of an ambulance into a camper van, built by Amanda and her dad over 7 months. The vehicle is a 2006 Ford E-350 cutaway that used to be an emergency response vehicle for the US Navy. Amanda bought it for $10,000 CAD and the conversion cost an additional $10,000 CAD. Outfitted with a full kitchen, fixed bed, work station, closet, composting toilet, solar power, and a woodstove, this van is ready for off-grid adventures! Amanda is a solo female traveler in Canada who is passionate about baking, making music, and yoga, and she works as a voice-over actor using a portable sound booth in her tiny house on wheels.
You can find out more about Amanda's voice-over work and follow her van life journey here:
www.amandalemay.ca/
/ amandalemay.ca
Folk Life Magazine is the publication that Amanda is volunteering for:
www.folklifemag.ca/
A huge thank you to Simon from Finding Simon for filming the footage for this video!
You can follow his boat-building adventures on KZfaq here:
/ @findingsimon
Thanks for watching!
Mat & Danielle
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STAY IN TOUCH!
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Blog: www.exploringalternatives.ca
Facebook: / exploringalternativesblog
Instagram: / exploringalternatives
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COMMENTS
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We want our channel and our comments section to be an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome to watch and contribute. For this reason, comments that are inappropriate or hateful will be reported and/or deleted.
Please discuss and debate with respect, and report inappropriate or hateful comments directly to KZfaq.
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CREDITS
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Music & Song Credits:
All music in this video was composed, performed, and recorded by Mat of Exploring Alternatives.
Editing Credits:
Mat and Danielle of Exploring Alternatives
Filming Credits:
Simon Stiles from Finding Simon
/ @findingsimon
Photos of the Build:
Provided by Amanda Lemay
www.amandalemay.ca/
#vanlife #vantour #campervanconversion

Пікірлер: 1 000

@ExploringAlternatives 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching! You can follow and find out more about Amanda here: instagram.com/amandalemay.ca/ www.amandalemay.ca/ This video was filmed by Finding Simon. Follow his boatbuilding adventures here: kzfaq.info/love/zOdwGHROHbeJgJgxl0XP8w

@myriampierre6299 3 жыл бұрын

@Frederic Reeber 00a00

@eugeniuszsokoow2811 3 жыл бұрын

u tell that u have 210amp battery bank but not tell witch type of this

@gopher4life1 3 жыл бұрын

One of the best conversion I've seen.

@theonlyonestanding8079 3 жыл бұрын

That's so cool your family help you build some things in your home .

@freddiestranger9783 3 жыл бұрын

WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH WORLD WAR COVID-19????

@rutyael18 3 жыл бұрын

i like the fact that her family contributed to the build and I love the van it looks sturdy

@taylorlibby7642 3 жыл бұрын

Ambulances are generally built to be bombproof. Good base vehicles to start with.

@rutyael18 3 жыл бұрын

@@taylorlibby7642 Wow that is really interesting never knew that. All the little doors outside the vehicle are a good design feature.

@taylorlibby7642 3 жыл бұрын

@@rutyael18Agreed. Every setup is slightly different, but the interior and exterior cubbies are a great feature. The drivetrains and suspension systems are extra burly too. The emergency lights and sirens are sometimes removed, sometimes not. Engines are mostly in the V8 and above class and they're heavy, so not the best gas mileage but pretty low maintenance. You can generally pick them up from local vehicle auctions reasonably.

@rutyael18 3 жыл бұрын

@@taylorlibby7642 amazing. We are not in the States or Canada. We live in Norway in Europe so it will be nothing short of a miracle if we ever saw one of those here.

@taylorlibby7642 3 жыл бұрын

@@rutyael18 Sounds like a great excuse for trip! ; ) I was privileged to be able to visit your country when I was younger! An amazingly beautiful place with very nice people are my memories.

@WilsonRidge 3 жыл бұрын

"a lovely gentleman that my dad curls with" is the most Canadian sentence...

@annekennedy8127 3 жыл бұрын

'curls with' is how we spell it in Canada

@WilsonRidge 3 жыл бұрын

@@annekennedy8127 oops. My Americanness is showing

@swedishgaygirl6078 3 жыл бұрын

I thought she said "that my dad cuddles with" at first 😂

@dealio1762 3 жыл бұрын

@@WilsonRidge americans dont spell curls curles

@WilsonRidge 3 жыл бұрын

@@dealio1762 I edited it for ya 😉

@StamfordBridge 3 жыл бұрын

Amazing. When you look at the shots of the kitchen, you can’t tell that it’s in a vehicle home and not a free-standing home.

@fearsomefawkes6724 3 жыл бұрын

Right, nicer stove than any apartment I've lived in

@dianemoonstone4715 2 жыл бұрын

It's really a wonderful build, but I want access to more running water. Just my own personal preference.

@marcellovalle7112 3 жыл бұрын

The space she got was amazing, it seemed very comfy.

@RebaMiran 3 жыл бұрын

I agree

@barrybegley5379 2 жыл бұрын

AMANDA: This is quite possibly, of the hundreds of van builds that I have examined, the most organized and best use of space, not to mention the most aesthetically pleasing of ALL of them. Fine craftsmanship coupled with great build ideas. Thank you for sharing.

@rickhuttono1 3 жыл бұрын

To the woman in the blue truck... 1) Noticed your having difficulty sliding your butcher table open and close... Try lubricating only the areas that rub against the housing... A lubricating wax works well on wood without destroying the wood... Check out "Paraffin Wax" as it has numerous functions, its east to store and some types can be used as a flammable fuel for cooking, etc... 2) Your wood stove has a Straight Exhaust Stack... Convert it into an "S" Exhaust Stack and it will increase the cabin heat approximately twice as much... OR... If your current controlled temperature is adequate... With an "S" Exhaust Stack you can reduce the amount of wood you burn by approximately half... Note: Its not actually the shape of an "S" as the bottom and top of the Exaust Stack must connect at the center of the stove and the roof... However, the longer the center horizontal Exhaust Stack Section is the more heart will be produced... Heat is dependant upon the amount of fuel (wood) placed into the stove... Would be nice if the comitt section allowed shop drawings...

@vicariouswild2828 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for your suggestions, I'll look into that!

@shilde 3 жыл бұрын

Great advice 👏

@lilypeace9841 3 жыл бұрын

We need more Sweet people like you than earth 🌍 will become a paradise ❤️❤️❤️

@rickhuttono1 3 жыл бұрын

@@lilypeace9841 ... I always make an effort... Was that you driving the Blue Lagoon...

@Saxonx500 3 жыл бұрын

Also just rub the side with a wax candle

@nikkineal6431 3 жыл бұрын

The cubic mini makes it look so cozy. Love this van.

@SakuraKaay 2 жыл бұрын

What i love about this van house is how essential and individualized everything is. I get overwhelmed with all the complicated ways ppl build a tiny house and lose interest. But they made this van house in a beautiful minimalistic way. You got my attention again tiny living.

@kevin_mitchell 9 ай бұрын

True, it's not claustrophobic like so many builds I see. I haven't seen the video yet, just the first minute of it, but had to comment on my first impressions.

@quietrestingplaces9172 3 жыл бұрын

I smiled the whole way through. Definitely "a dream!" So happy for her!

@cathylynnpietranton 3 жыл бұрын

Amanda did an excellent job converting the emergency squad vehicle. Thanks Matt for sharing her story. We hope she has safe travels.👍👍❤

@vicariouswild2828 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Cathy!

@CarolynsRVLife 3 жыл бұрын

Oh wow, that's a gorgeous home. I love the woodstove! I think getting rid of most of my books was the hardest thing to cull.

@shandelebroyles1099 2 жыл бұрын

You got rid of your books too??

@nedcassley5169 2 жыл бұрын

Books can be scanned and stored in the cloud or on hard drives.

@RicardoRoams 2 жыл бұрын

This is the best ambulance build out I've ever seen! I was glad to see you could access the front cab area. Having access to the front cab area would be a must for me. Your mobile recording studio is remarkable! I really am impressed!

@yushikuang7877 3 жыл бұрын

I am definitely not a nomade nor a minimalist. But i found your projet of travelling across the country to work on bakery to develop your skillset is so inspiring. Most people down size for economic reason. Instead you made it to pursue a dream. Bravo. You should come to Montreal...we have the finest bread and viennoiseries of north america. Impossible to not takes few pounds here.

@Lauren-vd4qe 3 жыл бұрын

no one wants to live in quebec now; they likely all want to leave instead!

@shandelebroyles1099 2 жыл бұрын

No, most are doing it because they want to travel and see..... More than not.

@apnachannel2009 3 жыл бұрын

this is honestly the most beautiful van i have ever seen, truly natural and built with lots of love by your dad!

@joanneforrest1830 3 жыл бұрын

Hands down the nicest convention van. Absolutely love it.

@solchapeau6343 3 жыл бұрын

Of all the tiny homes I've seen, this is the one I would want to actually live in!

@ThatGirlLib 2 жыл бұрын

I need an indoor toilet and shower… plus more water to wash my hands.

@last7509 2 жыл бұрын

This is well done. Definitely gonna build my own soon.

@AgentFunk 3 жыл бұрын

Omg her dads smile is the best.

@alexlarson833 3 жыл бұрын

Now that’s a cool woman and an amazing ambulance to tiny house conversion!! Thanks for sharing your story Amanda 😁👍

@ExploringAlternatives 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for watching, Alex :) :) Hope you have a great day!

@anntrope491 3 жыл бұрын

NICE HOME ON WHEELS...PERFECT CONTEMPORARY DESIGN...CLEAN LINES, LOVE THE CABINET COLOR! THE WOODSTOVE IS THE ICING ON THE CAKE....ALL YOUR SYSTEMS ARE JUST RIGHT TOO! YOU REALLY DID AN AMAZING JOB WITH THIS RIG!! HAPPY TRAILS!! ♡☆♡

@TexasFire_Cross 2 жыл бұрын

As someone who works in the back of ambulances regularly (and drives them when the medics need a firefighter driver so that they can both be in the back working a patient) ... this is an amazing idea. When the stretcher and bags are taken out, there is an amazing amount of room in the box.

@cindychurch925 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service as a firefighter and medic. You all are in my daily prayers.

@sharoncochran8508 3 жыл бұрын

The best van build I've ever seen. I love the textiles used. The "giraffe" fabric is awesome!

@jimmyfortrue3741 3 жыл бұрын

Outstanding and reasonably priced set up. Love the wood stove and the Berkey.

@tthomas6013 2 жыл бұрын

“In touch with the business of living”, what a beautiful way to capture living life💜I love your abode!

@patriciahillman2866 3 жыл бұрын

Great for You! Enjoy your life while you are young and do your own thing. Be safe, live smartly, take care of your self, and always stay ALERT. Bless you.

@kristannablue 3 жыл бұрын

Well done, dad.

@iambubblez 2 жыл бұрын

this is so awesome...imagine the action this thing has seen, people who died, or were brought back to life too...its huge and awesomely done.

@oxcaput7xo 3 жыл бұрын

Looks so cozy!! Amazing revamp

@intheshedwithjohnnyg8894 3 жыл бұрын

the place looks amazing , you and your father did an awesome job .

@darlenemoak63 3 жыл бұрын

I love the openness of the design inside the van - beautifully done. Good luck on your continuing journey!!

@Sindollx666x 2 жыл бұрын

I love this conversion, and her life! What I wouldn't give to be able to do voice over work, sing, draw & paint, & write my young adult fantasy novel!

@TVCAVEMAN213 2 жыл бұрын

A FANTASTIC job on the interior. Isn’t it amazing on how much you REALLY NEED to be completely. Only a few pairs of jeans, tee shirts, tops, and shoes, Fannys your Aunt, and Bobs your Uncle. Best of luck to you on your travels.

@jaydenmoon1165 2 жыл бұрын

Freaking beautiful design work - I especially loved that your whole family had a hand in helping - so awesome

@markwantling2893 3 жыл бұрын

I think you have a lovely home , glad you kept some off your vehicles past and incorporated it in your build. Stay safe 🙏 from the 🇬🇧

@campbellrob1919 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, by far the coolest van setup I've seen yet. Awesome.

@CharlesButler 3 жыл бұрын

This by far is one of the best ambulances build I have seen so far! Wow. what amazing job you and your dad did! Nice layout, seems so comfy and still have room to walk around inside. Congratulations on this!!

@shilde 3 жыл бұрын

They did a great job on this!! I love it. It’s so cozy and serene. I’m jealous.

@wonderingwade1802 3 жыл бұрын

Damn that's a pretty sweet looking van!

@dianahernandez7529 2 жыл бұрын

WOW I just LOVE how you and your Beautiful Family got together and HELP you with your Beautiful Home . That is so smart of you you're very smart young woman God bless you may you always be happy and blessed. ❤️🙏❤️

@michaelvenne8692 3 жыл бұрын

AWESOME LITTLE HOME. I love the wood stove. Made with LOVE !!!! ❤️ I am thinking of doing this. I have no tie downs. I am ready. Great video’s to learn from.

@offbeatwarble 3 жыл бұрын

Great van conversion and even better lifestyle, enjoy!

@kevinwells4986 3 жыл бұрын

I don't know what is more impressive. The Van or her. Oh, yeah I do - her. But I love her ability to minimize, and to focus. She's going to make some company extremely happy, if she does not in fact start her own company. Talk about driven. I love this channel! By the way, I love this girl! I wish more young people could be like her.

@saladbreath607 Жыл бұрын

You should check your cabinets (the stock ambulance ones) for latches on the lower inside corners of the frame. If you release both at once the entire front swings up on a hinge. Chances are if you have small struts inside, you have this option.

@gjonesii 3 жыл бұрын

What a spectacular build! Such a functional design. What an amazing father/daughter project. You rock!

@TheIregan 3 жыл бұрын

What a fantastic build out, and way to make a great life for yourself, Amanda! Super inspiring!

@CR-wk2re 3 жыл бұрын

I love the idea of just using the Berkey as the only water source. You can just store extra water in containers as needed. Nice and simple. I'm going to consider that for my rig.

@grlnexdoorable 2 жыл бұрын

Ice chest with gaskets would be great.

@josephkreissphotography 3 жыл бұрын

That’s awesome!!! We have a small RV but we are toying with the idea of a ambulance conversion to downsize more and have more freedom of maneuverability and travel! Thanks for sharing your rig!!

@nhstuff6658 2 жыл бұрын

Congrats to Amanda and Dad on superb execution of so many great ways to minimize but not lose utility. A very impressive DIY conversion. Travel well.

@shoralhookes804 3 жыл бұрын

Wow you would never think this was a ambulance ! Everything looks so beautiful I love it great job..😊

@stefanitadio6236 3 жыл бұрын

Great conversion! Everything is beautiful and I like the family-contributed touches.

@liddlekiddle1962 3 жыл бұрын

Great conversion! Wonderful job by Amanda and her dad / family! Mat, miss seeing you and Danielle. Please make a video soon so that we can catch up with how you two are doing. :) Thanks!

@advancednutritioninc908 2 жыл бұрын

Beautiful build!! Well done! Your dad, mom, and you are really creative and have done great craftsmanship on the van! One of the best van-homes i have seen!!

@daviddemunn2645 2 жыл бұрын

Congrats on being able to do voiceovers in your tiny vehicle! I think that is so awesome! I myself couldn't live my life in a tiny vehicle especially in South Florida because of the hurricanes.

@dashie07e.92 3 жыл бұрын

AMAZING VAN HOME!!!!

@dawnhill539 3 жыл бұрын

Wow! That is the best ambulance conversion I have seen !

@kchara7078 3 жыл бұрын

I found a Class B RV that I love; but I used to be an Industrial EMT and I seriously considered buying an old ambulance and converting it to an RV. I like what you've come up with and you've given me some ideas for mine. Thanks!

@maehay4065 3 жыл бұрын

She has a wonderful van and lots of storage space. Awesome rig!

@joyn2967 3 жыл бұрын

Kudos to Amanda - Her Tiny Home on wheels is wonderful! I would love to get rid of 90% of my stuff and have that freedom she has. :)

@SimpleEssentials 3 жыл бұрын

Love this video, the simple lifestyle and the environmental awareness. My partner and I are so looking forward to living in a van one day soon!

@lmoree00 3 жыл бұрын

I loooooove your home! It is lovely! Thanks for sharing it and happy safe travels!

@bosse641 3 жыл бұрын

Simple and cozy little abode. Well done.

@DavidGetchel 3 жыл бұрын

The best ambulance conversion I've seen!

@jameshupalo 3 жыл бұрын

I have seen many diy van life builds, yours is fantastic. The design seems well throughout. The power setup is great, I have same inverter too. Well done!

@cq7415 2 жыл бұрын

This is really nice. It is laid out so nicely and your kitchen area is so spacious. Lots of storage in outside compartments. Good idea. I admire her. Thanks for sharing.

@badarock177 3 жыл бұрын

She's so proud of her dad's work, and he looks so loving and joyful, it brings tears to my eyes. I miss my dad so much.

@OurRetiredLife 3 жыл бұрын

I love her! And her tiny home is lovely!

@michellec2899 3 жыл бұрын

Wow wee, this is so wonderful! When I was a child my parents bought a school bus,we had many adventures. Thank you for your sharing, happy trails.cuddles from Edmonton.🌼🧘‍♀️M

@margiesvanmori 2 жыл бұрын

Wow it's amazing how creative these people are. I'm building out my 1988 Chevy van home and I love watching how creative people get with their builds. So cool!

@cheriemonami 3 жыл бұрын

Amanda, you're living the life. She's the first I've heard who has clued in to the fact that we all make waste. Composting, recycling, reusing, are band-aids. Life is messy. We're not the only ones, animals make waste also. Everything we do to lessen the waste, though, is slowing down the destruction of our planet while we figure out how to deal with it.

@talea5604 3 жыл бұрын

I love this van. I would buy it in a heartbeat!

@keepinganopenmind8216 2 жыл бұрын

Nice set up, you and your family did a nice job. I liked something you said in the video that I felt needed to be mentioned.. again.. Time. you said.. well you get in touch with daily life ... as in the time spent and energy needed to do things that you might normally not consider or not need to do at all.. Example.. daily water needs.. that can include getting water, washing hands or the need to dispose of the same water.. at the point of no return.. black / gray water disposal. It is absolutely a fact that anyone that has not lived a minimalist lifestyle will not relate to these issues.. both those of us that have.. will and do.. relate !

@charless8641 3 жыл бұрын

This is one of the best conversion video that I have seen, excellent job making the most out of a small space. Thank You for sharing a great video.

@cindys3435 3 жыл бұрын

What a great job you and your dad did on your home. You guys could probably make some money doing that for others. I live near Calgary and I’m re-doing a 1985 3/4 ton van and I can’t wait until it’s ready. Good luck on your travels.

@keeneterry1603 3 жыл бұрын

This is an amazing conversion.

@antonellafellini1731 3 жыл бұрын

Love your van. It’s beautiful. Love your outlook on life and the way your doing you!! I wish you all the very best. Stay safe 👍🏻

@ali.elramli 3 жыл бұрын

The beauty of life is in its simplicity .. We must live life as it is so that we do not weaken in front of its temptations

@jamesfishe5591 3 жыл бұрын

popcorn is very important🍿♥️

@Plummetking 3 жыл бұрын

I have watched thousands of these conversion videos and this is one of the best ever.Congratulations!...................... And you have an awesome dad!

@alohatvj 2 жыл бұрын

The ambulance 🚑 ♥ 😍 conversion is super amazing 👏 🙌. I am very impressed with the build 😀 👏.

@cliveburks 2 жыл бұрын

Really enjoyed seeing your van home looks cozy and comfortable impressive conversion to a great camper liked the wood burner cooker and access to the front cab if needed. Thanks for sharing your experience

@DanaKot336 3 жыл бұрын

This is so amazing🥺 basically my childhood-teen age dream but with extra kitchen space

@Mziselman 3 жыл бұрын

A beautiful van as well as attitude. Nicely done.

@Josh-jr1dd 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Josh from Australia here you've given me inspiration love your set up great job it's awesome !

@BradleyProulx 3 жыл бұрын

I was the photographer for your condo when you sold it. We chatted about the road, radio, music, bread. LOVE this.

@WonderfulWorld-pr8xy 3 жыл бұрын

So cozy !!!!!

@KL-no4gu 3 жыл бұрын

This is so freaking awesome!

@HOPEbus 3 жыл бұрын

New subscriber 👋🏽 Beautiful home , great use of space 👍🏽 I just helped my son do his mini van , as a parent it’s the most overflowing feeling u get when u help ur kids love a simpler happier way of living 🌎 🙏🏼💫♥️🚍🥳 Cheers to u

@roamingredneck4445 3 жыл бұрын

I'm building my old ambulance. Thanks for the inspiration.

@kit2130 3 жыл бұрын

I love that fireplace!!

@clairelivefreeordie2551 3 жыл бұрын

I wonder if this cuts down on heating costs?

@miniskooliewanda 3 жыл бұрын

Love it! Well done! Very inspirational ☺

@user-js4xl9nv8r 5 ай бұрын

Hats off to you for choosing an alternative lifestyle. You are forced to live mindfully and thats a great thing. Safe travels. Thanks for sharing.

@dianeibsen5994 Жыл бұрын

Blessed to be born into a family that cares.

@uatu3021 3 жыл бұрын

I wonder if the stovepipe could be remade to be telescopic, so it could be stealthier.

@rickhuttono1 3 жыл бұрын

My thoughts as well and yes it can... But that would require climbing atop the van every time for set up and shut down... Doing it from the inside would be extremely expensive and require constant maintenance to stop leaks as vehicles vibrate extensively during transit... For interior operations, the expensive is in designing and manufacturing a mechanical device for raising and lower and adding an interior donut type drain for rain run off... Which would require drilling another hole for the drain... Hence, Not Feasible...

@rickhuttono1 3 жыл бұрын

With a few minutes to ponder, there is a stealth solution for the Stove Exhaust Stack... 18 wheelers have exhaust pipes that extend above the cab... At the top of these exhaust pipes there are Hinged Flap Lids that prevent rain, birds and insects from getting inside the pipes... Remove the standard house exhaust cap and install a Hinged Flap Lid at the top of the stack... A Slightly Convexed Flap Lid will enhance rain runoff... Hence it will have the appearance of an Exhaust Pipe, not an interior stove... Note: Chimneys / Exhaust Stacks require a minor elevation above the highest point of the structure that it is active in... Not being present to measure and calculate the issue, visually observance indicates that the Exhaust Stack on the blue truck can be shortened by cutting off 1/4 to 1/3 of its existing height... Thus increasing it's stealth...

@shokojimhollingsworth3940 3 жыл бұрын

@@rickhuttono1 Cubic stoves require 12" of chimney above the roof exit, and at least 36" total piping above the stove to ensure a good draft. Hers looks about right, but as you say, it's hard to tell without measuring. Not sure how the hinged flap lid would work with a wood stove. 🤔 I use a marine stove cap designed for heavy storms.

@essendossev362 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah I know that with boats you can sometimes remove the stack and store it away when you're not using it, which would be a good option if she's just passing through somewhere, she can take it off in advance and keep stealthy.

@jimsteele7108 3 жыл бұрын

very, very, very well done.

@johnt7776 3 жыл бұрын

Really amazing conversion and the life it gives you and the honesty!

@rubyjreads7503 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome build!! I love your bookshelves and your use of storage, just awesome!!!

@missycitty9478 3 жыл бұрын

This is absolutely Amazing. The kitchen is just Perfect. I could happily live like you. No question. God Bless. ♥ Safe travels. ♥

@TomBedlammusic 3 жыл бұрын

Hey another van lifer with a recording studio! I wonder how many of us there are :)

@dizheller2101 3 жыл бұрын

I'm planning on joining that group in the next few years (see my comment above). ♫♪

@Glimmerlight90 2 жыл бұрын

I am also one!

@kallasusort2986 2 жыл бұрын

Very well done! You had some wonderful unique and simple idea's in your build. Love the blue exterior and comfy inside. And such good choices for work. Have a wonderful journey.