August 2023

22nd

This morning I walked about the farmhouse garden, at a glance there isn't much to see, but the small amount of flowers here are absolutely bonnie.

Cluster of vibrant, pink roses in full bloom. The roses are densely packed together, creating a visually rich bouquet. Water droplets are visible on some of the petals, suggesting recent rain or dew. The background is blurred, focusing attention on the roses, and consists of lush green foliage.
Single, vibrant yellow flower, possibly a type of poppy or buttercup, in full bloom. Water droplets are visible on its petals. The background is softly blurred, showing green foliage and a hint of a gray structure, suggesting a garden or natural setting.
Close-up view of several pink flowers, likely geraniums, covered in water droplets. The flowers are nestled amongst lush green foliage, suggesting a garden or natural setting. The overall impression is one of freshness and natural beauty, accentuated by the glistening raindrops.
Close-up view of a single, light purple Clematis flower. The flower is partially open, drooping slightly, and its stamens are visible. The flower is attached to dark reddish-purple stems with bright green leaves showing water droplets, suggesting recent rain. The background is blurred but shows more of the same plant's foliage.
Close-up view of a single, light purple Clematis flower in bloom. The flower is in the foreground, sharply in focus, while the background is a softly blurred collection of the plant's green leaves and dark stems. The flower appears slightly dewy, suggesting recent rain or morning moisture. The overall impression is one of delicate beauty and natural freshness.
Close-up of a small plant with three bright red berries clustered together at the top of a thin, dark red stem. The plant has several green leaves, some showing reddish-brown hues, particularly on the newer growth. The background is blurred but shows a lush green environment with hints of other vegetation.

We treated the sheep at our paddock for fluke; this was a precautionary measure as a young lamb died of fluke at one of our grass keeps; the older ewes appear resilient, but we treated them also.

Flock of sheep huddled together inside a wooden enclosure covered by a tarp. The animals are mostly light-coloured, with a few darker ones mixed in. The setting appears to be a temporary shelter, possibly for transport or temporary housing. The lighting is dim, suggesting it may be nighttime or the shelter is poorly lit. The overall mood is one of confinement, but also perhaps of comfort and warmth within the group.
Close-up of a sheep's face. The sheep is grey and its wool is curly. It's looking directly at the camera, with one ear tagged. The background is dark, suggesting it's in a barn or pen. The overall feeling is intimate and slightly shadowed.
Flock of sheep huddled together inside a wooden structure. The sheep are light brown or tan, appear to be wet or muddy, and are closely packed. Several sheep have yellow ear tags. The setting appears to be a barn or shelter.

Most of Charlie's sheep are spread across three grass keeps, in a few days only lambs will graze up the hillside paddock, adjacent to our farmhouse.

Leonie's hands holding a small purple cup filled with a light-blue, creamy substance. A white, cylindrical object is being pressed into the substance. The background is blurry, but shows Charlie wearing a red and black plaid shirt and blue jeans. The setting appears to be somewhat rustic and possibly agricultural.
Charlie, whose upper body is visible, is drench medicating a lamb. The lamb is light brown and is surrounded by other sheep in a barn or stable. The overall atmosphere is one of care and nurturing.

We first tried to deliver the wormer in incremental shots with a drench gun, but this just squeezed doses of air. We opted to use a syringe tube, as at least we knew that these sheep were receiving their medicine.

Path winding through a dense forest. The trees are tall and slender, their trunks covered in moss. The forest floor is carpeted with lush green moss and ferns. The overall mood is serene and peaceful.
Tranquil stream flowing through a lush, green forest. The stream's dark water gently moves over mossy logs and rocks. Tall, slender trees densely fill the scene, their branches intertwined overhead, creating a shaded and serene atmosphere. The overall impression is one of quietude and natural beauty.
Single, large, pale-tan mushroom with a ruffled, irregular edge sitting atop a bed of lush green moss and clover. The mushroom's surface is textured, with small dark specks and holes scattered across it. Water droplets are visible on the clover and moss, suggesting a damp environment.
Single mushroom, with a brown, glossy cap and a pale green, porous underside, sitting amongst a bed of lush, green clover leaves covered in water droplets. The overall impression is one of dampness and the quiet beauty of a forest floor.
Single, off-white mushroom with a slightly domed cap, covered in tiny water droplets. The mushroom is nestled amongst lush green moss, small clover-like plants, and other low-lying vegetation. The overall setting appears to be a damp, shady forest floor.
Cluster of three mushrooms, light beige with a textured surface, growing amidst lush green moss on the forest floor. The mushrooms appear moist, possibly due to recent rain or dew. The focus is sharp on the mushrooms, with the background moss slightly blurred, creating a shallow depth of field.
Lush, temperate rainforest scene. The focus is on a large, gnarled tree heavily covered in moss, situated amongst other tall, slender trees. The undergrowth is thick with ferns and other low-lying vegetation. The overall atmosphere is one of dampness, age, and the deep green of a dense forest. The light is diffuse, suggesting an overcast day. The perspective is from below, looking up at the moss-covered tree, emphasising its size and prominence in the environment.
Charlie walking across a small stream in a lush, verdant forest. The stream is relatively shallow and rocky, and the person is using a fallen log as a makeshift bridge. The forest is dense with tall, slender trees, and the ground is covered in moss and ferns. The overall mood is serene and peaceful, evoking a sense of solitude and connection with nature.

Charlie wadded through the woodland burn first, with no problems.

Leonie standing in a shallow stream in front of a waterfall. She's wearing a white dress, a dark blue cardigan, and a light-colored knit hat. The setting is lush and green, with abundant foliage surrounding the waterfall. The water in the stream appears dark and somewhat muddy. The overall mood is tranquil and natural.
Charlie standing in a shallow stream at the base of a waterfall in a lush, green forest. Charlie, whose back is to the camera, seems to be observing the waterfall and the surrounding natural environment. The overall mood is serene and contemplative, emphasising the beauty of the natural landscape.

We arrived at Wolfcleuch waterfall, we tried to get here a week ago, but had no means to cross the burn.

Waterfall cascading down moss-covered rocks into a dark pool of water. Lush green foliage frames the waterfall on either side. The water appears frothy and turbulent as it flows over the rocks and into the pool below.
Waterfall cascading down dark rocks. The water is frothy and white where it hits the rocks below. Lush green foliage, partially obscuring the upper part of the waterfall, frames the scene. The overall impression is one of natural beauty and the power of water.
Close-up view of a flowering plant, possibly a type of Stachys, with vibrant purple flowers and bright green leaves covered in what appears to be morning dew or rainwater. The background is blurred but shows a lush green environment indicative of a natural setting. The focus is sharpest on the flowers and the leaves immediately surrounding them, showcasing the fine details of the plant's structure and the droplets of moisture. The overall impression is one of freshness and the beauty of nature's detail.
Pale beige fungus, possibly a species of Disciotis, nestled amongst green moss, clover, and dark brown twigs on the forest floor. The fungus has a unique, folded structure, almost resembling a delicate, crumpled cup or flower. The overall setting is damp and shaded, suggesting a humid forest environment.
Tranquil woodland stream, its dark, still water reflecting the surrounding trees. A fallen log spans the stream, partially submerged and mossy, adding a sense of natural decay and calm. The forest itself is dense with tall, slender trees, mainly evergreens, suggesting a temperate or boreal climate. The overall atmosphere is one of quietude and serenity, a peaceful scene within a natural environment.
Small stream or creek flowing through a lush green forest. The water is dark and appears relatively shallow. A small, partially submerged log or branch acts as a natural dam, creating a small waterfall or rapids where the water flows over it. The surrounding area is densely packed with trees and vibrant green vegetation, suggesting a temperate climate. The overall impression is one of a serene, secluded natural environment.

My cade lambs came to see me whilst I was removing dock leaves from the farmhouse paddock with an electric strimmer.

Two sheep in a lush green pasture, set against the backdrop of a quaint rural landscape. One sheep, brown and white, stands prominently in the foreground, gazing directly at the viewer. A darker-coloured sheep grazes in the mid-ground. In the background, there are traditional stone buildings, suggesting a farm or rural homestead, nestled among a line of evergreen trees under a partly cloudy sky. The overall scene evokes a feeling of peaceful countryside tranquillity.

Cooked toad-in-the-hole for Charlie's tea.

Toad in the hole, a savoury British dish. It consists of sausages baked in Yorkshire pudding batter, resulting in a golden-brown, puffed-up batter surrounding the sausages. The dish is presented in a rectangular baking dish.

Opened the gate and lit the poly tunnel for the sheep, they were freaked out at 9:30pm this evening [a few hours after I posted about the cade lambs visiting me]; Charlie suspects a fighter jet plane, however the sheep are still in the poly tunnel an hour later, and not chewing cud ho hum.

20th

Today, we returned to England to fetch...

Land Rover Freelander parked in front of a white brick building. The Land Rover is connected to a trailer carrying a large, weathered piece of plywood. The background is cluttered with various items, suggesting a yard sale, reclamation yard, or similar setting. The overall impression is one of casual, everyday activity.
Back of a cluttered salvage yard or reclamation business. A flatbed truck is in the foreground, partially covered with a tarp. The background shows various buildings, some appearing to be industrial or storage units, and a stone building possibly residential. Various items, including ladders, furniture, and other salvage materials, are scattered around the yard. The overall feel is one of organised chaos, suggesting a business focused on recycling and repurposing materials.

three auction lots from Railtons, Wooler.

19th

Midday we visited Maelin henge.

Grassy field with a line of weathered wooden posts extending into the middle distance. The posts are irregularly spaced and appear to be remnants of a structure or possibly a historical marker. Behind the posts is a line of trees, and a partly cloudy sky is visible above. The overall impression is one of a serene, somewhat desolate, yet historically significant landscape.
Field of short, bright green grass under a partly cloudy sky. Arranged in a loose circle within the field are numerous upright, weathered grey-brown wooden posts or poles of varying heights. The scene is peaceful and evokes a sense of quiet contemplation or perhaps a forgotten ritual site.

We found a reconstruction of a medieval house.

The interior of a long, narrow, rustic wooden structure, possibly a reconstructed historical building or a barn. The structure is made of vertical wooden planks, with a thatched roof supported by heavy wooden beams. A single wooden door is ajar, letting in light that illuminates the dusty floor strewn with straw or hay. The overall atmosphere is dark, secluded, and somewhat mysterious.
Dimly lit interior of a long, narrow structure, possibly a barn or shed. The structure is made of wood, with a thatched roof and vertical wooden walls. Light streams in through gaps in the walls, creating streaks of brightness on the dark floor, which is covered with scattered straw or hay.

Beautiful butterflies walking through Maelin meadow.

European Peacock butterfly ( Aglais io) with its wings open, perched on a purple thistle flower. The butterfly's vibrant red and black markings are clearly visible. The thistle is surrounded by other similar flowers and dry grasses, suggesting a wildflower meadow or field setting. The overall impression is one of natural beauty and a fleeting moment captured in the wild.
Peacock butterfly ( Aglais io) with its wings open, perched on a purple thistle flower. The butterfly is in sharp focus, while the background is a slightly blurred field of green grass and other vegetation.

We arrived at Flodden field, 6000 Scottish + 1 King and 2000 English people brutally slaughtered each other here; I am proud of either sides bravery yet angry at the Catholic church, for insighting them to do it.

Ground-level view of a countryside scene dominated by expansive agricultural fields under a partly cloudy sky. In the foreground, a prominent octagonal sign, resembling a compass or waymarker, displays a simplified map of the surrounding area with directional markings and distances to various points of interest. The map is printed on a light-coloured surface and fixed to a dark-colored wooden base. The background reveals rolling hills with patches of harvested and growing crops, suggesting a rural setting.
Wide, open expanse of harvested farmland under a partly cloudy sky. The foreground is a strip of unharvested, grassy land. In the mid-ground, the harvested fields stretch to a low hill in the distance. Power lines are visible on the horizon.
Panoramic view of a rural landscape, likely in the British Isles, under a partly cloudy blue sky. The foreground features two paved pathways flanking a field of tall, golden-brown grass. In the middle ground, a stone war memorial is visible, suggesting a site of historical significance. Charlie walks along one of the paths in the distance. The background shows gently rolling hills and fields, indicating a tranquil and expansive countryside setting. The overall impression is one of serenity and quiet remembrance.
Grassy path bordering a harvested field that stretches towards a distant hilltop. Atop the hill is a simple stone monument or cross, possibly a war memorial. The sky is partly cloudy, with fluffy white clouds against a clear blue backdrop. The overall impression is one of peaceful rural landscape, marked by a sense of remembrance suggested by the monument.

Scent of roses in the car park were calming.

Single, ripe rose hip (the fruit of a rose plant) a vibrant red color, hanging from a branch amidst lush green foliage. The rose hip is round and plump, with visible, light-green sepals extending below it. The leaves are serrated and deep green, typical of a rose bush.
Vibrant purple rosehip flower in full bloom, nestled amongst green leaves and unripe rosehips. A small insect is visible near the flower's centre.

The beach at Spital, Berwick-on-tweed was beautiful, I adore the serenity of this beach..

Leonie standing on a sandy beach next to a large, dark-coloured rock formation. The rock face is steeply sloped and shows distinct layers of rock, suggesting geological stratification. The beach is mostly sandy, with scattered dark rocks and patches of greenish-brown algae visible near the water's edge. The ocean is visible in the background, with relatively calm waves. The sky is mostly clear and blue, with some fluffy white clouds. The overall scene is one of a dramatic coastal landscape.
Sandy beach with dark rocks extending from the shore into the shallow ocean water. The ocean is relatively calm with small waves. The sky is mostly sunny with fluffy white clouds. The overall scene is peaceful and evocative of a coastal landscape.

These places, sparse spaces fill me with awe, not emptiness.

Dramatic coastal scene. A large, layered rock formation dominates the frame, its dark, striated surfaces contrasting sharply with the lighter-coloured sand below. A long, dark log or piece of driftwood lies diagonally across the foreground sand, leading the eye towards the base of the cliff. The sky above is a vibrant blue, punctuated by fluffy white clouds that add depth and texture to the scene. The ocean is visible in the lower left, its waves gently lapping at the shore. The color palette ranges from the deep blues and grays of the rock and sea to the warm browns and tans of the sand, creating a visually striking composition.

Over the horizon seen through mind's disociate eye.

Panoramic view of a sandy beach with a low cliff in the background. The beach is relatively empty except for some rocks and animal tracks in the sand. The sea is calm with small waves, and the sky is mostly sunny with scattered clouds.
Single, roughly oval-shaped, yellow-gold rock resting on a bed of dark gray sand. The sand shows subtle patterns suggesting recent movement, perhaps from wind or water. The contrast between the rock's colour and the sand is striking.
Deceased bird lying on a sandy surface. Its plumage is mostly a faded orange and white, appearing bleached or weathered. The bird's body is partially decomposed. The overall impression is one of sadness and mortality.
Deceased seabird lying on a sandy beach near a dark rock. The bird appears to be covered in dark oil or tar.
Panoramic view of a sandy beach with a small, grassy hill in the background. A cave-like opening is visible near the base of the hill, from which a stream of reddish-brown water flows down onto the beach, creating a distinctive pattern in the sand. The sky is mostly clear with scattered clouds, and the ocean extends to the horizon.
Jellyfish washed ashore on a sandy beach. The jellyfish is reddish-brown in color, with a translucent, pinkish center. The shallow water is clear enough to see the sand beneath, which is a mix of brown and tan. The gentle waves are visible in the water’s movement.
Coastal scene, likely in Scotland or North East of England, where a sandy beach meets a rocky shoreline. The focus is on a series of grey rocks, sculpted by the sea and partially covered in bright green algae. These rocks extend from the water's edge towards the sand, creating an interesting textural contrast. In the background, a grassy cliff and a relatively calm sea under a partly cloudy blue sky complete the scene. The overall impression is one of serene coastal beauty, highlighting the interplay of natural forces and time on the landscape.
Close-up selfie of a fair-skinned woman named Leonie wearing a cream-coloured knit beanie and a white blouse with a red pattern. She's wearing a silver necklace with a circular pendant and has hoop earrings. The background is a blurred-out beach scene with the ocean and a partly cloudy sky. The woman has a somewhat serious yet calm expression.
Charlie with long, red hair walking barefoot on a sandy beach towards the camera. Their hair is blowing in the wind, and they are carrying a shoe or boot on their shoulder. The background features a calm ocean under a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds. The overall impression is one of freedom and casual enjoyment of a sunny day at the beach.
Sandy beach with a person walking in the distance. The foreground features a series of large, light-coloured rocks partially embedded in the dark sand, close to the water's edge where small waves are breaking. The sky is bright blue with fluffy white clouds. The overall impression is one of a peaceful, sunny day at the coast with a solitary figure.
Single, bleached-white bird feather lying on a sandy beach. Dark seaweed or kelp is scattered around the feather, partially submerged in the sand. The feather's shadow is cast on the sand, adding depth to the scene. The overall impression is one of serenity and the subtle beauty of found objects in a natural setting.
Panoramic view of a wide river or estuary on a sunny day. A sailboat is visible in the mid-ground, and a town or city is seen in the far distance across the water. The sky is mostly blue with fluffy white clouds. In the foreground, a metal ladder attached to a concrete structure is partially visible. The overall feel is serene and peaceful.

We drove back to the Scottish Borders at speed, because end of the end journeys can be tiring.

16th

This early afternoon Charlie invited me to his work place.

Charlie standing proudly beside his red tractor in a freshly cut hay field. The sky is dramatic and cloudy, adding a sense of atmosphere to the scene. He is holding two walking sticks, suggesting a rural lifestyle and perhaps hinting at the hard work and tradition involved in farming. The overall impression is one of peaceful rural life, possibly reflecting the satisfaction of a job well done.

He was turning silage today.

Close-up view of the front of a red Massey Ferguson tractor. The tractor is parked in a grassy field, with a wooded area visible in the background. The focus is sharply on the tractor's front grill, headlights, and logo. The overall impression is one of agricultural machinery in a rural setting.
Red tractor with a hay tedder attached, working in a field of freshly cut grass under a partly cloudy sky. The tractor driver is visible through the cab window, silhouetted against the bright sunlight. The scene conveys a sense of rural life and agricultural work.
Rear view from the driver's seat of a red tractor with a hay tedder attached. The tedder is working in a freshly cut field of green grass, under a bright, partly cloudy sky. A wooded area is visible in the background. A dark object hangs from a rope above the tractor.
Freshly cut field of grass, viewed from the perspective of a red tractor. The grass is short and uniformly cut, with visible track marks from the tractor. In the background, a line of trees stands against a partly cloudy sky.

I sat, waited in his tractor.

View from inside a tractor, specifically the steering wheel and dashboard. The foreground is dominated by the tractor's steering wheel, which displays the Massey Ferguson logo. The background shows a rural landscape, including fields, piles of lumber, and a partly cloudy sky.
Reflection in the side mirror of a tractor. The reflection shows Leonie with blonde hair wearing a light beige beanie, sitting in the driver's seat. The background of the reflection shows a rural landscape with a pile of wood and a field. A caution sticker is visible on the tractor's frame. The overall impression is of a woman working on a farm or in a rural setting.

Whilst he tended to the welfare of Limousin cows.

Pastoral scene with five brown cows grazing in a lush green field under a cloudy sky. In the background, a farm with buildings is visible, nestled within a broader landscape of rolling hills and fields. The overall mood is peaceful and rural.

Visiting vets used the farm's crusher, a mechanical device that keeps the coo still, for examination and treatment.

Brown cow restrained in a metal cattle crush, a piece of farm equipment used to safely handle livestock. A person is visible, partially obscured by the crush, appearing to be attending to the cow. The crush is branded with Titan and the Te Pari website address. The setting appears to be a barn or similar agricultural building.
Brown cow's head and shoulders protruding from a metal cattle restraint in a barn. A person is partially visible to the left, seemingly attending to the cow. The barn's interior is visible, showing a rustic stone wall, various tools and equipment, including a small blue machine. The overall impression is one of a working farm setting.

The vet plunged her arm up the coos anus to find nothing really wrong with the swollen coo other than a blood blister.

Light brown calf standing in a barn. The calf is young, and its ears are tagged with numbers (328 and 70). It is looking directly at the camera. The barn floor is covered with straw. The background is blurred slightly, showing a glimpse of other animals and the barn structure.
Leonie's hand cupped, holding a handful of wheat grains. The grains are light brown and appear to be harvested, ready for processing. The background is blurred but shows a brown, earthy tone, suggesting a rural or agricultural setting. The overall impression is one of simple, direct presentation of the harvest.

Today was about turning silage [for winter feed] and the health of coos, but at this time of year, attention is focussed on harvesting crops.