August 2023

5th

I had a troublesome night, the room, although clean and equipt, was compact. Scent from the washing powder saturated my senses from upon the pillow put me at unease; whilst I felt something, maybe a spider crawling on me. Charlie overheard me saying "ssh they're tapping on the gate" during my sleep, he described it as a scene from Marie Antoinette; unnerving considering who my family were in France before the "Revolution".

Windowsill with a view of a mountain in the distance. A book and tissue box rest on the sill, along with a small vase of flowers and a notepad. The window is divided into four panes, and condensation is visible on the glass.
Close-up selfie of Leonie with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a cream-coloured knit beanie pulled low over their forehead, partially obscuring their eyes. She is also wearing a loose-fitting, off-white tunic or dress with a small, repeating red pattern. The background features a window with greenery visible outside and a radiator. The overall impression is of a casual, somewhat pensive portrait, taken indoors. Leonie's expression is neutral or slightly sombre.

We dressed and seated ourselves downstairs from breakfast. A family had moaned that we had taken their seat before being escorted to other seats.

Gravel parking area in front of a white two-story building, which appears to be a pub or inn. To the left, there's a stone wall running along a narrow road, lined with lush green vegetation, including trees and hedges. The background includes a slightly overcast sky and hints of a distant mountain or hill. The overall feel is quaint and rural.

We drove toward a nearby lake named Loweswater.

We drove several miles enjoying the beautiful views.

Lush green field in the foreground, gently sloping upward towards a valley. Beyond the field, rolling hills and mountains stretch into the distance under a cloudy sky. Hay bales are visible in the mid-ground, suggesting agricultural activity. A few trees are scattered across the landscape. The overall impression is of a serene and pastoral scene in a mountainous region.

Before we decided to follow sign posts and drive towards Workington.

Large, metallic sphere sculpture in what appears to be a town square or plaza. The sphere is mounted on a pedestal and has a long, horizontal arm extending from it, ending in two smaller metallic spheres. The arm also has what looks like a clock face marking twelve hours. The sculpture is surrounded by a paved area with a circular design. In the background, there are modern buildings and some temporary white tents. A hand truck is visible in the immediate foreground. The overall impression is of a modern public art installation, possibly a clock or some kind of kinetic sculpture.

And discovered a puzzled man hanging suspiciously, outside a public toilet. He is sporting a Chicago Bulls themed apparell, the logo reversed is an abstracted depictation of Dominician "Saint" Martin dePorress; known in Peru as "Christ of the Andes".

Middle-aged man with short, light brown hair and glasses standing in front of a public restroom sign. He is wearing a white hoodie with a Chicago Bulls logo, white shorts, white socks, and dark-coloured trainers. He has tattoos visible on his lower legs. The man appears to be waiting or standing idly. The overall setting suggests a public space, possibly a train station or similar location.
Middle-aged man, possibly in his 40s or 50s, standing in front of a public restroom. He's wearing a white hoodie with a large, stylised bull image on the back, white shorts, and dark-colored sneakers. His legs show a visible tattoo. The overall setting appears to be a public space, perhaps a train station or similar transit facility, based on the signage. The man seems to be waiting or pausing, with a somewhat neutral expression.

Shortly after his appearance, two other enablers came, one wearing "Chicago" teeshirt, whilst her partner sported his team colours of black white [often signified with a swoosh] and red colours. This miscegenation apostolate stalked and harassed me when I returned from India in 2010; they reappear from time to time; inflicting grueling deprivations and desparities upon their chased down and psychologically terrorised victims.

Collage of two photos. The top photo depicts a woman with short dark hair, wearing a dark blue cardigan and white t-shirt, looking at her phone outside a brick building. The bottom photo shows a couple, partially obscured by bushes, standing in front of the same building's entrance. The building appears to be some kind of office or public building, as indicated by a sign for Walt Storey Car Park. The overall impression is a candid shot of people outside a building.

After visiting a few second hand shops, we left Workington, arriving in the next town, Charlie parked for free at Tesco's supermarket car park in Whitehaven; and walked into this awesome shoul of fish monument. There were also knots, remembering Oxford's Christ Church college, I pondered, over this, a collection of "have nots".

Bronze sculpture of a school of fish, dynamically arranged as if leaping or swimming. The sculpture sits atop a large, rounded, reddish-brown stone base. The background includes a parking lot, some buildings, and a partly cloudy sky. A person in a dark jacket is visible in the distance, near a directional signpost. The overall scene suggests a coastal or waterfront location.
close-up view of a metal sculpture resembling a nautical knot. The sculpture is anchored to a paved plaza, with the inscription LARKS HEAD visible on its base. In the background, a row of buildings and a street are visible, creating a contrast between the artistic element in the foreground and the urban setting. The overall impression is of a public artwork in a town or city square.

I remembered the town, from being psychologically disturbed by circus antics along the length of the town's high street; however, this time I walked to the town's harbour unabated. Eric Blair, you may know him as George Orwell, wrote only a psychotic would be immune to them; I'm disturbed by triggered recall (a common symptom of cPTSD), but certainly not psychotic. Why do so many harbours have a ghostly harbour master's house?

Calm body of water with a single swan swimming in the foreground. In the background, a stone wall encloses a small marina with several moorings and a small building with a tall, slender tower. A few people are visible walking on the wall. The sky is overcast with dark, brooding clouds. The overall mood is serene yet somewhat sombre due to the weather.

Recently my fingers have been in the way of the camera lense.

Marina filled with numerous boats of various sizes, moored along wooden docks arranged in a V-shape. The marina is calm, reflecting the overcast sky and surrounding buildings. In the background, there's a town nestled on a hillside, under a cloudy sky. The overall atmosphere is tranquil and slightly muted due to the overcast conditions.

One modern speed boat in this grey, cold harbour, heavily over hung by drenched moody sky.

Harbor scene on an overcast day. Numerous boats and yachts are moored in the harbour, which is bordered by stone walls and buildings. A hill covered in houses is visible in the background. The overall atmosphere is calm and somewhat muted due to the cloudy sky.

I took a panoramic picture of the harbour upon a rotunda viewing platform.

Panoramic view from a curved walkway or bridge overlooking a marina. The walkway has a modern, slightly weathered design with a metallic, grey and white structure. Through the railings, numerous boats are visible in the calm water of the marina, along with a waterfront area and buildings in the background. The overall scene suggests a peaceful harbor setting, possibly somewhere in a coastal town or city. The sky is mostly cloudy.

A wave cutting lifeboat, I don't like these colours.

Vibrant orange and blue boat named Tenacity, identified as a Wave Access Vessel, docked at a marina. The boat is prominently featured, with its name and contact information clearly visible. The background includes a cloudy sky, a row of buildings, and other boats in the marina.

Along Whitehaven high street we briefly visited a gin museum, because I desperately needed the toilet; as for the history of gin, and the grotesque melting pot history of the West Indies, I couldn't care less. We donated money, for the use of the facilities, into the honesty box.

Dimly lit, antique-style office or study. The main focus is a large, dark wood L-shaped desk cluttered with books, papers, and antique writing implements including a typewriter and what appears to be a printing press or similar machine. A window with barred panes looks out onto an external stairwell and some greenery. The overall atmosphere is one of historical, potentially literary or academic work.
Interior courtyard of a building, possibly a shopping centre or marketplace. The courtyard has a glass ceiling, creating a bright, airy atmosphere. There are several shops or stalls visible, with one featuring balloons suggesting a celebratory or child-friendly atmosphere. A large, decorative whiskey barrel, possibly part of an art installation, dominates the right side of the image. The overall style is eclectic, blending modern architecture with elements of a nautical or pirate theme, as indicated by the barrel and possibly the ship-like structure above it. Wooden tables and chairs are arranged, suggesting seating for patrons. The architectural style also seems to incorporate elements from a historic building.

After forty minutes drive between Braystones we arrived at Seascale via Gosforth, parked our car and proceeded to follow the coastal path Northwards. At Braystones we asked a man where to find the stone circle, he replied that he'd lived in the area all his life and not heard a mention of it, but I was certain they were here abouts, somewhere close.

Coastal scene on an overcast day. A pebbly beach stretches from the foreground to a calm sea under a cloudy sky. A low rock wall lines the beach, separating it from a grassy path leading to buildings in the distance. A few people are visible in the far distance on the beach. The overall mood is serene and somewhat muted due to the weather.

I wanted to park the car closer, but Charlie thought a brisk walk would be healthy; he so wanted to visit the sea.

Coastal scene on an overcast day. In the foreground is a rocky, pebbly beach with vegetation growing along the edge. A paved walkway leads from a small residential area, seen in the background, down towards the beach. A few people are visible on the beach in the mid-ground. The overall mood is calm and somewhat subdued due to the muted colors and cloudy sky.

I adore these roses, the scent is so calming, maybe even lifting; yet this soothing moment, roused from despondent depersonalisation, could be yet, just another triggered recall.

Close-up view of a single, vibrant pink rose blossom. The rose is in full bloom, with its petals slightly damp, suggesting recent rain or dew. It's situated on a bush with lush, green leaves, which appear slightly glossy. The background is blurred but shows more of the same type of vegetation, extending to a visible shoreline or body of water in the distance. The overall impression is one of natural beauty and serenity, with a focus on the delicate detail of the flower.
Single, ripe rose hip (the fruit of a rose plant) hanging from a branch. The rose hip is a vibrant red, appearing slightly wet or dewy. It's surrounded by lush, green foliage, with the leaves exhibiting a serrated edge. The background includes additional greenery, suggesting a natural, outdoor setting.

Over an aging railway bridge, Sellafield , seen in the distance, does have a railway station.

Coastal railway track running parallel to a beach. The track extends into the distance, where a power plant or industrial facility is visible on the horizon. The foreground is characterized by grassy dunes and vegetation bordering the tracks and the beach. A calm sea is visible in the background under a cloudy sky. A small group of people can be seen on the beach in the distance. The overall atmosphere is somewhat bleak and quiet.

Charlie was too precautious when navigating our way through Seascale golf course; increasing the length of time we were there considerably.

Wide, expansive view of a golf course fairway under a cloudy sky. The fairway is primarily green, with patches of brown or tan indicating possible dryness or dormancy. In the distance, a low-lying hill or dune is visible, beyond which industrial structures – possibly power plant cooling towers – are partially discernible against the overcast sky. A hint of ocean is visible on the far left horizon. The overall mood is somewhat somber or quiet, due to the overcast sky and the muted colors.

I'd of taken some potassium iodide tablets had I known we'd be by this facility this long. However I felt safe, but nonetheless think it bizarre to light a fire , and expect somebody to tend to it for the next 50,000 years . How old is this here civilisation?

Grassy field in the foreground, stretching towards a line of tall grass and a fence. Beyond the fence are rolling green hills covered with trees. In the far distance, atop the hills, there are two tall, slender structures, possibly towers or chimneys.

Interestingly, nearby was Herdwick Sheep Breeder's Association, this breed of sheep are localised in the Lake District, are grey and appear to be smiling. I could not understand why Charlie didn't like them. After forty minutes, we arrived at our destination, Greycroft Stone Circle.

Grassy field under a cloudy sky. Several large stones, possibly remnants of a stone circle or similar ancient structure, are partially visible within the tall grass. A line of trees is visible in the distance. The overall mood is somewhat somber or contemplative due to the overcast sky and the somewhat wild, untamed appearance of the field.
Grassy field with several large stones partially visible. The stones appear to be standing upright, suggesting they may be part of a stone circle or other ancient monument. The grass is tall and somewhat overgrown, obscuring parts of the stones. The background shows a flat landscape under a cloudy sky. A distant building or structure is barely visible on the horizon. The overall impression is one of a remote, possibly historical, site.
Large, moss-covered boulder resting in a field of tall grass. The background reveals a cultivated field and distant hills. The boulder appears weathered and possibly ancient. The overall impression is one of rural tranquillity and possibly hints at archaeological significance.
Large, oblong grey rock lying on its side in a field of vibrant green grass. The rock is covered in moss and lichen, giving it a textured appearance. In the background, a body of water and some distant land are partially visible under a cloudy sky.
Large, lichen-covered boulder nestled in a field of tall grass. In the background, other smaller stones are visible, suggesting a possible stone circle or ancient site. The distant horizon shows a body of water and a low-lying hillside under a cloudy sky.
Field of tall grass, some of it dried and golden-brown, with a large grey-green boulder partially embedded within it. In the background, a line of trees is visible under a cloudy sky.

We walked through three fields to get onto the road; returning us to Seascale. Reading the signs on the way we definately knew where we were.

Sign stating that armed police patrol the area at unpredictable times. The sign features the logo of the Civil Nuclear Constabulary. It's attached to a metal fence post in what appears to be a rural or semi-rural setting.

The Civil Nuclear Constabulary has over 1,500 police officers and support staff. Officers within the force are authorised firearms officers, due to the nature of the industry the force protects. The CNC operates at a total of ten sites in England, Scotland and Wales.

Sign prohibiting the use of drones in a specific area. The sign, which appears to be affixed to a fence, features a large red circle with a diagonal slash across an image of a drone, clearly indicating that drone use is forbidden. The text emphasises the strict prohibition, warns of prosecution for offenders, and provides contact information for reporting violations to the Civil Nuclear Constabulary. The overall message is one of security and restriction, likely intended for a location sensitive to unauthorised aerial surveillance. The slightly blurry background suggests an outdoor, possibly rural, setting.
Paved path running alongside a two-lane road. The path and road curve gently to the right. To the left of the path is uncut grass and some bushes. On the other side of the road, more grass and some trees are visible. In the far distance, industrial structures, possibly a factory or power plant, can be seen under a cloudy sky. The overall mood is muted and somewhat industrial.

Recommed the fish and chip shop at Seascale, food was delicious. We enjoyed our meal by Drigg beach after taking a wrong turn toward Drigg Low Level Waste Repository. Pulled the car over near Broadgate to take a picture of the esturary.

Panoramic view of a verdant landscape. In the foreground, a vast expanse of lush green pasture dominates the scene. Beyond the pasture, the land gently rolls into a valley, revealing a tranquil body of water, possibly a river or estuary, nestled between low-lying hills. The sky is mostly cloudy, lending a somewhat muted but peaceful ambiance to the overall scene.

We paused our journey at Thirlmere; taking some rest by the lake.

Panoramic view of a serene landscape. A calm river, with a rocky bed, flows through a verdant valley, flanked by gently sloping hills covered in lush green vegetation. The sky is mostly cloudy, adding a soft, diffused light to the scene.
Tranquil landscape. In the foreground is a wide expanse of dry, stony ground. Beyond that is a strip of short, green vegetation. A dense line of dark green trees fills the middle ground, stretching across the entire width of the image. Behind the trees, a range of low, dark hills rises against a pale, cloudy sky. A faint light shines through some of the clouds, near the centre of the image, above the taller trees.

We were followed and doxed throughout the entire weekend, out and about around the Lake District.

4th

This morning I walked out of the farmhouse rear door to find both my cade lambs peering at me through a wooden gate.

Two sheep peering through gaps in a rustic wooden gate or fence. One sheep is predominantly black, while the other is brown with a white face. A third sheep is partially visible in the background. The setting appears to be a rural or pastoral farm environment. The focus is on the sheep's curious expressions and their interaction with the viewer through the fence.

Between Hawick and Kelso, on our way to Wooler, look what we seen; how apt, LI E Borders, lie about everything and anything to deprive anybody and everybody of something.

Traffic jam on a road. A dark-grey van with the words LIE BORDERS prominently displayed on its side is in the foreground. Behind it are other vehicles including a red car and a large lorry. The setting appears to be a rural road with trees lining the sides. The overall impression is of a slightly congested road scene, with the van's advertisement being a key focal point.

Arriving at Wooler we took breakfast before picking up an antique art deco figure. Charlie was planning to purchase a spinning wheel for me, but the one on sale, was broken, ho hum. Here in Wooler I was bemused to see two village idiots and angry at another idiot, sporting a gold and black Chicago Bulls t-shirt, punching the passenger window of our car.

Poster advertising a showing of the documentary A Bunch of Amateurs at the Belford Community Cinema. The poster features a photo of an older man dressed as Superman, one of the film's subjects. The text describes the film as a thoughtful and humorous documentary about the Bradford Movie Makers Club, focusing on their camaraderie, community, and the challenges faced by an aging group of amateur filmmakers. The poster also includes details about the screening time, date, location, and ticket price. Other unrelated posters are visible in the background.
Three people standing on a sidewalk in front of a shop window. A man in a blue jacket and sweatpants is on the left, a woman in a purple jacket and floral skirt is in the center, and an older woman wearing a dark jacket is on the right, using a walking aid. The shop window displays various antique items, including vases and a lamp. The scene appears to be set on a street in a possibly UK town. The overall impression is one of everyday life, with a focus on the figures and their placement relative to the shop's display. There is no apparent narrative or strong emotional expression conveyed beyond the simple observation of people waiting or standing.

In Northumbria, the red flag means life threatening danger.

Red flag hoisted on a pole beside a country road. The flag is somewhat tattered and hangs loosely. The setting appears rural, with a hedgerow behind the flag and an overcast sky above. The perspective is from inside a vehicle, as the windshield is visible in the lower portion of the frame. The overall mood is subdued and somewhat bleak due to the muted colours and cloudy sky.

After two hours driving we arrived at Castle rigg stone circle.

Vast, verdant field stretching towards a low mountain range under a partly cloudy sky. In the middle ground, a line of large stones, possibly a stone circle or similar ancient structure, is visible. A small number of people are present near the stones, providing a sense of scale. The overall scene is peaceful and evokes a sense of wide-open space and natural beauty.
Stone circle situated in a grassy field, with a backdrop of rolling green hills under a partly cloudy sky. The stones vary in size and shape, and appear weathered. The overall impression is one of serene, rural landscape with a hint of ancient history.
partially-fallen stone circle in a grassy field, under a mostly sunny sky with fluffy cumulus clouds. Several people are visiting the site, observing the stones from a short distance. Rolling hills are visible in the background, under a bright blue sky. The overall impression is one of a peaceful and historic setting.
Stone circle in a grassy field, with a backdrop of rolling hills and a partly cloudy sky. A few people are visible in the distance, giving a sense of scale to the ancient stones. The overall mood is peaceful and evocative of a historical or possibly spiritual site.

We drove into Keswick, I purchased two new dresses in town, then booked us a hotel online, whilst seated outside a pub enjoying a pint of Guinness. Scanning good maps I found a budget room within the Kirkstile Inn at £150 a night, inclusive of breakfast.

Two-story building, possibly a pub or inn, undergoing renovations. Scaffolding is visible on the front of the building. The building is white with dark window frames. The landscaping includes a grassy area with picnic tables and a gravel pathway. Two people are visible on the patio area in front of the building. The overall atmosphere is somewhat overcast.
Tranquil pastoral scene, likely in a rural area of the UK. A small stream meanders through a grassy field, bordered by lush green trees and a low stone wall with a small green gate. In the background, a softly rounded hill rises under a sky filled with fluffy, grey clouds.

Charlie [who works with cattle] was concerned about this bull (pictured below), that had knocked down a stone wall, metres from where this photograph was taken.

Close-up view of a cow's face, almost as if the cow is taking a selfie. The cow is predominantly white with brown patches, and it has a piece of grass in its mouth. In the background, there is a green pasture, a low stone wall, and a range of mountains under a twilight sky. Another cow is visible in the distance. The overall impression is one of a curious and friendly encounter in a peaceful, mountainous landscape.
Pile of rocks in the foreground, forming a gap or break in two low stone walls that extend to either side. The walls appear to be old and weathered, with lichen or moss growing on some of the stones. In the background, there are mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

We returned to the warmth of the hotel.

Two buildings at night, mostly shrouded in darkness. A larger building, possibly a house or inn, is on the left, with a few dimly lit windows visible. To the right, a smaller structure has a single brightly lit window. The surrounding area is dark, with silhouettes of trees and bushes suggesting a rural or secluded setting. The overall mood is one of quiet solitude and mystery.

Both tired, but glad we had walked off some of our evening meal before retiring to bed.

3rd

Yesterday the two lambs ate the silage presented to them, thats a good sign that they are not dying. The first lamb appears to have recovered, but the lamb we found in the woodland is still poorly. Her head has swollen terribly, but atleast she is still eating, even though she is having trouble.

Red plastic bucket filled with a dark brown, granular substance. The bucket is labelled ENERGYZE FORAGE BOOSTER, suitable for cattle and sheep. The bucket is sitting in the back of a vehicle, with some straw or hay scattered around it. There is also some orange rope or twine visible in the image. The overall impression is that this is livestock feed being transported.

Today I am so happy that Charlie purchased an energy lick bucket for these poorly lambs. Now I am pressing him to fetch more silage from work, so they can gain some additional weight. In a few days, all being well we plan to release them back into the herd.

1st

Returning to the farmhouse, I helped Charlie with feeding the sheep; the idea was to corner off eight tups and then transport them to store lamb auctions in Longtown. The tups kept their distance whilst all but one ewe; the other ewe, a lamb was dead, just beyond the horizon, of the farmhouse paddock.

Deceased light-brown lamb lying on its side in a grassy area next to a mossy stone wall and a wire fence. The lamb appears to be young and relatively small. The overall tone is sombre and suggests the potential loss of the animal.

We attempted to corner the tups off, and push them through the gate into the drive where we could be loaded onto the trailer. But they side navigated, countering I attempted to get ahead of them, found myself running, footloose down a steep incline, slipped then rolled into thick mud before Charlie picked me up from the drive.

I waited in bed for half an hour whilst my clothes washed and dried. He returned to the bedroom to say the tups were now feeding on the driveway; if only we'd of had more patience, I thought. Charlie had clearly lost vision for Longtown, and after falling from the paddock, I'd lost if not any inclination to motivate him.

At 11am we attended an appointment to deliver our wool to the wool board in Selkirk.

Plastic bag filled with raw sheep's wool in various shades of white, beige, and light brown. The wool is loosely packed and appears to be unprocessed, showing the natural texture and variations in colour.
Selfie taken by a Leonie in a car. She is wearing a beige knitted hat and a black top with polka dot mesh inset. Behind her, in the back seat, are several large, dirty, white burlap-type sacks, partially obscuring the view. The overall impression is that the woman is possibly transporting a load of something heavy or bulky in her vehicle.

Deciding to check the welfare of the lambs at grass keep we became aware of two poorly lambs, Charlie placed them into the back of our 4x4, skipping a visit to the second grass keep we drove directly to the vets in Hawick. Examining the two lambs, the vet thought they were suffering from worms, possibly fluke. Other than that, the vet said they could have eaten the wrong plants, the latter I thought being the case.

Charlie carrying a light-colored lamb in their arms. The lamb appears to be young and is being gently held. The person is near the open rear door of a dark-grey SUV, which contains a large yellow bag of what appears to be animal feed. The setting appears to be outdoors, possibly a rural area.

I gave Charlie my coat as it was pouring down with rain, the sleeves finish a mere few inches past his elbows!

Charlie gently cradling two young lambs in the back of a vehicle. The lambs appear to be newborn or very young, and are nestled together. Bags of animal feed are visible in the background. The overall impression is one of care and protection.
Temporary livestock shelter, likely a lambing shed, constructed from a black tarp stretched over a wooden frame. Two sheep are visible inside on a straw bedding. The ground outside the shelter is muddy and wet, suggesting recent rain. The overall impression is of a functional, practical, and somewhat makeshift structure used for protecting livestock in inclement weather.
Interior of a simple, rustic sheep shed. Two light-colored lambs are standing in a bed of straw. The shed is sparsely furnished, with a wooden framework, and a makeshift roof covered in a white tarp. Lighting is dim, provided by a single bulb. The overall impression is one of a functional, but humble, animal shelter.

The poorly lambs were transported back to the farmhouse, Charlie lit up the poly tunnel for the poorly lambs to shelter inside. Charlie had been given a light blue coloured drench, which I administered into both lambs orally via a syringe. I enjoyed watching a diffuser I purchased from Sainsbury's today, happy that Charlie isn't allergic to the steaming essential oils that have purged the living room of an annoying fusty smell.

Single, light purple Clematis flower, covered in water droplets, hanging from a vine. The background is blurred but shows more of the vine and lush green foliage. The overall mood is serene and slightly melancholic, enhanced by the overcast sky visible in the background.

Whilst cooking food, I set up my tent, the first time in six months. Noticed a flower as darkness descended upon the front garden. We did not eat until 10:30pm, sleeping on a full stomach is bad when I am trying to lose weight. During the stillness of the evening we watched a film about the Bubble and Squeak killer before retiring to a warm electric blanket bed.