December 2023

8th

Some pictures of life at the farmhouse.

Muddy Border Collie dog sitting under a table on a dirty tiled floor. The dog looks sad and somewhat apprehensive. The setting appears to be a somewhat neglected or messy interior space.

Herdwick sheep has settled into the polytunnel.

Sheep standing in a barn, surrounded by hay. The sheep is predominantly dark-grey or black, with lighter-coloured face and legs. Other sheep are visible in the background, partially obscured. The lighting suggests a dimly lit indoor space, with a sunbeam partially illuminating the scene. The overall mood is quiet and somewhat sombre.

Lamb behind her is a Charollais cross Herdwick.

3rd

Between decorating the hallway of the farmhouse, I took some pictures of birds feeding from chaff and fat balls I'd placed earlier on our bird table, and later the Ettrick Valley, during a countryside drive via Alemoor.

Desolate, snow-covered landscape under a grey, overcast sky. A single utility pole stands in the middle ground, emphasising the emptiness of the scene. The foreground is dominated by low-lying vegetation dusted with snow, extending to a gently rolling, snow-dusted hillside in the background. The overall mood is bleak and solitary.
Bleak, snow-dusted landscape under a heavy, grey sky. The foreground is dominated by low-lying vegetation covered in a thin layer of snow. In the mid-ground, the land gently rolls into the distance, where a few power lines stretch across the scene. The overall impression is one of quiet solitude and a somewhat desolate, yet serene winter scene.
Dark asphalt road winding through a snow-covered landscape under a cloudy sky. The road appears to lead towards a distant, slightly elevated horizon. The overall colour palette is muted, with greys and whites dominating the scene. The snow is patchy, not covering the ground completely. There's a sense of vastness and quietude.
Dark asphalt road cutting through a snow-covered landscape under a grey, overcast sky. The road stretches into the distance, disappearing towards the horizon. The surrounding land is flat and sparsely vegetated, with a light dusting of snow on the low-lying plants. The overall mood is bleak and somewhat desolate.
Dark gray Land Rover Freelander parked on the side of a snow-dusted road. The road stretches ahead into a flat, snowy landscape under a gray sky. The overall mood is serene and somewhat solitary. The image likely conveys a sense of journey, exploration, or perhaps even a feeling of quiet contemplation within a wintry environment.
Tranquil river scene in a snowy landscape. A dark, meandering river flows through a flat, snow-dusted valley. The riverbanks are composed of dark rocks and pebbles, sparsely covered with a light layer of snow. Bare, winter trees line the river, and a snow-covered hill rises in the background under a grey, overcast sky. The overall mood is peaceful and somewhat sombre, reflective of a cold, winter day.
Snow-covered landscape. A small, dark river flows through the scene, its banks lined with vegetation dusted with a light layer of snow. Beyond the river, there's a field of low-lying, snow-dusted shrubs and grasses, and further in the background, a dense forest of evergreens covers a hillside, also lightly covered in snow. The overall impression is one of a quiet, cold, and somewhat secluded winter scene.
Serene winter landscape. A snow-dusted, meandering stream flows through a valley floor covered in a thin layer of snow. Bare, snow-laden trees and shrubs dominate the foreground and middle ground, framing the view of the stream and the distant snow-covered evergreen forest clinging to the hillsides beyond. The overall atmosphere is quiet, cold, and slightly misty under a muted, overcast sky. The scene evokes a sense of peaceful solitude in a wintry wilderness.
Snow-covered landscape with a meandering stream flowing through a valley. The valley is surrounded by coniferous forests on hillsides, under a muted, overcast sky. Bare, snow-dusted trees and shrubs are in the foreground, providing a contrast to the darker evergreen forest in the mid-ground. The overall mood is serene and wintry.

Charlie wanted a pint of beer, but we overlooked the only pub in the area, the Tushi Law Inn, as the isolated establishment is very creep, akin to the Rocky Horror Show in a Monster Mash kinda way. The café at the Ettrick Marshes campsite was closed, but we enjoyed a double fireball in the evening whilst watching an Amazon Prime film about untimely deaths of Hollywood actors; so many of them.

2nd

Returning from a local bakery a short walk down Hawick high street we entered the Town house museum, I've lived in Hawick for well over a year now, and never been inside this place. I feel a real connection with my mother within this town, as back in the nineteen-eighties she trained and worked in the hosiery trade as a linker; then located in a small town named Shepshed, North-West Leicestershire.

Antique spinning wheel, a device used for spinning yarn or thread from natural fibres. The wheel is made of dark wood, with a large outer wheel and a smaller driving wheel. It's displayed in what appears to be a museum setting, with a small information plaque describing its history and function. The background shows a room with other historical artefacts visible.
Historical, wooden stocking frame, a machine used for knitting stockings. The frame is made of dark wood, showing signs of age and wear. A partially knitted piece of fabric is visible within the machine's mechanism. The overall impression is one of age and industrial history.
Large, old, wooden loom displayed in a museum setting. The loom appears to be antique, showing significant wear and signs of age. A partially woven piece of fabric is visible on the loom. The surrounding environment suggests a historical exhibit focused on textile production.
Light blue sweater displayed on a vintage-looking blue machine, possibly a piece of textile machinery. The machine has a tripod-like base and appears to be designed to hold and perhaps manipulate fabric. Informative material, including a small photograph of a man working with similar equipment, is placed near the base. The setup seems to be part of a museum exhibit, given the context of the setting and supporting information.
Antique textile machine, possibly a type of carding machine or a similar device used in wool processing. It's a metal framework with numerous small, cylindrical brushes covered in what appears to be fibers or fluff. The machine is displayed in what looks like a museum setting, with a Please Do Not Touch sign clearly visible. The overall condition suggests age and wear.
Small wooden model of a hand loom, a device used for weaving textiles. A partially completed piece of plaid fabric is visible on the loom. A sign indicates that the loom is not to be touched. The setting appears to be a museum display, with informational text cards nearby describing the loom and its historical context. The overall impression is one of historical preservation and the display of craftsmanship.
Fragmented, dark-coloured metal object, possibly a piece of machinery or a tool, mounted on a light-coloured wall. The object consists of two flat, blade-like pieces connected by a curved metal framework. One of the blade-like pieces appears slightly damaged or broken. The overall impression is one of age and possible incompleteness.

A nineteen fifties linking machine, maybe a few years older than the machine my mother used.

Close-up view of an antique, teal-coloured machine, possibly used in textile manufacturing or a related process. The machine has various metal components, gears, and a circular base. A thin white thread is partially visible, suggesting it is a device that uses thread in its operation. The machine sits on a dark brown wooden table. In the background, a wall-mounted informational panel with historical photos is partially visible.
Vintage Linking Machine displayed on a teal-coloured metal stand in what appears to be a museum setting. The machine itself is dark metal and seems to be a specialised piece of equipment used for some kind of crafting or manufacturing process, possibly involving thread or wire judging by the visible spool and wire guide. There is an informational card next to the machine with a brief description and a historical photograph of a woman operating a similar device. The background includes walls with framed artwork and informational displays, typical of a museum exhibit. The overall tone is one of historical preservation and industrial heritage.
Close-up view of an antique textile machine, possibly a type of yarn-testing or winding device. The machine is teal-coloured metal with various gears, wheels, and levers visible. A thin thread is partially visible, suggesting the machine's function. The machine sits on a dark wooden table, and in the background, there are two framed portraits of people in period clothing, suggesting a historical setting, possibly a museum or historical building.

A painting of the Burgh of Hawick.

Oil painting on canvas, in a gilded frame, depicting a panoramic view of Hawick, Scotland, as seen from an elevated vantage point. The painting showcases the town's layout, architecture, and surrounding landscape, including fields and rolling hills. The style is realistic and detailed, capturing the atmosphere of a 19th-century town. The painting is dated 1871-72 and attributed to artist John Mc Nairn. The inscription indicates it was a gift to the town of Hawick.

Purchased a second hand camera from Facebook marketplace place for £50, the seller, a fireman from Selkirk, met us in Hawick. I've never made such an offhand, spur of the moment purchase; he came accompanied by his neighbour, who stood away watching the surrounding area of the car park, we were given half an hour's notice he was in Hawick and the location was arranged within minutes.

Black Olympus digital camera mounted on a small tripod. The camera lens cap is on. The background is a teal-coloured wall.

I wanted the camera, an Olympus SP-810 UZ for the 36x optical zoom lens; whilst my iPhone 14 camera is sufficient for landscape and portrait, I required an optical zoom to get closer to wildlife visiting the farmhouse that I wanted to snap. Initially I thought the camera a bargain, but it seems £50 pounds is the average price, cheapest SP-810 UZ second-hand I later found on CEX for a mere £30!

European Robin perched on a weathered, blue metal structure. The background is covered in snow. The bird is positioned slightly off-centre, creating a pleasing composition. The contrast between the bird's vibrant orange breast and the muted tones of the metal and snow is striking.
European Robin perched on a snow-covered wooden structure. The bird is facing to the left of the frame, and is positioned near a pile of birdseed which is also covered in snow. The background is blurred but shows a dark, possibly metallic, object partially obscured by foliage and snow. The overall scene evokes a cold, wintry atmosphere.
Great Tit ( Parus major) perched on a wooden post, next to a coconut shell filled with birdseed. The background is blurry, showing a snowy or frosty ground. The bird appears to be feeding or about to feed.

They need this food we have given to them during these colder times; after thirteen years of homelessness I know it's a tough time of year to be outside, and foraging for food, in a world that shuns existence, as unwelcome.

Great tit ( Parus major) perched on a wooden post, feeding from a coconut shell filled with birdseed. The background is blurred, suggesting a snowy or wintery scene. The focus is sharply on the bird.

A few minutes leaving the museum, Charlie notice the high street, angering me; he claimed there was nothing provocative to see. Charlie purchased an army kettle of £12.

Round, dark brown fruitcake, generously studded with dark raisins or currants. The cake is presented on a white cake stand with a blue trim, which sits on a larger white plastic serving base. The background is blurry but shows a kitchen counter with various containers and appliances. The overall impression is one of a freshly baked, homemade fruitcake, possibly ready for serving.

Waiting days for Charlie to cut this cake, fruit cake supposed to taste better the longer the cake is stored.

Partially eaten fruitcake on a white plate. A large slice has been cut, revealing the dense, dark fruit-filled interior. Crumbs are scattered on the plate and around the base of the cake.

I'm really pleased with the third fruit cake I've baked for Charlie; he needs the carbs during cold weather at work on the other farm. Tomorrow I am hoping to finish decorating the farmhouse hallway, Charlie has acquired more paint, a roller extension and a pack of three wallpaper scrapers differing in size. Three rooms have now been decorated, and the guest room is now furnished; upgrading fixtures and fittings next.

Serene winter landscape. A snow-dusted river flows through a valley, flanked by low-lying hills and vegetation coated in a light layer of snow. A prominent leafless tree stands near the riverbank, contrasting against the muted colours of the scene. The overall mood is peaceful and slightly melancholic, characteristic of a cold, overcast winter day.
Gently sloping, snow-dusted field leading up to a pair of low hills under a muted, overcast sky. A faint, tire-tracked path winds its way up the field, towards the horizon. Bare, winter trees are visible in the foreground and to the right.
Snow-covered landscape viewed from an elevated perspective. The foreground shows leafless, snow-dusted bushes and trees. In the mid-ground, a small stream or creek is partially visible, leading the eye towards a gently sloping hillside covered in a thin layer of snow. Beyond the hillside, more bare trees and a muted sky complete the scene.

Driving back to the farmhouse earlier, I took a few pictures of the bonnie Borthwick Valley; there are so many places were I enjoy being here, more or less the entire valley.

1st

Temperture reached -5c last night, this morning the farmhouse is covered in whiteness, an awakening cold, that draws ancestral spirit ever closer.

Snow-covered tractor parked in a farmyard. A snow-covered barn is visible in the background, along with a partly foggy landscape. The scene evokes a sense of quiet rural life in winter.
Snow-covered landscape, featuring a small stream running through a wooded area. The trees are mostly bare, with a light dusting of snow on their branches.

Glad to see steam coming from the farmhouse boiler [needed a new pump], but the dog is looking sad, in the kennel, after he tried to bite me twice yesterday.

Snow-covered backyard scene. A whitewashed building, possibly a cottage, is in the foreground, with steam rising from its side, suggesting a heating system or perhaps a water source. A wooden fence and gate partially obstruct the view of a small yard, beyond which are trees and more structures, partially obscured by the snow and distance. The sky is clear and pale blue.
Black and white Border Collie dog looking sadly out from inside a kennel wire window. The kennel is made of wood and wire mesh, and the floor is covered with straw. The overall impression is one of confinement. The setting appears to be outdoors, with some snow on the ground near the kennel.

I went for a short walk in the morning, then a longer walk in the afternoon, disturbed by a scream I thought I heard.

Picturesque winter scene at sunrise. The foreground features frost-covered grasses, prominently showcasing a single plant laden with sparkling ice crystals. The mid-ground shows a snow-dusted landscape, and the background is a line of pine trees silhouetted against a vibrant sunrise. The sun's rays create a starburst effect, adding to the scene's dramatic beauty. The overall mood is serene and peaceful.
Tranquil winter landscape at either sunrise or sunset. The foreground shows a gently sloping hill covered in low-lying vegetation dusted with a thin layer of snow. The mid-ground and background reveal a broader valley, with rolling hills extending to the horizon. The sky is a clear, vibrant blue with subtle clouds, and the sun is low on the horizon, casting a warm glow.
Close-up of a plant covered in frost. The frost hangs heavily from the stems and branches, creating a delicate, icy texture. The background is a blurred out, snow-covered landscape, suggesting a cold, wintry scene.
Snow-covered landscape, dominated by a single, small tree with thin branches laden with snow. The tree is situated in a field of low-lying, snow-dusted shrubs, extending to rolling hills in the background. The sky is a clear, bright blue.
Frost-covered tree standing alone in a snow-covered field. The background features a line of dark green trees and rolling hills under a clear blue sky.

I walked through the heather, five hundred yards to the horizon.

Panoramic view of a snow-covered landscape at sunrise. The foreground shows a field sparsely covered with low vegetation, dusted with a light layer of snow. Tire tracks are visible in the snow. In the distance, rolling hills extend to the horizon under a clear, vibrant blue sky. The sun is low on the horizon, adding a warm glow to the scene. The overall feeling is one of serene, wintry beauty.
Solitary wooden signpost resembling a cross standing at a fence line in a misty, snowy landscape under a bright moonlit night. The atmosphere is mysterious and somewhat melancholic, emphasised by the low light, fog, and the isolated nature of the scene. The overall feeling is one of quiet solitude and possibly a sense of journey or pilgrimage.

In the evening we drove up a hill to see the rising moon, it is a place I regularly let go of stress and anxiety.