October 2023

28th

Walked along the burn and enjoyed some wonderful autumnal colours in the woodland.

Serene landscape featuring a small stream winding through a gently sloping, grassy hill. The hill is dotted with various trees—a row of tall, slender pines, interspersed with deciduous trees displaying autumnal yellow leaves, and a large, bare, deciduous tree dominating the right side. The sky is overcast with a mix of clouds and blue peeking through. A bird is visible high in the sky. The overall mood is peaceful and autumnal.
Vibrant yellow tree in full autumnal color. The tree is situated in a slightly recessed area, with a small stream or gully visible at the bottom of the frame. It is surrounded by other trees, mostly deciduous, that are mostly bare or showing various shades of autumnal brown and muted greens.
Three mature pine cones hanging from the branches of a spruce tree. The cones are dark brown and appear to be fully developed. The spruce branches are a vibrant green, and there are hints of what might be snow or frost on some of the needles and cones. The background is blurred, suggesting a depth of field focusing on the cones and immediate branches.
Vibrant yellow tree in autumn, standing beside a darker, leafless tree. The background features additional trees and a cloudy sky. The overall scene depicts the contrast between the fleeting beauty of autumn and the enduring presence of nature. The road in the foreground adds a sense of place and perspective.
Branch laden with vibrant yellow autumn leaves overhanging a small stream. The leaves are densely clustered, creating a rich, golden canopy. The background consists of dark, damp earth and a patch of green vegetation. The overall impression is one of autumnal beauty and the transition of seasons.
Low-angle view of a tree in autumn. The leaves are predominantly yellow, indicating the fall season. The branches are dark and intricate, creating a complex network against the golden foliage.
Small stream flowing through a wooded area. The stream bed is dark and rocky, with some small rapids. Lush green grass and vegetation line the banks. The most striking feature is a small tree, in vibrant yellow autumn foliage, positioned prominently near the stream. Other trees in the background are largely darker, coniferous types, creating a contrast with the bright yellow of the foreground tree.
Tranquil stream flowing through a lush forest. The scene is dominated by vibrant yellow autumn leaves on several trees and bushes, creating a striking contrast against the darker green of the surrounding vegetation and mossy ground. A small waterfall is visible near the top of the stream.
Charlie in a blue jumpsuit walking along a grassy bank beside a small stream. He is carrying a walking stick. The trees lining the stream are displaying vibrant autumn foliage of yellow and gold. The overall mood is tranquil and autumnal.

Charlie found my reading glasses on the paddock, bit late for them!

Charlie seen from behind, standing in a grassy field with his Border Collie. The dog is sitting and looking up at him. In the background is a white farmhouse and rolling hills covered in autumnal trees under a cloudy sky. The overall impression is one of rural life and quiet contemplation.
Leonie's hand holding a broken pair of eyeglasses. The frames are black plastic and are severely damaged, with pieces broken off and what looks like burn marks. Bits of grass and debris are clinging to the frame. The background is blurred but shows a green lawn. The overall impression is one of damage and loss.

That's why this is called Woodburn, burn (Scottish for Stream) in the wood, our ancestors named they world they knew as they seen.

27th

The stool test I took several days ago to detect Helicobacter pylori antigen returned from the laboratory as positive, the surgery attempted to notify me a few days ago of the result using an old phone number that has now been updated to my new phone number. The stool test I took months ago for another antigen, before this previous test, was not followed through with this as an additional test, so I have been suffering this horrid infection for a very long time; to have suffered this has incurred much sleepless misery.

The good doctor has prescribed a combination of Amoxicillin 500mg and Clarithromycin 500mg, taken twice and once daily; I am hoping they'll swiftly shift this tormenting discomfort from cramping my stomach as an infection with H. pylori is linked to the development of 5.5 per cent of all cases of cancer worldwide. I walked Sam the sheepdog around Hawick today, across the river Teviot, down through the high street to the surgery. It's positive to be about talking to people, with hypervigilance dissipated anxiety triggers are milder.

Sam pulled lead toward scents, not used to walking about town; having only lived on countryside farms. My hands are painfully sore, exploiting a vulnerability to dissociate into a dispossession of "sleepwalking". I've been unaware of my surroundings for many years due to ailing mental health; being aware can be emotional leading to evasiveness; a dysregulation cultivated from emotional borderline personality disorder, wrought from a vacant and disturbed childhood from mother's infliction of paranoid schizophrenia.

My life, given a home by Scottish Borders Council has habitual stability of locality; due to the efforts of Charlie my projection is validated, attaining structure of purpose defining a sense of process, envoking reward from a sense of completion. The past is painful, resurrected by voids of emptiness incurred as life altercatered, from human waste I'd become, incurring a systemic feeling as though almost shunned to near death. Efforts of repair are enamouring, but rediscovery of self worth often rolls salty tears from cheeks upon an upturned smile.

Inclusion seems distant, as if eons beyond reach from thousands of anxiety fuelled miles travelling alone in remoteness of wilderness, with only contemplation of deprivation as an inconsolable companion arriving from distraught, shattered shards of retrospective. These are not our peoples feelings, but a disconnecting contempt procuded from systematic detachment of our well being as an embodiment of people. Faded into shadows, reanimated again and again from maligned dispossession; inflicted to deminish humanity irrepairable.

23rd

Been very active this month, and slipped the desire to post pictures I've noticed about my life. My health has been OK, however I still have pains in my stomach, and not yet received results from a test to detect Helicobacter pylori antigen. The Scottish Border NHS surgery does not notify of negative test, however I'm still experiencing symptoms. Charlie is still on holiday from work, I am enjoying extra time with him; our two-day adventure into England was flavoured, and hampered.

Frost-covered hillside. A low stone wall runs diagonally across the lower portion of the image, leading to a small gate near the top. The grass is heavily frosted, giving it a silvery-green appearance. The overall mood is one of quiet, cold serenity. The background is a hazy, light-blue sky.
Paddock was frozen this morning.

Today I am uploading pictures of our journey onto this website. We returned to the farmhouse, Charlie set about scrapping ye olde sheep trailer, whilst I decorated, and sprayed what was left of the weed killer onto nettle heaps within the farmhouse paddock.

Large pile of dark, damp soil in a backyard setting. Behind the pile are parts of a wooden shed, fence, and some discarded items like a tire and what looks like a section of plastic pipe. The scene is somewhat cluttered and suggests recent gardening or landscaping activity. There are bits of grass and vegetation visible in the soil.
This much mud was scrapped from the farmhouse driveway.
Two sheep in a barn. One sheep, predominantly dark gray, stands in the foreground. A lighter-coloured sheep is partially visible in the background. Both sheep are within a wooden pen containing straw bedding.
My herdwick ewe two weeks after arriving at the farmhouse; putting on weight.

Purchased Charlie a new replacement phone today, hoping this phone does not end its life underneath a tractor plough as his other phone did. I've lost many phones myself, in bogs, burns, heavy rain; sometimes they were stolen. Tonight I'm tired, in many ways exhausted; I am glad there is hope for this world, now I know our Gods will not touch or dwell with evil.

22nd

Approaching midnight, we reached Scotch Corner A1/A66 service station. Emersed in tiredness, Charlie pondered upon an ANPR notice allowing only two hours parking. We had aimed to get a few hours sleep here; but left at 1:15am to travel towards Penrith. Gaining three hours sleep near a village named Bowles, we continued our journey, reaching Long Meg stone circle at day break. I've visited many stone circles throughout the UK, but it's always interesting watching Charlie's observant reactions.

Single standing stone in a grassy field, enclosed by a low stone wall. The sky is a blend of blue and grey clouds, suggesting either dawn or dusk. The overall mood is serene and somewhat mysterious.
Charlie standing next to a large, upright stone, possibly a standing stone or menhir. The stone is tall and somewhat weathered, appearing ancient. He is dressed casually and seems to be observing or admiring the stone. The setting is a grassy field under a clear, mostly blue sky with a few clouds.
Leonie standing next to a large standing stone in a grassy field. The sky is clear and blue, with some clouds. She is wearing a long dress, a jacket and a hat. The standing stone appears ancient and weathered. The overall impression is one of serenity and a connection to nature and history.
Tall, slender standing stone, possibly a menhir, in a grassy field. The stone is reddish-brown and appears weathered. The background is a clear, twilight sky with some clouds, and a low stone wall is visible in the distance.
Single, tall, upright stone standing in a grassy field. Other, smaller stones are visible in the background, suggesting a stone circle or similar ancient monument. The sky is a clear, pale blue with streaks of cloud, and the grass appears slightly frosted.
Large, grey boulder resting on a short, green, grassy field. Other, smaller boulders are visible in the distance, suggesting a stone circle or similar prehistoric monument. The sky is a clear, twilight blue, with some clouds visible. The overall impression is one of serenity and quietude, evoking a sense of history and the passage of time.
Large, moss-covered stone standing upright in a grassy field. Two smaller stones are visible in the background, suggesting a stone circle or similar ancient monument. The sky is a clear, twilight blue with some clouds.
Stone circle in a grassy field at dawn. Several large, moss-covered stones are arranged in a roughly circular pattern. The sky is cloudy, with soft light hinting at either sunrise or sunset. A dark line of trees forms a backdrop to the scene.
Large, moss-covered stone in the foreground, positioned in a grassy field. In the background, a line of smaller stones is visible, suggesting a stone circle or similar ancient monument. The sky is a mixture of clouds and blue, hinting dawn. The overall mood is serene and peaceful, with a focus on the contrast between the single prominent stone and the more distant, smaller stones.
Grassy field at dawn, with a number of large stones scattered across it. These stones appear to be remnants of a stone circle or similar ancient monument. A dirt track runs through the field. The sky is dramatic and cloudy with hints of golden light breaking through.
Country lane bordered by lush green grass. A large, moss-covered stone sits prominently to the left of the lane, close to the viewer. A leafless tree stands in the middle ground, slightly offset to the right. In the distance, more of these large stones and a softly lit, cloudy sky are visible.
Field of short, green grass at dawn or dusk. Several large, moss-covered stones are scattered across the field, seemingly forming a partial circle or ring. In the background, there's a line of trees, and a large tree stands prominently to the right. The sky is a muted blue with streaks of clouds.
Grassy field at dawn, under a clear blue sky with some clouds. In the foreground are two large, weathered stones. In the mid-ground and background, a line of smaller standing stones is visible, suggesting a stone circle or similar ancient monument. A lone tree stands to the left, silhouetted against the brightening/darkening sky. The grass appears slightly frosted.
Serene landscape at dawn A short-grass field stretches across the foreground, leading to a small stone circle partially visible. A large, solitary boulder sits prominently in the foreground, while the remaining stones of the circle appear somewhat smaller and more weathered. Trees frame the background, with the sky a mixture of cloud and clear patches, suggesting a transitional time of day.

We drove north stopping at a cafe in Haltwhistle for breakfast. Several miles from Haltwhistle we found a quarry lake nearby Hadrians wall; a divide constructed to contain and culture artificial scarcity within Scotland, and not just to keep the Scots out of England.

Panoramic view of a serene landscape, possibly in a rural area of the UK. In the foreground, there's a dry, slightly overgrown grassy bank with a low stone wall running horizontally across the middle ground. Beyond the wall lies a pasture with scattered trees, giving it a slightly uneven, naturally undulating appearance. The background shows a broad, flat valley stretching to the horizon, under a dramatic sky filled with sweeping, windswept clouds that dominate the upper two-thirds of the image, creating a sense of space and movement. The overall impression is one of quiet, expansive beauty, perhaps evoking a feeling of peacefulness and the passage of time. There is a subtle suggestion of distance and layers to the landscape.
Long, straight road stretching towards a distant horizon under a clear blue sky. The road is bordered by a low stone wall, and the surrounding landscape is open and relatively flat, with patches of brown and green vegetation. The overall impression is one of vastness, tranquillity, and a sense of journey or travel.
Serene lake reflecting a partly cloudy blue sky. The lake is surrounded by hills, one of which is a distinctive, dark-coloured rock formation. The far shore is lined with autumnal trees displaying varying shades of green and yellow.

From here we drove to the "ramblers" town of Bellingham, this town is not a ramblers welcome town at all; as also wrongfully claimed by Moffat. We parked to locate a bothy named Roughside, that, disturbed by goings on at Bellingham, I'd found shelter of sanctity at a few years ago, there was also a castle named "Dally" that had the appearance of Hermitage Castle, originally belonging to the Lindsey family, I wanted Charlie to explore and experience.

Hillside that has been clear-cut of trees. The felled logs are visible, lying in rows leading up the slope towards a small structure or building. A stand of coniferous trees remains at the top of the hill, creating a stark contrast with the deforested area. The foreground consists of scrubby, dry-looking grass. The sky is clear and blue.
Landscape altered by forestry work, with a significant area of cleared land in the background. In the foreground, there are two prominent signs warning of ongoing forestry work and associated dangers. The larger sign, more detailed, lists several safety precautions, including speed limits, mandatory protective gear, and restrictions on unauthorised access. The smaller sign reiterates the danger of forestry work. The overall scene conveys a sense of both human intervention in a natural environment and the need for caution due to ongoing industrial activity.
Stone wall covered in vibrant green moss, situated in the foreground. Behind the wall, a cluster of trees partially obscures a stone house, which appears somewhat aged or possibly abandoned. Sunlight filters through the trees, illuminating parts of the scene.
Stone cottage nestled in a rural landscape. It's autumn, as evidenced by the colour of the trees and grass. The cottage appears somewhat isolated, possibly old or abandoned, partially obscured by overgrown vegetation. In the foreground, there's a stone wall or fence with large stone gateposts. The background features a forest and a clear, blue sky with some fluffy clouds. The overall mood is serene and possibly slightly melancholic, evoking a sense of quiet solitude and the passage of time.

Entering the bothy we walked in on what appeared to be an informal Mountain Bothy Association meeting. They came out of the room and talked to me and Charlie for half an hour before departing, leaving an MBA member with us. It was interesting to hear him explain the history of the bothy, the people he had met here, once a vital sanctuary for me.

21st

We rose early, taking a duration of two hours to leave the farmhouse. We planned our destination to be Whitby, stopping at any place of interest in-between. I initially had optimism that our journey would not be hampered by enablers, but each costal resort became a stage platform, an affront encroaching exploitation of presence; a reanimation seeming liberating for them but as usual an unwelcome decimation for us. Hungry we pulled into a roadside café along the A68, about two miles east of Byrness village.

Stone circle in a grassy field, with a stone house visible in the background. The sky is overcast and the overall mood is somewhat sombre. The stones appear weathered and ancient. The scene suggests a rural, possibly historical, location.
Circle stones described as "replica" located to the rear of an A68 roadside cafe; left wondering how these will be exploited.
Grassy field with several large standing stones, possibly a stone circle or part of one. In the background, there's a low stone wall, some trees and a building, suggesting a rural or possibly archaeological site. The weather appears overcast.

Charlie said he recalled a roundhouse being built here a while ago.

Modern, dark-wood building with a stone wall encircling its base. It's situated in a grassy field, and a short gravel path leads toward it. Near the building, there is a smaller stone structure resembling a pedestal, and further away stands a carved wooden sculpture that resembles a stylised bird or angel. The overall setting appears rural and possibly part of a nature reserve or similar location. The sky is overcast.

Our first place of interest was inland, a Victorian history museum named Beamish. We turned away from the museum's ticket office, noticing a £25 each entrance fee because the price exceeded our limited budget.

Weathered, dark-coloured wooden mining cart or wagon, prominently displaying the numbers 189 and 2.68.2 along with the letter L painted on its side. The cart rests on a low stone pedestal in front of a brick building, suggesting it's a historical artefact displayed outdoors. The overall impression is one of age and industrial history.

We drove south to Seaham; I was bewildered to find people beach combing for diamonds, a beach comber defined as glass. Charlie believes the beach combers regularly arrive after storms; observing this rabble scrabble a rock song by WASP: "I wanna fist full of diamonds" entered my mind, but perhaps they were also searching for Jet.

Long, dark grey concrete seawall stretching from the bottom left corner towards the middle distance, where it meets a pebbly beach. The beach extends to a choppy grey sea under a partly cloudy sky. A small group of people are visible on the beach near the seawall. The sky is a contrast of blue and grey, suggesting a somewhat stormy day but with patches of brighter sky. The overall impression is one of a bleak, yet dramatic coastal scene.

Filming the choppy sea, my camera, mounted onto a small tripod, was tipped over my a small wave.

It was a relief to know my iPhone 14 is waterproof; however, the charging point became damp. Bizarrely, the back of the iPhone was encircled by a ring [around the logo] of what appeared to be rough particles of magnetic iron. Seaham was busy, as we reached the harbour the weather calmed; through a metal gate I ascended steps onto the harbour wall and took a video of crashing plumes of white waves against Seaham's concrete harbour wall.

We rested at Teesmouth National Nature Reserve, to the right of us was Hartlepool Nuclear Power Station. Nuclear power has a history of being safe and unsafe, but isn't it a crazy assumption, expecting somebody to tend to a fire that'll burn itself out only after a supposed half life of 24,100 years? And then there is smouldering decay plutonium-238, 239 and uranium 234, 235. Will we as a human race still exist then?

Marshy, grassy field with standing water. In the background, there is an industrial complex under a cloudy sky. The contrast between the natural, waterlogged foreground and the man-made industrial structures in the distance is striking.

Dusk began to settle as we travelled over a northern ring road by Middlesborough. Initially we had planned to prebook bed and breakfast accommodation but chose to keep our travel plan secret, we thought better to book at the door. The accommodation I discovered via google maps in Robin Hood bay was full, there was also a music band playing there that night. We agreed to sleep in the car for a night, rather than spend £130+ on a small room for a mere several hours.

Landscape at dusk or dawn. In the foreground is a field of tall grass. In the middle ground, there are a couple of smaller buildings to the left, and the ruins of Whitby Abbey are prominently featured in the center. A white vehicle is partially visible in the far right background. The sky is a mix of blue and clouds with some warm, pale hues near the horizon. The overall mood is serene and slightly melancholic, typical of a twilight scene featuring ancient ruins.

Returning from Robin Hood bay, Charlie wanted to visit the ruined abbey south of Whitby. I took a photograph from along a footpath, arriving from the abbey's car park.

High-angle, long shot of a coastal town at sunset. In the foreground, there's a line of allotments or garden plots, nestled behind a low stone wall. Beyond this, the sloping land reveals a panoramic view of the town, its harbor densely packed with boats, and the surrounding landscape. The sky is a dramatic mix of dark clouds and streaks of lighter, yellowish clouds, typical of a sunset. The overall mood is serene yet slightly melancholic, given the darkening sky and the somewhat subdued lighting on the town below. There's a sense of quiet community in the juxtaposition of the personal, intimate scale of the allotments with the broader view of the inhabited town.

We enjoyed coffee and cake at the abbeys YHA cafe. Finding a long stay car park near to Whitby's railway station, we walked towards toward the sea; from along the harbour side, noticing a floating restaurant.

Large, wooden pirate ship at dusk or night. It's elaborately decorated, with numerous lights illuminating the vessel against the twilight sky. The ship appears to be docked at a harbor, with other boats and buildings visible in the background. A banner on the ship indicates that food and drink are served all day. The overall feeling is one of adventure and possibly a tourist attraction.

The sun had set by the time we arrived at the bay. The chilling dusk wind blew tort expression across the harbour.

Dramatic seascape at dusk. The sky is a mix of dark, brooding clouds and hints of warmer colors near the horizon where the sun is either rising or setting. The ocean is rough with waves breaking and whitecaps visible against the dark water. A distant coastline is faintly visible on the horizon. The overall mood is one of sombre beauty and perhaps a touch of melancholy.
Dark, moody seascape at either dawn or dusk. The main focus is a tall, slender lighthouse standing on a breakwater, silhouetted against a cloudy sky. Rough, dark waves crash against the breakwater, and a person can be seen on a pier in the distance.
Dark, moody scene at what appears to be a pier extending into a turbulent sea at twilight or dawn. The sky is a deep blue, filled with clouds. The pier is silhouetted against the water and sky, with a small light visible at its end. The water is rough, with visible waves and foam. The overall atmosphere is one of solitude and dramatic natural power.
Coastal town at night, viewed from across a body of water. The town's buildings, lit by warm artificial lights, are nestled against a dark hillside. The water reflects the lights, creating a shimmering effect. A partially visible moon hangs in the twilight sky above.
Nighttime view of a waterfront town. Buildings line the harbour, illuminated with warm and cool lights, creating a colorful reflection on the calm water. String lights are visible along the buildings, adding to the festive ambience. The scene is peaceful and evokes a sense of quiet nighttime charm.

We found a fish and chip shop, a ten-minute walk from the harbour, although the chips were greasy the fish was fresh. The frier had won many awards, and the counter service was responsive and civil. Returning towards the harbour bridge I noticed a pub named "middle earth" on the swinging board hung "Golem" from Lord of the Rings; I smiled and envisioning that heretic Justin Welby. The bridge was a swing bridge opening for two hours upon request, Charlie showed some interest in the mechanics. Saturday evening was becoming obnoxious, triggering hypervigilance and anxiety, so we departed from Whitby, choosing to find a quiet village pub somewhere on the North Yorkshire moors. After enjoying a pint we parked our 4x4 by a scenic viewpoint but was spotted and encroached by a passing car. Charlie fired up the 4x4, and drove quiet lanes towards Scotch Corner A1/A66 junction.

19th

Charlie has five days off work, we had planned to go on a travelling holiday, but heavy rain and a shortfall of money has localised this period to rest rather than adventure. At the farmhouse we have almost completed decoration of our guest room; at the expense of only £40 and three days graft. The walls were damaged, previous occupants had wallpapered, but we filled and sandpapered the walls, and applied a coat of white paint.

17th

The Omeprazole I took yesterday appears to have worked, it's a relief to be free of acid reflux burning my lungs, making me choke. The burping is still present, but has declined, the doctor diagnosed dyspepsia / gord; considering long term complications I'm not really happy about this at all. I've been given a stool test to detect Helicobacter pylori antigen, a known cause of peptic ulcers, this combined "potential cancer causing" attack appears launched against my esophagus.

Requisition form for a blood sciences laboratory. The form is partially filled out, indicating a patient named Leonie Blaire-Cooper is being tested for H. pylori faecal antigen, suggesting a potential gastrointestinal issue. The Dyspepsia (GORD) note in the clinical details section reinforces this, indicating symptoms consistent with indigestion or gastroesophageal reflux disease. The form also lists various other potential tests, but most are unchecked.

We follow strict hygiene at the farmhouse, Detrol soaps by every sink, surfaces are antibacterial sprayed and floors bleached daily. Charlie has no symptoms, so I am suspicious. During travels across the UK I was spiked with illness, beginning in India in 2008 and 2017 being poisoned with Gastroenteritis (often lasting ten days!) confining me to bed, before auspicious events. I was spiked with water from a "treated well"; inflicting month long peripheral edema.

16th

Rang doctors surgery about severe cramping, stabbing pains roughly about my upper gastric tract; receptionist provided a cancelled appointment for an hour later. Treatments provided from doctors and nurses from this surgery have improved my health significantly, and I feel positive visiting and departing from consultations. I limit my contact with Hawick high street, as generalised anxiety will curdle the buildings with darkness; keeping thoughts positive and embracing civility voids associative feelings of despair that stigmatised my presence in Galashiels. Our Herdwick ewe and lamb are making progress, both ewe and lamb are gaining weight, and alas aligning with the other lambs in the herd. Tonight I heard the ewe baa, she is much lighter on her feet, and reaches to feed from the top of a hay bale, inclining from longer durations. Our Zwartble lamb (one of the triplets) cough has gone, after being wormed again, Charlie believes she had spat out the initial dose of wormer as none of the other lambs in the herd became sick. Tonight we are enjoying warmth by our open fire, from logs given to us by a thoughtful neighbour, how special is that!

8th

Charlie fetched the JCB to scrape the farmhouse driveway from a yearly landslide of mud.

Yellow excavator, partially submerged in mud, operating near a grassy hillside with a wire fence. The excavator's driver, Charlie, is visible inside the cab. The overall setting appears to be a rural or agricultural area, possibly a farm or construction site, with overcast skies. The scene depicts the work of land shaping or related activity in challenging weather conditions.

Then, out of the mud leaped a frog, charlie safely removed him to the garden pond!

Frog, predominantly dark brown and olive green with flecks of yellow, sitting on muddy ground. A small patch of grass is visible in the upper right corner. The frog appears to be resting or moving slowly across the damp, textured earth.
Frog, viewed from above, sitting on muddy ground. The frog is dark brown or black with yellowish-green markings. The ground is wet and appears to be a mixture of mud, dirt, and small stones. A small patch of grass is visible in the upper-left corner.
Dark grey Land Rover towing a small blue trailer carrying a large round bale of hay. The scene is set in a muddy farmyard or field, with a grassy hillside in the background under a cloudy sky. The overall impression is one of rural work or chores, possibly hay transportation on a farm.

The 4x4 was used to tow a few buckets full of type one stone, and also bail of hay from our lambs inside the polytunnel.

7th

Early afternoon we purchased a Herdwick ewe and lamb; the drive to the field, along a disused railway track tested the traction control of our 4x4.

Rear view of a dark blue, weathered trailer hitched to a dark-coloured SUV. The trailer's walls are made of dark-stained wooden planks. The scene is set outdoors in a verdant, grassy area, with trees visible in the background, suggesting a rural or countryside location. The overall impression is one of rustic simplicity and perhaps a utilitarian purpose.
View from inside a vehicle, looking out onto a narrow, grassy track between lines of trees. The track appears damp, with a small puddle visible in the centre. The overall impression is one of a quiet, possibly rural or undeveloped area, on a somewhat overcast day. The car's windshield is dirty.
Large group of sheep together in a muddy pen, seemingly on their way to market or another location. The sheep are of various colours, some appear wet, highlighting the potential conditions of livestock transportation. The background shows a rural landscape, suggesting a farming context.
Close-up view of a tightly packed group of sheep. The sheep are various shades of grey and white, with some appearing darker than others. Their wool is thick and somewhat unkempt. Several sheep have yellow tags in their ears. The overall impression is one of density and closeness, possibly suggesting a pen or holding area.

The shepherd told the ewes as having no teeth, Charlie let me pick the ewe, as the shepherd held the ewe he checked for teeth and finding a full set he seemed disappointed; as we noticed his other ewes he wanted to keep penned elsewhere.

Two sheep inside a dark, enclosed space that appears to be a trailer or transport vehicle. One sheep is predominantly black, while another is light tan or beige. The sheep are nestled together in straw. Light enters from a small opening at the top of the enclosure, casting shadows and highlighting the sheep's features.

Driving away from the field with our trailer loaded was not a problem, until we approached an incline following a sharp right turn. The 4x4 road tires, not made for off-road, whizzed steam as Charlie zigzagged the slip between wet blades of long grass. A mere eight feet from the road gate the 4x4 declined to grip, but the shepherd kindly obliged us a tow.

Our elderly ewe we picked out from a herd of a few hundred appeared calm, both the lamb and yew were definitely bewildered. Among the herd we noticed symptoms of fluke (dropping heads, bowed jaw lines), returning to the farmhouse we oral wormed both ewe and lamb before they entered the poly tunnel.

5th

Intense pains in my stomach during the night, waking at 3am to vomit stomach bile is a regular occurrence; this has occurred years ago but gone away. Pungent rising acidity is chocking my breath, inducing a dazed lethargy. Obesity and eating later could be contributing facts, in hindsight I've eaten much less, but although stopped weight gain, I've been unable to lose excess weight.

1st

Today we repaired the rear electric window of our 4x4, a wire cord between the motor and window had frayed and broken. A electic window mechanism replacement job at our garage cost £130, but with the electric window mechanism bought by us on Ebay only costing £40 we thought we'd watch a few YouTube videos then complete the job ourselves.

Disassembled car window regulator mechanism lying on a wet, reddish-brown ground. The parts include the regulator motor, the track, and associated cables and brackets. The background suggests an outdoor setting, possibly a repair or disposal area.

It took about an hour and a half between us, the YouTube videos of experienced amateurs took forty-five minutes. The old mechanism took some plying to exit the door, as did the new mechanism entering. The door card was fairly easy to dismantle, although shown differently on the videos, as their car was a different year to our veichle.