August 2024

31st

Hey, make chicken soup with me! Its important to enjoy making as it is to serve and eat the soup.

Bamboo cutting board with two quartered onions on it and a knife lying next to them. The onions appear to be freshly cut and are pale yellow in colour. The cutting board shows signs of previous use with some small bits of onion peel. The scene is simple and suggests food preparation is underway.

Firstly, where would a soup be with an onion, or two?

Pile of freshly chopped thyme leaves on a wooden cutting board, with a kitchen knife resting above it. The thyme is finely chopped, and some small pieces are scattered around the main pile. The cutting board shows signs of previous use.

And some chopped herbs, here I am using Thyme but one or the other Tarragon is also good.

Single bulb of garlic, its papery outer skin mostly removed, sitting on a light brown wooden cutting board. The board shows signs of previous use, with visible scratches and small bits of debris. The focus is sharply on the garlic bulb.

Optional garlic, not for everybody!

Dark-coloured pot containing chopped onions, celery, garlic, and thyme. The vegetables appear to be prepped for cooking, likely as part of a savoury dish.

Empty into a pan, adding Celery.

Carrot that has been peeled and sliced into several rounds. The carrot slices are arranged on a wooden cutting board. A larger piece of the carrot remains, next to the slices. The overall impression is simple and straightforward, focusing on the freshly cut carrot.

Don't forget a little sweetness, carrots!

Wooden cutting board with a piece of cooked chicken breast cut into small, roughly equal-sized cubes. The chicken appears to be light in colour and moist.

Not picking a carcus today, were dicing a cooked chicken breast.

Glass measuring cup containing a brown, granular substance, possibly a spice blend or ground food. In the background, several foil packets of chicken bouillon cubes are visible, suggesting the brown substance might be related to a recipe using these cubes.

Chicken stock, I'm using OXO, but any brand is good, I guess.

Glass measuring cup filled with a light brown liquid. A distinctive pattern of bubbles is visible in the centre of the liquid, seemingly created by a swirling or vortex motion. The liquid appears somewhat translucent. The cup shows measurement markings.

A puff of steaming water magic from the dragon.

Leonie pouring broth into a pan containing sauteed carrots, celery, and onions. The pan is sitting on a stove top.

I fry a base using butter then add the stock later.

Leonie adding diced chicken to a pot of soup. The soup already contains carrots and what appears to be onions or other vegetables. A wooden spoon is visible in the pot. The setting appears to be a home kitchen. The focus is on the process of cooking the soup.

Tumbling chicken chunks!

Leonie pouring a creamy white liquid, likely cream or milk, into a pot of soup. The soup appears to contain peas and diced carrots in a light broth. The pot is sitting on a stove top.

And then the cream, be artistic during the pour and mix.

Table setting featuring a bowl of creamy chicken and vegetable soup in a vintage blue and white patterned bowl. A spoon rests in the soup. Beside it, on a red plate, are several pieces of what appears to be bread or biscuits. A large, covered pot sits on the table, likely containing more soup. A plain light blue plate and a mug with a tractor design are also visible. The overall setting suggests a simple, home-cooked meal.

Bon appetit, how about serving with cheese scones?

30th

Feels nice watching healthy sheep leaping down this hill.

We at team Woodburn, enjoy a barbeque.

Rustic outdoor setting, likely a backyard, with preparations underway for an outdoor meal. A border collie dog is sniffing the ground near a small, portable charcoal grill. On a wooden table are various food items, including grated cheese, sliced bread, bowls of what appears to be onions or other vegetables, and condiments (bottles of what looks like BBQ sauce and mustard). The table also has several plates, including a decorative one with some food remnants on it. In the background, there is a lush garden, some outbuildings, and a partly cloudy sky.
Black charcoal grill with two hamburger patties and two chicken drumsticks cooking on the grill. The grill is open, and some smoke is visible. The grill is outdoors on a paved surface with some grass and plants visible in the background.
Selfie-style photograph of a woman and a man (Charlie) enjoying a meal outdoors. The woman, Leonie, is wearing a knit hat and sunglasses, is in the foreground. She's dressed in a navy blue polka-dot dress and cardigan. The man, wearing glasses and a plaid shirt, is sitting on a wooden bench behind her, eating what appears to be a piece of roasted chicken from a small plate. They are sitting against a whitewashed wall, with some greenery and plants visible in the background. The overall impression is one of casual outdoor dining.

Even out here in the wind swept, rainy Scottish Borders

28th

The sheep have had better days, a week of rain, the paddock is becoming a landslide of mud. This morning clear blue skies, but fast moving clouds encroach gloomy grey.

Flock of sheep gathered around a feeding trough on a hillside. The sheep are predominantly white, with a few darker coloured sheep interspersed. A small stone building is visible in the background. The overall scene depicts a pastoral, rural setting.
Single sheep standing in a grassy field. The sheep is predominantly white with a thick, somewhat unkempt fleece. Its legs are dark-coloured, and it appears to be standing on slightly muddy ground. The background is lush green grass with some small plants interspersed.

The lamb above is a Herdick X Teeswater teg; as you can see, we solved the breeds wire wool problem; her mother ewe gave us a tup also, but we've let him go to auction.

Dark grey Land Rover Freelander driving on a narrow, unpaved road that cuts through a lush green landscape. The vehicle appears to be slightly muddy, suggesting it may have recently travelled on an off-road surface. The background consists of dense, overgrown vegetation, typical of a rural or countryside setting. The overall impression is one of a journey through nature.

Seeing Charlie off to work, departs from placing a soppy wet kiss on my cheek. Replacement rear door of this truck refuses to close properly because a tractor crash has mangled the structural integrity of this vehicle; the rear door is permanently shut.

Border Collie drinking water from a puddle on a grassy path. The dog is predominantly black and white, with muddy legs, suggesting it may have been playing or working outdoors. The setting appears rural, with a wire fence and some vegetation visible in the background. The overall mood is peaceful and naturalistic.

The sheep dog prefers a puddle of rain water to a clean bowl of spring water from our farmhouse tap. He likes eating bread and butter, more so when saturated with dripping.

26th

Happy birthday Charlie.

Charlie sitting on a brown leather couch, looking at a small birthday cake with lit candles on a plate in front of him. The setting appears to be a cosy living room with a fireplace, a kettle, and a banjo visible in the background. Charlie is wearing a plaid shirt and jeans. The overall mood suggests a quiet, intimate birthday celebration.

You're one from a million.

25th

We're out walking the dog about Ancrum.

Charlie walking down a grassy path, flanked by tall vegetation. He carries a light green bag. A dog, possibly a border collie, walks slightly behind him. The background shows a slightly elevated, grassy area with some trees. The overall mood is peaceful and suggests a rural or countryside setting. The sky is overcast.

Lovely walk this, along the Alewater.

Grassy field with tall weeds and wildflowers, leading towards a line of trees and a small building in the distance. The sky is overcast and grey. A barely visible path runs along the right edge of the field. The overall impression is one of a quiet, somewhat desolate, rural scene.
Selfie of Leonie wearing a cream-coloured knit hat and sunglasses. She is standing on a grassy path, with Charlie and a black and white border collie walking away from her in the background. The path leads toward a stone wall. The overall scene suggests a rural or countryside setting; a casual walk in nature.

We purchased Jedhart snails.

Charlie's hand holding a small, transparent plastic bag containing several pieces of dark brown, irregularly shaped hard candy. The bag has a label indicating that the candy is called Jethart Snails, a famed confection from Jedburgh, Scotland, handmade by the Wylie family using an original Jasper Miller recipe. The label also lists the ingredients. The overall impression is of a simple, perhaps artisan, sweet treat.
Street scene in a town, possibly in the UK, judging by the architecture and signage. A market is taking place, with several market stalls set up along the street under striped awnings. People are strolling along the pavement, browsing the stalls, and doing some shopping. There's a chalkboard menu for a Jedburgh Baguette Co visible in the foreground. The street is lined with stone buildings, some showing signs of businesses. Festive bunting hangs across the road, indicating a possible local celebration or event. The overall atmosphere is calm and pleasant, suggestive of a community gathering on a fairly ordinary day.

From Jedburgh Market.

22nd

Today we drove to Eyemouth with Charlie's mother and brother; this is there last day in the Scottish Borders before they return home to the Midlands. This morning I discovered my neighbour has been listening to my conversations via a microphone placed from her upstairs window.

Close-up view of a window with a Swann Security sticker on it. Attached to the windowsill below is a small, white, external security sensor wired to the window frame. The overall impression is one of home security measures.

I heard her tumbling about with her window with some sort of device, my 1200mm zoom camera revealed that she has been eavesdropping on our conversations. The question beckons, is she evesdropping for herself or somebody else?

Head and upper body of a grey seal emerging from calm water. The seal's fur is a mix of grey and brown, and its whiskers are visible. The reflection of the seal is clearly visible in the water.

We arrived in Eyemouth early afternoon, and walked the length of the towns harbour to a cafe we'd eaten at before.

Dusty, white security camera mounted on a rusty white bracket attached to a textured, light beige wall. The camera is a dome-style PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) model, indicating its ability to move and adjust its view. The overall condition suggests age and exposure to the elements.
Stack of lobster pots, neatly arranged against a wall, with a small crane in the background. The scene is set against a backdrop of calm blue sea and a clear sky. The overall impression is one of a quiet fishing harbour or port.

We stopped at St Abbs harbour; the day was pleasant, I don't feel like sharing many photographs; perhaps I might write about interests rather than a life log in future.

20th

Woodburn paddock was overloaded with sheep after returning a flock from the Craik Forest. Charlie loaded six ewes and transported them to Selkirk grass keep.

Sunny day on a green hillside pasture. Several sheep are grazing on the slope, with a few more near a wooden fence and a vehicle parked on a gravel driveway. The sun is bright in the sky, and trees are visible in the background. A water trough is also visible near the fence.

Two lambs are now weaning Woodburn Farmhouse, their mother ewes taken to Selkirk as grass on our paddock runs out.

Flock of sheep being guided by Charlie across a farmyard towards a grey Land Rover. The setting appears to be rural, with trees and a stone fence in the background. The sun is shining, and the overall mood is peaceful and slightly humorous due to the juxtaposition of the sheep and the modern vehicle.
Panoramic view of a rural scene, likely in the UK. The focus is on the side of a whitewashed cottage, with a small garden and farmyard visible. Several sheep are in the background, and there's a trailer parked nearby. The overall impression is one of peaceful, rural life.

Not everything goes to plan, when insufficient fencing is holding the sheep.

Our Herdick mother ewe is caught and penned for transport to grass keep.

Charlie with shoulder-length brown hair and glasses, wearing a plaid shirt and green rubber boots, gently cradling a sheep in his arms. The sheep appears calm, possibly even content. The setting appears to be a rural farm, with a black tarp-covered structure and wooden fencing in the background. The overall mood is one of gentle care and connection between man and animal. The bright sunlight suggests a sunny day.

After I disappeared upstairs, Charlie regained his composure and successfully rounded up the flock from the paddock.We pulled out tup lambs and others from the holding penned, until we were left with six sheep.

I opened the grass keep gate and Charlie drove into the field, then unloaded.

These sheep have been more excited to see us, they have a lot of grass here, and it's peaceful for them; better for us they are contented.

Flock of sheep in a grassy pasture, with a dark-grey Land Rover and a trailer parked nearby. A person is visible near the back of the trailer. A house is visible in the distance, suggesting a rural setting. The overall impression is of a pastoral scene, likely depicting some aspect of farming or shepherding.
Roadside sign advertising The Roberton Show on Saturday, September 2nd, starting at 10:30 am. The sign is positioned beside a two-lane road, with green fields and trees in the background under a partly cloudy sky. The overall impression is of a rural setting leading to a local event.
Roadside sign advertising The Roberton Show on Saturday, September 7th at 10:30 am. The sign is positioned on a grassy verge next to a two-lane road. In the background, there are trees and a few cars are visible on the road. The overall impression is a sunny day in a rural area, with a clear indication of a local event. The image is a simple, straightforward depiction of a directional sign for a community event. There is no apparent deeper meaning or artistic expression beyond its functional purpose.

We messaged the organisers to report they were displaying the wrong date on their sign near Ashkirk, not good that.

15th

We received a cancel message to come and collect our sheep for grass keep in the Craik Forest; we'd agreed to fetch them at the weekend, but we them earlier on Thursday instead.

Small, whitewashed cottage in a rural setting. The cottage has a green door and windows. A dark-coloured SUV and a wooden trailer are parked near the cottage. Charlie appears to be unloading something near the cottage. The scene is set against a backdrop of rolling green hills and a dramatic, cloudy sky with hints of sunset. The overall impression is one of quiet rural life.

It was late in the evening by the time we loaded our trailer onto our truck, we took three large hurdles with us. The drive form Woodburn to Craik is about five miles; then a mile from the forest gate post to were our sheep were grazing.

Panoramic view of a gravel road in a rural area. A dark-grey Land Rover, towing a trailer, is parked on the left side of the road. A person in a bright green jacket is visible near the vehicle, appearing to be inspecting or working on the Land Rover. The road extends into the distance, disappearing into a stand of trees. The background features a bright, sunny sky with some fluffy clouds and a lush, green landscape.

Our friends said they wanted their field back, I didn't feel as though we'd taken their land away; we only grazed (for free) thirteen sheep on their land, no room at the inn is large, at least seventy acres. Our sheep were unhappy there, they'd escaped, on the 9th of June and again on the 27th of July; so this evening we are on a mission to return all of them to Woodburn.

Dark gray Land Rover parked on a gravel road, with its rear passenger door open. The vehicle is situated in a rural or mountainous setting, with wildflowers and trees visible in the background. A bag of what seems to be garden fertilizer or compost is partially visible near the rear of the car, suggesting a potential gardening or landscaping activity. The sky is mostly clear and bright, indicating daytime.

The Craik forest is beautiful, and I have enjoyed visiting here.

Black and white goat standing in a grassy area near a wooden fence. The goat is looking directly at the camera. The background includes a rustic wooden fence, some overgrown vegetation, and a stone building in the distance, suggesting a rural or farm setting.

I have not enjoyed being around these goats; our sheep were also bothered by them. There are also two Hebridean sheep here, but they are no trouble at all. The sheep were no bother to pen, Charlie reversed the truck for loading.

Charlie was really tired, this was a long day for him, after a twelve hour day harvesting, he is rounding up and transporting sheep in the evening.

Charlie in a high-visibility jacket standing in a field, appearing pensive or troubled. He is near a dilapidated wooden livestock trailer and some broken fencing. The setting is rural, with a background of trees and hills under a partly cloudy sky. The overall mood is one of quiet contemplation and perhaps some difficulty or concern, possibly related to farm work or livestock.

I manoeuvred to the opposite side of the pen to usher the sheep towards Charlie awaiting at the trailer. The entire area was swarming with thousands of midgies.

Flock of sheep being herded by Charlie (partially visible) near a wooden fence. Two vehicles are parked in the background near a wooded area. The sheep are in a grassy field. The overall scene suggests a rural or farm setting.
Flock of sheep penned in a wooden enclosure next to a silver SUV and a trailer. The setting appears to be a rural area with a wooded backdrop. The overall impression is one of farm work or livestock management.

The sheep walked themselves into the loading pen without any effort other than me walking towards them; they know the ritual, I think they wanted to leave.

Charlie in a high-visibility jacket overseeing a flock of sheep that are being herded into a temporary enclosure made of wooden panels. The sheep are a mix of colors, predominantly black and white. The setting appears to be a rural farm, with farm buildings and a vehicle visible in the background.

Eight walked into the trailer, leaving five to wait for our next pick up; there fight or flight mechanism jolted them, they were pissed being left behind rather than being penned.

As the exiting sheep neared the paddock verge other sheep came running to greet them; they roared from the reunion; the event felt wonderfully enamouring; validating our efforts toward their return to Woodburn Farm.

13th

From outside my window.

Vibrant rainbow arcing across a grey sky above a residential street. A white van is parked on the street, with a red car visible further down the road. The foreground shows a garden with bushes, flowers, and a barbecue. The overall scene is peaceful and slightly melancholic due to the overcast sky juxtaposed with the bright rainbow. The houses visible are typical of a suburban or rural setting.
Exterior of a light beige building with a textured wall. A window reflects a rainbow and a cloudy sky, along with a white van and houses in the background. To the left of the window, a wind chime hangs on the wall. At the bottom right, part of a bicycle is visible. The overall impression is a peaceful, slightly melancholic scene, possibly after a rain shower.

A rainbow.

12th

Awakened to thunder, a lightening strike appeared as I placed, from darkness into light, my face next to the bedroom window; weather exactly the opposite to yesterday. Being at the farm is special, I have many happy memories living here with Charlie and his dog Sam; he's helped me settle into the Scottish Borders, I also feel healed.

Single barn swallow perched on a wire against a muted gray sky. The bird is predominantly black and white, with its feathers slightly ruffled. Its beak is open slightly. The overall mood is quiet and somewhat solitary.
Seven birds, likely swallows, perched on three parallel power lines against a muted gray sky. The birds are silhouetted, appearing dark against the lighter background. The overall impression is one of simple, quiet observation of nature.

Sheep stand around during a heavy downpour of rain sometimes pushing their little faces in a stone all, they also come together during strong winds. They don't like rain.

Flock of sheep is ascending a grassy hill under a cloudy sky. The sheep are white and appear to be moving in a somewhat single-file manner. The scene is pastoral and simple.

In the afternoon I took a walk through the wood and burn, and across the moor.

Lush green valley with a small stream running through it. The stream is nestled between verdant hillsides densely covered with trees and vegetation. The overall impression is one of serenity and natural beauty, typical of a woodland scene.

Burn through the wood = Woodburn.

Large mass of white foam, possibly from polluted water, floating in a dark-coloured stream. The foam has a slightly off-white or tan tint in places, suggesting possible contaminants. The surrounding area appears to be natural, with vegetation visible along the bank of the stream.

One of our neighbours taking issue with a septic tank, is accusing our other neighbour of making her kids sick. It's such a horrible to do; as the accused in 75 years old!

Dark brown butterfly with orange spots on its wings resting in a patch of dewy green grass. The butterfly's wings are partially open, and its body is visible. The grass blades are covered in small water droplets. The overall impression is one of tranquillity and natural beauty.
Ram, predominantly white with a black head and legs, standing in tall, dry grass. The ram has curved horns and appears to be wearing ear tags. Patches of purple wildflowers are visible in the background and around the ram. The overall setting appears to be a field or moorland.

Scottish Black face sheep roam this land. The heather is beautiful.

Gently sloping hillside covered in a mixture of purple heather and green grasses. The heather is clustered in patches, interspersed with the taller grasses. A lone tree stands near the middle-ground on the hill. The sky is overcast with a mix of light gray and darker clouds. The overall impression is one of a tranquil, natural landscape, possibly in a moorland or upland area.
Black and white sheep, partially hidden within a field of purple heather. The sheep is looking directly at the camera. The heather and tall grasses surround the sheep, creating a natural, somewhat secluded setting.
Two sheep partially obscured by a field of purple heather. One sheep is predominantly white with a black head and horns, while the other is mostly white. A third, blurry sheep is visible in the background. The overall setting is a grassy hillside.
Landscape dominated by a vast expanse of purple heather blooming in the foreground. The heather is interspersed with patches of green grass and taller grasses. In the mid-ground and background, rolling green hills extend to the horizon under a partly cloudy sky. The overall impression is one of a tranquil, rural scene in a hilly region possibly in the UK, suggesting a moorland or heath land environment.
Close-up view of a grassy landscape, with a focus on several plants with brown seed heads and one plant exhibiting a fluffy, white seed head. The background is a gently sloping field of tall grasses and interspersed with patches of low-lying purple flowers. The overall impression is one of a natural, untamed wildflower meadow. The sky is overcast, suggesting a somewhat subdued lighting condition.
Single, bright yellow flower, possibly a type of dandelion or similar species, in sharp focus against a blurred background. The background consists of numerous smaller, pale purple flowers and tall grasses, creating a bokeh effect that emphasises the central yellow bloom. The overall impression is one of a peaceful, natural setting, highlighting the contrast between the vibrant yellow of the main flower and the softer purple hues of the surrounding flora.
Picturesque landscape under a partly cloudy sky. The foreground is dominated by a swathe of purple heather interspersed with green ferns and tall grasses. Beyond this, rolling hills stretch into the middle distance, showing varied shades of green vegetation. In the far distance, a line of trees is visible, adding depth to the view. The overall scene evokes a sense of tranquil natural beauty.
Hillside densely covered with a mixture of purple heather and green ferns. The heather is abundant, forming large patches of colour, while the ferns are interspersed throughout, creating a textured landscape. The overall color palette is muted greens and purples, with touches of brown in some of the dried ferns. The setting appears to be a natural, uncultivated area, perhaps moorland or heath land.
Rural scene featuring a small, white cottage nestled amongst rolling green hills. A paved road leads toward the cottage, which is situated behind a gate and stone wall. Lush greenery, including trees and grass, is abundant, and a rustic wooden barn is visible in the background.

Two homes, one here, the other Ancrum.

10th

I'm excited about our beans within our Kitchen Garden, last year they failed to grow; we believe they were eaten before their stalks could climb up off the ground.

Thriving runner bean plant growing on a tepee-like support structure in a vegetable garden. The beans are laden with red flowers and developing pods. The garden also features other plants, including what appears to be another type of bean plant showing signs of distress, and some onions. The backdrop is a hilly, rural landscape under a partly cloudy blue sky. The overall impression is one of a productive, albeit somewhat rustic, home garden.

I have not grown vegetables since 1996 when I helped at an allotment near Stapleton area, north Bristol.

Close-up view of a runner bean plant laden with bright red flowers. The plant is supported by bamboo canes, and the background features other vegetation, a wire fence, and a section of blue piping forming an arch. The overall setting appears to be a garden or allotment. The bright sunlight and the vibrant colours of the flowers create a cheerful and somewhat idyllic scene.

Charlie has been stressing because his elderly mother is coming to visit us, I am looking forward to welcoming her with hospitality.

Climbing bean plant growing vigorously around a rustic support structure composed of several wooden poles. The plant’s vibrant green leaves contrast sharply against the blue sky dotted with fluffy white clouds. In the background, a weathered barn and rolling green hills create a pastoral setting. The overall impression is one of rural tranquility and the natural growth cycle.

This is our potato crop, we have had a good year growing these.

Thriving potato patch in a rustic garden setting. The potatoes are in full bloom, with lush green foliage and delicate white flowers. The garden is enclosed by a low stone wall and wire fencing. Behind the potato patch is a larger area with a variety of other plants and a black tarp-covered structure, possibly a greenhouse or storage area. A utility pole stands prominently in the background, and a hilly, rural landscape completes the scene under a partly sunny sky. The overall impression is one of a productive and charming home garden, suggestive of self-sufficiency and connection with nature. A piece of clothing hangs on a makeshift clothesline adding a touch of everyday life to the scene.

My lamb friend, she should have died but we nursed her into this world. Sometimes she brings tears to my eyes, how hard she has pulled through to be in this world with us.

Close-up view of a sheep's face, peering through a wire fence. The sheep has dark gray/black facial features and light gray/white wool. Several other sheep are visible in the background, grazing on a grassy hillside, suggesting a pastoral farm setting. A stone trough or feeder is also partially visible in the foreground. The overall image evokes a sense of rural life and a playful encounter with farm animals.

The lambs appear to have recovered from a severe tapeworm infestation; whilst they eat we observe them for signs of ill health; this time of year we are looking for maggots.

Flock of sheep, varying in shades of white and brown, are gathered around a metallic trough, presumably for feeding. They are situated on a grassy hillside, with a stone wall and a small building visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Flock of sheep grazing on a grassy hillside. Several sheep are clustered together, feeding from a simple wooden trough. The sheep are predominantly light-coloured, with fluffy wool. The setting is idyllic, with a bright blue sky and lush green grass.

Loving these wild blue flowers along the lane at Woodburn.

Three delicate, light purple bell-shaped flowers, likely Harebells (Campanula rotundifolia), emerging from a field of tall, slender, golden-green grasses. One flower is slightly wilted and drooping. The focus is sharpest on the two central flowers, while the background is softly blurred, creating a shallow depth of field that emphasises the blossoms.
Several delicate, light purple bell-shaped flowers nestled amidst tall, vibrant green grasses. The flowers appear to be slightly damp, suggesting recent rainfall.

A neighbour requested Charlie tend to his hens whilst he was away for a few days, tonight I put these three hens inside their coop; proper little lady's they were.

Four brown speckled hens foraging in a grassy backyard. They are walking away from the viewer towards a wooden wall and a rustic bench. The setting appears to be a rural or suburban garden, adjacent to a stone building.

Situation at the farm is difficult and stagnant, Charles tractor is broken so we can't muck out the poly tunnel, the flock returns from grass keep in two months.

8th

Another Alewater walk, this instance with Charlie.

Close-up of a single pale lavender Scabious flower. The flower is in sharp focus, exhibiting delicate, ruffled petals surrounding a central, textured disc of tiny florets. The background is softly blurred, showcasing a mix of green foliage and hints of reddish-purple plants, suggesting a garden setting. The overall impression is one of delicate beauty and natural serenity.
Close-up view of a bumblebee actively foraging on a vibrant purple flower, possibly a Scabious, in a meadow setting. The background is softly blurred, showcasing a field of various wildflowers and tall grasses, creating a shallow depth of field that focuses attention on the bee and flower. The overall mood is peaceful and naturalistic, capturing a moment of interaction between pollinator and plant in a wildflower meadow.
Close-up view of four fluffy, light beige seed heads of a thistle plant. They are clustered together on a single stem, surrounded by green foliage. The seed heads appear to be mature and ready to disperse their seeds. The background is blurred, focusing attention on the thistle's seed heads. The overall impression is one of natural beauty and the life cycle of a plant.
Panoramic view of a tranquil rural scene. A small wooden footbridge spans a calm stream or river, flanked by lush green pastures. Trees provide shade along the banks and a cloudy sky dominates the background. In the distance, hints of more developed areas or houses are visible. The overall impression is one of peaceful countryside.
Close-up view of a vibrant pink flower spike, likely Bistorta amplexicaulis, also known as knotweed or Persian knotweed, in the foreground. The background is a softly blurred array of other similar pink flowers and plants with varying shades and textures, creating a depth of field effect. The overall impression is of a lush and colourful garden scene.
Close-up view of a vibrant pink Lavatera flower in full bloom. The flower is the central focus, with its delicate petals and central pistil clearly visible. The background is blurred but shows a variety of other plants and flowers, including different shades of pink and green foliage, creating a lush and colourful garden scene. The overall impression is one of natural beauty and springtime vibrancy.

In the early hours of Thursday I was at A and E; after waiting four hours I seen a doctor who diagnosed me with Gall Stones. The BECS doctor was professional, after my examination he gave me medication to relieve discomfort and pain. Administration at A&E glared at me as though they wanted me to die, and seem relieved to see me gone. I hope whatever hatred is resolved, for the sake of patients, visitors and staff. The purposefully negligent doctors at Hawick who left me for six months with this illness then the competent doctor at Borders General Hospital being true to his oath in diagnosing this illness. This not about causing divide, as this unspoken divide was caused secretly in my absence.

7th

Wake up Sam!

Tri-coloured Border Collie lying on its side in the corner of a room, its head resting against the wall. The dog appears to be resting or sleeping, and its expression is somewhat melancholic. The setting is simple, with plain carpeting and a white door visible in the background.

Somebodies fed up with dog poo but nonetheless I say "pick it up".

Sign that reads Please Be Respectful & Pick Up After Your Dog. A border collie is positioned near the sign, seemingly looking at or near the base of a bush. The sign features a graphic of a dog and a pile of faeces within a red circle with a line through it. The setting appears to be a grassy area near some shrubbery.

Flowers have bloomed beautiful

Vibrant orange celosia flower, also known as cockscomb, taking centre stage. It's surrounded by a bed of smaller, pink flowers and lush green foliage, creating a colourful contrast. The overall impression is one of natural beauty and vibrancy.
Close-up of a vibrant pink celosia flower, also known as cockscomb, in full bloom. The flower is densely packed with feathery, textured petals, and is surrounded by lush green foliage. The background is softly blurred, showcasing a variety of other pink and purple flowers, creating a natural garden setting.
Close-up view of a vibrant pink flower, possibly a Lavatera or Mallow, with delicate, veined petals. The flower is in sharp focus, while the background is softly blurred, showcasing green foliage. A partially visible bud is present near the main flower.
Wooden bench and a large planter box overflowing with bright yellow flowers. The planter is situated next to the bench, both set on a patch of grass in front of a row of houses. The overall scene is peaceful and suggests a community space. The sky is overcast.

in Ancrum's village garden beds.

3rd

After weeding our Kitchen Garden at Woodburn, Charlie, for a day out, drove us to Maryport.

Large, oval-shaped metal sculpture. The sculpture is perforated with cut-out designs depicting various scenes of maritime history, including ships, a wheel, and other nautical imagery. It stands on a stone pedestal in a paved area next to a waterfront. The background includes a waterway, a low wall, and a clear blue sky. The overall impression is one of celebrating a town's seafaring past.
Mostly empty paved plaza or parking lot in front of a row of buildings. The buildings are multi-storied, mostly white or light-coloured, typical of a coastal town. A few cars are parked in the lot. In the background, slightly elevated, are more buildings in this same style. The sky is a bright, clear blue with some scattered white clouds. Several flags are visible on a building on the right. The overall impression is a sunny day in a small, likely seaside, town.
Seagull standing on a lichen-covered wall beside a body of water. The seagull is predominantly white with grey markings on its wings and back, and has a yellow beak and pink legs. The background is blurred, focusing attention on the bird.
Close-up shot of a white seagull, possibly a European herring gull, viewed from the side. The bird's head and upper body are prominently displayed against a dark, blurred background. The focus is sharp, highlighting the texture of the feathers and the details of the bird's eye and beak, which has a yellowish-orange hue. The lighting suggests it may be taken outdoors in bright sunlight.
Harbor scene, likely in a coastal town. Several fishing boats are moored along a quay, their colourful hulls contrasting with the muted tones of the stone buildings lining the harbor. The water is relatively calm, reflecting the buildings and sky. A paved walkway runs alongside the quay, and a lamppost is visible in the background.
Marina filled with numerous sailboats and motorboats of varying sizes. The boats are moored along docks, with a wooden walkway visible between some of them. The sky is partly cloudy, with blue sky showing through the clouds. The overall scene is peaceful and suggests a calm day at a marina.
Marina filled with various sailboats and motorboats. Most prominent is a large, bright orange lifeboat, seemingly repurposed as a small boat. It is situated among other vessels, some with visible names like Anomaly and Temptation. The overall setting suggests a calm day in a harbour.
Low-tide scene at a harbour. A small lighthouse stands on one side of the harbour entrance, which is partially closed by a low, dark wall and a wooden structure. The foreground is expansive, muddy tidal flats reflecting the sky. The background features a calm sea line under a partly cloudy blue sky.
Coastal scene featuring a small lighthouse standing on a stone structure to the left, with a section of an old wooden pier extending from the right into the calm sea. The background shows a tranquil sea and a distant shoreline under a partly cloudy sky. The overall mood is serene and slightly melancholic, hinting at a quiet, possibly historic, coastal location.
Muddy, sandy surface with a shallow pool of water. Five partially submerged drainage pipes are visible within the pool, arranged in a slightly curved line. The surrounding mud shows a textured pattern created by the receding tide. The overall impression is one of a coastal or tidal area.
Weathered, brick-paved area, likely a harbour or dock, strewn with discarded fishing nets, ropes, and equipment. A small, aged stone building stands centrally in the background. Two old-fashioned lampposts flank the scene, which is under a mostly sunny, partly cloudy sky. The overall impression is one of quiet abandonment or disuse, hinting at a former bustling fishing activity.
Charlie standing on a dock overlooking a harbor. A large coil of thick, weathered rope sits on a pallet in the foreground. In the background, several small boats are moored in the harbour, and a partially cloudy sky looms overhead. The overall scene is one of a quiet, possibly overcast day at a working harbour or marina. Charlie appears to be observing the harbour scene. The buildings in the background suggest a small coastal town or village.
Closed gate at a harbour or marina, under a dramatic, dark sky filled with storm clouds. A tall blue hydraulic lift gate is prominent in the foreground, with a STOP sign on the barrier. The background features a row of multi-story buildings lining the waterfront. The overall mood is one of impending storm or recent bad weather.
Harbor scene under a dramatic, cloudy sky. Numerous fishing boats are moored in the harbor, some appearing older and weathered. A row of multi-story buildings lines the harbor's edge. The overall atmosphere is somewhat somber and moody due to the dark clouds. The foreground features a weathered stone wall with a bollard and rope.

Exiting the harbour we drove along the North Promenade.

Wide sandy beach at low tide, with small streams or rivulets of water winding through the sand and rocks. Patches of seaweed are visible on some rocks. In the distance, a calm ocean stretches to the horizon under a partly cloudy sky with the sun brightly shining. A distant coastline or seawall is barely visible on the horizon.
Wide sandy beach at low tide, with small streams of water flowing through the exposed seabed. Patches of seaweed are visible on the rocks and sand. In the distance, a calm sea stretches to the horizon under a mostly clear blue sky with fluffy white clouds. A lone person is visible in the mid-ground, walking along one of the small water channels.

On the way to Siloth, Charlie stopped the truck, allowing me to take a picture.

Beach scene under a dramatic sky. The sky is filled with a mix of fluffy white and darker gray clouds, with sunlight breaking through in places. The beach is composed of dark pebbles and sand, and a low-lying, weathered wooden structure stretches along the shoreline. A calm, reflective body of water lies between the beach and the distant horizon, where a faint landmass or mountain range is visible. The overall atmosphere is serene yet somewhat moody, reflecting the contrast between the bright sunlight and the darker cloud formations.

Charlie queued for half an hour for x2 fish and chips at Siloth; we then drove north, parked by the sea and enjoyed our evening meal.

Wide, verdant grassy field stretching from the foreground to the middle ground, where several buildings and a church spire are visible under a partly cloudy sky. A large tree stands to the right, near a street with parked cars. A park bench is situated on the grass near the street.
Charlie with glasses, wearing a maroon shirt and a grayish-green jacket, walking down a set of outdoor concrete stairs. The sky is overcast with large, fluffy clouds. Charlie appears relaxed and is carrying something small in his hand. The overall mood is calm and somewhat contemplative. The image's simplicity puts the focus on Charlie and his interaction with the space.
Panoramic view of a coastal scene. The foreground shows a paved walkway leading down to a rocky shoreline. In the background, there's a calm body of water under a partly cloudy sky. Buildings and some greenery are visible along the coast on either side of the walkway. The overall feel is serene and peaceful.
Close-up of a rusty-brown metal sculpture depicting a person, possibly a man, wearing a knitted hat and jacket. The figure is shown from the waist up, with one arm raised, as if shading their eyes or looking into the distance. The texture of the sculpture is rough and the style is somewhat abstract, with the clothing and facial features suggested rather than realistically depicted. The background is blurred but shows a natural setting with trees and shrubs.
Flat, grassy landscape in the foreground. In the mid-ground, a line of tall, slender antenna towers stretches across the horizon under a cloudy sky. The overall impression is one of vastness and a somewhat muted, greyish palette. The sky dominates the upper two-thirds of the image.
White farmhouse at dusk or twilight. Charlie stands in the doorway, with a border collie at his feet. Farm equipment and animal enclosures are visible in the yard. The overall scene is tranquil and evokes a sense of rural life.

We spent most of the day driving, but felt great to return to Woodburn Farmhouse.