December 2024

31st

Always calming to watch Charlie feed the flock.

Charlie inside a barn, feeding a flock of sheep. The barn is dimly lit and appears to be a temporary structure, possibly a covered area for winter. Charlie is holding a bag of feed, and the sheep are gathered around him, eating hay. The overall mood is peaceful and rustic.

Borthwick water flooding.

Nighttime view from inside a vehicle driving down a long, straight dirt road. The road is bordered by a wire fence with wooden posts, and the surrounding area appears to be flooded or very wet, with vegetation visible along the roadside. The only light source is the vehicle's headlights, which illuminate the road ahead and create a sense of depth and isolation. The dark sky and lack of other artificial light contribute to a somewhat ominous or lonely atmosphere.

We had planned to spend Hogmanay at a local event, but social anxiety changed my mind.

30th

Allergic to my Apple Watch series 10; purchased to motivate me into exercise.

Close-up view of Leonie's forearm, resting on a dark brown wooden surface. There is a noticeable, slightly raised, reddish mark or rash in a roughly circular shape on the inner forearm. Part of a dark purple or burgundy sleeve is visible at the edge of the frame. A portion of a dark-coloured object, possibly a piece of electronics, is also visible in the bottom right corner. The overall impression is one of a possibly medical issue or skin irritation.

They'd written nickel content in the £400 watch as negligible; however, ho-hum.

29th

A visit to Leaderfoot Viaduct. A portion of the film Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny was filmed at the viaduct, although the scene was said to be located in Switzerland.

A long, red brick viaduct spanning a river. The viaduct has many arches and runs horizontally across most of the image. It's situated in a landscape of gently sloping grassland, with trees visible in the background, on a partly cloudy, dusk-like sky. The overall impression is one of serene, quiet grandeur.

These pictures are of low quality, the light was poor as the sun had already set some time ago.

Panoramic view of a large brick viaduct curving gently across the landscape. The viaduct is composed of numerous arches, and it spans a river. The time of day is twilight; the sky is a mix of blue and pinkish hues, indicating either dawn or dusk. Grassy hills and a line of trees are visible in the foreground and background, respectively. The overall impression is one of tranquil beauty and a sense of scale, highlighting the impressive engineering of the viaduct against the serene natural setting.

I get tired of looking at empty pictures; a distraught life eerily empty, we're a dispossession.

Low-angle view of a large stone viaduct against a twilight sky. The viaduct is composed of several tall, arched structures, and appears to be made of dark reddish-brown stone. The sky is a mix of blue and clouds, suggesting dusk. The foreground shows a gently sloping grassy hill. The overall impression is one of grandeur and a sense of scale, emphasising the height and length of the structure.
Standing on a gravel path, gazing upwards at a large brick viaduct against a twilight sky. The viaduct's imposing structure dominates the frame, with its arches creating a strong visual element. The soft, pastel colours of the sky at dusk add a serene and contemplative mood to the scene. A smaller bridge is visible in the distance across a river. The overall impression is one of scale, solitude, and the beauty of a natural and man-made landscape merging.
Low-angle view of a long, red-brick viaduct against a twilight sky. The viaduct consists of multiple tall, arched structures, and extends into the distance. A body of water and some trees are visible in the background. The overall impression is one of age, grandeur, and perhaps a sense of quiet solitude.

Charlie was interested, perhaps in awe, over the eighteenth century engineering fête.

Low-angle view of a large brick viaduct stretching across the frame under a twilight sky. A single person stands on a path leading away from the viaduct, providing a sense of scale. In the distance, a smaller bridge is visible over a body of water. The overall mood is serene and somewhat melancholic, with the soft colors of the twilight sky contrasting with the imposing structure of the viaduct.

There is a Roman fort nearby, named the trimontium, however the access gate was being locked as we arrived. Earlier we had observed sundown at Walter Scotts viewpoint.

27th

Ancrums Christmas Tree.

Christmas tree adorned with white fairy lights, standing in a grassy area at night. The tree is the central focus, illuminated against a dark blue night sky. In the background, there are dimly lit buildings and trees, suggesting a quiet, possibly residential setting. The overall mood is peaceful and festive.

O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
wie treu sind deine Blätter!
Du grünst nicht nur zur Sommerzeit,
Nein auch im Winter,
wenn es schneit.
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
wie treu sind deine Blätter!

Best one in the Borders.

26th

We approached Lindisfarne at 2pm, about an hour after the tide had receded from the road in. Charlie stopped enabling me to photograph our approach, however I was we had not, as I attained a tick bite amongst the long grasses.

Dark-coloured pickup truck parked on a roadside next to two large concrete blocks shaped like oversized Lego bricks. The truck's doors are open, and a person can be partially seen inside.

We only had two hours of daylight left.

Wide, flat expanse of marshland under a vast, mostly clear, blue sky filled with thin, wispy clouds. The foreground consists of brown, dry grasses, punctuated by small, shallow pools of water reflecting the sky. The background reveals a similar flat landscape extending to the horizon. The overall impression is one of stillness and wide-open space, typical of coastal marshland.
Panoramic view of a flat, marshy landscape under a vast, partly cloudy sky. The foreground shows dry, brown grasses and patches of mud, with a small, meandering stream or ditch cutting through the marshland. In the distance, the land appears relatively flat, extending to the horizon. The sky is a dominant feature, filled with a mix of fluffy white clouds and patches of clear blue, suggesting a day with changeable weather conditions. There are a few scattered trees visible in the distance on the right side of the image, and some man-made structures or markers are barely visible in the far distance on the far left. The overall feel is one of openness and serenity, perhaps conveying a sense of tranquillity or the quiet beauty of a natural, somewhat desolate landscape.
Tranquil coastal scene at either dawn or dusk. The expansive sky dominates, filled with a dramatic array of clouds – a mix of fluffy cumulus and darker, heavier formations. These clouds reflect beautifully in the shallow, tide-pool-like water covering a wide expanse of dark sand on a receding beach. A single, small, dark structure stands alone in the far distance near the waterline, adding a sense of solitude to the scene. The overall mood is serene and somewhat melancholic, emphasised by the soft light of the approaching or setting sun.

Halfway to the Isle we stopped again to take a picture, other cars immediately parked next to our truck, out jumped Italians taking dozens of pictures before we exited our truck! The £6 tariff infuriated me; to the point where I much preferred a confrontation than paying for a display ticket. If you visit, do check the tidal times first!

Serene sunset over a calm body of water. A small, solitary building or shed is situated on a grassy hill overlooking the water. The sky is a dramatic blend of blues, oranges, and purples, with a multitude of clouds creating a textured canvas above. The overall mood is peaceful and tranquil, with a sense of quiet solitude. The scene suggests a remote, possibly coastal location.
Serene sunset over a calm body of water, likely a bay or estuary. The sky is a breathtaking canvas of vibrant colours, with a mix of golden hues near the horizon, and cooler blues and greys higher up. The clouds are scattered, allowing the sun to shine through, casting a warm golden light on the water's surface and creating a reflection of the sunset. The foreground shows a pebbled beach, with small dark patches suggesting seaweed or rocks left by the receding tide. The overall mood is peaceful and tranquil, evoking a sense of calm and the beauty of nature.

After purchasing a bottle of mead, we walked to the estuary where a sunset fell upon our faces, previously visiting we walked east, this evening we walked west.

Charlie standing on a beach at sunset. He's wearing a tan blazer and khaki pants, and his pose suggests a contemplative or reflective mood. The setting sun casts a warm golden light across the wet sand, which shows ripple patterns left by the receding tide. The sky is a vibrant blend of blues, oranges, and clouds. The overall impression is one of serenity and perhaps introspection.
Stunning sunset over a calm body of water, likely a bay or estuary. The setting sun is reflected perfectly in the still water, creating a mirror-like effect that duplicates the vibrant, cloud-filled sky. The clouds themselves are a mixture of bright oranges and yellows near the horizon, transitioning to blues and purples higher up, offering a beautiful contrast. A small landmass is visible in the distance, darkening against the bright sky. The overall mood is serene and peaceful, highlighting the beauty of nature's reflective power.
Panoramic view of a beach at sunset. The sun is setting over calm water, creating a reflection of the sky and clouds in the wet sand. A rocky outcrop is visible on the left, and some buildings or structures are seen on the right in the distance. The sky is a mix of blue and orange hues, with scattered clouds adding texture and depth. The overall mood is serene and peaceful.
Serene sunset over a calm body of water. The sky is filled with a vibrant display of colours, ranging from warm oranges and yellows near the horizon to cooler blues and purples higher up. The clouds are scattered, creating a textured effect. The setting sun is visible on the horizon, its reflection mirrored perfectly in the still water. The water's surface is relatively calm, with patches of seaweed or other organic matter visible. The overall impression is one of peacefulness and natural beauty.
Stunning sunset over a calm body of water. The sky is ablaze with vibrant colours of orange, pink, and purple, reflected beautifully in the still water. The foreground consists of a dark, rocky shoreline. The overall mood is serene and peaceful.

We also caught the sun-setting over the abbey.

Silhouette of the ruins of an Abbey at sunset. The setting sun casts a warm orange glow on the sky behind the dark stone walls and towers of the abbey, creating a dramatic contrast. The image focuses on a prominent section of the ruins, with the rest of the structure visible in the background. The foreground is simple, a grassy field stretching towards the viewer.

We enjoyed a beer at the Anchor and Crown before taking one last photograph as we departed from the Isle.

Twilight seascape. The sky shows the transition from day to night, with subtle hues of orange and pink near the horizon, gradually darkening into deep blues and purples higher up. A single, faint star is visible. The land and water are largely silhouetted against the sky, with only the faintest reflection of the sunset colours on the water visible. The overall mood is serene and peaceful, suggestive of the quiet beauty of the post-sunset hour.

This is truly an awesome place to visit.

25th

We had a quiet Christmas, just me and Charlie.

Dark-coloured, ornate chandelier with five candle holders, each containing a lit candle. The chandelier is suspended from the ceiling and hangs in front of a white staircase. The overall lighting is dim, creating a somewhat moody atmosphere.
Dark room with a black metal candle chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Seven small glass candle holders are attached to the chandelier, each containing a lit tea light candle. The warm glow of the candles provides the only significant light source in the otherwise dark environment. The overall mood is dark, intimate, and somewhat mysterious.
Roasted turkey on a dark metal roasting pan. The turkey is golden brown and glistening with juices. In the background, a separate dish contains roasted parsnips. The setting appears to be a kitchen counter-top with a yellow wall visible.
Close-up of a Charlie with glasses wearing a red paper Christmas crown. He is smiling broadly, showing his teeth, and his hair is slightly dishevelled. The background is a yellow wall with a kitchen cabinet and some kitchen utensils visible. The overall impression is one of festive cheer and informality.

Charlie lost the pull of all the crackers, how is that possible.

17th

Pies purchased in shops are suspect, so I hand make my own pies.

Rectangular baking dish filled with a savoury pie or similar baked dish. The dish is covered with a layer of uncooked pastry dough, lightly dusted with flour. In the background, there are cans of peas, carrots, and other food items, suggesting the preparation of a meal. A rolling pin is partially visible in the upper right corner. The overall impression is one of food preparation in a domestic kitchen setting.

I usually decorate them with pastry cutout tractors puffing smoke clouds.

16th

The most unfriendly town I've resided in, 18 months of near complete ignorance.

Modern, cable-stayed pedestrian bridge. In the foreground is a portion of the bridge's deck, featuring distinctive metallic railings and supporting structures. A bronze statue of a seated figure, possibly a historical figure or artist, is prominently placed on a stone pedestal near the bridge. In the background, a city scape is visible, suggesting an urban location. The sky is a muted blue-grey, indicating either dawn or dusk. The overall mood is calm and somewhat contemplative.
Statue of a mounted figure holding a flag atop a stone pedestal in a town square. The statue is dark-coloured bronze or similar material, and the flag is black. The square is wet, suggesting recent rain. Buildings typical of a small British town line the street behind the statue. The overall atmosphere is sombre and somewhat melancholic due to the dark colours, the overcast sky, and the wet paving stones. The inscription on the pedestal is partially visible.
Leonie wearing a brown knit hat and a plaid scarf standing in front of a large, historic-looking building. The building is made of stone and has several stories, arched entrances, and towers. The woman appears to be taking a picture of herself and the building. The overall mood is casual and observational.

Entered into John Lamont's office to enquire about the Acrum bridge that has been damaged by an increase in road traffic; the bridge wasn't built for today's transport.

15th

At dusk we arrived at Talla.

Dark-coloured pickup truck parked on a grassy area beside a long, low wall. The driver's side door is open, revealing the interior of the vehicle. The sky is a dusky blue, suggesting it is either early morning or late evening. A partially visible informational sign or map is lying on the ground near the truck. The overall mood is quiet and somewhat desolate.
Dark-coloured pickup parked on a narrow paved road, which appears to be a small, secluded parking area. The road is bordered on either side by grassy areas with a low fence. Behind the car, there's a line of dark green trees on a hillside. The sky is a pale, overcast gray. The overall mood is quiet and somewhat desolate, suggesting a remote location, possibly in a rural or mountainous area. The time of day appears to be either early morning or late evening/dusk.
Charlie walking down a paved road towards a body of water nestled between low hills. The time appears to be either dawn or dusk, judging by the subdued lighting. The road is flanked by grassy verges and a line of trees on one side, suggesting a remote or rural location. The overall mood is contemplative and somewhat melancholic.
Tranquil, yet somewhat sombre, scene at a reservoir. The water is a dark blue-grey, and small waves lap against a rocky shoreline in the foreground. In the distance, low hills rise on either side of the reservoir, creating a somewhat enclosed feeling. The sky is a muted, light blue, suggesting either dawn or dusk, contributing to an overall feeling of quietude and perhaps a hint of melancholy. A small structure is visible in the middle of the water. The overall colour palette is restrained and cool-toned.
Serene yet somewhat sombre landscape. A long, narrow lake or reservoir is nestled between two steep, dark green-brown mountains. The sky is a muted, cloudy blue, adding to the overall quiet and somewhat moody atmosphere. A single, dark evergreen tree stands out near a small structure at the base of one of the mountains, providing a tiny speck of contrast against the large scale of the landscape. A road winds around the mountainside in the foreground. The overall impression is one of isolation and the raw beauty of a remote landscape.

Earlier we visted Gray mares tail waterfall.

Tranquil landscape featuring a small stream meandering through a rocky valley. Two hillsides, one on either side of the stream, are covered in a mix of green grass and reddish-brown vegetation, possibly heather or bracken. A small, simple wooden footbridge spans the stream further up the valley. The overall tone is muted and peaceful, suggesting a remote, possibly mountainous, location. The sky is overcast, contributing to the calm atmosphere.
Mountain stream flowing through a rocky valley. The valley walls are steep, with patches of reddish-brown vegetation contrasting against the predominantly green and grey landscape. A small waterfall is visible high up on the valley wall.
Narrow, rocky ravine with a stream flowing through it. The ravine walls are steep and covered with sparse vegetation, including patches of reddish-brown bracken. The stream is relatively shallow and its water appears somewhat turbulent. The overall color palette is muted, dominated by browns, greens, and grays, reflecting a natural, possibly mountainous, landscape. The sky is visible in the upper part of the image, largely overcast.
Narrow, rocky valley with a stream running through it. The valley walls are steep and covered in sparse vegetation, mostly grasses and some moss. A small, bare tree clings to the side of one of the hills. The overall tone is muted, suggesting a cloudy or overcast day. The foreground is dominated by large rocks near the stream. A faint path is visible along the valley floor.

St Mary's Loch.

Tranquil lake scene under a cloudy sky. Small waves lap at a rocky shoreline covered with dried, brown grasses. In the background, rolling hills rise gently, their slopes appearing sparsely vegetated. The overall mood is serene yet slightly sombre due to the overcast conditions.
Panoramic view of a loch (lake) in Scotland. The water is relatively calm, with small waves lapping the shore. The banks of the loch are sparsely vegetated with scrub and grasses, typical of a temperate climate. In the background, hills rise gently, covered with what appears to be moorland vegetation. The sky is cloudy, but with some patches of blue visible. The overall impression is one of a peaceful and slightly melancholic, yet beautiful, natural landscape.

Tis a very beautiful place, if I was not here but there.

14th

Santa came to pass by my house today, looks like a Rotary club to do.

I believe this is something to do witht the Water Rescue Fire bridge.

8th

One gimmer and whether escaped their appointment with the slaughterhouse and rejoined the flock. The lambs were in holding, but their appointment never came, so we returned them to Woodburn, bewildered, they seemed happy to be reunited with the herd.

Charlie in a high-visibility jacket and wellies loading a black sheep into the back of his dark-coloured pickup truck on a muddy farm track. Another sheep is visible in the foreground. The background shows a rural landscape with fields and a tractor. The overall impression is one of everyday farm work.

After Charlie ushered them into an enclosure, I opened the gate, he carried the two lambs into the pickup one by one.

Our three tups were also reintroduced to the herd, we waited an extra two weeks so as to avoid cuckoo lambs.

Three sheep, two of which are light beige with darker markings, and one is a lighter, almost white colour. They are in a wooden enclosure with a partially visible blue hose and some hay. The sheep appear to be moving, slightly blurred, suggesting they may be active or restless. The overall setting appears to be a farm or rural environment.

Sam the sheep dog was frustrated, as an emotional manipulator he wants to be part of EVERYTHING.

Enough of the animal hoo haw, in ye go!

Group of sheep penned inside a wooden and tarp-covered structure. The sheep are various shades of brown and off-white, with some appearing to have longer, woollier coats than others. The pen is rustic, showing signs of age and wear. Hay is visible on the ground of the enclosure. A portion of Charlie wearing a high-visibility jacket is visible in the upper right corner.

I don't record as much of my life as I used to, because the same things roll over and over into different permutation.