February 2024

29th

A bright sunny morning, spring is almost here. We took a walk through a woodland, overlooking Bow hill house. There were two people there with a dog, we didn't think anything of it, until five minutes after leaving, a blue light ambulance shot up the road rushing in the direction where we had come from.

27th

We took four ewe lambs to Longtown this morning; we bought all the lambs and one mother ewe down from the paddock then penned them unto the trailer ramp.

Group of sheep, eight to ten, wedged into a rustic wooden livestock trailer and a connected wooden pen. The sheep are a mix of light creamy-white and darker gray/brown fleece. Some sheep have small, brightly colored tags in their ears. They appear mostly calm, though slightly huddled together in the confines of their temporary enclosure. They are various breeds, perhaps a mix of breeds common for sheep farming.

Charlie could not tell the difference between two black ewe lambs, a cade lamb and one lamb of triplets, I recognised the cade lamb instantly and pulled her out from the pen.

Vibrant red mug, approximately two-thirds full of a light brown liquid, which appears to be coffee or tea. The liquid shows a subtle, almost translucent quality, with a cluster of small, glistening bubbles gathered near the center, indicating recent pouring or stirring. The mug's handle, a bold and shiny red, curves gracefully to the right, inviting the viewer's eye to follow its form. The mug sits on a dark, mottled surface, suggesting a counter top or table.

The morning was wet,cold and windy, we drank cups of coffee before making the journey to Longtown via Langholm.

Dark, rusty-black metal panel, heavily textured with scratches and paint flaking. The number 246 is prominently painted in a thick, slightly uneven, white font across the top. Attached to the panel is a weathered, metallic clipboard with a yellowing, tan slip of paper. The paper displays handwritten information: WOODBURN FARMHOUSE under the farm name line, and 4 under NO. OF SHEEP. Below this are typed instructions concerning handing in the slip at the grading box or rostrum, specifying different sheep types. The panel itself appears to be part of a livestock pen, suggested by the red metal bars and the blurred background.

After dropping off the lambs, we enjoyed a full breakfast before visiting the pens, there were few sheep here today; one or two had been bought here sick.

Returning to the farmhouse we took the top off the trainer and washed out the inside then loaded two containers to sell at auction.

Weathered, blue metal trailer, showing signs of rust and wear, dominates the foreground. Its tailgate is partially raised, revealing its interior. The trailer bed is dirty and shows evidence of mud and water stains. Two large, rectangular concrete blocks sit in the trailer bed. The larger one is light grayish-tan, showing considerable staining and weathering, almost moss-like in texture in places. A small, dark metallic fitting is visible on its top. The smaller block appears to be a worn, terracotta-coloured trough or basin, partially covered by a translucent plastic sheet.

Charlie drove to Denholm to pick up a bail of haylage for the mother ewes, it's been almost four days since they last lambed.

25th

Today Charlie took me south for a drive in Craik Forest.

Small, cascading waterfall tumbling down a dark, moss-covered rock face. The water flows in multiple thin streams from a small pool at the top, gathering as it descends. The flow is not forceful; it's a gentle cascade, with the water creating a frothy texture as it splashes over the irregular rock formations. The waterfall is nestled within a natural rock formation. The rocks are predominantly dark grey to black, wet, and slick-looking, with patches of dark green moss growing in crevices and on lower portions. The background includes bare, brown-grey branches of shrubs or small trees, partially obscuring the upper reaches of the waterfall. A hint of brighter, yellowish-green vegetation is visible in the upper right corner, suggesting a wider landscape beyond the immediate waterfall. The lighting is soft and diffuse, likely overcast daylight, lacking harsh shadows.
Small, swiftly flowing stream, its water a dark, almost black, hue, punctuated by frothy white where it tumbles over rocks. The stream flows directly towards the viewer, then under a low, moss-covered stone arch bridge that spans the stream in the mid-ground. The bridge is made of dark grey stone blocks, appearing aged and weathered. The banks of the stream are densely packed with vegetation; a mix of deep green moss, patches of brown decaying leaves and fallen twigs, and a few hardy ferns clinging to the damp earth. The bank on the left is steeper, forming a slight embankment.
Small, meandering stream that flows from the upper-middle ground towards the lower-right corner. The stream is dark, almost black in some areas, reflecting the muted light of the day. It's channeled through a low-lying, grassy area, eventually meeting a more substantial waterway in the middle ground. A section of old, weathered grey concrete, possibly a spillway or bridge remnant, is partially visible in the bottom right, directly intersecting the smaller stream's path. The banks are covered with a mix of short, dried grasses and patches of low-lying dark-brown/purple heather. A bush with pale yellow-green buds (possibly a willow or similar species) stands prominently on the left bank of the smaller stream. In the background, a dense coniferous forest stretches across the upper half of the image, a dark green punctuated by the lighter trunks of the trees. A low stone wall snakes its way across the top-middle, separating the forested area from the open grassy land.
Pair of delicate, pendulous catkins, hanging from a slender branch. These catkins are creamy-pale yellow, composed of numerous tiny, densely packed florets. They hang in a graceful, slightly curved manner, almost like elegant, floral earrings. One catkin slightly overlaps the other, creating a layered effect. A tiny, almost imperceptible crimson bud or flower is visible on the branch just above the catkins, adding a subtle pop of colour contrast.

On the way we stopped at a hidden waterfall.

Meandering stream, its dark, almost black water reflecting the muted sunlight and the surrounding vegetation. The stream occupies the lower two-thirds of the image, flowing from the middle ground towards the lower left corner. Its surface is subtly textured with ripples and reflections, showing depth and movement. A line of tall, dark evergreen trees (likely spruce or fir) forms a dense, vertical wall along the left and middle background, creating a strong contrast against the lighter sky. The grassy banks of the stream, a mix of dried, brown grasses and patches of vibrant green, slope gently towards the water. Fallen branches and undergrowth are visible near the stream's edge, indicating a natural, untamed environment.

Being in noisy and around busy environments makes my mind sick with dissociation.

Gently meandering stream, its dark, reflective water flowing calmly through a landscape. The stream is flanked by banks of dried, tan-brown grasses that seem to be transitioning into early spring. On either side of the stream, tall, dark evergreen trees stand in dense formations. These trees form a natural frame around the central stream, creating a sense of enclosure. No people or animals are visible. The scene is a tranquil woodland or forest area, possibly in a mountainous or hilly region. The background reveals a softly rolling, pale green hillside beyond the trees, suggesting open pasture or farmland. The sky is a brilliant, clear blue with patches of fluffy white clouds, indicating a sunny day. The lighting is natural, with sunlight illuminating the scene from a relatively high angle, casting soft shadows and highlighting the textures of the grass and the reflective quality of the water.

Returning to the farmhouse we enjoyed Chicken soup I cooked this morning; Charlie is dismayed that we've had no new lambs from the flock for almost three days.

24th

Peering from the bedroom window I watched the lambs play, additionally noticing Charlie turning his attentions to the farmhouse's kitchen garden.

Small, rectangular garden plot nestled against a larger structure. The plot is roughly defined by a low chicken wire fence. Within this plot, young, verdant plants, possibly radishes or a similar leafy green, are clustered in irregular rows across dark, damp soil. The soil is uneven in texture, showing patches of bare earth alongside areas covered in small, sprouting weeds. A small, light-blue pail or bucket sits discarded near the back right corner, partially obscured by grass. Dead or decaying plant matter is strewn throughout the garden bed, indicating previous plantings or winter die-off. The background dominates with a large, black plastic-covered structure, possibly a polytunnel or high tunnel, curving gently from left to right across the upper third of the frame. The plastic's sheen reflects some light, and its wrinkles suggest a flexible, possibly temporary, covering. The overall lighting suggests an overcast day, with a diffused, soft light casting few harsh shadows.
Vibrant, red plastic bucket, slightly worn and showing signs of previous use, with noticeable scratches and discolouration on its surface. The bucket is positioned at a slight angle, not perfectly parallel to the viewer's perspective. Inside, nestled amongst remnants of soil and plant matter, sits a small harvest of freshly dug potatoes. These potatoes are predominantly dark brown, with variations in shading and some showing lighter patches. Several small, leafy green plant stems and root structures cling to the potatoes. The composition suggests they were recently unearthed. A pair of muddy, dark brown or black rubber boots are partially visible in the background, their upper portions obscured by the edge of the frame, indicating a person recently engaged in harvesting the potatoes. The boots, caked with mud, enhance the overall impression of fieldwork.
Pair of weathered, dirt-stained hands belonging to a person wearing dark grey/black work overalls or coveralls. The hands are prominently positioned in the foreground, gripping a large, freshly harvested root vegetable, possibly a turnip or rutabaga. The root is earthy brown with long, dark roots extending from its base. Attached to the root is a cluster of broad, slightly wilted green leaves. The hands appear to be using a small knife, partially visible, to cut the root from its foliage. The person's lower legs and boots are also partially visible, indicating a person likely working outdoors in a garden.

He is harvesting Potato, Swedes and Parsnips; the later two are very small as we planted late in the season; potatoes grew well, considering they sprang from left over potatoes, purchased from Hawick's supermarkets.

Lambs are outside playing!

Narrow, asphalt road, dark gray in color, winding gently uphill from the viewer's perspective towards a distant, rolling green hillside. The road appears slightly wet, reflecting the overcast light. White dashed lines mark the centre of the road. At the bottom of the image, the road intersects with another, creating a T-junction. Small groups of sheep, rendered as light-beige or off-white against the darker green of the field, are scattered across the fields on either side of the road in the middle ground. They appear peaceful and unconcerned. Several bare, leafless trees dominate the foreground and middle ground; their dark, gnarled branches reach skyward, their silhouettes stark against the cloudy sky. These trees vary in height and thickness, exhibiting a range of textures and forms. A small stone structure or possibly a wall is partially visible just off the road to the left. Fences made of rustic, dark brown wood are visible in the mid-right and to a lesser extent at the road's intersections. Small, dark green shrubs and bushes line the edges of the roads. A few small, almost indiscernible signs are visible at the junction of the roads.

Today Charlie drove into Hawick to the recyling center to scrap a pair of green Chesterfield chairs. Returning from Hawick several of Jocks sheep had escaped near Roberton.

23rd

Not doing much today other than tidying up the code and grammar on this here website; the open fire is stoked with logs, I write with code and write driven burning, hellfire aspirations. We've had another two lambs this afternoon, mother ewe struggle with labour pains, gave birth, two lambs birthed between six minutes. She's penned and have given her fresh water and haylage, if she is still with the preoccupation of eating the lambs with getting a better chance of suckling essential colostrum.

The other two twins are having trouble getting enough milk, so last night we supplemented their mothers milk with bottled milk. Both lambs were very hungry, the first devouring three quarters of a bottle, the second finished what remained; Charlie believes mother ewe is not a good mother as she is a ewe lamb (just over one year old) and these are her first lambs. I am also supplementing the grass on the paddock with a bin of haylage daily, the grass is still very short, a hard forage for them.

22nd

This is the first day prolific toothache has subsided, for months. The weather is sunny overcast, I am planning on taking some wildlife pictures from the garden.

Close-up portrait of a young, white sheep. Its fleece is thick, long, and slightly unkempt, with a texture that appears soft yet somewhat coarse, showing individual strands of wool. The wool is predominantly off-white with hints of light beige or greyish tones, particularly around the edges. The sheep's ears are large, pinkish-toned, and slightly translucent at the edges. Its eyes are dark brown, and its gaze is directly at the viewer, creating a sense of connection. The sheep's nose is a soft pink, and it has a small amount of green grass clinging to its mouth, suggesting it has recently been grazing. The sheep's face is notably soft and rounded. The background is a softly blurred, out-of-focus expanse of bright green pasture land, implying a sunny outdoor setting. The lighting is soft and diffused, likely indicating natural daylight conditions. No harsh shadows are visible on the sheep, suggesting an even light source. The overall colour palette is gentle, with the bright green of the background contrasting subtly with the warm white and pale pink tones of the sheep.

Ewe lambs are easy to photograph.

Common Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs), perched on a slender, leafless branch. The bird is positioned slightly off-centre, facing the viewer with a slightly inquisitive tilt of its head. Its plumage is delicately rendered, showing a soft, warm beige on its breast, fading to a slightly grayish-brown on its back. A crisp white wing bar is clearly visible, along with subtle olive-green and yellowish tones in its wings and tail. The bird appears calm and still, not in active movement.

Whilst the Jackdaws are photogenic, they scare away the smaller birds, lucky to get this a picture of the little sparrow.

21st

When I state wet and windy, that is how most days are here. The fine rain drops, blow horizontal, South west to North East appearing from the Craik travelling through to Roberton. Freezing mist also forms over the fast running Borthwick river; the coldest place situated within the valley is, ironically, the graveyard. Borthwick water sees some tourism through the summer, families camp beside by the water between April and June, usually before blood sucking midges arrive. Many of these people swim in the Borthwick, but not me, I know septic tanks discharge into the Borthwick, down the glen, along almost every burn in the Valley. Beyond the valley Alemoor, toward Ettrick, becomes litter strewn from tourism, but also I suspect neds from local towns. Also there is a holiday park with amenities, it's up the road from a naff pub, serves beer that'll make ye wretch, doubt they clean their tap lines often.

Two bright red plastic tubs positioned side-by-side on a dark reddish-brown floor. The tub on the left contains a pile of split firewood. The wood pieces vary in size and shade; some are light beige-brown, others are darker, showing varying degrees of dryness and weathering. The wood is haphazardly stacked, giving a sense of casual storage. The tub on the right is filled with a large quantity of dark brown, almost black, irregularly shaped pellets or clumps. They appear moist and earthy, possibly compost or peat. Next to the red tubs, partially obscured by the shadows and slightly out of focus, is a black metal bucket containing smooth, dark grey or black, roughly spherical objects—possibly stones or coal. Part of what looks like a metal grate or firebox is visible in the lower right corner, strewn with dark grey ash or dust.

Charlie pushed me into telephoning for an emergency dentist appointment; I received two callbacks before an appointment was booked for 3:45pm. The dentist diagnosed me with severe periodontitis, then spent twenty minutes scraping my teeth with an electric drill; she also stated the need for a filling. It's been three hours since my treatment, and I'm beginning to feel better; although it's going to take a while for this raging infection to leave my face alone, no antibiotics. Tonight I had some time out from cooking, opening and heating two tins of canned soup. Charlie enjoyed Cross and Blackwell Stilton and Broccoli, whilst I spooned Baxter's Cream of Chicken; I dislike Stilton and Broccoli; remember doing a lengthy hike to a remote bothy then opening a tin, truly disappointed with build up of anticipation! Anyhow, we both enjoyed the soup, simple things can be better than complexity.

20th

Wet and windy day in Borthwick valley, Charlie has gone to the poly tunnel to feed the mother ewes haylage as one mother ewe is attempting to climb their pens! Yesterday I received by post a iMac 2011 desktop computer, paid just £50, that I had purchased on eBay just under a week ago. It's crazy Apple no longer supports these computers [they brag about not using toxic materials, yet quit OS support of legacy machines after a mere five years], as they work great with Debian Linux; the only problem I encountered was the graphics card (brightness control not working) which was fixed by an OS upgrade to Debian 13. After using a micro tower Dell 3020 for over a year, this iMac fan wrr seems baseline noisy as the tinnitus I suffer.

Computer screen displaying a blog post titled Blog: February 24. The post details the author's experiences on a farm, including the birth of twin lambs and various technological misadventures. A photograph embedded in the blog post shows a ewe in a lambing pen, surrounded by straw, with a single lamb visible. The ewe appears calm. The play button on the embedded video is clearly visible in the bottom centre of the video. The computer itself is a sleek, silver iMac, positioned centrally in the frame. The ambient light reflects softly on its surface. The scene is set at night in a dimly lit room. The overall colour palette is muted and warm. The background is blurry, suggestive of a home or office environment. The computer screen's light dominates the visible area, creating a strong contrast between the bright display and the darker surroundings. The room is subtly visible around the edges of the iMac. A dark wooden desk or table partially supports the base of the computer.

There were some other minor issues, after upgrade to Debian 13 GDM failed to start Gnome desktop after reboot, this was fixed by reinstalling GDM3 via command line. I also encountered website access problems because Yosemite OS safari browser blocked the Debian website as unsafe; despite time and date being correct on this iMac. The workaround was to visit Debian 11 CDROM folder access to download non-free firmware [3.9GB DVD ISO] install; I also did not have an Apple Keyboard, but Alt key accessed boot menu during the intimal white start up screen [iMacs don't have BIOS]. Burning the ISO image onto a [M$-DS ] formatted pen drive [using disk-utilities] was accomplished by DD command.

Collection of aged, red and rusty farm implements are piled together near the bottom left. This includes what looks like parts of a plough or cultivator, along with wooden pallets and other metal debris. One distinct piece is a reddish-brown piece of equipment with wheels, possibly a seeder or tiller. A large, dark-blue, industrial-grade sack, possibly filled with feed or fertiliser, rests on the ground near the centre. Its surface is somewhat crumpled.

Over the years I've shunned "all in one" computers, because if the monitor packs in, you lose the computer when taking the machine for repair. However, the ergonomics of the iMac are pleasing, the machine is solid, and metallic finish smooth. Apple have made effort to remove wires and also conceal the power lead cable behind the screen. A keyboard can also slide into the stand, opening access to a desk when not in use; I dislike the style of Apple OS, I find the graphical Windows system rudimentary in design, having little if any nostalgia to me, I'm no a legacy user; so wouldn't impress design authenticity from Apple's development. Installing Windows from Boot Camp as replacement for Apple (UNIX BS) OS is cop out naff.

Weathered, blue metal trailer loaded with two large, rectangular bales of dry, light brown hay. The trailer shows signs of wear and tear, with rust spots and peeling paint. Its single wheel is thick and dark, partially obscured by the trailer's fender. The hay bales appear dry and somewhat loosely packed, with individual strands visible. Behind the trailer, partially obstructing the view, is a dark gray Land Rover-type SUV. The SUV's rear is facing the viewer. A person, wearing dark blue overalls, is partly visible, seemingly just finished unloading the hay from the SUV into the trailer. Their actions suggest they've been working, their posture slightly hunched over.

Last years cade ewe lamb; a long way from me desperately keeping her alive with every half hour bottle feeding, when she was almost dead with wet mouth.

Single, mature black sheep, standing on a grassy hillside. Its wool is a deep, dark brown-black, appearing thick, coarse, and somewhat unkempt, with visible variations in texture and shades, indicating a dense, possibly matted coat. The sheep's legs are dark, almost black, and sturdy, contrasting with the overall brownish hue of its fleece. Its head is slightly turned to its right, looking towards a background of trees. The sheep appears calm and still, seemingly grazing or simply resting. No other animals or people are visible.

A picture of todays moon, at 1200mm magnification through the lens of my Lumix FZ82 bridge camera.

Moon dominates the frame, occupying a significant portion of the image's area. It's positioned slightly off-center, leaning towards the left side. The moon appears luminous, with a soft, white light that is not harsh or overly bright. Its surface is textured with subtle craters and shadows, lending a three-dimensional quality to its appearance.

Upset over the farmhouse open fire being smothered with wet wood; whist I slept with ragging toothache, rancid infection has spread into my face.

19th

Mother ewe gave birth to twin lambs just after midnight, one was trapped in the bag, but Charlie came to the rescue. Mother ewe is wild about licking them, whilst making strange noises; I presume in satisfaction.

I've had to stay awake another hour, it's 1:30am; I'll wake up Charlie to go make sure both lambs have suckled, then I'll get some sleep. It was a long day yesterday, although I anticipate today to be longer. We awoke late, at 10am, 4 to 5am is the normal waking time for the farming community in the Borthwick valley and house lights go out early on in the evening.