July 2024

31st

Photographing birds from my living room window, coming and going about their business. There are so many birds in Ancrum, I cleaned my windows yesterday, especially for this.

House sparrow perched on asphalt. The sparrow is predominantly brown and gray, with visible markings on its wings and back. The focus is sharp, and the background is a blurred grey asphalt surface.
Small, fluffy brown bird, possibly a young house sparrow, perched on a dark grey metal ring or circular bar. The background is blurred but shows out-of-focus elements suggesting a garden setting with flowers and more wrought iron furniture. The bird is the clear focal point of the image.
House sparrow perched on a wooden post. The sparrow is facing to the right of the frame, its head slightly bowed. The background is blurred, showing a teal colored wall. The focus is sharply on the bird.
House Sparrow ( Passer domesticus) perched on a weathered wooden post. The sparrow appears to be holding a small insect in its beak. The background is blurred but shows a vibrant array of yellow-green foliage, likely a garden or similar setting. The overall impression is one of a candid nature shot, focusing on a common bird in its natural environment.
House sparrow perched on a dark grey metal railing. The bird is in sharp focus against a blurred, out-of-focus background of greenery and muted colors, suggesting an outdoor setting. The sparrow's plumage is clearly visible, showcasing its brown, white, and black markings. The overall impression is one of a candid moment captured in a natural setting.
House sparrow perched on a weathered wooden post. The sparrow appears to be holding a small insect or piece of food in its beak. The background is a blurred, neutral gray. The focus is sharply on the bird.
House sparrow perched on a weathered wooden post. The background is blurred, showcasing a vibrant array of yellow-green foliage. The sparrow is the focal point, sharply in focus against the softer background. The bird appears alert and is positioned slightly angled to the left of the frame.
House sparrow perched on a stone surface. The bird is in profile view, facing to the right of the frame, and appears to be holding a small insect or fly in its beak. The background is blurred, but shows a bright green leafy environment.
European starling perched on a wooden fence. The starling is positioned slightly in profile, facing to the right of the frame. Its iridescent feathers display a mix of dark greens, blues, and purples. The background is soft-focused, showing lush green grass and some purple flowers (likely snapdragons) near the bird. A small green bush is partially visible behind and to the left of the starling. The overall setting appears to be a garden.

These birds are easy to photograph from behind a clean window.

28th

I'm relaxing at the farmhouse; after yesterdays mayhem, I need quiet day without worry.

Rusty metal drum, seemingly repurposed as a makeshift smoker or fire pit. Smoke is emanating from the drum's opening, which is filled with smouldering material. The drum is situated in a garden setting, near a black plastic covering (possibly a greenhouse or garden structure) and some gardening tools or equipment. The overall scene suggests a rustic, possibly rural or agricultural, environment.

In the farmhouse kitchen garden our Beetroot and Onions are growing nicely.

Close-up view of several vibrant, healthy chard plants growing in a garden bed. The plants are lush green with prominent red stalks, and they are thriving in the sunlight. A section of chicken wire fencing is visible in the background, suggesting a protected garden area. The soil appears dark and fertile.
Vegetable garden plot. In the foreground are several bunches of scallions growing in dark soil. Behind them, to the right, are chard plants. In the background, there's a wire mesh fence, a section of gardening plastic sheeting, and some blue irrigation pipes. The overall impression is one of a sunny day in a productive home garden.

Thankfully there is not much weeding to do here this weekend. Excited to discover our beans have reached the top of the canes props.

Vegetable garden plot. In the foreground is a section dedicated to climbing beans, supported by a tepee-like structure made of wooden poles. Surrounding the beans are other green, leafy plants; some appear to be additional bean plants, while others might be other vegetables. A stone wall is visible in the background, along with a temporary structure (possibly a tarp or shelter) and some more vegetation. The overall impression is a sun-drenched, thriving garden.
Close-up view of a wigwam-style plant support structure made of bamboo poles tied together with orange rope. A climbing plant, possibly beans, is growing up the poles. The background features a rural landscape with a stone wall, fields, and a distant farmhouse under a bright, sunny sky. The overall impression is one of a thriving garden in a picturesque countryside setting.

Potatoes have sprung up wonderfully, and the area we left to seed is more or less harvested. I have planned to have a spinach and herb raised garden in the area.

Rural garden scene on a sunny day. A significant portion of the foreground is dominated by a lush potato patch, in bloom. Beyond the potatoes, there's a mix of other vegetation, including weeds, and a black plastic-covered structure, possibly a poly-tunnel or temporary shelter for crops. A wire mesh fence encloses part of the garden, and a stone wall forms a boundary further back. The background features rolling green hills under a partly cloudy sky. The overall impression is one of a small, possibly subsistence, farm or garden.

Tractor problems have stalled mucking out the ploy tunnel.

Interior of a simple, temporary animal shelter. It's a covered structure, likely made of wood and plastic sheeting, with a floor covered in straw or hay. An old, rusty piece of farm equipment, possibly a hay rake or similar, sits inside near the front. The overall impression is one of rustic functionality and temporary use for agricultural purposes.

Thought I'd take some pictures of our farmhouse front garden.

Cluster of pink geranium flowers blooming amongst lush green foliage. The flowers are the focal point, exhibiting various stages of bloom, with some fully open and others still budding. The overall impression is one of natural beauty and vibrancy.
Long, vibrant purple Buddleja davidii (butterfly bush) flowering profusely. The bush is sprawling along the ground, partially obscuring other greenery, including smaller plants and grass. The overall setting appears to be a garden or naturalised area with a mix of different plants. The light suggests it's daytime, likely sunny.

Charlie has found newts in our garden pond, second year running.

Small, dark-coloured aquatic animal, possibly a newt larva or tadpole, swimming in murky green water. The water is contained in a dark-colored, flexible liner, possibly a pond liner. The water appears somewhat algae-laden. A reflection is visible on the surface of the water.

I'm enjoying sharing my interests via teaching Charlie how to use my bridge camera. This is one of his first photographs, I think he has an eye for photography.

27th

We've had a series of bad luck today, first our sheep absconded, afterwards we found the tractor flat, then the tractor broke down, and finally an accident with our truck towing the tractor. The morning began with me strimming the paddock of dock leafs; the tractor topper is still not working. Charlie loaded the truck with junk to take to Hawick refuse tip. Returning to Woodburn we found the tractor tire flat.

As usual I followed Charlie in the truck until we had left Woodburn, I parked and waited for him to arrive half way to Craik.

Messy interior of a car, specifically the floor area near the driver's seat. Two portable air compressors, various cords and wires, and some small debris are scattered on the floor mat.

We took both air pumps as we did not know how long the tyre would remain inflated; the tractor was running so well, feels as though we been sabotaged.

Close-up selfie of Leonie with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a light beige knit hat and a black shirt. She is sitting in the driver's seat of a car, looking directly at the camera with a slightly smirk. A silver necklace with a circular pendant is visible, and a black handbag and camera are partially visible in the bottom right corner. The car's window shows a rural landscape outside. The overall impression is a casual, candid self-portrait taken during a road trip or journey.
View from a car's side mirror. The mirror reflects a country road winding through a green landscape under a cloudy sky. Tall grass is visible along the roadside, and in the distance, there are rolling hills and a dark line of trees. The overall impression is one of rural travel on a somewhat overcast day.

What are you doing Léonie? I'm waiting for Charlie to arrive in his tractor.

View from inside a car, looking out the window at a rural road. A tractor is visible in the distance, travelling away from the viewer, on a paved road winding through gently rolling, grassy hills under a partly cloudy sky. The overall feeling is one of peaceful countryside scenery.

Before Charlie could pass by I travelled ahead to Craik.

Green signpost indicating Craik, situated amidst a verdant landscape. Wildflowers, including Queen Anne's Lace and what appears to be Fireweed, bloom in the foreground. The background features a dense line of trees and rolling hills under a cloudy sky. The overall impression is one of a peaceful, rural setting, possibly a nature reserve or park.

I waited forty-five minutes and still no Charlie, so returned my way to find his tractor had overheated, a mile from the Craik. Disappointed to see this third bad event today.

Charlie in a bright yellow safety vest sitting on an old, rusty red tractor on the side of a country road. The tractor appears well-worn and possibly in need of repair. Wildflowers and tall grass are visible along the roadside, and a dark, overcast sky hangs above. The overall scene suggests a rural setting, possibly depicting a farmer or mechanic tending to his equipment.

Turning over the tractor transmission sounded awful, hoping the engine does not cease. The oil filter had been removed to see if oil was circulating around the engine.

We returned to Woodburn Farmhouse to fetch a chain to tow the tractor.

Rusty, vintage red tractor being towed by a dark-coloured SUV. The tractor appears old and weathered, while the SUV's rear hatch is open. A rusty chain connects the two vehicles. The setting appears to be a rural road with some vegetation in the background. The overall impression is one of rural life and possibly a task involving the transport of the old tractor.

I wasn't happy with this from the start, and my anxiety was proven founded. Along the way the tractor slammed into the back of the truck, ruining the read door and smashing the window clean out.

Dark grey Land Rover Freelander towing a rusty red vintage tractor along a gravel road. The tractor is driven by a man in a yellow high-visibility jacket. The background includes some trees and a cloudy sky. The scene suggests a rural setting, possibly in the UK given the license plate.

This was our forth bad luck even of the day, so much to bad luck arriving in threes. We definitely require a new car now. Whilst at the Craik, we had a report our missing sheep had been found at Craikhope outdoor centre; alas some good news.

Charlie walking away from a long, dark brown building with a dark grey metal roof. The building has several skylights. He is carrying a yellow bag. In the background, there are sheep grazing on a grassy area, and a hillside covered in trees can be seen in the distance. The overall setting appears to be rural.

Sheep always come to the sound of a crinkly plastic feed bag. Charlie herded the sheep past our truck, walked around the sheep and climbed into the truck; which we used to guide them back to their grazing fields.

Gravel road winding through a lush green landscape. Three sheep are visible walking ahead on the road, with a dark-coloured sheep or goat leading the way. Tall grasses and wildflowers line the sides of the road, and a dense forest of evergreen trees forms a backdrop. The view is from inside a vehicle, with the top of the windshield visible at the bottom of the frame. The overall impression is one of a serene, rural setting.

Charlie was uncomfortable with the truck herding them, and insisted we drive ahead and park the truck sidewards to guide the sheep through the field gate. After twenty-five minutes the sheep arrived and walked into the field without much coercion.

Charlie and our friend fixed the gap in the fence where the sheep had escaped, waiting I noticed the midges are not that bad as they were a month ago here.

Grassy hillside under a partly cloudy sky. A rainbow is faintly visible in the clouds. A small flock of sheep are grazing on the hillside. The scene is peaceful and pastoral.

Returning to the farmhouse we noticed a rainbow had appeared over our paddock; today had been awkward, but we refused to let bad luck get to us.

25th

Late in the evening I decided to enjoy my hame village of Ancrum, with a walk by Ale Water. The temperature was pleasantly mild as the sun slowly lowered, I walked alone, but I did not feel as though I was alone.

Serene river scene at sunset. A calm river flows gently through a grassy field, with scattered rocks visible in the water. In the background, a small village or cluster of houses nestles under a partly cloudy sky, the setting sun casting a warm glow. The overall mood is peaceful and tranquil.
Field of meadow-sweet (Filipendula ulmaria) in bloom at sunset. The delicate white flowers stand out against the darkening green foliage. In the background, a partly cloudy sky displays a soft sunset light, and power lines are visible. The overall mood is peaceful and serene, capturing the beauty of nature at twilight.
Field of wildflowers at sunset. The sky is a mix of blue and clouds with a golden hue near the horizon where the sun is setting. Two prominent purple flowers are in the foreground with other buds and greenery, creating a contrast against the field and the sky. Power lines stretch across the upper portion of the image from left to right. In the distance, there's a hint of residential areas and trees silhouetted against the sunset.

Charlie rang five minutes after I returned home at 9pm, he cooked us an evening meal, we watched X-files, then he retired to bed whilst I finished this diary entry.

24th

Today I am gardening, and painting and decorating my house in Ancrum. The weather is hot and slightly humid.

Freshly planted row of boxwood shrubs in a garden bed next to a curb. The soil is dark and rich, and the boxwoods are small but healthy-looking. The garden bed is bordered by existing grass. The scene is outdoors, and a street is visible in the background. The overall impression is one of new growth and gardening work in progress.
Section of garden where the turf has been removed, revealing dark brown soil. The soil is adjacent to a lawn and runs alongside a curb separating the lawn from a paved area. A small, well-maintained evergreen bush is visible in the background, along with a section of a building. The overall impression is of garden preparation, possibly for planting.

I've been digging and filling in borders with compost, ready to box hedge my garden boundaries.

23rd

We woke at my house in Ancrum, then travelled to Woodburn Farmhouse and began tagging tup lambs to sell at Longtown. Charlie had not castrated many tup lambs, one or two were untidy, they could not be taken because of their mucky bums. Two lambs left there mother ewes, four other lambs had been cade. Charlie had already separated half of the flock from the paddock the night before; so the lambs were waiting for us when we arrived.

Flock of sheep, predominantly light-coloured with some darker markings, standing in a grassy area next to a farm building. Several sheep appear to have small green markings on their coats. The setting seems rural, with farm equipment and structures partially visible in the background.

In a way I feel for them, their uncertainty, but we all face fate; and I know nothing is more crueller in this world than infinite cruelties committed by nature, how utterly stupid and sometimes naive people are to hubris worship a "mother" of nature.

Why did nature not ordain that one animal should not live by the death of another?

Leonardo da Vinci

In an 1856 letter to Joseph Dalton Hooker, Charles Darwin remarked sarcastically on the cruelty and wastefulness of nature, describing it as something that a "Devil's chaplain" could write about.

The stronger prey upon the weaker, and keep them in perpetual terror and anxiety.

David Hume, Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion 1779

Buddhists also regard suffering experienced by animals in nature as evidence for the truth of dukkha. Buddhist scripture Aṅguttara Nikāya describes the lives of wild animals as "so cruel, so harsh, so painful". Anyhow, the mother ewes seemed not stressed to have their lambs taken, they are now over five months old and are more or less weaned.

Charlie herding a flock of sheep through a wooden gate into a pen. The sheep are mostly brown and white, and Charlie is wearing dark blue overalls and boots. The scene is set in a rural location, with a whitewashed house and a truck visible in the background. The overall mood is one of quiet, everyday rural activity.

Charlie ushers lambs together into a pen then sorts through the lambs to be tagged and transported; first to leave the pen was our Herdwick mother ewe and her ewe lamb.

Two sheep walking along a wire fence. One sheep is dark grey, the other is light beige. They are walking alongside a grassy area, and a wooden fence is visible in the foreground. The scene appears to be in a rural or agricultural setting.

Charlie makes a note of the ear tag numbers to write into the transport book later. You can't just move livestock anywhere at anytime, everything has to be logged. Below our Herdwick x Teeswater tup lamb awaits to be tagged.

Charlie repairing a wooden fence. A lamb is standing next to him, partially obscured by the fence. Charlie appears to be using tools to fasten tags upon a lamb.

We believe that kindness is always the right approach towards shepherding, a crook is used to lengthen the reach of an arm, and never should be used to strike punishment. As humans we are humane, compassion in farming is essential for us, and the animals. However we always must be on our guard in hindsight of irrational cruelties of nature.

There is nothing wrong with taking time over crofting, idiots shear sheep in 10 seconds, shepherding is very wrong when sheep cannot be afforded diligent care to welfare. We don't have many sheep, in 1 3/4 years I lived at Woodburn our flock hasn't exceeded 70.

Close-up view of a fluffy, light-coloured sheep with a yellow tag in its ear. The sheep is standing on a weathered wooden platform, possibly a ramp or loading area. In the background, there is a wooden fence, a person in work overalls tending to other sheep, a partly visible building's exterior, and some overgrown vegetation. The overall scene suggests a farm or rural setting.
Flock of sheep inside a wooden enclosure, likely a livestock trailer or temporary holding pen. The sheep are huddled together. Some sheep are light grey/white, others are dark brown/black. Several sheep have green markings on their coats, likely indicating ownership or identification. The enclosure is simple and rustic. The overall impression is one of confinement, possibly in transit or awaiting processing.

The trailer was loaded with six lambs.

Marked with a light teal spot of paint on their fleece, stand behind a wire fence. Two face away from the camera, while one faces towards the camera, appearing slightly curious. They are in a grassy area, with a trough or feeder visible behind them, on a gently sloping hillside. A wooden gate and a garden hose are partially visible in the bottom-right corner. The overall impression is of a pastoral, rural scene.

These lambs did not get to go to market, this evening they are to be wormed, dagged and treated against any potential maggot infestation.

Grey pickup truck parked on a gravel road. The road is bordered by lush green grass and dense foliage. The overall setting appears to be a rural or wooded area. The lighting suggests it's daytime. The truck is parked slightly off-centre, with the perspective drawing the viewer's eye to the vehicle and its surrounding tranquil environment.

As we were about to leave a neighbouring farmer waved to me, we, me and Charlie have played him at Carpet Bowls; his two sons farm a large area of the surrounding valley.

Road in a mountainous area, with roadworks in progress. Traffic cones and a temporary traffic signal are visible, along with a sign instructing drivers to wait when the red light is showing. The overall mood is functional, depicting a momentary pause in travel due to construction. The background features green hills under a cloudy sky. The perspective is from inside a vehicle, looking down the road towards the construction site.

Its an old familiar drive down to Longtown via Langholm, from the Scottish Borders, through Dumfries and Galloway, then into England, roadworks break up monotony.

Leonie's face and upper body close-up from inside a dark-grey SUV. She is wearing a cream-coloured knit hat. The background shows Charlie working in a barn or livestock facility, unloading what appears to be livestock from a trailer attached to the vehicle. The Leonie's expression is neutral to slightly sombre.

We arrived at Longtown mart, docked and unloaded our lambs.

Livestock auction pen, specifically number 152, containing six sheep from the Wood Burn farm. The sheep are confined within red metal pens inside a large building. A yellow sticky note with the farm name and number of sheep is affixed to the pen's identification number. The overall impression is one of agricultural commerce, showing sheep prepared for sale or grading. The slightly muted lighting and overall neutral colour palette suggest an everyday scene in a livestock market. There is no inherent story or moral beyond the practical function of the auction process.

After a cooked breakfast we visited the holding pens to see the lambs one last time before they are sold; this auction mart is kept in good condition.

Interior of a dark-coloured SUV, viewed from the outside through the driver's side window. The view is somewhat obscured by reflections of clouds and a partially visible Charlie dressed in a plaid shirt resting on the back seat. A portion of a vehicle advertisement is visible on the back of the car behind the window showing a man holding several small animals (dogs and cats).

Charlie fell asleep in our truck as the lambs waited to be auctioned.

Serene lake scene. The calm water perfectly reflects a partly cloudy sky, creating a nearly symmetrical composition. A line of dark green trees borders the far side of the lake. The overall mood is peaceful and contemplative.

Not tired enough to sleep, from the stuffy truck I visited a nearby lake for a breeze of air. Six lambs sold for £130 which Charlie thought undercut, and I wondered if lambs only being valued for their meat (because the wool industry has been destroyed) is the causation of such a disparity. Our lambs to other lambs are small but have lovely wool.

21st

After nagging Charlie out of bed on his day off work he drove to the Craik Forest, delivering our topper for repair and top our friends field. After hooking the topper to the tractor, Charlie set off on a six mile journey to the Craik Forest, whilst I followed closely behind in our truck.

Inside a car driving down a country road. In the distance, a tractor with a small trailer is visible, moving in the same direction. On the right side of the road, a large stack of wrapped hay bales is prominent. The overall setting is rural, with green fields and trees in the background. The sky is overcast and somewhat gloomy.
Flock of sheep grazing in a lush green field. Charlie is seen driving a vintage tractor in the background, near a low stone wall. The scene is peaceful and pastoral, evoking a sense of rural life and traditional farming practices.
Charlie driving a vintage, rusty red tractor down a country road. The road is flanked by green hills and vegetation. The overall impression is one of rural life and perhaps a sense of peaceful solitude or nostalgia.
Charlie driving a vintage tractor up a narrow country road. The road is lined with tall grass and trees, and in the distance, there are rolling hills. A small sign indicating a passing place is visible on the left side of the road.
Pastoral landscape featuring a row of white houses nestled in a verdant valley, flanked by a dense forest and rolling hills. The scene is tranquil and evokes a sense of rural peace. A few sheep are visible in a field, further enhancing the idyllic countryside setting. The overall palette is muted and natural, with greens and greys dominating the view.
Tranquil stream flowing through a verdant landscape under a cloudy sky. The stream is bordered by lush green vegetation interspersed with white wildflowers. In the background, a flat, golden field stretches out towards a line of trees and gently rolling hills. A single utility pole with wires runs across the scene, adding a touch of human presence to the otherwise natural setting. The overall mood is serene and peaceful, suggestive of a rural or countryside location.
Moderately flowing river, with dark, slightly murky water, meanders through a lush, green landscape. The banks are densely vegetated with various shrubs and wildflowers, creating a vibrant border along the water's edge. A large, leafy tree stands prominently on the right bank. The sky is mostly cloudy, suggesting a somewhat overcast day. In the far background, a hint of more distant trees and possibly a building is visible. The overall impression is one of serenity and natural beauty in a seemingly rural setting.

Here comes Charlie driving his David Brown International.

And returns to Woodburn Farm, that's 14 miles.

Beans, Potatoes, Onions and Beetroot have grown, but so have weeds including nettles, docks and a pink flower weed I can't identify in the Farmhouse Kitchen.

20th

Woodburn farmhouse is requiring some TLC after spending so much time at my house in Ancrum.

Close-up of two fully bloomed white roses clustered together. The roses are a delicate, creamy white and show slight signs of ageing or weathering, with some petals appearing slightly discoloured. They are nestled amongst green foliage, which is slightly out of focus, drawing attention to the flowers.
Vibrant pink rose in full bloom, prominently featured in the foreground. It's surrounded by a profusion of other pink roses, some in bud, some fully opened, and some showing signs of aging or wilting. The background is blurred but shows more roses and green foliage, suggesting a rose bush or garden.
Close-up of a cluster of delicate, fully bloomed white roses. The roses are the central focus, with a blurred background of green foliage and other out-of-focus roses, suggesting a garden setting.
Close-up view of a cluster of bright yellow flowers, likely Lysimachia vulgaris (garden loosestrife), densely packed together. The flowers are arranged in vertical spikes, and the surrounding foliage is a lush green. The background is blurred, suggesting a shallow depth of field, which draws attention to the vibrant yellow blossoms in the foreground.
Close-up view of a cluster of vibrant pink roses in full bloom. The roses are densely packed together, some showing slight signs of aging or discoloration around the edges of their petals. They are attached to a green stem and leaves, suggesting they are part of a rose bush. The background is blurred, indicating a shallow depth of field, and shows further greenery.
Single, vibrant pink rose in full bloom. It's the central focus against a softly blurred, dark green background. The rose is shown from a slightly low angle, emphasising its full, lush petals. There are also smaller, unopened rosebuds visible on the stem below the main bloom.

Sheepdog Sam.

Border collie sitting in a grassy field with three sheep. Two of the sheep appear to be young lambs, while the third is slightly larger. The dog is positioned centrally, and seems to be calmly observing the sheep.

Lambs.

Sheep lying down in a grassy field, partially hidden by the vegetation. The sheep is mostly white with some light beige or tan colouring, and has distinctive dark markings on its face. Its ears are pinkish. The background is a muted, overcast sky.
Close-up view of a sheep, predominantly light gray with a darker grey face, standing in a grassy field. The sheep is looking directly at the camera, giving a curious expression. Another sheep is partially visible in the background. A wooden fence post and a rock are also in the foreground.

In the afternoon we drove into the Craik Forest to shear, worm and spray several ewes and lambs; swarms of large flies were feisty.

Dark grey Land Rover Discovery parked next to a rustic wooden gate. The car is loaded with several long, light-coloured poles or pieces of lumber on its roof rack. The setting appears to be a rural or countryside area with overgrown vegetation, trees, and a field visible in the background. The overall mood is one of quiet rural life, possibly suggesting a task involving transporting materials in a country setting.

Three horrible goats, they hate our flock and am sure the feeling is mutual.

Four goats walking down a gravel path beside a wooden fence. The path is bordered by tall grass, and a wooded area is visible in the background. Cars are parked in the distance. Three of the goats are dark colored, while one is white.
Charlie walking away from the camera towards a rustic barn in a field. Several sheep and goats are visible in the field, some near the barn and others further out. The overall setting suggests a rural farm or agricultural environment. The sky is overcast.

I carry hurdles also.

Leonie with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a beige knit hat and a black shirt. She's also wearing a red, white, and green plaid scarf and a silver necklace with a circular pendant. She is holding onto a weathered, rustic wooden gate or fence in a somewhat overgrown yard. Part of a white animal, possibly a sheep or goat, is visible through the gate. In the background, there is a stone building and a dark-coloured water tank.
Panoramic view of a rural landscape. In the foreground is a grassy field enclosed by simple wooden fences and stone walls. A few sheep are visible in the mid-ground, grazing near a small copse of trees. In the far background is a stone building and a line of low hills under a somewhat cloudy sky.

The flock were very agile with hyper-vigilance, shepherding in the forest is much harder.

After a few more attempts we herded all the sheep into the pen.

Firstly we drench treated the lambs for worms.

Charlie administering medication to a sheep through a tube connected to a plastic bottle hanging on a wooden fence. The farmer is bending over the sheep, holding the tube to its mouth. The setting appears to be a pasture or field.

Charlie dagged the lambs whilst checking for maggots.

Charlie shearing a sheep using large shears. The person is wearing a plaid shirt, jeans, and rubber boots. The sheep is light-coloured with thick wool. The shearing is taking place outdoors, near a wooden fence.

This is the last mother ewe to be sheared, all sheep have been hand sheared this year.

Charlie shearing a sheep in a wooden pen. Other sheep are present, watching the process. The scene is outdoors in a grassy field. The focus is on the act of shearing, highlighting the manual labour involved in sheep farming.

Charlie thinks we missed this ewe last year, the fleece was in too poor condition to spin.

Charlie's hand gently resting on the fleece of a sheep, which has been shown. He is wearing muddy jeans and green rubber boots. The background consists of green grass and vegetation. The overall impression is one of a farming or shepherding context, possibly during or after shearing.
Pair of large shears lying on a pile of freshly shown sheep's wool. The wool is light beige and fluffy, contrasting with the dark metal of the shears. The background includes patches of grass and other vegetation.

We drove out of the Craik forest for Woodburn.

First-person view from the driver's seat of a car driving down a gravel road. The road winds through a landscape of relatively low-lying vegetation and trees, under a cloudy sky. The driver's hand rests on the steering wheel, and a camera and a cup are visible on the dashboard. The overall impression is one of a journey through a somewhat remote, rural area.

Driving along the forest track is no longer a problem as I know where all the pot holes are. Whilst editing this web page through a side window I photographed a bird outside.

Female blackbird perched on a mossy post against a muted sky. The bird is in profile view, slightly turned to the left, and its tail is slightly fanned out. The overall impression is one of quiet observation.
Female blackbird perched on a mossy, weathered post against a muted, light-grey sky. The bird is in sharp focus, exhibiting detailed plumage in shades of dark brown. Its posture is alert but relaxed. The background is uniformly out of focus, drawing attention solely to the bird.

Isn't photography great, snapped about 9000 pictures with this bridge camera.

19th

At my house I'm busy with gardening, relocating bushes, planting box hedging and digging up putrid smelling lillies.

Close-up of a stone statue of a woman, seemingly a garden ornament. The woman is depicted from the chest up, her head slightly bowed, and her hand resting near her chest. The background is blurred, showing a residential setting with houses, greenery, and parked cars, suggesting an outdoor location. The statue appears weathered, showing the texture of the stone.

Today I received a phone call from the nurse who took my bloods a few days ago; she reported my liver having "long term" problems, that the count was elevated at 247, with the normal range being between 16 and 36. The blood test is being redone, depending on results from my stool tests; if the result is the same I'll be called in for an ultrasound.

House sparrow perched on a weathered wooden post. The bird is facing away from the camera, its back and tail feathers prominently displayed. The background is blurred, suggesting a shallow depth of field, and consists of out-of-focus green foliage. The overall impression is a casual, candid shot of a common bird in a natural setting.

Keeping myself busy with gardening and house decorating. Later Charlie will drive me to Roberton for quiet weekend away at Woodburn Farm; I've healed so much from him and his sheep being present in my life; often I pinch myself, wipe a tear from eye, how wonderful it is to believe I have a home.

Large flock of white sheep grazing in a lush green field beside a calm river. A low stone wall runs along the foreground, partially separating the viewer from the scene. In the background, there's a line of trees and rolling hills under a cloudy sky.
Panoramic view of a rural landscape. A silver Land Rover is parked on the side of a road, which curves gently around a grassy hill. Across the road, a field stretches out, populated by a large flock of sheep. A small stream is visible in the middle distance, beyond which are more fields and a small cluster of buildings, possibly a farm. The sky is overcast.
Large flock of sheep grazing in a lush green pasture. The pasture is bordered by a low stone wall, and in the background, rolling hills and a stand of dark green trees are visible under a cloudy sky.

Charlie came, slept for an hour and a half after taking a shower. We drove to Hawick, picked up some supplies at Sainsbury supermarket, I'm so angry that this town completely shunned me for 18 months I barely acknowledge its existence. Whilst in transit I checked my voice mail and was happy to hear my homelessness case has now been closed by Scottish Borders Council; officially I am no longer homeless. I am ending the evening at Woodburn Farm, the open fire is lit, I've eaten, and will soon be to bed.

18th

After watching two episodes of X-files, leaving my house in Ancrum, Charlie drove our truck to a field beside Timpendean Tower. From the truck we walked through a long grass field, dodging large cow pats along the way. Charlie was weary about the presence of Galloway coos but I kept my mind on getting to the tower; not wanting to envision a problem before us.

Leonie is standing in front of the ruins of a stone structure, possibly a tower or part of a castle. The ruins are partially crumbled and overgrown with vegetation. She is dressed in dark clothing. The surrounding landscape is a field of tall grass under a cloudy sky. The overall impression is one of age, history, and a sense of solitude or contemplation.

We noticed earthwork fortifications behind us.

Sprawling field of tall grass under a cloudy sky. The grass is uneven in height and texture, with some areas appearing taller and more windblown than others. In the distance, a line of trees and a low stone wall are visible against the horizon.

Outside.

Ruins of a stone structure, possibly a tower or a section of a larger building, standing in a field under a cloudy sky. The structure is partially collapsed, with vegetation growing within and around its walls. A few cattle are visible in the distance in the field. The overall mood is one of quiet decay and the passage of time.

Inside.

Close-up view of a stone wall, specifically what appears to be the interior of a stone structure, possibly a ruin or an old building. A small, roughly hewn opening or window is visible in the wall, allowing a glimpse of the exterior. The stones are weathered and show signs of age and moss growth, contributing to an overall dark and atmospheric feel. The bottom of the image shows loose stones and debris at the base of the wall.
Interior of a circular stone tower, viewed from the bottom looking upwards. The walls are made of rough, irregularly shaped stones of varying shades of brown, grey, and beige. Several small, rectangular openings are visible in the wall, likely former windows or arrow slits. The stones appear ancient and weathered, suggesting a significant age and possibly a state of ruin. A small opening near the bottom allows a glimpse of the outside sky and landscape.

We arrived at dusk, insufficient daylight effected the quality of these pictures.

Interior of a crumbling stone structure, possibly a ruin. The space is dimly lit, revealing a low, arched chamber filled with rubble and debris. The stone walls are aged and weathered, showing signs of significant deterioration. A small amount of light enters from an opening further inside the structure, casting shadows and highlighting the texture of the stones.

Fire place, Charlie admires the view.

Low-angle view inside a stone structure, possibly a ruin or ancient building. Lush green foliage is seen growing from the bottom and partially obscuring the view through a narrow, vertical shaft that opens to the sky above. The stonework is dark and weathered, suggesting age and decay. The contrast between the vibrant green leaves and the dark, crumbling stone creates a visually striking image.
Charlie standing in the opening of a stone structure, looking out at a grassy field and distant hills. The stone structure appears to be the remnants of an old building or ruin, with a tree's branches partially obscuring the view from above. He is silhouetted against the brighter background, giving the scene a contemplative and slightly melancholic feel. The overall composition evokes a sense of history, solitude, and reflection.

Fatlips Tower, the Waterloo Monument and the village of Ancrum were visible from Tipendean tower. My bridge camera was missed.

Panoramic view of a rural landscape. In the mid-ground, a small village with light-coloured houses is nestled amongst rolling green hills and fields. The foreground is dominated by a field of tall, golden-brown grasses, suggesting late summer or early autumn. The background consists of more hills covered with lush green woodland.

Waterloo tower.

Tranquil landscape featuring a field of tall grass in the foreground. Beyond the field, a line of trees sits atop a gentle rise, leading the eye to a tall, slender monument or tower visible in the distance on a hill under a somewhat overcast sky.

Timpendean tower.

Ruins of a stone tower or castle, partially collapsed, standing in a field of tall grass under a cloudy sky. The setting appears rural and peaceful, with a distant view of more land and some trees.

We were alone at the tower, there was no litter and access was not prohibited in any way. Charlie was stressed at the coos, attempting to negotiate around them; I refused to give coos fear space in my head. Visiting passed quickly, holding onto only a memory.