July 2024

16th

Received a message requesting I go to the doctors to do blood samples; as I waited inside Ancrum's only bus shelter I noticed a nest.

Two baby birds nestled together in a nest made of twigs, dry grass, and mud. The nest is situated in a wooden structure, possibly a birdhouse or a crevice in a building. The baby birds are mostly dark-coloured with some lighter patches of downy feathers. They appear to be young and helpless.

The weather was mild, and I noticed gypsies had parked caravans in a wagon train formation inside Jedburgh's car park. I assumed they had arrived for St Boswells gypsy gathering. Its warming to know they are tolerated, after all I was a traveller for three decades.

Parking lot with several caravans and cars parked. A few people are visible near the caravans, appearing to be engaged in some activity. The setting appears to be a roadside area, possibly a rest stop or temporary campsite, with trees and greenery in the background. The overall impression is of a temporary gathering of travellers.

I visited a few shops and presented to them my plans; found a baguette shop and enjoyed lunch in beautiful grounds of Mary Queen Of Scots house.

Panoramic view of a well-maintained green lawn, with two curving paved pathways leading towards a stone building, possibly a historic house or castle, nestled amongst other buildings in the background. Mature trees and neatly landscaped flowerbeds are interspersed throughout the lawn, contributing to a tranquil and serene atmosphere. The sky is partly cloudy, suggesting a pleasant day. The scene appears to be in a park-like setting, possibly a historical site or a private estate.

Lavender.

Dense area of lavender plants in bloom. The purple flowers are in various stages of bloom, and the green stems and foliage are clearly visible. The focus is on the central cluster of lavender, though the depth of field shows many more plants in the background. A bee can be seen on one of the lavender blooms.

Buddleja.

Close-up view of a long, slender inflorescence of lavender-coloured flowers, characteristic of a Buddleja davidii (butterfly bush), emerging from a backdrop of lush green foliage. The focus is sharply on the central flower spike, with the surrounding plants slightly blurred, creating a shallow depth of field. The overall impression is one of natural beauty and vibrancy.

My family, long, long ago were kings and queens before English speaking Scotland, when people spoke Gaelic, within a country named Alba; before the Denbur.

Low-angle view of a historic stone building, possibly a tower house or part of a castle. The structure is made of rough, multi-colored stone, with small windows and a central, conical tower. There's a gated entrance and a dark wooden door visible. Planters with flowers sit near the entrance. Part of a modern building is visible in the background, suggesting the historic structure is in a contemporary setting. The sky is partly cloudy.
Large, weathered stone standing upright in a grassy area. The stone is irregularly shaped and appears ancient, possibly with carved markings or natural erosion patterns, and it has two noticeable holes near the top. Behind it is a paved walkway leading toward a stone building that looks like an old manor house or castle, with other buildings visible in the background. The overall setting appears to be a park or garden, with well-maintained lawns and flowerbeds.

Today we are enduring a hereditary pathocracy that despises our humanity utterly inconsolable, into murky depths of haplessness. Could this guy be a victim, maybe.

Man asleep on a park bench. He appears intoxicated, as several empty and partially empty beer bottles are next to him on the ground, along with a discarded plastic bag. His posture suggests he is heavily inebriated or possibly unwell. The scene is set in a park-like setting with greenery visible in the background.

Rose, a yellow rose and a poppy.

Vibrant, fully bloomed yellow rose in the foreground. It's the central focus, dominating the frame. The rose is surrounded by other smaller, yellow roses, some of which appear to be wilting or past their prime. The roses are planted in dark soil against a backdrop of a stone wall and a neatly mowed green lawn.
Close-up view of a poppy plant against a stone wall background. Two fully bloomed pale purple poppies with dark purple centres are prominent, along with two immature seed pods, and a partially visible third poppy. The plant's foliage is lush and green. The stone wall provides a natural, textured backdrop.

And a bee.

Bumblebee in flight, approaching a cluster of bright yellow flowers. The flowers are densely packed together, forming a vibrant, almost overwhelmingly yellow background. The focus is primarily on the bee and the blossoms it is approaching, with the background flowers softly blurred.

Charlie came to collect me, he drove me home, then to the garden centre, purchased six box hedge plants and three bags of compost.

Black baking dish filled with cauliflower florets covered in a creamy, cheesy sauce. The sauce appears to be melted cheese, possibly with a béchamel base. The cauliflower is arranged somewhat loosely in the dish, and some of the cheese sauce has pooled between the florets. The overall appearance suggests a prepared dish, possibly ready for baking or already baked.

In the evening Charlie returned from shearing three ewes at grass keep; in a few more months the flock will be returning to Woodburn Farm. This evening we enjoyed cauliflower cheese from shopping Charlie returned with.

14th

As I put on my boots and stepped outside the rain started; I gritted my teeth, entered Woodburn Farmhouse kitchen garden and began to weed.

Close-up of a potato plant in bloom. The focus is on two delicate, pale lavender and white flowers with bright orange centers. The flowers are in the foreground, with a blurred background showing a rustic building, greenery, and a wooden post.
Potato plant in bloom. The plant is healthy and vibrant, with lush green leaves and a prominent stalk topped with several delicate, light purple and yellow flowers. The setting appears to be a garden, possibly a raised bed, enclosed by wire mesh fencing.
Close-up view of a potato plant in bloom. A single, delicate white and orange flower stands prominently atop a reddish-brown stem, surrounded by lush green foliage. The background features a rustic, weathered shed and a slightly blurred landscape under a cloudy sky, suggesting a rural or garden setting.

Potatoes are easy to grow here in the Scottish Borders.

Lush potato patch in a garden, thriving in the foreground. Behind it, a weathered, grey-roofed barn sits within a fenced area. The overall setting is a rural or agricultural landscape, suggesting a self-sufficient or homestead-style environment. The scene is peaceful and evokes a sense of simple country living.

However our bean plants have been pecked by birds, although some plants have begun to climb the cane tripod; an improvement on last year when they were eaten as they sprouted through the soil.

Vegetable garden plot, specifically a section dedicated to growing climbing beans. The beans are young plants, supported by individual vertical stakes and tied together with a thin, light blue string that forms a grid pattern. The soil is dark and loose, and some weeds are visible amongst the bean plants. The plot is enclosed by a wire mesh fence.
Small vegetable garden plot. A tepee-like structure made of bamboo poles supports climbing beans, which are still relatively young. The soil is dark and well-tilled. In the background, a stone wall and some other vegetation are visible, along with utility poles and wires.
Large, overgrown plant with yellow flowers in the foreground. It's situated in a garden setting, partially obscuring a view of a white house in the background. A black tarp covers a section of a fence or wall behind the plant.
Panoramic view of a garden plot on an overcast day. In the foreground are various plants, including what appear to be potato plants, and a large patch of yellow flowering plants. There are simple structures in place for supporting plants (possibly PVC pipes). In the background is an old barn and a large structure covered in black plastic sheeting, which may be a temporary shelter or storage unit.

Our beetroot and onions over been smothered with nettles, thistles and dock leaves.

Leonie tending a garden. She is bent over, seemingly working amongst the plants, which are growing within a series of blue plastic hoops. Behind her, a white farmhouse is visible, along with other farm buildings and a large black plastic covering what appears to be a structure or area for growing produce.
Leonie tending to a vegetable garden situated on a hillside. The garden is enclosed by a wire fence and contains various crops, including what appear to be potatoes and beans. A scarecrow stands nearby. The backdrop features a rolling green landscape under a cloudy sky. The overall impression is one of rural tranquillity and self-sufficiency.

After my tolerance to being stung wore thin, I took off my gloves and fetched a spade from the truck, then began to dig a trench for the wire mesh bordering,

Black and white Border Collie dog from a high-angle perspective. The dog is sitting on a dirty, cracked patio. A green garden hose is coiled around the patio, and there is some sparse, patchy grass growing in the cracks. A metal bucket with a mop is visible in the background, along with a small, metallic dog bowl containing some liquid. The overall setting appears to be a somewhat neglected outdoor area. The dog looks somewhat pensive or alert, gazing to the left of the frame.

Sam, I want to return to the garden. Charlie helped finish inserting wire mesh.

Charlie in a blue overall and green rubber boots digging in a garden. They are using a shovel to move a pile of dark soil. The garden includes a section of potato plants protected by wire mesh fencing. A makeshift scarecrow is visible in the background, along with a large tarp and farm equipment.

We do not visit the garden after 4pm, because at this time the midges are horrific.

Charlie in dark green rubber boots and blue coveralls tending to a garden. They are working along a wire mesh fence that encloses a section of plants, possibly beans or similar. He seems to be inspecting or adjusting wire mesh near the fence. The setting appears to be a rural garden.

Charlie jump started his tractor.

We needed to check the blade underneath the topper, the bolt needs welding.

Charlie operating a vintage, red and grey tractor with a side-mounted rotary mower. The tractor is partially tilted, with the mower extended on the ground. A black and white border collie rests in the grass nearby, seemingly observing the work.
Large, circular, rusty, and dirty metal object, possibly a piece of agricultural machinery like a flail mower or rotary cutter. It's lifted up, revealing its worn condition and a chain mechanism attached to its perimeter. The scene is outdoors, on grass, with a person partially visible in the bottom right corner suggesting maintenance or repair work. Rain or water droplets are visible on the object.
Close-up view of a heavily rusted and corroded metal object, possibly part of a machine or piece of equipment. A dark, viscous substance is dripping from a central hole or fitting. The overall condition suggests significant age, neglect, or exposure to the elements.

Look at our glorious rhubarb plant, I'd cook a crumble but I don't eat it.

Large rhubarb plant growing against a moss-covered stone wall. The rhubarb leaves are large, dark green, and slightly wet-looking, suggesting recent rain. The wall appears old and rustic, adding to the overall feeling of a natural, perhaps rural, setting. A hint of other vegetation is visible at the base of the rhubarb and in the background.

We do not apply chemicals to our kitchen garden, however other areas are treated against dock leaves and stinging nettles.

White bowl containing approximately fifteen small, pale yellow potatoes. The potatoes vary slightly in size and shape, and some show small brown spots. They are clustered together in the bowl.

Later Charlie dug up some potatoes from our Kitchen Garden for our Sunday dinner. I enjoy gardening, something I could not do whilst surviving homelessness. Whilst Charlie was work I've been taking pictures, with my bridge camera of fauna about the surrounding area of the farmhouse.

Small, light brown bird perched on a green stem. The bird appears to be a warbler or similar small passerine. The background is heavily blurred but shows a garden setting with various green plants, and yellow and other coloured flowers. The focus is sharply on the bird.

Woodburn is rich in wildlife, notably birds, badgers, owls, and frogs!

Brown rabbit partially obscured by a thin wire fence and tall grass. The rabbit appears to be facing the camera, and its features are somewhat visible despite the vegetation. The scene is outdoors, in what seems to be a field or meadow. The grass and leaves appear damp, suggesting recent rain.

And rabbits.

Brown rabbit sitting in a patch of dewy green grass. The rabbit is facing the camera, appearing calm and alert. The focus is primarily on the rabbit, with the background being a slightly blurred expanse of grass.
Two house sparrows perched on weathered wooden posts. One sparrow is positioned more prominently on a slightly larger post, while the other is situated on a smaller, more squared-off post. Both birds are in natural surroundings, with lush green moss growing on the wood and a background of dense foliage. The overall feeling is one of quiet observation of nature.

Bird below moved its head so fast!

Small bird, possibly a juvenile, perched on a weathered wooden post. The bird is slightly blurred, and its head is tucked down, giving it a somewhat indistinct appearance. The background is a blurred green, suggesting foliage. The overall impression is of a fleeting moment captured outdoors.
Small, fluffy bird perched on a weathered wooden post. The bird appears young, with soft, downy feathers. The background is a blurred green suggesting a natural outdoor setting. The overall impression is one of quiet observation of wildlife.
Songbird, likely a thrush, perched on a branch of a shrub with dark reddish-purple leaves. The bird is centered in the frame, and its plumage is a mix of browns and grays, blending well with the foliage. The background is softly blurred, creating a shallow depth of field that emphasizes the bird and the leaves.

I seen around twenty types of birds here at Woodburn, the dominant rooks and jackdaws when nesting dominate the area but now they are gone these birds are returning. Late afternoon we took Sam a walk down the lane to Borthwick Water and noticed a bird has nested in our chimney pot.

House sparrow perched on the top of a large terracotta pot. The sparrow is holding nesting material, likely dried grass or similar, in its beak. The background is a plain, light grey sky.

Meadowsweet and Cornflowers decorate the roadside.

Lush garden scene teeming with vibrant purple cranesbill flowers (Geranium) interspersed with delicate white astilbe blossoms. The plants are densely packed together, creating a rich tapestry of colours and textures. The overall impression is one of natural abundance and beauty.

Wondering Sam, called to break curiosity and return.

Black and white Border Collie dog running down a country lane towards the viewer. The lane is bordered by lush green vegetation, including hedges and wildflowers. A simple wooden gate is partially visible on the right side of the lane. The overall impression is one of rural tranquillity and the dog's joyful movement.

Vetch.

Two stalks of vibrant purple flowers, possibly a type of vetch or pea, emerging from a background of lush green foliage. The flowers are densely clustered, creating a striking contrast against the greenery. The overall impression is one of natural beauty and the vibrancy of springtime or summer growth.

Returning to the farmhouse we were attacked by midgeys, after 4pm out and about!

11th

Fed up with this edema.

Close-up, low-angle shot of Leonie's swollen leg and foot, positioned above a bed with a black and white patterned duvet. The foot is slightly elevated, and the focus is primarily on the lower leg and ankle. The background includes a portion of a wooden dresser, a blue and white chequered blanket, and a small decorative parrot statue.

Doctors say it is not that bad, and that I'm 50 years old.

10th

O’ Ancrum toon, Sweet Ancrum toon, I’ll love thee aye the best. In winter’s gloom, Or simmer’s bloom, Frae distant East to West, What scene could ere Wi‘ thee compare? What fairer spot could be, By day or nicht, Sae Sweet, sae bricht, Dear Ancrum toon, as thee?

We returned to Ancrum from Jedburgh where I had seen the doctor. She gave me bottles for a series of tests, one which I have to wait two weeks to do. I was informed by our lovely shop keeper that Ancrum festival was happening tonight. There was two bands, pipes and brass, dancers, Ancrum residents and not forgetting the Callent and his henchmen.

Four people on horseback riding down a country lane. They are dressed in formal riding attire, with the lead rider wearing a bright red coat. All riders appear to be wearing rosettes or ribbons on their jackets, suggesting they may have participated in some sort of equestrian competition or event. The setting is rural, with hedges and greenery lining the road. There are also other people visible in the background, and another horse can be seen further up the lane. The overall atmosphere is one of quiet formality and possibly a celebratory procession.

There were to many common riders looking down, gazes lowered.

Close-up of a man wearing a black riding helmet and a bright red hunting coat. He has a white shirt and cravat visible under the coat. A blue and red rosette is pinned to his lapel. The man appears to be outdoors, with a neutral-coloured building visible in the background. His expression is serious, almost pensive, and he's looking off to his side. The overall impression is one of formality and perhaps participation in a hunt or equestrian event.

We were surprised to see two friends from Roberton on the ride out to Ancrum.

Two riders on horseback, positioned near a stone wall and a flower planter. The rider on the left is wearing a dark suit and a helmet, while the rider on the right is wearing a more casual outfit, including a cap. Their horses are different colours; one is light grey and the other is dark brown. A signpost is visible in the background, along with a road and several cars. The scene is outdoors on a slightly overcast day. The overall impression is one of a casual equestrian event or outing.

The common riders were greeted at the southern boundary of Ancrum by an encore from Jedburgh pipe band and observant members of the public.

Bagpipe band, predominantly dressed in kilts, performing in a residential street. They are positioned in a line, facing away from the camera towards a small group of drummers. The setting appears to be a small town or village, with modest houses lining the street. The sky is overcast and cloudy.

And later a local bass band played to the occasion from outside the bar and over towards the green.

Brass band, predominantly dressed in blue uniforms, performing outdoors. They are positioned in front of a stone building, with a mix of onlookers and other individuals standing in the background. The band members are playing various brass instruments including euphoniums, trumpets, cornets, and a tuba.

All brass bands feel homely, wherever they are from but I'm from the North of England, my family were miners, so this assertion could be construed as culturally bias.

Group of people, predominantly dressed in traditional Scottish attire, participating in what appears to be a cultural event. Several young girls in white shirts and black leggings are being led in a dance or procession by men wearing kilts and jackets. A man in a bright orange jacket seems to be officiating or leading the event. There's a large crowd of onlookers in the background. The overall atmosphere suggests a festive and communal celebration of Scottish culture.

The callent couldn't sing, read his lines from paper; wouldn't look me in the eye, made every effort to circumnavigate contact; yet stood in front of an entire village and made an effort to substantiate value in the form of tradition among people.

Close-up of a man wearing a black beret with a red and white chequered band, a grey jacket, and a blue and red rosette. He is speaking into a microphone. Behind him and partially visible are parts of two other people. One appears to be wearing a similar style of hat, implying a possible collective event, possibly a competition or ceremony. The overall feel is one of formality and possibly a public speaking event, perhaps related to a traditional Scottish cultural activity given the man's hat.

I could feel anti-english sentiment, but the common riding rides out to areas of local history, often reciting loss, viewing bloodshed and resurrecting hope. But they didn't just fight against the English, they fought against Scottish Clans and Reivers (robbers).