July 2024

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.

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!