June 2024

29th

After dwelling in my bungalow for twenty-four hours I was longing to go outside, Charlie calls this cabin fever. I've lived outdoors all my life, and travelling relaxes me so. We drove up to our grasskeep near Selkirk, and began shearing three sheep.

Charlie standing over a sheep that has just been shown. The sheep is lying on its side in a grassy field, its fleece piled beside it. He appears to be a farmer or shepherd, and the scene suggests the completion of a shearing task. The setting is outdoors in a rural area, with trees and a wire fence visible in the background.

With a rattle of a plastic sheep feed bag it is easy to get most of the flock into the race. We keep sheep in the race that are not going to be sheared as this makes the other sheep less stressed. Sheep here are in good condition, and there is a beautiful view of the Eildon hills.

Charlie kneeling in a grassy field next to a black sheep. He is using a small, handheld device to seemingly treat or examine the sheep's head. A pair of sheep shearing clippers lies on the grass nearby. The scene suggests a moment of animal care or veterinary attention within a pastoral setting.

Sheep with mucky bums get wormed, others are wormed on this grass keep as two of our lambs died from lung fluke last year and our flock recently suffered tapeworm infection.

One side sheared.

Charlie shearing a sheep. He is wearing a blue and white plaid shirt, and is using hand shears to remove a clump of grey fleece from the sheep's back. The sheep is mostly black, with the sheared area showing the lighter grey under wool. The setting appears to be outdoors, in a grassy field.

This black sheep wool has become lighter with the sun, underneath her wool is grey. This fleece will make interesting twine when I begin spinning this year.

I usually take position as an assistant passing Charlie shears, wormer drench and fly spray, I also help him round up the sheep, open and close gates.

Sunny day on a farm. Several sheep are penned inside a wooden fence, while another sheep stands alone in a grassy field next to a utility pole. In the background are farm buildings, trees, and a distant hill. The overall impression is one of rural tranquillity.

A lamb watches her penned mother ewe; these lambs are more reluctant to enter the pen than their mothers.

Single black sheep standing in a grassy area next to a wooden fence. Other sheep are visible in the background within the fenced enclosure. A distant hillside is partially visible in the far background.

Sheared, I asked Charlie why he left the belly wool, he did not acknowledge the question. So of the lambs get weird about their mother ewes being sheared, sometimes they don't recognise them which can cause problems.

Charlie in a plaid shirt sitting next to two galvanised steel troughs, possibly animal watering troughs, in a grassy field. He is leaning over one of the troughs, possibly checking the water level or cleaning it. A wooden fence runs along the edge of the field. A large stone is visible in the foreground.

We walked to the sheep drinking trough, Charlie wash sheep shit off his hands and filled his water bottle up; I used to drink from the mains pipe, when I was rambling and camping.

Line of pollard trees forming a living fence along a wire fence. The trees are short, with thick, gnarled trunks and lush green foliage shaped into a somewhat uniform hedge-like row.

Whilst Charlie was busy I walked around the grass keep perimeter, and found tow pieces of yard long plastic twice; why leave these in our field? this hawthorn hedging is strange.

Leonie's hand holding a can of Alamycin Aerosol (3.58% w/v cutaneous spray solution) and a small syringe filled with a yellowish liquid. The background is blurred, showing an outdoor setting with green vegetation. The overall impression is one of veterinary or animal care, possibly involving medication administration.
Close-up view of a Charlie's hands gently holding and examining the hoof of a dark-coloured sheep or lamb. The focus is on the hoof itself, showing dirt and some hair around it. The setting appears to be outdoors, possibly a pasture, with some green grass visible in the background.

Back at Woodburn farm a ewe was treated with an anti-inflammatory Metacam injection / antibiotic footspray. A wet, mild winter caused the flock problems on Woodburn paddock.

Charlie administers the subcutaneous injection into the neck behind the ewes ear; in a few hours I am happy to know she'll be feeling much better.

The cade lamb pictured below was born with a deficiency we cured with a series of selenium injections. Then a tapeworm infestation almost killed her, we returned her to bottled milk and changed our wormer, a month later she has overtaken other lambs.

Close-up view of a sheep's face, looking directly at the viewer. The sheep is light-coloured with dark markings on its face, and its wool appears somewhat shaggy. It's standing in a grassy field behind a wire fence, some of which is visible in the foreground.

This year we have let part of our kitchen garden go to seed, there are turnip and carrot flowers present on 5ft high stalks, the muck also breaking down into soil quiet rapidly.

Vibrant close-up of yellow flowering plants, possibly dill or a similar species, growing abundantly in a garden setting. Behind them, a dark, possibly plastic, covering stretches across a portion of the background, suggesting a protective barrier or garden structure. The sky, a clear blue with a few fluffy white clouds, is visible above the covering.
Young bean plant growing in dark soil. The plant's leaves have several irregular holes, suggesting insect damage. The overall impression is one of a vulnerable, developing plant in a natural environment.

Our beetroot and onions have grown, but our bean plant leaves have been eaten away. Potatoes are growing faster from seed this year than they did from old left over potatoes.

Landscape photograph showing a rural scene. In the foreground is tall grass with a rustic, weathered wooden gate partially visible. Beyond the gate is a large expanse of verdant meadow stretching towards a gently-sloping hill covered in lush green vegetation and some dark green coniferous trees at its top. The sky is a clear, vibrant blue with a few scattered clouds.

Late afternoon we done a welfare check on our flock in the Craik Forest and examined a nearby field we'll be using as grazing soon.

24th

Today I travelled to Jedburgh on the bus, the journey cost £5.20 return. I received my B12 injection at Jedburgh Medical Practice. Whilst waiting for the bus to Jedburgh I filmed birds entering in and out of the bus shelter were I was waiting, it almost felt as though they were attempting to frighten me away. Perhaps they were nesting, however this is a bus shelter, for a human that needed shade.

The lady clipping her huge hedge took ages to clip a few branches; I wondered how long the job would take to finish. The bus dropped me in Jedburgh minutes before my appointment. The receptionists were nice but one nurse was in a dark place as she slow walked past me, she looked at her wrist watch then shook the bracelet as if the watch were wet; anti-christ "enablers" used to do this with keys. Dystopic.

Panoramic view from inside a bus shelter. The shelter is made of dark brown wood and contains a bus schedule, a defibrillator notice, and a small, wooden bookcase filled with books (a little free library). A red telephone box is visible to the right. Outside, a quiet residential street is seen on a sunny day, with several houses and some parked cars. The scene is peaceful and suggests a small, possibly rural, community.

In the afternoon I took a ride to Nesbit via a footpath near Monteviot house, ancestral family home of a branch of Clan Kerr.

Close-up view of several vibrant pink and purple flowers, likely a type of sweet pea (Lathyrus). The flowers are in various stages of bloom, with some fully open and others still partially closed. The background is blurred, but shows more of the same flowering plant and green foliage.
Close-up selfie of Leonie outdoors. She's wearing a beige knit cap, brown sunglasses, a dark-coloured henley shirt, and a necklace with a circular pendant. Her expression is somewhat serious or neutral. The background is slightly blurred but shows lush green vegetation and a glimpse of a field or open area in the distance.
First-person view from a bicycle riding down a paved path that winds through a lush green forest. Sunlight filters through the trees, creating dappled shadows on the path. The overall impression is one of peaceful, solitary travel through nature.

Me and Charlie walked on a parallel to footpath last night, on the other side of the River Teviot. Riding the mountain bike was proving much easier, and quicker than walking.

Moss-covered standing stone situated in a clearing within a lush, green woodland. The ground around the stone is covered with dark grey slate chips and pebbles. The overall effect is one of serene tranquillity and possibly hints at a contemplative or spiritual setting.

I realised that I had ridden onto private ground then searched for the right of way that had mistaken me; people have the right to privacy, whoever they are; that is a human right. This is written in Protocol 1, Article 1 of the UK Human Rights Act 1998.

Panoramic view of a tranquil scene. A wooden footbridge crosses a calm stream or small pond, partially covered with aquatic plants. Lush greenery, including ferns and trees, surrounds the water, creating a secluded and peaceful atmosphere, possibly within a park or garden. The sky is partly sunny, adding to the overall serene ambience.

Article 2: a right to life. Article 8: protects respect for private life, family life, home and correspondence. Article 14: Protection from discrimination of these rights and freedoms. It is written that EVERYBODY within the UK is protected by the Human Rights Act 1998. Anyway, five hundred yards South I returned onto the public right of way. The river looked bonnie, there was a crane, but alas, I did not bring by bridge camera today.

Tranquil river scene on a sunny day. Lush green vegetation lines the banks of the river, which reflects the blue sky and fluffy white clouds. A bridge is visible in the distance, and a field of wildflowers stretches along the riverbank.
Tranquil river scene under a bright, sunny sky. The river is calm, reflecting the fluffy white clouds and blue sky. Lush green vegetation lines the riverbanks, with trees visible in the distance.

I don't know the name of these flowers but the scent was wonderfully sweet.

Close-up view of several white lilies (likely Lilium martagon, also known as Turk's cap lily) in full bloom. The lilies are growing on a single stalk, which rises from a background of lush green vegetation. The background also features a slightly blurred-out landscape under a clear blue sky dotted with fluffy white clouds.
Close-up view of a flowering plant, possibly a type of lily, with several white blossoms in various stages of bloom. The flowers are characterised by their re-curved petals, giving them a unique, almost whimsical appearance. The plant stands tall against a softly blurred background of green vegetation and a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds, suggesting a sunny outdoor setting.

I found Monteviot suspension bridge.

Long wooden footbridge extending into a lush green forest. The bridge is simple in design with wooden railings and a slightly worn wooden surface. Sunlight filters through the dense canopy above, casting dappled shadows on the bridge's walkway.
Wooden suspension bridge stretching across a calm body of water, surrounded by lush green vegetation. The bridge is simple in design, with wooden planks forming the walkway and sturdy wooden railings. The perspective is from the bridge's midpoint, leading the viewer's eye towards the far end, which disappears into the dense foliage.
Close-up view of a concrete pillar of the Monteviot Bridge, built in 1999. The pillar features an arched opening that frames a clear blue sky with fluffy white clouds. A suspension bridge cable stretches diagonally across the frame, partially obscured by the arch. Lush green trees are visible in the distance, below the arch.

Riding over the bridge was easy, however, stopping in the middle, placing me feet onto the wood, the bridge began to sway side to side. Settled my stomach and took two pictures.

Tranquil river scene on a sunny day. A calm river flows through a lush green landscape, bordered by dense vegetation and trees. The sky is a vibrant blue with fluffy white clouds, and the sun shines brightly, creating shimmering reflections on the water's surface.

East and West.

Tranquil river scene on a sunny day. Lush green trees line both banks of the river, their reflections mirrored in the calm water. The sky is a vibrant blue, dotted with fluffy white clouds. The overall atmosphere is peaceful and serene, suggesting a quiet, natural setting.

And along the riverside towards Nesbit.

Tranquil riverside scene. Lush green vegetation, including tall grasses and willow trees, dominates the foreground. Beyond, a line of mature deciduous trees stands against a bright blue sky dotted with fluffy white clouds. A calm, reflective body of water is visible between the foreground vegetation and the trees.

There is not much to see in Nesbit, I was hot, slightly tired and thirsty, so returned to Ancrum, the cycle track was a leafy green.

Narrow paved road or lane that is completely enclosed by lush green vegetation. The trees and bushes form a natural tunnel or archway over the road, with dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves.

The path became a road and returned me to the A68, I crossed and opened a gate to my right, and peddle down a narrow path northwards, turned left then right, over a bridge and I was back in Ancrum. This village became my home I won't be tollerating socially toxic nay sayers alienating me into a state of pre-existance.

23rd

Today I completed putting up CCTV surveillance at my new bungalow; other neighbours have these also for their own reasons. My neighbour attached to me says she and her husband moved back to Scotland in the 70s appalled by CCTV in Blackburn, England. Its much, much worst now I told her!

Back garden on a sunny day. The garden features a raised brick retaining wall with steps leading up to it and down to a lower level. There's a small evergreen tree, patches of grass (some appearing dry or brown), a wooden fence, and a glimpse of a house and clothesline in the background. A metal railing runs along the steps. A black wheelie bin is partially visible in the bottom right corner.

I had planned to drill holes into the walls, but used an existing hole that was previously used for satellite cable to save damage to the building. I have one camera at the front of my house and one at the back, these fixed cameras only cover my property, nobody else's. I have erected cameras to counter visits from anti-christ "enablers".

Sun-drenched meadow at sunset. Tall grasses and wildflowers dominate the foreground, with a line of trees forming a backdrop against a partly cloudy, golden-hued sky. The sun is low in the sky, casting a warm light across the scene.
Sunlit meadow at sunset. The foreground is filled with tall grasses and white wildflowers, predominantly Queen Anne's Lace. In the background, a line of trees rests against a gently rising hill, all silhouetted against the setting sun, which creates a starburst effect. The sky is a mostly clear blue, with a few clouds and contrails.
Field of tall grasses and wildflowers, predominantly featuring numerous blue cranesbill flowers (Geranium). The flowers are scattered amongst the taller grasses, creating a natural, somewhat wild, and vibrant scene. In the distant background, a line of trees and a building are visible, suggesting a rural or countryside setting. The overall mood is serene and peaceful, enhanced by the soft, natural light.

Charlie returned during the evening, and to alleviate cabin fever he drove me to the River Teviot near Bonjedward. The walk was so peaceful and the river tranquil, I enjoyed wildflowers lining along the footpath.

Close-up of a single wildflower, likely in the umbellifer family (Apiaceae), with delicate white blossoms arranged in a circular pattern around a central stem. The background is softly blurred, revealing a field of grasses and other vegetation under a partly cloudy sky.
Close-up view of a cluster of vibrant purple comfrey flowers (Symphytum officinale) in their natural habitat. The flowers are bell-shaped and hang downwards from the stems. The leaves are large, ovate, and slightly hairy. The background is softly blurred, showing a field under a partly cloudy sky.
Close-up of a branch with vibrant green leaves and a cluster of reddish-orange berries. The berries appear to be immature hawthorn berries. The background is blurred, showing more of the same plant and suggesting a natural outdoor setting, likely in late summer or early autumn. The lighting suggests it might be taken during the golden hour of either sunrise or sunset.
Single, fully bloomed pink dog rose ( Rosa canina) in close-up. The flower is sharply focused, its delicate petals and intricate central stamens clearly visible. It's illuminated by natural sunlight, with the background showing a blurred view of more foliage and a clear blue sky.
Tranquil scene of a river at sunset. The water is calm, reflecting the sky and the surrounding trees. A large tree stands prominently in the middle of the riverbank, its silhouette partially illuminated by the setting sun. The sky features wispy, white clouds streaked across a deep blue.

Returning, once we became in sight of where we had parked out truck, car horns beeped then sped away; but our truck wasn't broken into. My tires on my mountain bike have been pumped to 50psi, my 18 stone is a lot of pang, pang weight!

22nd

Out for a ride around and about Ancrum on my bike!

Convex mirror reflecting Leonie on a bicycle on a country lane. The mirror is positioned in a dense, overgrown hedgerow filled with various flowering plants, predominantly green foliage with pink wild roses and white umbellifer flowers. The overall impression is one of a quiet, rural scene.

Exercise deminishes the low feelings inflicted by poor mental health.

21st

It's been almost a fortnight since I moved to the Scottish Borders village of Ancrum; and found I very much like living here.

Stone monument, possibly a cross, in a grassy area. It's situated in front of a row of white and red buildings, which appear to be houses. A large tree partially obscures the monument. The sky is bright and sunny, with streaky clouds. The overall scene suggests a tranquil village or small town setting in the daytime.

My bungalow was empty when I signed for my keys, I've already spent near to a thousand pounds on decoration. Yesterday my appliances were delivered and fitted, and I was glad to have received a new fridge, electric cooker and washing machine. I am looking forward to carpets being fitted, as the old floor board smell is dry and stale.

I turned on all the rings of the cooker to burn off a nasty chemical they use to preserve the cooker from rust. The fridge was switched on polystyrene and tape removed. However the washing machine began to spirt out dirty water during the programmes spin cycle; flooding the kitchen floor. Returning from work Charlie sussed the drain pipe had bent.

Rustic stone well or water source, partially hidden within a lush garden. A weathered, black metal pump sits atop a small wooden post within the stone structure. The well is surrounded by various plants, most notably a cluster of vibrant pink geraniums and tall, blade-like leaves, possibly irises or similar. The overall impression is one of a peaceful, somewhat secluded, natural water source incorporated into a garden setting.
Panoramic view of a lush green forest with three diverging paths. The paths are dirt, and the forest floor is covered in low-lying vegetation. The trees are tall and dense, creating a shaded environment. The overall impression is one of tranquillity and a sense of choice or decision-making, symbolised by the diverging paths.
Panoramic view of a forest path. The path forks into two at the center of the image, leading further into a lush green woodland. The trees are densely packed, with low-lying vegetation covering the forest floor.

It's hard to fathom the shear and utter hell I've walked through to get here; in many ways this seems like a dream, that waking up is slowly being realised as a reality. Today I walked Sam through a wonderful woodland down by the River Ale. Its hard for me to write appreciation about where I live, because I know anti-christ "enablers" will decimate it.

Stone church situated on a grassy hill. The church is a reddish-brown stone with a steeply pitched roof and a small spire. To one side, there are several black garbage bins. In the background, there are some modern houses and lush green vegetation.
Ancrum Village Hall, a small, single-story building with a steeply pitched roof and reddish-brown trim. The building is light beige with dark windows. It's surrounded by well-maintained landscaping, including shrubs, flowers in planters, and a small tree in front. A red car is parked in front of an adjacent building. The sky is partly cloudy.
Row of terraced houses on a sunny day. Several cars are parked in front of the houses, including a red car, a yellow car, and several dark-coloured cars. A small, grassy area is in front of the houses, and a larger grassy area is in the foreground of the image, suggesting a slightly elevated viewpoint. The sky is mostly blue with fluffy white clouds.

I also purchased an ice lolly from the local shop, which is friendly, and not too expensive. Also I visited the fort. The walk around the north side of Ancrum, in places is as bonnie as the south of Ancrum, There are many areas I have not been, as Sam walk over bridge steps that mentally partition the area for him. Stomach twists knowing the churches enabling evil.

16th

Early morning Charlie drove to our grass keep near Selkirk, sheep here have had few if any problems this year; being mindful of lung fluke which killed two lambs at this grass keep last year. We have ewes, lambs and two tups penned at this grass keep; these are sheep Charlie does not want to sell, although we may sell store lambs (Wethers) in just a few months time.

Panoramic view of a rural scene. A silver Land Rover is parked at a crossroads, one road leading to a gate and the other leading further into a grassy field. A flock of sheep is gathered near a wooden fence and stone wall in the field. Lush green vegetation and trees surround the area, and a partly cloudy sky is visible in the background.

This is how sheep see us, through 320 degree vision.

Charlie feeding a flock of sheep in a lush green pasture. The sheep are a mix of colours and breeds, and some appear to be lambs. He is standing near a wire fence, holding a yellow bag, likely containing feed. The background includes a line of trees and a cloudy sky. The overall scene is pastoral and peaceful.

Whilst Charlie was tending to the flock I noticed some roses, smell of these pretty flowers is calming, remember the scent from rambling along the North East highland coast.

Close-up shot features a vibrant pink rosebud, still tightly closed, adorned with glistening droplets of water, suggesting a recent rainfall. The rose is the focal point, sharply in focus against a softly blurred background of lush green foliage. The leaves are large, with prominent veins, and display a healthy, deep green hue.

I'm going to plant these in my garden.

Vibrant, hot pink rose in full bloom, covered in glistening water droplets. The rose is the central focus, sharply in focus against a backdrop of lush, dark green foliage. The leaves appear healthy and have a slightly glossy texture.

Healthy lambs, although it is not always so, but rarely heartbreaking.

Young, fluffy white sheep standing in a lush green pasture. The sheep is the focal point, facing the camera, with its ears tagged. Other sheep, including a darker-coloured one, are visible in the background, suggesting a flock or farm setting.

We filled the truck with diesel at Selkirk, before returning to Roberton via Ashkirk. This is the best Borthwick Valley view of Woodburn.

Picturesque landscape of rolling green hills dotted with sheep under a dramatic sky filled with fluffy, dark clouds. A small stream or river meanders through the valley. The scene is peaceful and pastoral, possibly in a rural area of Scotland or a similar region. A wire fence is in the foreground, providing a sense of depth and scale to the image.

Woodburn Farmhouse.

Picturesque landscape of rolling green hills and valleys in a pastoral setting. There are patches of yellow wildflowers, scattered trees and woodland areas, and a small cluster of farm buildings nestled amongst the greenery. Sheep are visible grazing in the lower fields. The sky is partly cloudy.

This valley has been a home to me for just over a year, people here are friendly.

Picturesque landscape under a dramatic sky. Rolling green hills, dotted with sheep and small trees, stretch across the foreground and middle ground. A small stream or river is visible winding through the valley. The sky is filled with dark, heavy clouds, contrasting starkly with the bright sunlight breaking through in patches, creating a moody but beautiful atmosphere. The overall scene evokes a feeling of peaceful rural life juxtaposed with the powerful forces of nature.

Parkhill Farm.

Pastoral scene, likely in a rural area of Scotland or a similar region. In the foreground, there's a lush green valley punctuated by a line of trees. The mid-ground features a farm complex with several buildings, including barns and what appears to be a farmhouse. Several cows graze in the pasture near the farm. In the background, rolling green hills rise, one of which is planted with a dense, systematically organised crop of young trees, possibly a forestry plantation.

We returned to Woodburn to find our Herdwick ewe and lamb had climbed over a stone wall and were grazing by the roadside. Her other lamb behind the wall was crying.

View from inside a car driving down a narrow country lane. A lone sheep grazes in a field beside the road, which is bordered by lush green grass and a low stone wall. Large, leafy trees frame the road, partially obscuring a white building visible in the distance. The sky is overcast.

Charlie fed the sheep on our paddock, the lamb following him is recovering from being very poorly; were lucky to still have her with us.

A couple of more adventurous lambs are slightly lame from squeezing themselves underneath the paddock fence, we'll be happier when they grown some more!

Stainless steel saucepan sitting on a black electric stove top. Inside the saucepan is a creamy white liquid, likely milk or cream, in which two pieces of fried or baked bread are submerged. The bread appears golden brown and slightly crispy. A partially visible lid and a brown ceramic pot are in the background.
Large, dark-coloured pot on a stove top containing a mixture of cooked potatoes and leeks. A wooden spoon is nestled within the pot of glistening, yellow-hued vegetables. The scene suggests a cooking process underway.

After checking our flock within the Craik Forest we invited two friends to enjoy Cullen Skink soup with us back at the farmhouse.