October 2024

12th

Due to wild life concerns I've forbidden Charlie to use poison to kill the autumnal mouse infestation; so instead were using traps, baited with peanut butter and mature cheese.

Dead mouse caught in a black mousetrap. The mouse is hanging upside down, its tail extending downward. The background is a tiled wall with blue and white squares.

This morning I've returned to Woodburn Farmhouse, have plans to finish off decorating the spinning room and alas begin carding last years fleeces. Today is supposed to be Charlie's day off work, but we've been to Hawick three times for shopping, type one stone, and fuel and sheep supplies. There are so many jobs to be done at the farmhouse, that we don't get days off. and when we do we explore (coddiwomple).

Interior of a simple, rustic animal shelter, possibly a lambing shed or temporary enclosure for livestock. The structure is made of wood, with a temporary tarp roof. The floor is covered in straw and manure, indicating recent use. There are wooden dividers creating small pens for animals, and a bag of feed is visible. The overall impression is one of a functional, if somewhat makeshift, space for farm animals.

Alas our poly tunnel is mucked out, next hydrated lime (an ancient disinfectant to prevent wet mouth), a bale of straw (disinfectant) and returned sheep. Next month I'm rewiring the CCTV system, for lambing, and optimising surveillance of the farmhouse.

Large round bale of hay, wrapped in netting, sitting in a muddy farmyard. In the background are a simple barn-like structure and what appears to be an old horse trailer or similar vehicle. The overall setting suggests a rural, agricultural scene, likely in a damp or rainy climate. The sky is overcast.

We would usually get building supplies at Doves, but Charlie was overcharged, so we shop for type one stone at Jewson instead.

Close-up view of a Charlie's hands holding a receipt or invoice from a company called Jenson. Charlie is seated in the driver's seat of a vehicle, their hands and a portion of their work-worn denim clothing visible. The car's steering wheel is partially in view, suggesting a moment of pause or review of the document. The overall impression is one of a working-class individual reviewing a business transaction.
Two men outside a building labelled MATERIALS. One man, a shop worker is wearing a pink beanie and an orange safety vest, is standing near a vehicle. He appears to be handing something to the other man, who is older and dressed in work overalls and green rubber boots. Charlie is holding a piece of paper, possibly a receipt or invoice, suggesting a transaction or delivery is taking place. The scene is set in what seems to be a building material supply yard on a rainy day, with rain visible on the car windows. A bag of what looks like pet food is visible in the car's door pocket. The overall mood is one of a casual business interaction.

I love living in Scotland, and enjoy the company of Scottish people; tradition is important and its enamouring to see Scottish people celebrate their culture and customs, as historically daunting as they may sometimes be for an English man to witness. I do miss England sometimes, in ways, as English identity is not forged on anti-Scottish sentiment.

Rainy day scene at what appears to be a construction or industrial site. Charlie in a dark overall is standing near an orange forklift, seemingly overseeing the unloading of large, stacked bags (some blue, some white/off-white) from the forklift. Another man in a high-visibility vest is seated in the forklift. The background features a dark-grey building with SON visible on the side, indicating a company name. The overall impression is one of outdoor manual labour in inclement weather.
Forklift in a construction or industrial setting. A shop worker is operating the forklift, which appears to be lifting a large, blue tarp-covered object from a small trailer and positioning it near a car. Charlie is standing nearby, observing the process. The scene is outdoors, on a wet, muddy ground. The overall impression is of a routine materials-handling task.

Endeared to see Charlie helping the workman with his forklift whilst tolerating a heavy downpour of rain; beyond professionalism it's important to be supportive of each other.

Charlie in work overalls attaching a small, rusty blue trailer to the tow hitch of a grey Land Rover Freelander. The man appears to be using a jack to assist with the connection. The setting is a rural, grassy area.

I am dismayed to witness using a bottle jack for uncoupling; but the trailer is very heavy. The rear door on our Freelander is completely broken; held together with baleing twine.

Blue tarp, possibly a large bag or container, filled with dark-coloured, granular material that resembles gravel or crushed stone. The tarp is wet, showing water droplets on its surface, and has yellow straps or handles. The backdrop is a weathered wooden structure.

After uncoupling the trailer we returned to Hawick, stopping at Harbo to pick up lick buckets, ewe pellets, coal and peat.

Backseat of a vehicle filled with livestock feed. There are two red plastic buckets, one containing EnerGize Forage Booster (Harbro brand), the other is partially filled. Stacked on the rear seat are several bags of Harbro brand feed, including clover sheep feed and Black Diamond Doubles. The overall impression is of a farmer or agricultural worker transporting supplies for their animals. The image is straightforward, lacking artistic elements; its primary purpose appears to be documentation.

The ewes grazing at grass keep are running out of grass; soon they will return to Woodburn; they occupy grass keep between the months of May and November.

6th

I have never been to the races before, anywhere; so this event was both a discovery and an adventure for me. We arrived just after midday, and purchased tickets at the gate; Charlie told me the Kelso races were special, and I learned through this observant day I share with you.

Horse race in progress. Five jockeys on horseback are approaching the finish line, close together in a tight pack. Spectators are visible in the background, along with the racecourse fencing and signage. The focus is on the horses and riders, capturing the intensity and excitement of the race.
Horse race in progress. Several jockeys on their horses are in the midst of jumping a hurdle. The focus is on the horses and riders as they navigate the obstacle, with the background showing a green field and trees. A banner with the partially visible words RM TIMEFORM TIM is present near the base of the hurdle. The overall impression is one of dynamic action and competition.
Race results board at Kelso Racecourse. The display shows the results of the Remembering Paula Greig Novices' Hurdle race, listing the horses, their finishing positions, and their odds. The board also indicates the condition of the course (Going: Good) and the distance of the race (2m 51y). The background shows a small portion of the racecourse and sky. The overall impression is one of a standard race day update, providing factual information to spectators. There's no overt emotional expression or deeper moral story; it's a purely functional display of race results.
Several horses and their jockeys are tightly bunched together, competing for the lead near the finish line. The foreground is blurred, suggesting motion, while the horses and riders in the middle ground are in sharp focus. The background shows a racecourse with fencing, spectators, and buildings in the distance. The overall impression is one of intense competition and speed.

Felt concern for the jockeys that fell from their horses, with no knowledge broadcast of them being remotely OK.

Blurry, distant view of what seems to be a medical emergency unfolding on a grassy area, possibly a golf course. A person in a bright yellow safety vest is attending to someone lying on the ground. A paramedic vehicle is parked nearby. The overall impression is one of concern and possible injury.

The horse and jockeys are very photogenic; today I was using my Panasonic DC-FZ82. If you want to take 1200mm zoom pictures I recommend this as a budget camera; the only issues I have other than low pixels is the operational settings seem a bit confusing.

Horse race in progress. A jockey, wearing a maroon and yellow jacket, is riding a dark brown horse over a hurdle on a grass track. The background includes trees and houses, suggesting a countryside setting. The focus is on the horse and jockey as they approach what seems to be a jump in the race.
Horse race in progress. Several horses and jockeys are seen in the midst of a close contest, nearing the finish line. The focus is on the group of horses, with the background showing a racecourse with fences and a grassy area.
Jockey, wearing a blue and yellow racing silks, holding a blue silks jacket over their shoulder. They are wearing a helmet and gloves. Their face is partially obscured, and they appear to be wiping their nose or mouth. The background suggests a racecourse setting. The overall mood is one of post-race weariness or disappointment.
Close-up of an older, bald Caucasian man with a serious expression. He has a gray beard and is wearing a dark navy blazer over a dark gray sweater and a light blue and white patterned shirt. The background is blurred, showing out-of-focus greenery and what appears to be a portion of a scoreboard or electronic display. The man's gaze is direct, and his expression conveys a sense of contemplation or perhaps slight displeasure.
Woman in a pink cardigan leading a brown horse with a black hood. They are at a racetrack, with spectators visible in the background. The woman appears to be a jockey or someone involved in horse racing.
Young woman, possibly a jockey, standing next to a brown racehorse at what appears to be a racetrack. She is holding the horse's reins and appears to be waiting or preparing for a race. A small number 1 is visible on her jacket, suggesting she may be associated with a particular horse or stable. In the background, a number of spectators are visible, watching the activity. The overall setting suggests a horse racing event.
Grey racehorse, saddled and ready for a race, being led by a groom. Several people are watching in the background, some appear to be media personnel (with cameras and microphones), while others are spectators. The setting is a racecourse, with fencing, bushes, and a water trough visible. The overall impression is one of anticipation before a horse race.
Man in a dark suit being interviewed by a woman wearing a red jacket. The interview is taking place outdoors, with a cameraman and another man in the background. The woman holds a pink microphone with a logo on it. The overall setting appears to be a public event, possibly at a racecourse or similar location, judging by the man in the background's jacket.
Cameraman, wearing a dark jacket, cap and sunglasses, operating a professional video camera. He is positioned in front of a backdrop displaying the logo for Kelso Races 200 which is repeated several times in a pink and teal grid pattern. In the background, a stone monument with an inscription is partially visible. The scene suggests the cameraman is filming an event at Kelso Racecourse, perhaps to commemorate its 200th anniversary. The image conveys a sense of professionalism and the behind-the-scenes work involved in documenting a significant event.
Cameraman in a lift, operating a large professional video camera. He's positioned high up against a grey sky, suggesting he's filming an outdoor event. The focus is on the cameraman and his equipment, conveying a sense of professionalism and the behind-the-scenes work involved in broadcasting or filming.
Man with blonde hair, wearing a dark blue vest over a brown sweater, taking a picture with his smartphone. He appears to be in a rural setting, with farm buildings and fields visible in the background. Two other individuals are partially visible in the background, one wearing a dark jacket and the other a lighter-coloured jacket. The overall impression is of a casual, possibly professional, outdoor scene. The logo of Crave Brews is visible on his vest.
Man in a navy blue newsboy cap and dark jacket speaking into a microphone. He is standing in front of a light beige stone monument with an inscription commemorating HRH The Prince and the years 1823-2023. The inscription also includes the word Kelso and the date 17th April. The man seems to be giving a speech or commentating on the event. The overall mood is formal and commemorative.
Man in a dark coat being interviewed by a reporter. The reporter holds a microphone with a pink R logo. The background features a white fence and some autumn foliage. The setting appears to be outdoors, possibly at a sporting event or similar public occasion.
Woman being interviewed by a reporter. The woman is the main focus, wearing a blue and yellow sweater. A cameraman is visible in the background, recording the interview. The setting appears to be outdoors, near what looks like parked vehicles (possibly vans or buses). The overall impression is of a news interview or similar media event.
Close-up view of an older couple, positioned outdoors against a backdrop of lush green foliage. The man, wearing a tweed cap and a blue sweater, stands slightly behind and to the left of the woman. The woman, with short, blonde hair, is dressed in a patterned blue jacket and a grey scarf. They appear to be in conversation or simply standing close together, suggesting a close relationship, likely a married couple. The overall atmosphere is peaceful and intimate. The setting suggests an outdoor event, possibly at a racetrack or country club, given the man's attire.
Scene at a horse racing event, specifically what seems to be a presentation or award ceremony. The focus is on three individuals: an older gentleman in a tweed jacket handing a white bag to a woman with blonde hair in a dark puffer jacket; a young jockey in a lilac racing jacket with black and pink accents stands attentively nearby, seemingly involved in the exchange. The background features a repetitive pink and teal patterned backdrop with the Kelso Races Bicentenary Season 2022-2023 logo prominently displayed. The scene suggests a formal or celebratory moment within the horse racing context. The overall mood is one of polite formality and possibly a quiet celebration.
Two men in conversation outdoors. One man, wearing a tweed cap and a dark quilted jacket, appears to be a photographer, indicated by the camera and strap visible. The second man, in a brown overcoat and fedora, seems to be engaged in a discussion with the photographer. The background suggests a racetrack or similar outdoor sporting venue, with a white fence and autumnal foliage. The overall mood is one of casual conversation, possibly business-related given the setting.
Crowd of people watching a horse race at a racetrack. The spectators are standing along a fence, looking towards a grassy track with white barriers. In the background, there is a large screen displaying race information, some buildings associated with the racetrack, and a partly cloudy sky. The overall atmosphere appears to be one of casual outdoor leisure and sporting event observation.
Man, seen through a window pane, sitting and appearing to write with a pen. He is wearing glasses and a dark jacket over a lighter coloured shirt. The background is blurry but shows what seems to be a room with a window. The overall impression is one of quiet concentration or work. The image is slightly out of focus, adding to the indistinct, almost voyeuristic feel.
Large crowd of people gathered at an outdoor horse racing venue. They are standing around a grandstand and along a fence overlooking a grass race track. The day appears somewhat overcast. The overall atmosphere suggests a sporting event in progress or about to begin.
Outdoor scene at what appears to be a sporting event or fair. A crowd of people are milling about, many standing near various vendor stalls or booths set up along a paved area. The stalls are mostly small and appear to be selling merchandise or food. There are several taller structures, possibly light poles or signage, spaced along the line of stalls. In the background are buildings, including what looks like a stone building. The sky is overcast. A woman in a dark coat is prominently featured in the foreground. The overall impression is of a somewhat dreary, but busy, outdoor event.
Three older adults standing outdoors on a grassy area, possibly near a racetrack, as indicated by a white fence in the foreground. Two men and one woman are standing in a casual grouping. All three appear to be having a conversation and are holding disposable coffee cups. One of the men is seated in a wheelchair. The overall impression is a moment of relaxed social interaction.
Fair-skinned woman dressed in a costume reminiscent of a Hogwarts professor from the Harry Potter series. She’s wearing a maroon velvet robe, a yellow and maroon striped scarf, a white shirt, and a dark tie. Her hair is styled in pigtails, and she wears dark-rimmed glasses. She is holding a wand and her expression suggests jovial playfulness. The backdrop is a nondescript building exterior. The overall impression is one of playful costuming, possibly for a theatrical performance or a themed event.
Close-up of an older man with long white hair, wearing a red and green striped shirt and a patched, multicoloured flat cap adorned with a knitted carrot. He appears to be engaged in conversation with another man whose face is partially visible to the left. The background is blurred but shows some greenery and a building. The overall impression is one of a friendly, perhaps slightly whimsical encounter.
Group of people at what appears to be a horse racing event. The focus is on an older man wearing a distinctive red and green striped jacket and a hat adorned with a carrot. He is holding a bag of carrots. A woman in a dark coat with a fur trim stands beside him, and another woman, wearing a red jacket, is partially visible next to her. A person in a dark jacket with the Kelso Races logo is also in the frame. The background includes a white fence and a sign indicating Kelso Races. The overall impression is of a somewhat humorous and possibly celebratory scene, perhaps related to a prize-giving or a quirky tradition at the races.
Group of people, predominantly women, gathered around an older man wearing a striped jacket and a tam o' shanter. They appear to be at a horse racing event, indicated by the numerous Kelso Races banners in the background and the stone inscription mentioning the visit of the Princess Royal. The atmosphere is celebratory and convivial, suggesting a prize-giving or similar occasion. The women show a range of emotions, from joyful laughter to polite smiles. The scene is brightly lit, suggesting an outdoor setting on a sunny day. One woman holds an orange mesh bag, possibly containing a prize. The overall tone is one of happy camaraderie and accomplishment.
Close-up of a cymbal belonging to The Jelly Roll Jazz Band. The cymbal is gold-coloured with black lettering indicating the band's name. A portion of a musical instrument, possibly a clarinet or saxophone, is visible in the background, suggesting the cymbal is part of a musical setup.
Three-piece jazz band performing outdoors, likely at a race track, judging from the fencing in the background. One musician plays a clarinet, another a banjo, and the third a baritone tuba or sousaphone. They are dressed in suits, giving a somewhat formal yet informal feel. A music stand with the band's name The Jelly Roll Jazz Band is positioned between the banjo and tuba players. Several onlookers are visible in the background, but they are out of focus. The overall impression is of a lively and impromptu performance in a slightly unexpected setting.
Tall, slender stone obelisk standing on a hilltop. The obelisk is gray and has a small window near its base. A simple wooden fence runs horizontally across the foreground just below the obelisk. The surrounding landscape is a harvested field with dry, tan-colored grass. The sky is a mostly clear, light grey.

Every bet lost but one, the weather held as I moved unmoved between the busy day. We enjoyed this day, but marked it as a special day, until next year, Kelso races.

4th

Yesterday, returning to Roberton from Gretna Green I noticed a church, tower and stately home from the A7, about one mile North of Longtown. Initially we thought this church locked, but I was sure the church door was open.

Charlie standing in front of a brick church in a graveyard. The church is old, with a clock tower, and the gravestones are weathered. He is dressed in casual attire and appears to be looking directly at the camera. The setting suggests a historical or possibly sombre mood. The overall composition is balanced and well-lit.

Awesome Charlie.

Panoramic view of a brick church with a clock tower. The church is situated in a green field, surrounded by a graveyard with numerous weathered headstones. The sky is mostly blue with a scattering of fluffy white clouds. The overall scene is peaceful and evokes a sense of quiet countryside serenity. The sunlight suggests it is likely late afternoon or early evening.
Sandstone church, possibly in the UK, with a clock tower. The church is aged, showing weathering and lichen. A graveyard is visible in the foreground and background. The overall aesthetic is one of quiet, historical dignity.
Lush green bush planted at the base of an old stone building. The building's facade is made of aged, reddish-brown stone, showing signs of weathering and lichen. A dark wooden door is visible, framed by a stone archway with classical detailing. The style suggests an old church or chapel. The scene is peaceful and evokes a sense of age and quiet. Scattered fallen leaves on the grass hint at the changing season.
Interior of a church. The perspective is from the nave, looking towards the altar. The church features an ornate, dark wood reredos (the decorative screen behind the altar) and rows of simple wooden pews. The ceiling is coiffured with a light beige and blue pattern. Stained-glass windows are visible on either side of the nave. The overall impression is one of quiet dignity and historical significance.
Interior of a church, specifically the chancel area. The scene is dominated by a large, ornate, dark green and gold structure, possibly a screen or pulpit, which frames the altar and the main sanctuary. A runner carpet leads from the viewer's perspective towards the altar. The overall style suggests a historical or classical architectural design. The altar itself is relatively simple compared to the elaborate surrounding structure.
Altar in a chapel or church. The altar is adorned with an ornate, dark-wood reredos featuring a painting depicting a biblical scene, possibly a depiction of the ascension of Christ or a similar religious event. The altar cloth is a richly patterned fabric with green and gold tones. The room's walls are a dark teal with vertically striped, aged tapestry or wall covering. The overall atmosphere is one of quiet reverence and historical significance.
Painting of the Ascension of Jesus Christ, set within an ornate, dark-green and gold frame. Jesus is depicted ascending into heaven, surrounded by clouds, while a group of disciples looks on from below in a state of awe and wonder. The artistic style appears to be reminiscent of Renaissance painting. The frame itself is a significant element, showing intricate carvings and gilding, suggesting a place of religious importance, likely within a church or chapel.
Interior of a church. The view is from the aisle, looking toward the altar. The church features dark wooden pews arranged in rows, a beige and blue coffered ceiling, and walls painted a light grayish-beige. A Union Jack flag hangs on the wall behind the altar. There's a small table with items on it near the center of the aisle, and a person standing near it. The walls have some wood paneling and artwork (including a depiction of the crucifixion of Jesus) hangs on the walls. The overall atmosphere is calm and quiet.

Read this prayer cushion.

Needlepoint cushion or kneeler. It's rectangular and features a muted blue-green background with the phrase Honour your Father and Mother embroidered in red. A small, yellow embroidered lamb with a flag or banner is also present. The border is decorated with a geometric pattern in red and gold thread. The overall style suggests a religious or traditional context.
Stained-glass window, arched at the top, set within a larger, darker arched window frame. The stained glass depicts a scene from the Bible, likely the Resurrection, with Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene. The text at the bottom reads Jesus said unto her Touch me not. The overall style is traditional, suggesting a church or religious building. Sunlight streams through the window from behind, adding to the contemplative atmosphere.
Large arched stained-glass window, typical of a church or cathedral. The central panel depicts a scene of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, with Mary and John flanking him. Below the depiction is an inscription referencing the cleansing power of Jesus' blood. The window is divided into many smaller panes by a dark metal framework, and the overall style suggests a traditional, possibly historical, setting. A modern speaker is visible mounted on the wall to the left of the window.

I always take off my hat inside churches.

Large arched stained-glass window, characteristic of a church or other religious building. The main feature is a central panel depicting the Adoration of the Magi, a biblical scene showing the three wise men presenting gifts to the baby Jesus. The panel is surrounded by smaller, clear glass panes creating a grid pattern within the arched frame. At the bottom of the central panel, an inscription reads We are come to worship Him. The overall style suggests a traditional, possibly Victorian-era, aesthetic. The image is well-lit, highlighting the colours and detail of the stained glass.
Interior of a church, specifically focusing on the nave and altar area. Leonie in a long blue skirt and dark jacket stands with her back to the camera, facing the altar. The church features elaborate, dark green and gold woodwork, with a richly decorated reredos behind the altar containing a painting depicting a religious scene. A rug stretches from Leonie's position towards the altar. The overall impression is one of quiet contemplation and reverence within a historic and beautifully crafted religious space.
Tranquil scene of a river reflecting the surrounding trees and a suspension bridge in the background under a mostly clear blue sky. The water is dark and calm, mirroring the autumnal colours of the trees. The overall mood is peaceful and serene. The viewpoint is from the riverbank, partially obscured by overhanging branches.
Rusty, aged metal sign affixed to a blue metal bridge structure. The sign, worn by time and the elements, displays a notice that reads: NOTICE. This Bridge is Not Warranted to Carry More Than Six Persons At One Time. May 1904. By Order. The photo includes the surrounding natural environment of trees and what seems to be a river or water body visible in the background, adding to the sense of age and history that the image conveys. The overall effect is one of rustic charm and historical significance. The rusty sign itself speaks to the passage of time, adding a layer of visual interest to the scene.

The suspension bridge reminded me of Monteviot, only that bridge is wooden. Michael Ancram passed away only a few days ago; I heard from a complication during an operation. Charlie purchased me a tea towel from the church.