September 2024

30th

Hungry Mr Badger.

We used to store chaff in that bin.

29th

Mucking out has been audious this year.

Interior of a rustic, makeshift barn or shelter. Charlie stands near the centre, looking towards the back. The structure is made of wood and covered with a plastic tarp supported by a simple framework. The floor is covered in straw or hay. An old tractor and trailer are visible just outside the entrance.

Charlie describes the job as a marathon, not a sprint.

We visited grasskeep to drop off an energy bucket, and noticed the tups doing their job.

28th

Hey Mr Badger.

Take away our STASI moles.

27th

Biker funeral prossession.

Must have been well known to have this many bikers drive by.

25th

This doll has been my friend for years, a mascott, when I was isolated alone, for an entire decade!

Rag doll sitting inside the drum of a washing machine. The doll is light-skinned with blonde pigtails and a light blue dress. The washing machine is white.

Today I she had a wash inside her space rocket, after her journey I opened the door and this is how I found her.

24th

Starter motor for Charlies tractor arrived today!

Rectangular package wrapped in multiple layers of protective packaging. The outer layer displays the word Agile prominently in large red lettering.

Off we go to Longtown, with several ewes.

We bought the dashcam because so many speeding drivers were dangerously overtaking our car about the Borders.

Passing by Eweswater and through Langholm.

A quick drive by picture of Gilnockie Tower, home of Clan Armstrong.

Flock of sheep grazing peacefully in a verdant field. In the background, a stone tower, possibly a small castle or watchtower, stands prominently against a backdrop of a dense, dark green forest under a lightly overcast sky. The overall mood is serene and pastoral, suggestive of the Scottish countryside.

Hurrah, we arrived at Longtown!

Viking sheep, known as Herdwicks.

Large group of sheep penned in a livestock auction or sale setting. The sheep are predominantly white, with a few black sheep interspersed. The setting appears to be an indoor barn or similar structure with metal pens. The overall impression is one of a typical agricultural scene, possibly focusing on the sale or trading of livestock.

Our sheep are Teeswater X, now penned for auction.

Livestock pen inside a barn. Several sheep are confined within red metal gates. A dark sign with a yellow sticky note attached is visible, indicating the farm name Wood Burn and the number 5. The barn's corrugated metal roof and wooden walls are partially visible in the background. The overall setting suggests an agricultural environment, likely a sheep auction or farm. The photo is taken from a slightly low angle, looking through the bars of the pen. The ground is visibly dirty, and the overall mood is rather matter-of-fact and functional.

We sometimes visit the auction hall, but rarely present our sheep in person, during bidding. Here is wait for cash, or recieve a cheque some days later.

Inside a car driving along a road that curves gently to the right. The road is bordered by a low guardrail. To the right, a hillside rises steeply, showing a large area of clear-cut forestry with the remaining tree stumps visible. A few smaller trees and bushes grow at the edge of the road. In the distance, a high-voltage electricity pylon is seen. The sky is overcast and grey-white. The overall atmosphere is somewhat bleak and desolate due to the clear-cut hillside and overcast sky.

By now I'm very familiar with the road home, notably this turning in the road, just before we return to the Scottish Borders.

22nd

Gotcha!

Dead mouse caught in a snap trap. The mouse is light grey/blue and lies near a dark metal object. The trap is black plastic and contains a small amount of bait visible. The scene is set on a grey concrete floor.

Painting my carding and spinning room, were also using this room to photograph antiques to sell on eBay etc.

Messy scene of paint supplies spread on a dark-blue carpet. There are two paint cans, one open and one closed, a paint tray with a roller, and paint splatter and debris scattered across the carpet. The overall impression is one of an interrupted or unfinished painting project.
Close-up view of a paintbrush held in Leonie's hand. The brush is stained with white paint and has a green ferrule with STAINLESS STEEL stamped on it. The background is out of focus, but shows a light beige wall and a dark blue surface, possibly a tray or container. The overall impression is one of a work in progress, possibly a home improvement or painting project.

Charlie dags and drench worms sheep.

Charlie shearing a sheep in a field. A border collie dog is watching the process from behind a fence. Other sheep are visible in the background, and a small farmhouse is in the distance. The overall setting appears to be a rural farm.
Charlie shearing a sheep in a field. A border collie is watching from behind a metal gate. Another sheep and a black sheep are also visible in the background. The overall setting appears to be a farm.

A drive to the Craik Forest.

Close-up selfie of a Leonie with fair skin, wearing a cream-coloured knit hat with a small decorative element on top, a dark-blue polka-dotted dress, and a maroon cardigan with a pink and white pattern at the shoulders. Leonie appears to be sitting in the driver's seat of a dark-coloured car, with some trees visible through the window. The expression on Leonie's face is somewhat ambiguous, a slightly quizzical or pensive smirk. The overall impression is one of casual, everyday life.
Dirt path winding through a dense forest. Tall, slender pine trees dominate the scene, creating a somewhat secluded and shaded atmosphere. Low-lying vegetation, including ferns and clover-like plants, covers the forest floor. Charlie is visible in the distance, walking further into the woods along the path. The overall impression is one of quiet solitude and a journey into a natural, wooded environment.
Panoramic view of a dirt road or track branching off into two paths within a dense forest. A dark-colored SUV is parked on the right-hand side of the main track, near the edge of the woods. The forest is primarily composed of tall, slender coniferous trees, suggesting a woodland setting. The overall atmosphere appears serene and somewhat secluded.
Forest path winding through a dense wood. The trees are tall and slender, mostly dark green in colour, except for one tree in the centre of the image that is displaying a vibrant yellow-green foliage. The overall atmosphere is one of twilight or early morning, with a slightly subdued light. The path is dirt, and the ground is covered with leaf litter. The perspective is from ground level, looking up towards the canopy.
Path winding through a dense coniferous forest. The trees are tall and slender, with their lower branches bare, creating a somewhat sombre, almost Gothic atmosphere. The path is narrow and grassy, disappearing into the depths of the woods. The overall impression is one of depth, quiet, and a sense of mystery.
Tranquil scene in a coniferous forest. A small, slow-moving stream flows through the centre of the image, with a fallen log spanning part of its width. The surrounding forest is densely packed with tall evergreen trees. The overall mood is serene and somewhat secluded. The sky is overcast, adding to the quiet atmosphere.
Charlie partially obscured behind a low-hanging branch of a coniferous tree in a dense forest. The background consists of tall, dark evergreen trees, creating a somewhat gloomy and secluded atmosphere. The overall palette is muted greens and browns.
Panoramic view of a rural road in autumn. A dark grey Land Rover is parked on the left side of the road, which forks into two directions. The surrounding landscape is mostly overgrown with tall, dry grasses and shrubs. In the middle distance, a single deciduous tree displays autumnal colors. Beyond the immediate vegetation, there are coniferous forests on both sides of the road. The sky is overcast, giving the scene a muted, somewhat melancholic atmosphere.

Four mile drive to the Craik forest from Woodburn Farmhouse.

21st

Neighbours hens are unwell, we picked up some goodies for them at Harbo.

Two buckets of Harbro Oyster Shell Grit for poultry. The buckets are identical, showing product information including grit size, analysis, ingredients, instructions for use, net weight, and contact information for the manufacturer. A partially visible third container of a similar product and a chicken feed mix is also in the image. The overall setting appears to be a retail environment, likely a feed store or agricultural supply shop.
Leonie's hand holding a pink bottle of NETEX product. The bottle features a stylised illustration of chickens and birds against a pink and white background. The bottle is being held in a store aisle with various pet supplies visible in the background, including containers of what looks like birdseed and eggs.

I got a pair of wool socks, the lambs two energy buckets.

Pair of grey wool hiking socks. The socks are packaged with a tag that advertises them as Country Pursuit Outdoor Socks, specifically the Pennine Walker style. The tag features a scenic image of a mountainous lake district, emphasising the socks suitability for rugged outdoor activities. The overall impression is one of practicality and connection to nature.
Two red plastic buckets stacked on top of each other on a dark asphalt surface. The buckets contain Energize Forage Booster for sheep, as indicated by the label. A dirty Land Rover Freelander's rear end is partially visible in the background.

Charlie shows me how to open an energy bucket.

Flock of sheep gathered around a red bucket in a grassy pasture. The bucket appears to contain sheep feed. A stone cottage is visible in the background. The overall scene depicts a typical rural farming setting.

It took these lambs a while to find the energy bucket, this is their first time but they seem to enjoy it.

Close-up view of a Charlie's hands working on an old, rusty piece of machinery, possibly a tractor. The individual is wearing dirty work clothes and appears to be meticulously disassembling or repairing a part of the machine's motor or starter. The setting appears to be outdoors in a grassy area.

Starter motor problems on the tractor, and there is still mucking out to do.

Interior of a makeshift barn or animal shelter constructed from a large tarp stretched over a wooden frame. A tractor is parked at the left, partially obscuring the view. Inside, there's a small cart filled with what appears to be manure or compost, and the ground is covered with similar material. The overall impression is one of a rustic, temporary, and working agricultural setting. The lighting is dim, suggesting either early morning or evening.

Mucking out has been late, and very much an ongoing effort this year.

19th

Cade lambs like a fuss, but over time, with herd mentality, become as jumpy anxious as the flock.

Stumpy cade lamb has sore hooves, Charlie applies anti-biotic spray.

Woodburn farmhouse and these lambs have healed me in so many ways, I am so happy to have met their aquiantance.

18th

An addition to my library.

Penguin Classics edition of David Hume's A Treatise of Human Nature. The cover features a portrait of Hume, dressed in 18th-century attire. The book is being held in Leonie's hand.

I believe nature, atleast here on planet Earth, to be the cruellest of mothers.

Close-up view of a Border Collie's face and upper body. The dog is positioned lying down, peering from underneath a wooden piece of furniture, possibly a bed or a table. Its expression is curious and slightly inquisitive, its large, expressive eyes directly facing the camera. The dog's fur is predominantly black and white with some tan markings around its eyes. The focus is sharp on the dog's face, blurring the background slightly.

Sam.

Sun-drenched rural landscape. In the foreground, tall grasses and weeds grow along a low stone wall. Beyond the wall, a harvested field stretches into the middle ground, dotted with several round hay bales. In the background, a line of trees and rolling hills under a clear blue sky complete the scene, suggesting a tranquil and idyllic countryside setting.
Charlie walking down a narrow, grassy path between two tall hedges, under a bright blue sky. A dog is visible slightly ahead and below him on the path. The man's shadow is cast prominently on the ground in front of him, extending nearly the length of the path visible in the frame. The overall impression is one of serenity and peaceful solitude in a nature setting.
Rural landscape on a sunny day. In the foreground is a low stone wall covered in moss, separating the viewer from a harvested field. The field is largely golden brown, with several round hay bales scattered across it. In the distance, a small cluster of houses is visible underneath a clear blue sky. Two birds can be seen in flight against this sky. The overall impression is one of peacefulness and rural tranquillity.
Cluster of bright red berries hanging from a stem on a green plant against a bright blue sky. The berries are the focal point, sharply in focus while the background greenery is softly blurred, creating a shallow depth of field. The overall impression is one of natural beauty and vibrant colour.
Row of houses in the distance, situated on a slightly elevated position. The houses are a mix of styles and colors, suggesting a relatively new housing development. In the foreground is a field of cut, dry grass or stubble, and tall vegetation partially obscuring the view of the houses. A partly visible footpath runs along the bottom-left of the frame. The sky is a clear, bright blue; indicating a sunny day
Tranquil riverside scene. A black and white Border Collie dog stands near a large tree on the grassy bank of a gently flowing river. The sun glints off the water's surface. Lush green vegetation, including leafy trees and grass, surrounds the river.
Close-up selfie of Leonie with long blonde hair wearing a beige knit hat and dark sunglasses. She is giving the middle finger to the camera. The background features a tranquil landscape: a calm river, green grass, and a large tree under a bright, sunny sky. The woman's expression is a mixture of amusement and defiance.
Charlie standing by a calm river on a sunny day. He is accompanied by a small dark-coloured dog. Lush green vegetation lines the riverbanks, with trees visible in the background. The sky is a clear, vibrant blue, and the sun is shining brightly. The overall mood is peaceful and serene, suggestive of a tranquil countryside setting.
Peacock butterfly (Aglais io) perched on a purple thistle flower. The butterfly's wings are partially open, displaying their characteristic eye-spots. The background is blurred, but shows a field of green grass and other plants.
Tranquil scene of a riverbank. Lush green grass, dotted with wildflowers including thistles, dominates the foreground. A calm river reflects the blue sky and surrounding greenery, with a backdrop of trees and a hint of buildings. A single butterfly, with reddish-orange and black markings, adds a splash of vibrant colour to the otherwise subdued palette.
Vast, sunlit field of harvested crops, dotted with numerous round hay bales. The foreground features tall, unkempt grass, partially obscuring the view. In the background, rolling hills rise gently under a clear, bright blue sky with a few wispy clouds. A few distant trees and possibly a small farmhouse are barely visible on the horizon.

Francis "Fish" won't sell her sheep she can't look after.

Handwritten yellow note taped to a glass door. The note urgently requests help with a flock of sheep, providing a telephone number. The writing is somewhat childlike or amateurish, suggesting a personal or urgent appeal rather than a formal advertisement. The overall impression is one of a rural, possibly farming-related, situation where immediate assistance is needed with livestock. The presence of other notes on the glass hints at a business or possibly a home environment. The small piece of what appears to be food stuck to the note adds to the informal, possibly hurried nature of the request.

Will you service her feelings, for the sake of her sheep's welfare? We sometimes drive through Duns but the road via Coldingham, Berrick-on-Tweed is an easier drive for Charlie; leaving Scotland and returning northbound along the A1.

Rear of a horse transport truck belonging to Eric Gillie Ltd, based in Kelso, Scotland. The truck's livery is a striking combination of cream and blue, clearly displaying the company's name, services (International Horse Transport), contact information, and operating areas (UK and Ireland).
Border Collie dog sitting in the back of a car, looking directly at the camera. The dog appears calm but slightly apprehensive. The car's interior is somewhat worn, showing signs of use. A portion of a person's dark clothing is visible in the lower right corner.
Street scene in a small town or village, likely in the UK, judging from the car license plate. The perspective is from inside a car driving down a street. A stone church tower is prominently featured in the background, with buildings lining the street on either side. Festive bunting is strung across the road, suggesting a celebration or special occasion. The overall impression is one of a quiet, possibly historic, community on a sunny day.

We enjoy the seaside; here I can wrestle with symptoms of emotional Borderline Personality Disorder.

Charlie standing barefoot on a sandy beach, holding a pair of walking boots in his right hand. He is wearing a green jacket and jeans rolled up to his ankles. The beach is calm, with gentle waves lapping the shore. In the background is a green hillside and a clear blue sky.

Shoes and socks off, Charlie is a traditional English man.

Sam the sheep dog has been a bit under the weather so he did not go into the sea for a swim, so I photographed other dogs enjoying plunging into the sea to fetch a ball.

Tranquil coastal scene. The foreground features a dark sand beach merging with the gently lapping waves of a calm sea. Dark rocks are scattered along the shoreline and extend into the water. A verdant, grassy hillside rises gently from the rocks in the background, all under a clear blue sky.
Tranquil coastal scene on a clear, sunny day. In the foreground are clear, shallow waters revealing rocks and some aquatic vegetation. The mid-ground features a calm bay with a sandy beach, sparsely populated. In the background, a gently sloping hillside with low-lying buildings or houses is visible against a deep blue sky.
Panoramic view of a secluded cove on a sunny day. The cove is sandy with dark rocks jutting out into the calm sea. Green grassy hillsides slope down to the cove and a couple of benches are visible on the left hillside. The sky is a clear, vibrant blue. The overall impression is one of tranquil beauty and peaceful isolation.
Close-up view of two vibrant pink beach roses in full bloom. The petals are soft and delicate-looking, with a prominent cluster of stamens in the centre of each blossom. The background is blurred, showcasing a natural green setting which suggests the roses are outdoors.

I enjoy riding over the Manse, but it's a harder road for Charlie to drive.

17th

Communism thrives in places where workers do not have enough to eat.

Refrigerated section of a supermarket, specifically a long aisle of produce. Many of the green plastic bins are mostly or completely empty, suggesting a low stock of certain items. Visible produce includes cucumbers, celery, peas, and some peppers.
Refrigerated section of a supermarket, specifically a dairy aisle. Multiple glass-fronted refrigerators are filled with various dairy products, primarily milk in various sizes and containers. There are also smaller quantities of yogurts and cream on shelves above the refrigerators. The shelves appear somewhat sparsely stocked, particularly the upper shelves. The image suggests a snapshot of a typical supermarket dairy section, with a focus on the refrigerated milk display. There's also price labelling visible on some items.

Politics in this country has become increasingly worrying.

16th

An early rise this morning, taking a tup to auction.

Sunrise viewed from inside a car. The sun is rising behind a line of trees, and the sky is a mix of blue, orange, and pink. The car's windscreen is dirty, adding a slightly hazy effect to the view. A hand is visible in the bottom right corner, suggesting someone is driving.
Breathtaking sunrise over a rolling landscape. The sun, a vibrant orange, is partially visible on the horizon, casting a warm glow across the undulating hills and valleys. The sky is a blend of soft oranges, pinks, and blues, with wispy clouds adding texture and depth. A calm river meanders through the valley below, providing a peaceful counterpoint to the dramatic sky. The foreground consists of dark, silhouetted vegetation, contrasting with the brightly lit landscape in the distance.
First-person view from inside a car driving down a country road at sunrise. The sun is rising on the right side of the frame, casting a warm glow on the landscape. The road is lined with trees, and a simple wooden signpost can be seen in the distance. The wind shield is wet with raindrops, adding to the atmospheric feel of the scene. A dash cam and rear-view mirror are visible within the car. The overall mood is peaceful and evocative of a journey.
Charlie driving a car at sunrise. The sun is rising in the distance, casting a warm glow over the landscape. The driver's hands are visible on the steering wheel. A cup is in the car's cup holder. The overall mood is peaceful and serene.

We arrived at St Boswells.

Rural scene, likely a farm or agricultural facility. There are several white buildings, including one with a distinctive conical roof (possibly a grain silo or similar structure). In the foreground is a large, gravelled or paved area. Two livestock trailers are parked near the main building, and a small car is visible in the distance. The overall impression is one of quiet rural industry, under a partly cloudy sky.
Farmyard scene at what appears to be either loading or unloading time for livestock. A large green Claas tractor is prominently featured, pulling a livestock trailer. Other vehicles are present, including a dark-colored pickup truck, a smaller livestock trailer, and a large livestock transport lorry in the background. The setting suggests a rural agricultural environment.
Leonie sitting in the driver's seat of a dark-colored vehicle. She is wearing a knit hat and cardigan. The vehicle is parked outside a barn where numerous sheep are visible through the vehicle's window. The scene suggests a rural setting, possibly a farm. The woman appears to be in a contemplative or pensive mood.
Two silver livestock trailers are parked, each hitched to a pickup truck. One truck is silver and the other is dark grey. The trucks and trailers are in a gravel area, with a field and trees visible in the background. A portion of a dark-coloured vehicle's side mirror is visible in the lower right corner, suggesting the photo was taken from another vehicle. The overall impression is of a farm or agricultural setting.
Three black and one silver SUVs, all equipped with roof top tents, are parked in a parking lot. In the background is a building that appears to be a church or other historical structure, and a bus. The scene is bright and sunny, suggesting daytime. The vehicles are likely prepared for an overland journey.

Somebody has outdoor adventure plans, but which area of Scotland do they plan to tare up?