September 2024

14th

Today we visited the Yarrow & Ettrick Pastoral Society Show.

Large agricultural show, specifically a sheep judging competition. Hundreds of sheep are penned in individual metal cages, arranged in neat rows across a grassy field. Spectators and judges are visible, scattered around the pens, observing the animals. The overall setting appears to be a rural area, with hills and trees visible in the background. The weather seems overcast. The scene depicts a typical farming event focused on livestock assessment and competition.

We risen late to face off wind and drizzle arriving early afternoon to see the show. Entrance was £10 per head, this included car parking, the programme an additional £3.

Selfie taken from inside a car. The person taking the photo is a woman wearing a beige knitted hat and a burgundy cardigan over a black and blue patterned top. She's wearing a silver necklace with a circular pendant. In the background, out of focus, are two people wearing bright blue jackets and high-visibility vests, standing by a small wooden table next to a blue car in a grassy field. The weather appears overcast. The overall impression is of a casual outdoor event, possibly a volunteer activity or community gathering. The woman in the foreground seems relaxed and perhaps a bit amused, contrasting with the more formal appearance of the people in the background.
View from inside a car, looking out at a rainy scene. Two people wearing high-visibility vests are visible in the mid-ground, seemingly engaged in some activity near a box. The background shows a grassy field with parked vehicles and a line of trees under a grey, overcast sky. The car's interior is dusty, and a wallet rests in the cup holder. The overall impression is one of a somewhat bleak, possibly outdoor event taking place in inclement weather.
Brochure for the 102nd Annual Show of the Yarrow & Ettrick Pastoral Society. The show will be held on Saturday, September 14th, 2024, at Carterhaugh, Bowhill, Selkirk. The brochure includes admission prices and details about parking. The design incorporates the society's logo, a rosette with images of sheep, a cow, and a horse, reflecting the pastoral nature of the event. The overall impression is that of a traditional agricultural show.

Charlie insisted visiting a line of ancient tractors first.

Row of vintage tractors parked on a grassy field, under a cloudy sky. The tractors are various shades of blue and grey, appearing well-maintained but showing their age. The focus is primarily on a light grey tractor in the foreground, with its registration plate partially visible. Behind it are several other tractors, gradually fading into the background. A few people are visible in the distance, near some of the tractors. In the far right background, modern cars are parked on the grass, providing a contrast to the antique farm machinery.
Rear view of a vintage red tractor, predominantly taking up the frame, parked on a grassy field. The tractor appears to be at an agricultural show or similar event, with sheep pens visible in the background and other farm machinery partially in view.
Red International 533 tractor prominently in the foreground. Behind it are two blue tractors, slightly out of focus, suggesting a display or gathering of vintage farm machinery. The setting appears to be a grassy field, possibly at a rural event, with a few other vehicles and people visible in the background. The overall atmosphere is calm and pastoral.
Vintage John Deere tractor, predominantly green, prominently displayed in a grassy field. Another, older, blue tractor is visible in the background, along with several other vehicles and people in the distance, suggesting a rural setting possibly at a show or gathering. The overall impression is one of nostalgia and agricultural heritage.
Close-up view of a vintage John Deere tractor, specifically the rear and side, partially covered in raindrops. The tractor is green and yellow, with visible mechanical details and a large rear tire. The setting appears to be an outdoor agricultural event or show, with sheep pens visible in the background under a cloudy sky.
Vintage blue Fordson Dexta tractor parked on a grassy field. The tractor appears to be well-maintained, and its paint job is relatively intact. The background includes other vehicles, suggesting a rural setting, possibly a fair or agricultural show. A Honda banner is visible in the far left background.

From the tractors we looked about the sheep pens, the day was awash with rain, much of the judging had already finished.

Sheep judging competition at an agricultural show. Several sheep are being presented by handlers, while a judge observes and possibly assesses the animals. A crowd of spectators watches from behind a fence. The setting is outdoors on a grassy field, under an overcast sky. The overall mood is calm and focused, typical of a livestock judging event.
Sheep fair or agricultural show taking place outdoors on a cloudy day. Multiple pens containing sheep are set up in a field. Two men are standing near the pens, apparently discussing or inspecting the animals. In the background, more people and some parked vehicles are visible.
Large collection of silver trophies and awards displayed on a table covered with a red and black plaid tablecloth. The trophies vary in size and style, suggesting a range of competitions and achievements. Several vintage posters advertising past events, possibly agricultural shows, are visible behind and amongst the awards, adding historical context. The scene suggests a display at a rural fair or agricultural show, celebrating past winners.

We purchased a stick of local butter before leaving the show, having spent only an hour there; the weather was better at last years show.

7th

During the morning two days rain cleared for the Roberton Show; we drove down to the event, with Charlie's sheep dog Sam. Attending last year this is our second Roberton show.

Charlie and his Border Collie dog standing in a grassy field with several white tents in the background. The scene appears to be set at an outdoor event or fair, on an overcast day. Charlie is smiling and looking towards the camera, while his dog is looking towards him. Other people can be seen in the distance, seemingly attending the event. The overall atmosphere is peaceful and relaxed.

We arrived just after 10:30am and walked over to the judging pens.

Group of people, mostly adults, gathered around several sheep in what appears to be a livestock judging or showing event at an agricultural fair or show. The sheep are various breeds and colors, and the people seem to be inspecting or preparing them for judging. There’s a background of fencing, a Rural Skills building, and some other fair attendees in the distance under a cloudy sky.

Above Dutch spotted, Below Cheviot sheep.

Sheep judging event at an agricultural show. A group of sheep are being examined by several judges situated behind a metal fence. A crowd of spectators watches from behind the judges. The setting appears to be an outdoor field on a somewhat overcast day, with rolling hills in the background. The overall atmosphere seems calm and orderly, consistent with a formal agricultural competition.

More judging.

Sheep judging competition at an agricultural show. A group of men are meticulously examining and positioning several white sheep within a fenced area. A man with a walking stick observes the process, possibly a judge. Other people, some onlookers and possibly other competitors, are visible in the background.

These blackface sheep have had their fleece dyed brown.

Hebridean sheep won three rosettes!

Sheep judging event at an agricultural show. Many sheep are contained within individual metal pens arranged in a grid pattern on a grassy field. People are visible in the background, observing the event near white tents. Some sheep in the pens have ribbons attached, indicating prizes or rankings. The overall setting suggests a rural, agricultural fair atmosphere.

And more Cheviot sheep.

Sheep market or agricultural show. Many white sheep are penned in metal cages, organised in rows. People are visible in the background, observing or participating in the event, which appears to be outdoors in a rural setting with hills in the distance. The overall impression is one of a typical agricultural scene.

Young shepherd Anderson with a rosette in his mouth; reminded me of the sheep with a rosette in its mouth at the Ettrick and Yarrow show.

Two young men judging sheep at an agricultural show. They are examining the sheep within individual pens, possibly assessing them for breed standards or competition. The setting is outdoors in a grassy field, with a backdrop of trees and hills. The overall impression is one of agricultural activity and competition.

Charlie did not know the breed of this sheep, he said "look at that thing".

Collection of sheep penned in individual metal cages at what appears to be an agricultural show or fair. One sheep, a light brown ram with horns, is prominently featured in the center, adorned with a red rosette, indicating it may have won a prize. Other sheep are lying down or standing in adjacent pens, some also displaying rosettes or ribbons. The overall setting is a grassy field.

Look at the size of this tup, he's enormous.

Close-up view of a fluffy white sheep with distinctive curved horns, standing in a metal pen. Other sheep are visible in the background, also penned in, suggesting a farm, agricultural show, or livestock market setting. People can be seen in the distance, observing the animals. A spray bottle is partially visible in the foreground, near the pen.

We visited the Reivers tent, there annual show was awesome this year; people who do the reenactment enjoy providing answers to historical questions.

Two men dressed in period clothing, possibly representing 16th or 17th century attire. They stand on a grassy field in front of a makeshift tent structure. One man wears a quilted jacket and tall boots while the other is dressed in a doublet and hose with tall leather boots. Several helmets are visible behind them on a table. The setting suggests a historical re-enactment event or a living history display.
Man in period clothing standing in a canvas tent at what seems to be a historical reenactment event. He is holding a large, dark-colored tool, possibly a type of axe or hammer. A table in front of him is laden with various food items including bread, apples, cheese, vegetables, and what looks like crackers. There are also several metal tools laid out on the table along with a map. The scene is set outdoors in a grassy field. The overall impression is one of a historical demonstration or living history presentation, possibly focusing on a medieval or early modern period.

We enjoyed a bacon roll, coffee and carrot cake inside the food tent.

Interior of a large canvas tent, likely at an outdoor event. Numerous people are seated at tables covered with blue tablecloths, enjoying a meal or gathering. The atmosphere is casual and communal. The tent's canvas shows signs of age and wear. The setting appears to be a grassy field.

We watched the shows dog agility.

Then viewed the local craft tent.

Vibrant red rose, meticulously arranged in a dark green vase. The rose is positioned on a pristine white table, prominently displayed with a red First Prize award card, indicating it's a winning entry in a flower show, likely for best single rose. The overall impression is one of achievement and careful presentation, highlighting the beauty and perfection of the rose. The background includes other vases and show cards, suggesting a competitive floral display setting. The image captures an element of elegance and the pride associated with floral accomplishments.
Close-up of a bouquet of three off-white dahlias with pale lavender tips, arranged in a dark green vase. The flowers are displayed on a white surface, next to a red card announcing that they have won a First Prize from the Robertson Show Society in the category of Best Vase Three Decorative Dahlias (Under 6). The background is softly blurred, suggesting an indoor setting, possibly a flower show or exhibition. The overall impression is one of quiet elegance and achievement. The image’s story is centred around the winning of an award for the beautiful dahlias, signifying the grower's skill and dedication. The moral of the picture is the appreciation of beauty and hard work—in this case, horticultural excellence.
Small glass vase filled with a bouquet of sweet peas in varying shades of purple, pink, and red. The vase sits on a white tablecloth next to a red card announcing a First Prize awarded to Louise Walker for One Vase for Best Sweet Peas at the Roberton Show Society (Prize List No. 16). A small white card with the number 16 further identifies the entry. The overall impression is one of a celebratory moment at a flower show, highlighting a prize-winning floral arrangement. The vibrant colours of the sweet peas and the crisp presentation of the prize card suggest a sense of accomplishment and pride.
Vibrant bouquet of wildflowers arranged in a blue and white ceramic pitcher. The flowers are diverse in colour and type, including daisies, poppies, and cornflowers, suggesting a wild, rather than cultivated, origin. The arrangement is positioned on a table, alongside two award certificates. One is a red card announcing a FIRST PRIZE awarded to Chisholme House for Best Vase Cut Flowers. The other is a larger, formal certificate recognising a Best Exhibit in the Cut Flowers section, awarded in memory of the Late John Henderson. A second-place ribbon is visible in the background. The overall impression is of a prize-winning flower arrangement at a flower show, celebrating the beauty of wildflowers and commemorating a person's memory.

There was many more people at this show than are pictured, as we was leaving many people were arriving; we both enjoyed being at this show where we met our neighbors.

Prize-winning red cabbage at a Roberton Show Society competition. A large red cabbage leaf is prominently displayed, with a red card announcing it as the First Prize winner, awarded to Andrew Polwarth for Best One Cabbage. Several other cabbages (one green and one purple) are visible in the background, along with cards indicating second and third prize winners, various small containers, and a numbered envelope, suggesting a more extensive agricultural show or competition. The overall feel is one of agricultural achievement and community celebration.

In the evening Charlie began mucking out the poly tunnel, he appeared very tired; so I turned out the lights and demanded he come inside the farmhouse to rest.

I stood and watched the incinerator for a while enjoying a quiet mind.

6th

Overpainted my lounge.

Significant amount of spilled blue paint on a beige carpet. A partially opened can of Dulux paint lies on its side within the spill. A metal stepladder is visible in the upper part of the image, suggesting a possible connection to the accident. The overall impression is one of a painting mishap or accident.
Beige carpet heavily stained with blue paint. A black bucket containing soapy water and a blue-stained cloth sits nearby, suggesting an attempt at cleaning up the spill. The scene appears to be in a corner of a room, partially showing a radiator and dark-colored woodwork. The overall impression is one of a recent accident and the ongoing cleanup process.

Another PTSD accident.

5th

Caught an Owl on security camera..

... at Woodburn Farmhouse.

3rd

Sunrise outside my house.

Residential street scene at sunrise. The sun is rising behind a line of trees and houses visible in the mid-ground. In the foreground is a small patio area with a table and chairs, potted plants, and a small garden. The overall mood is peaceful and serene.
Red logging machine is parked amidst a recently cleared area where felled trees have been cut into segments and are lying on the ground. The background consists of a stand of tall, dark evergreen trees under a cloudy sky. The overall impression is one of industrial forestry activity in a somewhat sombre, overcast setting.
Weathered wooden bench situated beside a wooden signpost that indicates Path to Ale Water. The bench and signpost are positioned at the edge of a grassy verge, with a residential area visible in the background to the left. Beyond the houses, a somewhat flat landscape extends under a cloudy sky. The overall feel is peaceful and somewhat secluded, suggesting a quiet spot for rest along a walking path.

In retrospective life is like a dream living here.

1st

Charlie got the tractor running on three cylinders and thus towed the sheep feed trailer to the rear of the farmhouse.

Charlie sitting on an old, red tractor. He appears to be a farmer, wearing a plaid shirt and a hat. The tractor is somewhat weathered and rusty, suggesting it's been used extensively. It's parked on a grassy area near a stone wall, with a covered trailer visible behind it. There are also some trash cans in the foreground. The overall setting appears to be a rural farmland.

The big end baring is still hanging out of the engine block on cylinder three but the engine is still usable.

We only plan to tip several loads of muck onto the paddock before retiring this sixty-one year old tractor.

We inflated a large tractor tyre with a cheap RAC electric pump.

Red vintage tractor parked in a grassy field, next to a stone wall. The focus is on the tractor's rear tire, which appears worn and is connected to a portable tire inflator. Surrounding the tractor are various pieces of farm equipment and debris. The overall mood is one of rustic work and possibly repair. The background is a somewhat overcast or misty landscape.

I suspect sabotage, nothing was wrong with this tractor before the big end smashed through the engine casing. Anyhow, the tractor is running and will do the job.

Old, rusty tractor parked in a field, attached to a piece of farm equipment covered by a tarp. The setting appears rural and somewhat overcast. The tractor shows signs of age and wear, suggesting it may be vintage or no longer in regular use.
Charlie sitting on an old, rusty red tractor pulling a trailer covered by a tarp. The tractor and trailer are parked on a grassy field. A stone wall and some trees are visible in the background, suggesting a rural setting. The sky is overcast. The overall impression is one of rural life and possibly farm work.
Charlie with short greying hair wearing a plaid shirt and a hat, sitting on a vintage red tractor. The tractor is parked in front of a rustic white farmhouse. The tractor is attached to a small, tarp-covered trailer. The setting appears to be rural, with overgrown grass and other farm-related items visible in the background. The overall mood is serene and evokes a sense of rural life and possibly a feeling of nostalgia associated with older farming equipment.

Today one of my teeth crumbled into my almond croissant. The dentist in Jedburgh has been obfuscating treatment, I've waited five months, then having my appointment cancelled, they told me I had to wait another two months before I hung up the phone; I'll be saving my pennies and pay to go private.

Rose bush with several deep red roses in bloom, situated in a garden bed next to a wooden fence. The soil is dark and loose, and there are other small plants visible near the base of the rose bush. A residential street and buildings are visible in the background.

Whilst in Kelso we purchased croppers, patio weeder, and a rose bush for my garden. If I'd been temporary rehoused in Kelso, not to Hawick, I would not of met Charlie. Still feel as though I am being followed; more so as we left the cafe, and garden centre in Kelso.

Close-up view of a cluster of pale yellow and orange Calendula flowers in full bloom. The central flower is larger and a lighter, almost creamy yellow, while the surrounding flowers are a more intense yellow-orange. They are growing in a patch of green grass. The focus is sharp on the central flower and gradually softens towards the edges of the image. The overall impression is one of natural beauty and vibrant colour.

These marigold flowers have grown beautifully, they were from a pack of mixed wild flower seeds I purchased online; had no idea what would come up.