February 2025

22nd

One mother ewe had triplets, but one died, leaving the mother ewe with black and white twins to lick. It was very messy, and someone had to help.

Placenta on a bed of hay. There are spots of blood visible on the hay. Part of a dark-coloured ewes leg is visible in the upper left corner. The overall impression is of a recently completed animal birth.

Charlie calls it cleansing, but I call it gore. I don't know how he handles new born lambs without gloves.

Charlie’s hand and wrist covered in placenta blood and fluid, having pulled out a stuck new born lamb from a mother ewe. Charlies dark clothing and partially visible high-visibility jacket are also visible.

The Internet connection in this location is slow, making it difficult to upload MP4 files.

I am experiencing stomach spasms that cause me to remain awake, even though my physician has advised me that I should not be experiencing stomach pain. Internet research indicates that I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Close-up of a black sheep with long, dark wool eating hay. A hand is visible in the bottom right corner, seemingly offering or interacting with the hay. In the background, there are other sheep, a stone wall, and a hillside. The scene appears to be a rural or farm setting. The overall mood is peaceful and naturalistic.

Ewes like to eat hay bales that have just been opened and will also eat from my hand.

Muddy track or lane, deeply rutted by vehicle tires. The track leads from a wooden gate on the left to a small cart or trailer parked further up. The surrounding area is rural, with green grass and a stone wall visible in the background. The overall impression is of a farm track after recent rain.

This autumn, the driveway will be scrapped once more.

Close-up view of a dark-blue pick up truck tire deeply embedded in thick mud. The tire is visibly dirty, and the mud extends around the wheel well and onto the surrounding ground, indicating the vehicle has been driven through a muddy area. The focus is on the texture of the mud and the tire's interaction with it. The overall impression is one of off-road driving and challenging terrain.

It doesn't bother our L200, but it ruins the farmhouse, especially the kitchen, where a constant mop is needed to keep the mud out. My friend asked me yesterday if I still had auditory hallucinations, and I said, "Yes, but I've strengthened my listening skills." I pondered whether anyone in history has ever been satisfied with listening to their observations.

Sheep nursing two lambs inside a makeshift pen constructed within a larger barn or shed. The pen is made of wood and wire mesh, and the floor is covered in straw. The sheep and lambs are dark-coloured, and the overall atmosphere is rustic and pastoral, suggesting a farm setting. Another adult sheep is visible in the background. The temporary nature of the shelter, perhaps tarpaulin or plastic sheeting, suggests a recent birth or temporary housing.

This is the number of lambs born in the poly tunnel. There are three pens with five lambs and three mother ewes. We are keeping an eye out for watery mouth, but they are all happy. We went to Harbo in Hawick to get wormer for the ewe lambs. This will protect them from fluke and tapeworms for three weeks.

Leonie holding a bottle of Ovidrench, an oral suspension for cattle and sheep. The bottle is white with a green label showing a pastoral scene with various farm animals. The background is blurred but appears to be a farm setting with various tools and containers visible. The overall impression is one related to livestock farming and animal health.

Making a pen on the driveway.

A muddy driveway leading to a farm house. Charlie in a high-visibility jacket is working on a section of wooden fencing near the house. A sheep is visible in a fenced area on the left side of the driveway. The overall setting appears rural and somewhat rustic. The focus of the image is from a low angle, giving the viewer a perspective of looking up along the driveway and towards the house.

The sheep are lured from the paddock by baiting them with food; a simple shake of a bucket will keep them coming. One or two sheep that remain behind can cause the entire flock to flee in panic, which makes it more difficult to capture them. If their anxiety is alleviated, the remaining one or two will join the flock.

The trough is pulled into the pen, and the flock follows without knowing what we're planning.

Flock of sheep, predominantly white with a few darker-coloured ones, gathered in a muddy farmyard next to a wooden fence and a stone building. The sheep appear to be feeding from a trough. A portion of a horse trailer is visible in the background.

Close the pen, remove the trough.

Charlie, feeding a flock of sheep from a long metal trough. The sheep are a mix of white and black varieties, crammed together in a wooden pen. The setting appears rural, with a stone wall and hilly landscape in the background.

Charlie prepares the drench gun, and each sheep is administered one dose, which is accompanied by a red dot.

We place them close together because this makes them easier to handle, plus they cannot jump out; they are only kept like this for five or so minutes.

Four sheep huddled together in what appears to be a pen or enclosure. Their wool is long and somewhat matted, and they have numbered tags in their ears. Some of the sheep have coloured markings on their wool (red and teal/green).

Here is the spray I used to identify wormed gimmers because we are unable to sell wormed livestock at Longtown auction until the wormer has cleared their system.

Close-up of a sheep's face, with a person's hand holding a can of Country Mark Stock Marking Spray in front of it. The sheep appears curious and is looking directly at the spray can. The setting appears to be a farm or pasture with wooden fencing visible.

Although I bought him new overhauls, Charlie still wears his old ones. He's the same way with clothes, but he smiles when the job is done.⁣

Charlie standing proudly amongst a flock of sheep that are penned in a small enclosure next to a building. The sheep are mostly white and fluffy, with a few darker, black sheep mixed in. Some of the sheep appear to have markings, possibly paint, on their wool.

The other gimmers were confined to a calf creep by a hurdle. One ewe was not wormed and is currently being transported to the Longtown auction because she aborted her lamb.

Flock of sheep huddled together inside a wooden pen or enclosure. The sheep are mostly light grey or beige in colour, with some variations in shade and markings. The pen is simple, made of weathered wood, and the floor is covered with straw.

Returning to Ancrum, swore I saw Stewart Copeland in Denholm, of all places.

Ewe and her two newborn lambs nestled together in a bed of hay inside a wooden barn. The mother sheep is lying down, and the two lambs are cuddled close to her, suggesting warmth and protection. The scene is dimly lit, adding to a peaceful and intimate atmosphere.

It is necessary to monitor the welfare of the lambs, as some ewes are uncaring mothers and may murder one lamb to concentrate on another.

Two lambs nestled together in a pile of hay. One lamb has light tan or beige wool, and the other is black. The light-coloured lamb is in the foreground, and its face is clearly visible, showing a peaceful expression. The black lamb is partially obscured and in the background. The overall mood is calm and gentle.

Our final trip to the poly tunnel, we won't be going back tonight unless the CCTV warns us of lambing ewes.

21st

At midday, the year's first twin lambs were born in the polytunnel at Woodburn Farmhouse; both lambs are nursing their mother ewe without assistance.

Newborn lamb, light tan in colour, standing in a bed of hay next to its dark brown or black mother sheep. They are inside a wooden enclosure, partially covered by a white tarp. The setting appears to be a barn or similar agricultural structure. The lamb is small and appears to be recently born. The overall impression is one of new life and the protective presence of the mother.

These two below have the right teeswater markings.

Mother ewe and her three newborn lambs nestled together in a bed of straw within a wooden pen or barn. The ewe is large and light brown, with a thick fleece. The lambs are small and fluffy, and appear to be resting comfortably close to their mother. The scene is dimly lit, giving a peaceful and intimate atmosphere.

This is the third year that I have observed lambing at Woodburn; Charlie permitted me to film them before he penned them off and subsequently allowed them to bond.

Charlie was rushing to get back to Woodburn as I was leaving Ancrum, where another mother ewe had lambed. A single lamb and twins from two mother ewes.

19th

Observing these early Ancrum sunrises from the window of my living room.

A vibrant sunset viewed through the slightly ajar slats of a window blind. The setting sun paints the sky in shades of pink, orange, and purple. In the foreground, a street scene is visible, featuring houses, cars, and a lamp. The overall mood is peaceful and serene.

My house is warm today thanks to Charlie's generous assistance with pre-paid gas and electricity yesterday.

18th

I encountered an issue with the fan on my Optiplex 3070 micro. I resolved the issue by utilizing a fan from my previous Optiplex 3020 micro machine.

17th

It's snowing this morning, and I love how the snow blankets the countryside. Winter is my favourite season in Scotland.

Attempting to alleviate the flu with honey and lemon; utilising paracetamol and throat lozenges to reduce my body temperature.

16th

Visited Teviothead, Charlie wanted to see the Hizzy Cairn.

Cairn, a man-made pile of stones, enclosed by a dark green wooden fence. A small plaque is affixed to the cairn. The background is a sweeping vista of rolling green hills under a cloudy sky. The scene appears to be rural and possibly in a mountainous region.

A lovely and peaceful spot where you can relax and clear your mind.

Informative signboard detailing the Reiver Trail in Scotland. The sign's main focus is on Johnnie Armstrong, a notorious border reiver (a type of outlaw) who was executed at Carlenrig.

I find the narrative of Johnny Armstrong to be quite captivating.

A narrow, paved pathway bordered by weathered wooden fences. The path leads to a stone structure in the middle distance. The surrounding area is a grassy field with a few trees and woodland in the background.
A paved pathway bordered by wooden fences, leading towards a distant landscape under a cloudy sky. A lichen-covered stone stands prominently at the path's beginning. Bare, leafless trees frame the scene. The overall impression is one of a quiet, possibly rural, location.

I like Teviothead Kirk, and the bell sounds good.

Side profile of a stone church building under a cloudy sky. The church is made of dark grey stone, with a steeply pitched slate roof and several tall, narrow, arched windows. The structure is somewhat aged and shows signs of weathering. A small, attached structure is visible at the rear. The foreground consists of short, grassy land, and part of a tree is visible in the upper right corner, framing the church. The overall impression is one of quiet solitude and aged architecture in a rural setting.

We both have the flu, so we avoided going anywhere inhabited and didn't stay out for very long!

15th

While fetching hay bales today, Charlie made some unsettling expressions.

Charlie loads bales of hay into the back of their pickup truck. The truck bed is partially filled with several large rectangular bales of straw or hay. The background consists of an old stone barn or outbuilding, showing some age and wear. The overall atmosphere is one of rural work and quiet contentment. The ground is wet and muddy in places. The sky is overcast and grey, adding to the somewhat sombre but peaceful mood. A shovel or similar tool leans against the wall of the barn.

I have studied kinesics, so he is unable to conceal his anger, even though he never intentionally expresses it.

Young, reddish-brown calf lying down in a pile of straw. The calf's fur is short and slightly shaggy, and its skin appears smooth. Its eyes are dark and appear calm or sleepy. The calf's head is turned slightly to the right of the frame, and its ears are pointed slightly forward. The straw is light brown and dry, forming a thick bed around the calf. A portion of the legs of a larger cow are visible in the upper right corner, suggesting the calf is in a barn or stable. The background shows a stone wall, adding to the impression of a rustic, farm environment. The overall atmosphere is peaceful and serene, conveying a sense of warmth and calm. The lighting is soft and natural, suggestive of daytime.
Dark brown calf standing in a straw-filled enclosure. The calf is young and appears healthy, with a bit of straw in its mouth. It's positioned against a weathered, light-grey stone wall. The overall impression is one of rural simplicity and the innocence of a newborn animal.
Close-up of a young, dark-brown calf lying down in a bed of straw. The calf's face is the main focus, showing its soft fur, large expressive eyes, and a slightly wet nose. The overall impression is one of gentleness and vulnerability.

I took a few pictures of two-day-old calves while he loaded hay bales.

Flock of sheep resting inside a barn-like structure. The structure appears to be temporary, possibly a covered pen or shelter, with a tarp or plastic covering the top. The floor is covered with straw, and the sheep are lying down, seemingly asleep or resting. One sheep is predominantly black, others are white or light tan. A small, dark bird is visible near a black sheep in the lower-middle of the frame. The overall atmosphere is peaceful and rustic. The time stamp in the upper right suggests that the scene was captured by a security camera.

The ewes are so big that the lambs should be here any day now. The number of ewes in lambs was cut in half last year.

14th

Out for a walk today, along Alewater.

Middle-aged woman (Leonie) with blonde hair wearing a knit hat and a grey fleece jacket. She is holding a compact digital camera and is standing on a path next to a field. In the background, there's a small village or collection of houses under a bright, sunny sky. The overall impression is one of a leisurely outdoor excursion, perhaps a casual photography outing in a rural setting.
Tranquil river scene under a partly cloudy sky. The sun is shining brightly, with its light reflecting on the gently flowing water. The river bends gently, creating a small, grassy island or peninsula in the middle. The far bank is lined with bare winter trees, and rolling hills are visible in the background.
Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) in flight against a clear blue sky. The bird is centrally positioned and is the sole focus of the image.

This bridge is being...

Panoramic view of an old stone bridge spanning a river. The bridge is partially enclosed by a low stone wall, and a temporary metal fence is partially visible, suggesting ongoing maintenance or repair work. The surrounding landscape is largely flat farmland, with bare winter trees lining the riverbank. The sky is partly cloudy with bright sunshine.
Panoramic view of an old stone bridge over a waterway. A metal staircase leads up to the bridge from the right. On the right of the stairs, a small informational sign is visible, and to the left, the bridge spans over what appears to be a dry or low water level. The area is overgrown with vegetation, and a field stretches in the background. The sky is partly cloudy.

Repaired by the council.

Leonie standing at the top of a metal staircase that descends towards a small stream. The stairs are rusty and appear somewhat old and worn, and are bordered by a black handrail. The surrounding area is overgrown with grass and vegetation. A portion of Leonie's patterned skirt is visible at the bottom of the frame. To the left, there's a weathered stone wall and a wooden post with a small sign. The overall impression is one of a rustic, perhaps somewhat secluded, outdoor location.

Snowdrops have bloomed in Ancrum Wood.

Woodland floor carpeted with snowdrops, small white flowers blooming amongst fallen leaves and twigs. The background is a dense stand of leafless trees, suggesting it's likely winter or early spring. A large tree trunk dominates the foreground. The overall impression is one of quiet natural beauty in a temperate deciduous forest.

Once I moved to the Scottish Borders, my health started to get worse. Maybe it's because I've been through a lot in the past fifty years!

This website now has 9,926 items, which add up to 3.9 GB.⁣

13th

In my living room, the air smells like a circuit board because my Optiplex 3070 micro is spinning at maximum speed for hours on end.

Disassembled components of a small form factor computer. The parts are spread out on a dark wooden surface. Visible components include: a motherboard, a solid-state drive (SSD) labelled Samsung 1TB 870 QVO a cooling fan assembly, and what appears to be a screen or display panel. The overall impression is one of repair or upgrade work in progress. There's no overt emotional expression or narrative, the image is purely descriptive of disassembled computer hardware. The moral is neutral; it simply documents a technical process.

I have cleaned the inside of the computer, but the sound of the fan is extremely irritating. It is possible that I need to repast the heat sink or replace the fan.