March 2025

4th

This morning we talked about grass keep and sheep sales over coffee

Today we took three ewes and one wether to Longtown.

We have run out of hurdles, so there is no race to help us.

Our trailer is in need of renovation, a lick of paint and new wood, we use this trailer because it is multipurpose, we can carry two hay bales now we have an affordable pickup. It's not always about having the newest, but the most purposeful thing, and with this strong trailer we have it, doesn't a bad workman blame his tools? We like antiques also, and with that enjoy a feel of historical presence with the things we use. Where in a useful and worthy world would we be without valueing not only resources to hand, but also grasping longevity.

To those who rave on about keeping up appearances, stop being so self absorbed and shallow, take a deeper look at historical farms owned by multigenerational farmers across this country. I rather be with real people, wouldn't you? Anyhow enough ranting, it's ear tagging time!

The ear tags we purchased are not essembled properly from the manufacturer, as they bend whilst trying to put them into the ewes ears; however after a couple of failed attempts we corrected this.

This wether looks so worried; being young he'll probably go as a store lamb rather than cast; meaning he'll receive his last supper (fattened up) for a while.

It's much easier building a race, buy some hurdles Charlie! One.

Two.

Three.

I handled the forth sheep into the trailer; hence no film or pictures.

Let's go!

The hillside views travelling South along the A7 from Hawick to Langholm are pretty; over the last two years I've done this journey many times, yet still appreciate the countryside here.

Arrived at Longtown.

I was told off for leaving my door open whilst parked in the loading bay.

I enjoy a breakfast a Longtown auctions, at the cafe a friendly farmer seated himself at our table; we both enjoyed his conversation.

Civility costs nothing, those who cannot afford civility are some of the cheapest people in the world.

Returning to Roberton we saw the knacker mans lorry.

We made just over £300 on the sheep at Longtown auction; my Herdwick made just £30, she is a very old ewe though last year, gave us two lovely lambs.

3rd

Recieved flowers at lunch time; placed them in a lemonade jar.

Finding rest I settled my anxieties, path to wellbeing has been long; thanks to everyone that have helped me heal, and tollerated me being unwell.

2nd

Charlie filled the pickup tank with diesel, we drove to Berwick-upon-Tweed, and briefly visited Go Outdoors (I need a new pair of boots), until the sales assistant was rude to me. Leaving the store I told him I were going to report him to management, he replied "what for, I didn't do, nothing"; that's right he completely ignored me twice, responded to Charlie on his first attempt, I didn't do, nothing isn't an honest answer and won't suffice; how can you not do, nothing?

I haven't reported him, even though I am sick through the nose with this abuse (if you know me you'll not what I am reffering to), but I was interested in these wood carvings (pictured above) displayed on the side of the building, perhaps, this building used to function as a museum? of a visitors centre, before Go Outdoors retailed at this location. It's a busy road, the A1 isn't far away and the store was neighboured by a busy cafe packed with clientelle. After eating a light lunch on a retail park (Charlie is so romantic!) we arrived at Spital beach.

Many visits I've wanted to get a closer picture of this lighthouse.

Wake me up inside.

Call my name and save me from the dark.

We then returned to Scotland via the A1, travelling to Eyemouth.

We walked the harbour before returning to our truck.

We drove further north along the A1.

Arriving at Torness Nuclear Power Station.

Walking to the power station I was concerned about radioactive particles on the beach.

In the distance you can see a concrete structure, they've called this a viewing platform, but this is a wave break, to protect the power station from the sea.

Later in the evening, at around eight oclock a ewe lambed triplets without intervention.