May 2025

31st

This is my last diary post for the month. I haven't posted as often because I've been busy writing descriptions for images—over 1200 descriptions have now been added to alt image tags. Before this website is fully image descriptive for blind people, another 3000+ descriptions must be added. This crucial coding should be finished by the end of June 2025.

30th

A small front garden is starting to show how much work I've put into gardening.⁣

Garden scene featuring a statue styled on Venus by Sandro Botticelli standing amidst a variety of flowering plants. The statue is light grey stone and positioned on a shell-shaped base. The surrounding flowers are predominantly pink and purple, with some red accents. The overall setting is a cultivated garden bed next to a residential street.

I positioned myself on my table and patio chair to repot several chamomile saplings.

Black plastic seedling tray filled with small, vibrant green seedlings. The tray is divided into numerous compartments, each containing a cluster of young plants. The seedlings appear healthy and are at a similar stage of growth. The tray rests on a dark-coloured surface, likely outdoors. The overall impression is one of early-stage gardening or plant propagation.

Initially I have sown these seeds in nines, now they are being separated into twos and threes.

Large bag of Westland Multi-Purpose Compost leaning against a wall. Spilled around it are numerous small, black plant pots, each filled with dark potting soil. The scene appears to be outdoors on a paved surface, suggesting preparation for planting.

I've not been able to afford the price of a garden sprayer this week, so improvised; application of essential food to reinvigorate a dying, black spotted rose bush.

Patio scene where gardening is taking place. A small metal table holds a seedling tray. Surrounding the table are numerous small pots, many containing young seedlings, suggesting a transplanting or potting-on process is underway. Various gardening tools and containers are also visible. The overall mood is one of quiet, outdoor activity.
Bottle of Sainsbury's Anti-bacterial Cleanser sitting on a dark-coloured surface outdoors. The bottle is amber-coloured and appears to be partially used, with a visible residue inside. The background shows a portion of a house, steps, and a bicycle. A small garden planter is also partially visible in the bottom right corner.

For decades, surviving a transient lonely life, more than often displaced, obscured from purpose, zombified dissociate, unable to partake and observe this nurturing of life.

29th

My printer is operational! ⁣

Wooden bedside table against a purple wall. On the table, there is a brass table lamp, a brass candle holder with a white candle, and a framed photograph. The photograph depicts a person silhouetted against a sunset over a body of water.

Alas Charlie's been framed.

Close-up selfie of a middle-aged couple. The woman is wearing a teal knitted hat and a fluffy grey jacket, and a silver necklace with a circular pendant. The man is wearing glasses and a corduroy jacket over a grey ribbed undershirt. They appear to be outdoors, possibly in a field, with a slightly overcast sky visible in the background. The woman's expression is neutral to slightly amused, while the man's is more puckered and playful. The overall impression is one of casual intimacy and comfortable companionship.

He took us for an evening drive.

Blue Mini Cooper convertible parked on a gravel road in the countryside. The driver's side door is open, and the car appears to be stopped for a rest stop or scenic view. The sky is overcast with dark clouds, and the overall mood is somewhat serene yet dramatic due to the weather. The rural setting contributes to a sense of peacefulness and escape.

Loving our little old mini, economical to run and the roll down roof is delightful for adventurous evening drives.

Pastoral scene dominated by a lush green meadow in the foreground. Beyond the meadow, a small, rustic red bridge spans a narrow waterway, leading to a stone building nestled amongst trees. The sky is overcast, giving a somewhat moody atmosphere to the scene.

Discovered a suspension bridge in Kalemouth and took in the picturesque views along the River Tweed.

27th

Quiet day; busy editing A.I. generated image descriptions; also backed up 6 GB of data, that is how big this website has become.

25th

Today, after drench worming several sheep.

Panoramic view of a calm river flowing through a lush green landscape. The river is relatively shallow, with visible rocks and a light brown-coloured water. The banks are lined with various trees, some leafy and green, others bare with their branches reaching towards the sky. The sky is partially cloudy, with patches of blue visible. The overall atmosphere is serene and peaceful, suggesting a natural and untouched environment.
Charlie standing on a rock next to a small river. The river flows through lush green vegetation, and the overall setting appears to be a tranquil, natural environment. Charlie is casually dressed and appears to be enjoying the scenery. The sky is partly cloudy.
Panoramic view of a serene river scene. A calm river flows through a lush green landscape, partially surrounded by trees and grassy banks. A person stands near the river's edge on the right, adding a sense of scale. The sky is partly cloudy, providing dappled sunlight. The overall impression is one of peaceful natural beauty.
Ruins of a small, ancient structure, possibly a chapel or burial ground, nestled within a grassy field. Several weathered headstones are visible in the foreground, suggesting a cemetery. The stone walls of the structure are partially collapsed, overtaken by moss and grass. A large, dark-leaved tree casts its shadow over the ruins. In the background, rolling green hills under a partly cloudy sky complete the scene, suggesting a remote, rural setting. The overall mood is one of peaceful solitude and the passage of time.
View through an arched opening in a weathered stone wall. Beyond the wall, a grassy field stretches towards a distant, small stone structure, possibly a ruin or tower, set against a backdrop of rolling hills under a cloudy sky.
Low-angle, wide shot of a large, grey stone castle under a partly cloudy sky. The castle is partially surrounded by a grey metal fence. The castle's most prominent feature is a large, arched gateway. The stonework is weathered and shows its age. The scene is peaceful and suggests history and possibly some level of preservation or restoration efforts due to the fencing.
Picturesque landscape under a partly cloudy sky. The foreground is dominated by lush green grass, gently sloping towards a distant hill or low mountain. The hill is covered in vegetation, appearing brown and green. The sky is a vibrant blue, punctuated by fluffy white clouds that gradually transition into darker, more dramatic clouds towards the right. The overall scene evokes a feeling of peaceful, open countryside.
Low-angle view of a section of a stone castle wall. The wall is dark grey stone, heavily textured and showing signs of age and weathering. A large, arched opening dominates the center, revealing a glimpse of the interior structure. Smaller, rectangular openings, possibly windows or arrow slits, are visible higher up on the wall.
Low-angle view of a corner of a stone castle ruin. The walls are made of rough, grey stones, and there are several small, dark window openings visible. A doorway is located near the base of one of the walls. The foreground shows a patch of green grass. The background includes a partly cloudy blue sky.
Stone archway, seemingly part of a ruin or ancient structure. The arch is made of weathered grey stone, showing signs of age and moss growth. Beyond the archway, a dark wooden door is ajar, revealing a paved pathway leading further into a stone courtyard or building, also appearing to be in ruins.
Stone archway leading to a spiral staircase within a stone structure, possibly a ruin or ancient building. The stones are weathered and covered in moss, suggesting age and exposure to the elements. A simple metal railing is visible on the staircase. The ground at the base of the archway is covered in small, light-coloured gravel.
Two tall, stone towers of a ruined castle, set against a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds. The towers are made of grey stone, showing the effects of age and weathering. The foreground shows grass and the base of one of the towers. The overall impression is one of age, history, and a somewhat desolate beauty.
Ruins of a stone castle, specifically the keep, sitting atop a grassy mound. A modern informational sign stands in the foreground, providing details about the site. The background features a gently rolling, grassy landscape under a partly cloudy sky.

We drove out to Heritage Castle and church.

24th

This morning we took off mud flaps and spot lights from our Mini Cooper.

Charlie crouching beside a blue Mini Cooper, using an angle grinder to cut off part of the car's rear bumper. The setting appears to be a rural area with a grassy field and a fence in the background. He is wearing a plaid shirt and jeans. Sparks are visible from the grinder, indicating metal is being cut.
Charlie kneeling beside a blue Mini Cooper car. He is using a power tool, possibly a grinder or polisher, on the wheel arch. Charlie is wearing a plaid shirt and appears to be performing some kind of car maintenance or repair. The setting appears to be outdoors.
Discarded, dirty, black plastic mud flap from a Mini car lying on the ground. The word MINI is faintly visible in white lettering on the flap. The ground is bare earth with patches of small green plants.
Close-up view of three vintage, circular, chrome-plated driving lamps mounted on a vehicle's roof rack. The lamps appear to be older and show signs of wear and age, including some surface discoloration and rust. The background is blurred but shows a residential setting with green foliage and a portion of a building’s wall. The focus is sharply on the lamps and their mounting hardware.
Charlie using a power tool to smooth the edge of a car's body panel. He's wearing safety glasses and a plaid shirt, working outdoors against a light-colored wall. The focus is on the man and the detail work he is performing on the vehicle.
Three vintage or antique car headlights or spotlights resting on a windowsill. They appear to be made of metal with glass lenses, showing signs of age and wear. A few small metal parts and a couple of small pieces of debris are also visible near them on the windowsill.

To address the rusted screws, Charlie employed an angle grinder.

Game of Monopoly in progress. Charlies hand is seen placing money into the game's box. The board is partially visible, showing several properties with houses and Chance cards. The overall impression is one of casual, perhaps friendly, competition. The focus is on the game itself, implying leisure and possibly social interaction. There is no deeper moral or story explicitly shown, but the game itself is symbolic of competition, risk, and the pursuit of wealth.

I won Charlie at Monopoly this evening by buying homes on Mayfair and Pall Mall.

23rd

Walked with Charlie to his appointment at Borders General Hospital; the doctors were nice, and it's a good hospital.

22nd

Busy editing this website, adding hundreds of alt="" descriptions to images, and cleaning up code.

19th

After a full day of work, Charlie took me to Eyemouth. Fish and chips were intended to be consumed; however, the establishment was closed.

Interior view from the driver's seat of a car parked near a seaside. The focus is on the view through the windshield, which depicts a calm, dark-blue sea under a twilight sky. A park bench sits on the seawall in the foreground, with a hint of a distant town or harbour visible. The car's dashboard and rear view mirror are partially visible, adding to the overall tranquil and slightly melancholic mood.

Since repairing our L200 Warrior would cost £6000, which is £3000 more than the value of our truck, we bought a Mini Cooper.

18th

Enjoying an open fire while updating this diary; Charlie is in the kitchen preparing a caramel latte for me.⁣

17th

Today, common riding went to Roberton.⁣

Grassy hillside on a sunny day. In the middle ground, there are a couple of vehicles, one appearing to be a horse trailer, and a few sheep grazing on the hill. There's a car park sign visible near the bottom left, indicating what appears to be a rural or countryside location. A road or track leads towards the hill's base. The foreground shows a part of a car's roof and windshield, suggesting that the photo was taken from inside a vehicle. The overall scene is peaceful and pastoral.
Large gathering of people and cars in a grassy field, set against the backdrop of rolling green hills under a clear blue sky. The cars are parked in a somewhat haphazard but largely organised manner, suggesting an outdoor event or gathering of some kind. The scene is peaceful and sunny, indicating a pleasant day.

Not sure how I feel about Common Riding.

Panoramic view of a rural farm scene on a sunny day. The foreground shows Charlie shearing a sheep on a makeshift mat. In the mid-ground, there are various farm buildings, including a large house, barns, and a structure covered with black plastic sheeting. The background features rolling hills and a clear blue sky. The overall impression is one of daily farm life, with a focus on the act of shearing the sheep. There are also various pieces of farm equipment and debris scattered around the yard.
Charlie shearing a sheep in a grassy field. The sheep is lying on its side on a beige mat, and the man is kneeling beside it, using shears to remove its wool. The setting appears rural, with farm buildings, a stone wall, and rolling hills visible in the background. The overall impression is one of rural life and agricultural work.
Charlie shearing a sheep in a farmyard. The sheep is light-coloured, and the person is wearing dark clothing. The setting is rural, with a barn, a small garden, and a stone wall in the background. The scene is peaceful and depicts a typical farming activity. The overall atmosphere is one of springtime, indicative of the season for shearing.
Charlie kneeling in a grassy field, shearing a sheep with an electric shearing tool. The sheep's fleece is largely removed, lying around it on the ground. A piece of farm equipment is visible in the background.
Charlie shearing a sheep in a grassy field. The sheep is lying on its side, and Charlie is using shears to remove its wool. There is a house in the background. The overall setting appears to be a rural farm.
Charlie shearing a sheep in a grassy field outside a farmhouse. The recently shown wool lies on the ground next to the sheep, which appears slightly bewildered but unharmed. The scene is set in a rural, possibly pastoral, setting on a bright, sunny day. The overall impression is one of traditional rural life and farming practices.
A large clump of freshly shown sheep's wool lying on a grey mat in a grassy area. The wool is light beige and appears very fluffy. Small pieces of wool are scattered on the ground around the mat, indicating the recent shearing process. The setting appears to be a rural or farm environment.
Panoramic view of a rural scene. In the foreground, Charlie is shearing a sheep on a makeshift shearing mat in a gravel area near a farmhouse. A wooden gate and fence are visible, leading to a driveway that winds through a landscape of green hills and trees, under a clear blue sky. The overall impression is one of peaceful rural life and traditional farming practices.
Charlie shearing a sheep in a farmyard. The sheep is lying on the ground, and the shearer is using electric clippers. In the background is a farmhouse, a couple of pickup trucks, and a hillside with a stone wall and some other sheep. The scene is set in bright sunlight.
The image shows Charlie shearing a sheep in a rural setting. He is bent over the sheep, which lies on a mat on the ground, carefully removing its fleece. The scene is peaceful, bathed in the warm light of late afternoon or early evening. A rustic stone wall and wooden gate are visible in the background, along with some trees and a small building in the distance. A trough containing feed is visible in the lower right corner.

Charlie started the task of sheering five sheep in the afternoon. First was our tup; earlier, when he was in our paddock, the heat seemed to be negatively affecting his mental state.

Charlie feeding a flock of sheep near a farmhouse. A dark-coloured pickup truck is parked nearby, and a trailer is partially visible. The scene is set in a rural, likely Scottish, landscape under a clear blue sky. The sheep are marked with paint, suggesting they are being managed for agricultural purposes. The overall mood is peaceful and depicts a typical rural farming scene.

Because we treat them with kindness and only get involved in their lives when it is absolutely necessary for their good, our sheep have faith in us.

Raised garden bed, constructed from wood, situated in a rural setting. The bed contains young, leafy green plants, possibly seedlings, growing in dark soil. A wire mesh fence and a black plastic covering are visible in the background, suggesting a protective structure for the garden. The overall scene is one of a simple, perhaps newly established, vegetable garden in a verdant landscape.

Watering our kitchen garden was the last task of the day. There has been intermittent rainfall, which may be attributed to the extreme heat and dry soil. Our path has been prepared for gravel or wood chip application for more than a week; however, due to the truck blowing up, we have been unable to allocate funds for low-priority tasks.

14th

Charlie took care of me after a terrible sleepless night of diarrhoea and feeling much weaker. In India, I used to get sick with this diarrhoea right before auspicious occasions, ho-hum

13th

Shaking the feed bucket, Charlie lured three ewes and one tup into the poly tunnel. These sheep are known to jump over things, so we were careful.

Silver Toyota Hilux pickup truck towing a small, weathered wooden trailer. The trailer appears to be used for transporting livestock, possibly sheep, as suggested by the presence of a sheep in a pen under a tarp in the background. The scene is set in a rural, possibly farming, environment. A wooden gate and hay are visible on the ground. The overall mood is tranquil and suggestive of farm life.

Poor tup, his tup friend went to auction today; he's a real nice guy, the ewes and lambs love him and will stand close next to me without any fear. We couldn't keep them both.

If we don't fix our truck, there won't be any farmhouse. He got to say goodbye, though.

Single sheep standing in a rustic wooden barn. The sheep is light-coloured with a small patch of blue paint on its back. The floor of the barn is covered with straw, and there are wooden planks scattered around. Charlie's legs and torso are visible in the left corner, suggesting he is opening a wooden gate or door to the barn. The overall atmosphere is that of a farm or rural setting.
Charlie walking down a gravel path, carrying a bucket, followed by a sheep and a dog. A dark-coloured pickup truck is parked on the side of the path. The setting appears to be rural, with a small house in the background and trees and fields surrounding the path. The overall impression is of a person tending to livestock on a farm or in a rural setting.

The journey to Longtown, down the A7, is a well-known one; however, the breathtaking beauty of these hills never fails to inspire awe.⁣

View from inside a vehicle driving along a winding road in a mountainous region. The road is flanked by verdant hillsides, and the sky is mostly clear blue with some fluffy white clouds, one of which partially obscures a mountain peak in the distance. There are power lines visible running along the roadside. The overall impression is one of a scenic, possibly remote, drive through open countryside.

I felt sorry for him, but life is terrible and nature is the cruellest mother. His friend is the white sheep.

A pen of sheep at what appears to be an agricultural auction or livestock market. A black board displays the number 20, possibly a pen or lot number. A yellow sticky note attached to the board provides details: the farm name Woodburn, the number of sheep (4), and instructions for handling the sheep. The note also states WHITE IS A TUP, indicating that one of the sheep is a white tup (a male sheep). The sheep themselves are a mix of colours and breeds, primarily dark brown and black, with one notably white sheep. The overall impression is a straightforward documentation of livestock before sale or processing. There's no overt emotional expression or narrative beyond the practical logistics of the livestock trade. The moral implication is the commonplace reality of animal agriculture.

To pick up a pair of upgraded reading glasses, Charlie took me to Specsavers in Galashiels. They are the most affordable pair, but they allow me to read my psychology and philosophy books. I was moved to tears by Charlie's kindness today.

Pair of tortoiseshell-framed glasses resting in their dark-coloured hard case. A small card is visible inside the case, partially obscuring the glasses, indicating that the glasses were made on-site. The overall impression is one of new, carefully packaged eye wear.

After recovering from two days of severe diarrhoea, I've done too much today and, although I made a swift recovery this morning, I'm still feeling exhausted and ill this evening.

12th

May 13th marks my 51st birthday.

11th

My garden plants are being destroyed by birds, they are pecking off fresh growth. I was curious as to why these birds were perceived as a nuisance in Ancrum.

Fixing my Jasmine plant to my wall trellis I used a cane, cotton thread and a CD utilising the wind to ward the birds off.