Moving on.

Our Steven got the keys to his first house on the 20th October, and we have gutted it. It was OK for the family that lived there before but he wants to make his own mark on it, so we have stripped all the rooms of the wallpaper and most of the paintwork; the ceilings were covered with polystyrene tiles they were the first things that came down.

To be honest I have not had a day off since the 20th. Thursday we have an electrician coming to put some extra sockets in, so I will be free to do as I please. I am a plumber, bricklayer, painter and decorator, plasterer, general labourer and Project manager with not one certificate to prove it.

When I was a young man I could not afford to pay for anyone to do the work, so I trained myself to do it.

I’m loving it it’s took me back 20 odd years, with one main difference; what used to just ache now hurts with a vengeance.

Next year I think I will have knees done if I can buck up the courage!

9.30AM Phone call.

Mum, I've had a crash! "are you alright?" " yes" "What's happened, where are you, is anyone else involved?" "No! I've had a blow out, gone through the hedge and finished up in a field on the way to Brampton!" " We're on our way".
When we got there I could not believe my eyes, how the car had not rolled over I don't know, the field is at least four feet lower than the road.
Our Stuart is one very lucky man. Lucky there wasn't anything coming the other road and lucky it was a Hawthorn bush and not a tree in his path.

First frost.

Last night was the first night below freezing this winter.

This years pumpkin crop.

Better than last year, but not as good as I was hoping for. It's been a very dry year this year and my time has been taken up with other things. I've not looked after my allotment as good as I should have, everything ripened too soon.

Last night 32'F.

Day temp 62'F.

This is a first.

This is the first time I have seen a real Chinese Junk, not much to look at yet. It was moored at Eyemouth fish docks, I think it was being restored. I don't know how it got here but it doesn't look sea worthy to me, probably got a piggy back ride on a container boat.

Snippets of our trip up north last week.

No this is not the Alamo, this is The Parish Church of Berwick upon Tweed, it is the most northerly parish church in England.

The colours and battle honours of the Coldstream Guards hanging in the church.

Trawlermen (fishermen) taking a break after returning home from sea.

One of the many trawlers at Eyemouth Scotland, I didn't know there were so many fishing fleet left in the UK.

Lindisfarne Priory on Holy Island Northumberland.

The causeway over to Holy Island. The Island is cut off by the tide twice a day, at this point the water rises about 4 to 5 feet. The road is passable 6 hours on 6 hours off. We are leaving the island now, the tide is on the turn.


Paxton House Scotland.
Paxton House and gardens.

Una walking back to England, using the Union Bridge over the river Tweed. Before today the last time I stood on this bridge was in 1971. I was with my dad, we were on a camping and fishing holiday on the Scottish Borders.


Palace of Holyroodhouse Edinburgh, our last day out before returning home. The last time we stood on this spot it was 1969, we were courting and on our first holiday together. Still smiling.
The orange cord around our necks are connected to the audio system that comes with the tour of the house.

Autumn is here.

Last weeks sunshine and hot weather might have fooled the plants and flowers, but not the trees. The sap has stopped rising, the leaves are falling. Never mind, roll on Spring!

Uncle Gattys last ride.

There's a story that goes with this carriage. Many years ago it belonged to Una's Grandfather, Gattys dad. He was a haulier in the days of horse and carts, in the early 1900's. Not being good with money, the business collapsed and everything with it. This carriage went to Australia, where it was found by the present owners a few years ago. It was restored to its former glory. Today, Gatty got his wish and took his final trip as a passenger to his last resting place.

Gatty died two days after his 84th birthday, he had a good life, always had a smile on his face.

Indian Summer.

Daybreak over Haven Caravan site Berwick upon Tweed, the summer goes on.