Scottish dry stone waller. I have worked with and loved stone for 40+ years. Now volunteer at Nenthead Mines Conservation Society. Working on surface structures and underground.
Pets are 2 rabbits, 3 cats. You will see more of them on @LarryandOlive
Now 'retired' and living in Harwood, Upper Teesdale.
It's still all going on out the kitchen window. If you're observant, you can read the ear tag of the calf on left, it's Hyacinth, for those who can't.
The no name cow on the right is no lady because seconds after taking the pic, she put her head down, gave a massive head butt and nearly lifted poor Hyacinth off her hooves. #CowsOfMastodon #Farming
@sbourne we were shown round the adjoining church; it's only a couple of years since they stopped using gaslight to light the church.. There are 4 electric lamps to light the church, power for which is supplied through the wall from the Old Schoolhouse.
The person showing us around was keen to stress how tight-knit the small community is there, whixh was another compelling aspect to living there. Really hard to walk away. Something else will come up, I'm sure.
The Old Schoolhouse, South Stainmore, Cumbria. It's been used for outdoor education since the 70's but no longer fit for purpose. It would make a 2 bed house.
We think it could be restored in a way to suit the local community (they have coffee mornings in it) and lift the covenant preventing permanent residence. The lady who showed us round liked us, that was obvious.
I think it could be a money pit and we don't have deep enough pockets. It's a shame, it has over 0.5 acre land.
Why was I up at 6.30am, you ask, when I didn't need to?
For several days now, a single swallow has snuck into the byre at dusk before I lock the rabbits in for the night. I haven't seen it roosting until last night, when it was sitting on a beam looking down at me. Once I close the door, it can't get out when daylight comes.
I may have to cut a slot in the door if it stays. #Birds #BirdsOfMastodon
It's been a grey bank holiday Monday and it's still grey with light rain driven by a very strong wind. After the skittish behaviour of the cattle this morning, they've settled down into their new field.
The bull is tucked right into the far left corner with the best position for shelter, with his ladies and his offspring around him.
Some of the calves are quite young, much younger than the breeding heifers that were in this field last week. #CowsOfMastodon #Farming
The moor is getting some much needed rain.
@FaithfullJohn maybe a higher power might intervene if we keep the leckie on.
@yngmar that part was buried in the small print. Usually, if there's absolutely no chance of having a covenant lifted, it's written in big bold letters in the first line of the advert.
We're always looking at property for sale and one has come up within 30 miles of here. Crucially, it's 500ft lower down (still about 900ft altitude) and 0.5 acre of land.
It's 'quirky' in that, it's a former outdoor education place, not a house as such but could be converted. Oh yes, It also supplies the nearby church with electricity, probably 4 people and the rev once a month.
There's also the covenant that says it can't be permanent residential but we'll go and discuss anyway.
Rueben came back just now with more animals and I went over and told him what we saw. He was completely un bothered and just said "thanks for letting me know but she would have dropped it."
Probably thinking, daft people in the house there, as there wasn't much any of us could have done about it anyway. At least we mentioned it but he's not out looking for the bit of pipe.
Rueben has let some Belted Galloway cows and calves into the field by the house and they've been charging about in excitement for half an hour.
They came behind the house and we saw one cow had picked up a piece of blue plastic pipe, like it was smoking a cigar. The sort of length the farmer's use to mark where they put mole traps.
I went out but they just ran off. Cows with calves are a danger as well. Trying to contact Rueben now as it could be fatal if swallowed. Hopefully dropped it.
Because I volunteer at Nenthead Mines, I've developed more of an interest in metal mining than I used to have (or should have).
I'm finding it quite laughable how the US govt is scrambling to bring back mining after relying on Chinese and even Russian sources for a lot of minerals and metals.
Friday was all about uranium, after all the fuss about rare earths. Now there's a potential 1m oz shortage of platinum because of extreme rain affecting African mines. #mining #geology #Climate
@BackFromTheDud @YasmineHamid dammit! I used to go dry stone walling up and down, off road, all over, in my Allegro. It deserves a song.
@BackFromTheDud @YasmineHamid an Allegro would be better on roads in Weardale and over the top to Teesdale. #bouncy
@YasmineHamid thanks for this. Over here in Upper Teesdale, we still have the lone tory councillor who I'd never met until he came round with a leaflet.
Darren Grimes is deputy leader of the council? At last people might see just how awful these characters turn out to be in real life.
All set up at Middleton-in-Teesdale Artisan Market. Eve is showing off her silk scarves, plant dyed wool, other fabrics and greetings cards of her designs.
The Farmer's Market is also on, so if you're in Teesdale or the North Pennines, do come along. Something for everyone!
#Crafts #HandMade
@sarahdalgulls were they trying for a Darwin Award?
@eclectech @tmcfarlane photo taken whilst attending the launch of the latest steamship, no doubt. Superb.
@eclectech obviously an amazon delivery. They couldn't find his safe space.
