So sorry it has been so long since I posted here. You'll notice I have removed the cbox for messages. That was because there were so many folk writing inappropriate messages. So if you want to write a message, click Comment and go from there. So, it was the summer when I last showed you a picture of Peebles so let's see where we go from there.


Well, before I post anything else, I want to show you an email I received today, concerning this photo that I posted here about this time last year. See it here. Loved the description, and the bit of comparatively recent history. Thanks CD.

" Huge thanks for posting this pic, it was my best climbing tree from age 7-16. We had a rope on the branch that reaches out and we kept it up top when not in use so that it was fairly secret (though I don't think we put it there).

Rather than getting on at ground level you mounted it while standing on the wall and did what age 7 felt like a death defying leap off the wall with your legs straight out so they just missed the ground as it flew down the bank and out over the Tweed. Thrilling.

Years of tree climbing built up strong arms which came in handy as that part of the Tweed is also where aged 8-10 I was to be seen 'rescuing' rowing boats between May and August. My mum worked at 'the Boats' which were just up river at the other end of the path that this beech is on (boat shed may still be there).

There was a barrier rope to mark where people should turn back but quite often someone would struggle and end up heading towards the weir in a panic, at which point I was dispatched in a separate boat to nip down and tow them back.

Being towed by a child was especially embarrassing for men who'd taken their families out for a treat but I absolutely loved doing it. There were two jetty's, one either side of the river but the one that you set off from seems to be gone now. There was also a Pitch 'n' Put there, just below the embankment that has the stone entrance to what we were told was an ice store for Neidpath Castle in the past.

Thanks for bring back lots of great memories.
CD"

CD is right. The jetties have gone, though I now wonder if what I know as the fishing jetty was perhaps the one on the other side? CD? I only know of the putting green that used to be on Tweed Green, but I know where CD is talking about. The stone ice store is still there, but I wonder again if it was more likely to be the store for Hay Lodge, as it's quite far from Neidpath Castle? Hope to hear from you again, CD. I'd like to hear more of your stories.

Apologies

Sorry everyone. I have been away so much lately that I haven't had time to get out around Peebles to take many photos. I'll be back as soon as...
Take care.

A tiny garden

The high brick wall was part of a walled garden, and Rosemary has managed to landscape her tiny garden beautifully. She has the patio, the raised flowerbed, the rock water feature, the wavy path that draws the eye to the back. I think it's beautiful and so low maintenance. If anything I think the large flowerbed to the right would have been pretty as a lawn!

A leafy suburb

On the edge of town a new development has shot up around what used once to be a Barnardo's children's home and a private school. I had never been here till last week, invited for lunch by a friend who moved up there from the town centre. It's very tranquil!

A secret garden!

Flowers, fruit and vegetables are all mixed together in this tiny garden hidden from general view.

A courtyard garden

This is a lovely garden, just recently constructed. The cement was laid in batches, and slab shapes marked into it.

Gardens

I could do a series on the Gardens of Peebles - in fact I just might. There are plenty of them! I love the red acer in the garden of this Victorian house.

Satellite city!

Someone once asked me "What do they call the box at the back of a satellite dish?"

The answer was "A council house!"

Now don't go all PC on me. The guy who told me that joke lived in a council house himself, and was amused at how many dishes had appeared on the walls in not just his street, but others round about!

These flats were indeed built by the local council for renting out, but a lot have now been bought over by the occupants.

Quack quack

Not many ducklings survive this long on the Cuddy Burn these days. Too many crows, the heron, even an occasional mink, all count among their predators. Here's a mother with two of her three offspring, foraging along the edges of the water for goodies to eat!

Summer flowers

Love this window box!