Hexham Mart

The sale today was sheep only. I had to force myself to get up and dressed in time, but I enjoyed going.

More of the regulars know me now. The man in the second extra made a big effort to tidy his hair, just in case he was in a photo!

The system for processing the sheep is very slick, but also very labour intensive. Each lot is kept separate from the next by a system of gates and pens. They move on very quickly, sometimes not quickly enough for the handlers!

I went to see Margret this afternoon. We had heard the news that Jenny was being transferred from the Freeman to Margret's ward today. Then came the news that she had diarrhoea this morning, so had to stay in Newcastle. Kate was very upset about it all. Travelling to Newcastle to see one parent when you have another who can't be left is tricky over the holiday period when carers have their own lives to lead.

I finished listening to There are Rivers in the Sky, along with a commentary by the author. It was a very moving experience to hear the stories in the book.