Bidding wars!

I was at Hexham Mart for some of the sale this morning. The sheep start first and go on forever. I moved to the other ring for cattle after about an hour.

It is my aim to spot who is bidding. This is almost impossible with the sheep, because the people bidding cluster near the auctioneer and I can't get a good view of them.

It's difficult, but easier in the ring for the cattle. As you can see there are three people bidding here!

Beside the pens I chatted to Miriam. She and her husband, Austin, had sheep for sale. She was stroking the chins of two sheep whom she had hand raised. They are boys and have to go for sale, probably to the abattoir she thought.

Of course, like all farmers, she could not say that she was emotionally attached to these two. One was a triplet whose mother abandoned him. He was found hours later at the bottom of the field but did well. The other was an orphan.

It was Austin's birthday today so I hope their sheep made a good price (unlikely). The cattle prices have gone up significantly.

I then called to see the other Marjorie for coffee and lively chat. She had a look at some Namibian photos and talked about them. 

This afternoon, I settled down to organise my trip to Harris and Lewis in June. I was horrified to find that some ferries are already fully booked and the cost of accommodation has gone through the roof. I was offered a room for one night for £240, although the hotelier did reduce it to £170 when I sounded horrified. (Interesting, but I didn't take it.)

I had to be sure I could go on the ferry, so I have booked 3 nights in a pod on the beach at Mangersta before staying in my favourite place, Baile-na-Cille. I'm hoping to have an adventure with hazelh and Mrhazelh before they depart home.

Now I'm trying to sort out my flights to and from Ireland in September. When I booked the holiday there were flights from Glasgow but they have disappeared. I've poured a second glass of red wine and I'm not going to panic (yet)!