Got to sell a few cattle last week which was a relief to me and the bank manager, and prices were not as bad as they could have been considering the mess that the industry is in as a whole.

This week we had a first for us, one of the Border Fine Arts artists came up to take photo's of some of our pedigree British Blues for a new figurine that is being commissioned. Took about an hour so we will see what the end result is closer to Christmas we hope.

Tuesday evening I was down at Newton Rigg for a digital photography seminar run by Pentalk. Some very interesting speakers had their audience of 70 farmers enthralled for 2 hours or so. Not bad.

Wednesday I was back down to Carlisle mart as it was the autumn sale for the British Blues, and as I am an active member of the local breeders club, in fact vice chair (which I am told puts me in control of all things vice), then I have to play a role every now and then.

Friday saw the Northern Beef Expo at Carlisle mart. It was full to bursting with farmers there from all over. A fantastic day, people mingling again and finding friends that they had not seen all summer with most summer shows cancelled by weather of restrictions, then marts shut down at their busiest time, a very bad time for social interaction on the farming front.

Now it's Saturday lunch time and although I have just about caught up on the farm jobs, the in-box is about to top out with jobs to do on various sites I have a hand in. Should be through a lump of it by evening milking.

By the end of next week all cattle will be in and the work will escalate. No more days off until May, 7 days a week. I am sure there are worse ways to make a living, I commute about 10 yards which some mornings can be a struggle, I am always surrounded by family and even the dog likes me at the minute.