My fingers hurt and I blame Richard Bridge and the Cat being offline.   Spent all Sunday morning practising the mandolin RB loaned me because the Cat was down. Then all yesterday afternoon, cause now I am hooked. Skin on two finger tips already peeling.

Don't know if I will play today as my current viral infection has now moved to my ears and I can't hear very well. Nah!!! I will play.

When I was in high school and learning guitar, I built up my calluses by rubbing my finger tips across rough bricks. I often sat on the front porch to play so bricks were handy.