It all started on Sunday late in the afternoon. Horses and other animals were given second fiddle to the task facing us. Temperature was rising (hot) and the baler was in action. We got the call early in the morning that baling MIGHT start later in the day and possibly get about 150 bales done. No problem. That would be OK for one load Sunday. Well, 1/3 of the field later there were over 350 bales on the ground. After the second load we decided it was time to call it an evening. There was always tomorrow since there was no rain in the forecast (I was ignoring the temperature forecast!). Monday our crew (Patrick, Kelly and William) arrived about 11 am and we unloaded the trailer from the night before. Then it was off to the furnace. Mid afternoon Denise showed up for a friendly visit! Well... During hay time there is no real visiting. Denise was put to work making sure the stack was well salted. By the third load we were exhausted and HOT!! The temperature reached 97 at around 4pm. WATER!!!!
Just as we were coming back with the third load, Heidi was driving out to the field. Too late for the day but thankfully she offered to help. It was still hot when we finished for the day. We figured there were two loads left for Tuesday and Patrick had to work (Monday he had off) and Kelly would make it if there wasn't much work needing to be done at the shop.
Tuesday arrived and the trailer and truck were empty ready to go. William was still asleep when I called at 11:15 am (teenager!). By noon the three of us were in the truck and off to the furnace, again. The sun was relentless. Sweat dripping everywhere. At least the driver (Maureen) had the advantage of the air conditioner. William and I unloaded the trailer on the stack while Maureen was making her gourmet sandwiches for which she is noted. After the break and not really wanting to get back to it, We all unloaded the truck. Just as we were ready to take off, Kelly arrived to our surprise. Now there were four of us again headed back into the furnace. At least this time there was a slight breeze and even though it was 93, we did not feel as hot as we did on the first load. Then we could see it! THE LAST BALE!!!! Number 912. When you start and first drive out to the field, especially when temperatures are in the 90's, you look around and see all the bales and realize how big the task is. What is gratifying though, is the fact your friends are there to help, even under these extreme conditions. Once again, Maureen and I extend our thanks to Patrick, William and Kelly. Job well done. Time to take and deep breath and get ready for our friends that will start arriving on Thursday for a Rendezvous weekend. Last year we had loads of fun and we are looking forward to seeing everyone again.
Take care stay safe, G&M
Just as we were coming back with the third load, Heidi was driving out to the field. Too late for the day but thankfully she offered to help. It was still hot when we finished for the day. We figured there were two loads left for Tuesday and Patrick had to work (Monday he had off) and Kelly would make it if there wasn't much work needing to be done at the shop.
Tuesday arrived and the trailer and truck were empty ready to go. William was still asleep when I called at 11:15 am (teenager!). By noon the three of us were in the truck and off to the furnace, again. The sun was relentless. Sweat dripping everywhere. At least the driver (Maureen) had the advantage of the air conditioner. William and I unloaded the trailer on the stack while Maureen was making her gourmet sandwiches for which she is noted. After the break and not really wanting to get back to it, We all unloaded the truck. Just as we were ready to take off, Kelly arrived to our surprise. Now there were four of us again headed back into the furnace. At least this time there was a slight breeze and even though it was 93, we did not feel as hot as we did on the first load. Then we could see it! THE LAST BALE!!!! Number 912. When you start and first drive out to the field, especially when temperatures are in the 90's, you look around and see all the bales and realize how big the task is. What is gratifying though, is the fact your friends are there to help, even under these extreme conditions. Once again, Maureen and I extend our thanks to Patrick, William and Kelly. Job well done. Time to take and deep breath and get ready for our friends that will start arriving on Thursday for a Rendezvous weekend. Last year we had loads of fun and we are looking forward to seeing everyone again.
Take care stay safe, G&M
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