Haying sure would have been more fun if it didn't fall at the hottest darn time of year!
   I was fortunate, I had no haying equipment but a neighbor who did let me use hers in exchange for looking after the equipment and plowing for her in the spring (I had that equipment...she did not), she also gave me the hay lots. She also operated a cider mill where I worked part time in the fall. Another neighbor would bale for me (no charge)as long as I provided the twine. Afterward the whole family would go up to his place to help him pick up hay as he was an older retired fellow with none to help him except his wife. Haying never cost much except time. (gas was 27 cents a gallon)
   Putting hay in the barn was a slower process as we never had an elevator so it was all pitched by hand. For a couple of years my sister was going out with a guy.... he stood on the ground and pitched the bales into the loft...no effort! <!-- s:shock: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_eek.gif" alt=":shock:" title="Shocked" /><!-- s:shock: --> yikes! .........sure was good to have him help! out. 
   I never thought of it as a good job or a bad job....it was just what we did....but I think I'm glad I no longer have to do it as we did then!
                               Cal