The hay season was a busy time for all family members. Some of the children were delighted to drive the tractors for raking and baling the hay. One placed the hay on the escalator, while the other stored it in the loft. Dianne and Patsy worked at the hay as well. Patsy usually worked on the wagon, while Dianne worked in the loft. It was a very difficult place to work, because there was very little ventilation. It was often so hot that it was like an inferno. The only good feature about the haying season was that the children were paid, which meant they had some extra spending money in their pockets. Joe tried to have the hay stored before the third week in July. If he did not, he would be left to put it up alone. This was the week of the Fiddle Festival, and everyone would be there tapping their toes to the music. It was my job to make sure that there was plenty of food prepared for their hungry appetites. If there was rain coming, it meant that they had to work later in the evening. After the days' work was completed, the table was set once again. One of the popular delicacies for a night snack was strawberries and cream. Fresh biscuits were a must also. The molasses dish was also a permanent fixture on the table as well. If it was not there, someone went to the fridge and found it. Sugar or molasses cookies were always available to conclude the meal. It was a plus living on a dairy farm, for they could have all the milk that they wanted to drink. With winter fast approaching, the barn started to take shape, and before the snow arrived, the animals were herded into their new abode, where they were warm and contented. It was now time to improve the breeding stock, so Joe purchased some registered Holstein cows and more quota, which completed the project. When winter arrived, all the animals were indoors in their new home. It was now a pleasure for Joe to work in these new surroundings. The children enjoyed going out to join their father in the evening. There was room for them to play, or even to have a boxing match if they had a chance. As parents, we were happy to see the children in the barn. We knew where they were and what they were doing. What more could we ask for. 86