We have just returned from a trip down south to the Queenstown area with daughter Susan, her husband Ricky and their four offspring.

But, before we went, I was able to help the neighbours get their hay in. These were the conventional bales weighing 20 or 30 kilograms that are in demand by people with 'lifestyle' blocks, or have a horse to feed.

Once the hay was in, we were free to go.