He's On Cloud Nine

Michael has said from a very young age that he wants to be a blacksmith when he grows up.  I thought it was just a phase like trains and pirates.  I can't remember how I found this out but Justin and Matt (friends of the Husky girls, our awesome pet sitters) know lots about the subject!

So yesterday afternoon we walked down and Michael got his first lesson.  As he would say, "Mom I am excited, you just can't see it on the outside."  He kept up with me step to step on the way down.  Usually he walks behind as most teenagers do.  He has his own gloves and safety glasses.

Justin showed him all around the shop and explained a little about the importance about safety and orderliness (my own word).

Michael helped him make a handle for the forge door.

This is the bought/purchased anvil...

and this is the anvil Justin made!

Now this is where I get lost.  I have no idea the difference between welding and soldering.

Justin made the forge and now it has a handle!

Justin pulls out an old railroad spike and asks Michael if he wants to make a knife out of it.  Outside he looked oh sure.  Inside he was running around 900 miles an hour yelling at the top of his lungs YES!YES!  A THOUSAND TIMES YES!

Justing got it really hot and put it in the vice and started to twist it.  I had no idea where he was going with it.  I thought he was twisting it to make it easier to pound flat.  Little, very little, did I know.

And then the pounding began!  They beat that piece of hot metal for hours.  Michael has homework... pound nails into a board, take them out and do it again.  Building up arm strength and gaining confidence.

 Trying to figure out a rhythm.

Showoffs!  They took turns striking the hot metal.

Now it was Michael's turn.  While they were working in the shop I got to tour the house and see all the new renovations that have been done.   Let me just tell you that these guys are amazing.  There is nothing that they can not do.  SERIOUSLY.

When I came out this is what I saw.  A finished knife!  Amazing.  Now I see that the twisted part is the handle.  Love it.  And Michael loves it!  Beyond loves it! Is a bizillion times thrilled with it!  And I saw the biggest smile on his face that I have ever seen in my life.  I have to tell you I cried!

The teacher and the student.  Justin you are the best!

The Sons of Thunder

This is an amazing bunch of people.  Each unique, offering different skills working towards a single goal...being the best humans they can be.  Some may say they are a little weird and my not agree with all that they do.  I think they are pretty darn awesome!  But more amazing!  Thanks guys!

These girls are also Chickie Ma's.  I finally got to see their new birds.  They have one I just love.  Getting a picture next time...well, there might be one or two more that I am partial to.  Next trip down I'll get a few shots.  But I did get to bring a rooster feather home.  Can you see it sticking out of my head?