I know, I know, I just posted a picture of Andy and Tyler, but when I walked in to make my bed this morning and saw the two curled up in Andy's bed, I couldn't resist! I honestly don't know how the two fit in here together!
Welcome, November, a month filled with beautiful fall colors, warm inviting fires, family, food, and thankfulness for all God provides.
Tyler sticks to Andy like glue. Andy cries for Tyler when he's looking for him, as Tyler does for Andy. They both sleep in Andy's little bed, and this is their favorite spot to sit, on top of the tuner. It's warm there for Andy, so naturally Tyler has to be with him. I love this picture of the two of them together. I can't get over how much bigger Tyler is, Andy looks so petite next to him.
Toby is my big momma's boy. His favorite place to sleep is on the back of my recliner, and this is his standard position. Toby and Andy are two cuddle bugs, my big babies! 
After a visit from their son, his wife, and their adorable baby, Rainey, my brother and sister in law headed to Maryland to see their new grandson, Braylin James! 
So while they were gone, I had the honor of house, dog and chicken sitting! For 6 days, I enjoyed the retreat style life once again. When they returned, I stayed for 4 more days, loving every minute. While Cheryl and I worked together on sewing projects, Jay was busy filling orders for his business, Willow Winds.
Completing an order for 11 teepee poles, was first on his agenda. Cutting the tall saplings, then stripping the bark from each made beautiful poles. All the wood stacked behind him is from trees he cut down, stripped, and formed and will go for an addition he is building on his cabin.
He showed me the logs he has cut, split, and grooved for the outdoor sauna he is building on the property.
He is also working on a dug out canoe, for a museum. 
Jay also finished an order for the Cranbrook Institute of Arts, a canoe built to scale. It's 3 ft. long, and complete with accessories, also to scale and created the same way our Native American ancestors did. If you double click the picture, you'll see the fish spear, paddle, pack basket, and a basket for the catches that would be made. It turned out amazingly beautiful!
There is a miniature birch bark basket, bow and arrow set, so tiny but right on detail! The lacing is done with dear sinew, he creates himself. The tar on the sides of the canoe, as with his lifesize canoe, is made with bear fat and pine sap. The bark is harvested from his property. I love the passion he puts into his works. He totally amazes me with his patience, attention to detail and accurate depictions in his finished works of art.
Yesterday, we celebrated my mother's 85th birthday, with two big events. First my sisters and I hosted the coffee hour at church, as a surprise for her. She was so shocked, and honored! My sister had ordered the cake, which was awesome. And with all the happy wishes, Mom said she was never kissed by so many men in her life! Later, another surprise party with her family. We held it at one of the best restaurants in Port Huron, the Atrium. Owned by Gayle and Rocky Stevens, this eatery is one of a kind. I'll do a separate post on them, and this historical building.
One of the big high lights, was when Rocky came to her table, held her hand, and in the most beautiful voice, sang "Happy Birthday Baby" to her. Everyone then went out to my nieces house for the perfect end to her perfect day. Happy Birthday Mom!
