Needlepoint and a House Blessing

I've slacked off a little on my needlepoint, but I'm almost finished with my 3rd project and I've put my 4th into a lap frame to make it easier to work on.

My first needlework project 

Number 2!

House Update: We have Internet now! It was just installed today.

Furniture Update: We've hit a snag. Customs decided, as of last week, a residence visa is necessary to obtain your furniture. Well yesterday Allied said that customs was allowing people to get their stuff if they paid a duty, which would be refunded if proof of residency could be shown within 30 days.

The woman at Allied - Daisy - said that they would pay the duty and bill us so we could get our furniture on November 10th. But she was going on vacation and she was handing over our account to her colleague - Astrid. Yes, Astrid. I had a good laugh with that one, an office full of flowers.

Well today I spoke with Astrid, and she said she didn't know when we would be able to get our furniture. Interesting, the reason was because she may have to deal with a different customs agent than Daisy. Needless to say I was a bit peeved. Astrid is going to call me tomorrow with a delivery date, let us all cross our fingers, toes too if you can, and hope that it will be the 10th.

Tomorrow I'm going to the house to get the dust off the floors and counter tops in preparation for our move, on the 10th.

Hope springs eternal.

Sunday we had a House Blessing. This is something that is done to ensure a happy home. The function was attended by my Father-in-law, Sammy's Uncle, myself and Guru (who is my Father-in-law's live in help). It was a really nice ceremony and I like that the reason for it is to promote a happy home and a long happy life.

Sammy's Dad, Uncle, Sammy, and Guru

The first step is to consult with an astrologer to determine the auspicious day and the auspicious time. Which for us was this past Sunday between 9:00 - 10:00am. Then you bring oil, bananas, flowers (including jasmine which smelled wonderful), and a picture of the gods.

Ceremonial items

Prayers are then said.

Sammy's Uncle Sundrum Praying

Part of the ceremony includes heating milk with saffron and sugar on the stove until it rises, then you drink the milk. I'm not a big fan of milk, but I was pleasantly surprised when I tasted it, it was pretty good.

House Blessing Self Portrait