My pups turn 30 days old tomorrow. Today I gave them their first solid food and they lapped it up. A gruel made from cooked rice and live yogurt.

All my other dogs are used to the pups , some more than the others. Kaiser just loves the puppies and lies down next to them and watches them. He loved them even more before the "attempted" to feed from him. It was funny to watch how he got out of there in a hurry.

Now if they approach his underbelly with ulterior motives, he gets up and moves.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BjKgmTi1IQ


Plus here is a video of the house I am building in a 4 acre plot. It is a world away from the hell I live now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joJKhQseffI

The pups are really cute!

The house looks like it has a good start... Is it all tropical there? It looks like the cost in Guatemala.

Those are beautiful pups, sleek and fat and calm, and Bommi hasn't lost too much weight or condition.
The house is exciting too! Best wishes for your new home.

Not sure if it is tropical, it can get to 18 Centigrade during winter, which is cold by India standards, and get to 30 Centigrade in summer. It rains for 5-6 months a year.

The most important thing is I have 4 acres and my sister has an other 4 which makes our pooled resource of 8 acres and my dogs can run free in a plastic bag free environment, chase peacocks, dig , jump in the pond and be dogs.

I see palm trees all over, looks divine !
Would you describe the door frame ceremony?

DISCLAIMER: First let me say that I am not a religious person. I used to be , but not anymore. I however, take part in ceremonies to express my solidarity with my people. After all, it is the least I can do to a religion I am born in. A religion that does not want to kill me or damn me to hell if I say that I do not believe.


One of the basic tenants of Hindu religion is "Aham Brihmasmi". Which translated means, "I am everything". To explain it further, it means that the concept of "self" being separate from the "other" is an illusion one has to create for oneself to go through the mundane chores of life. But reality (according to hindus) is that there is no self and other and every thing is same matter , hence "Aham brihmasmi".


Extending this concept, it is not hard to see why people will worship the door frame. Rather worship the gods who reside in the door frame. Asking for their blessings, so that the work may progress with out hassle. They also decorate the door frame as it is considered a very important part of the house. The opening though which things enter the sacred space.

The front door frame is so sacred, it is guarded by a pair of cobras that are carved on to it.

You can see a picture of it here http://force4x4.com/gallery/index.php?spgmGal=HOUSES%20AND%20HOMES/Koyembedu%20House/vasalkal%20muhurtham&spgmPic=1&spgmFilters=#pic


The ceremony involves keeping nine gems (nava rathna) under the frame signifying the nine planets, the turmeric cone with the grass on top signifying the elephant god ganesh, then a few lemons to appease the goddesses. And some sacrifice of fruits for the evils so that they may feast on the fruits and go back.

Don't judge me. I did not make up these rules.

This looks so exciting (the new home) and the ceremony looks very interesting and nice.

Ram, that door ceremony explanation is so interesting.

I had an Indian friend when I was younger and I'm not much of a religious person either but we got talking about hers one day. She told me something similar to your "Aham Brihmasmi". She said something about “God is One” and “One is God”. I wonder if that’s similar to your “I am everything”.

And OMG, those pups are adorable. I can’t get over those long legs, at that young age yet. They look great.

Ram you are among friends here!! Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful family and your part of the world with us, it's wonderful and interesting and I LOVE your dogs.....they are such beauties!!
Not much judging done around here except when it comes to how one treats their dogs.....it's obvious you are great with yours!!

Anyone who has EVER built a house and lived thru it knows that they could benefit from prayer at the door frame that the work go well!