CNY 7th day

Chinese New Year (CNY) - was celebrated on Jan-26. On eve of CNY, families gathered excitedly over a renunion dinner, this time was held in our new home. Started with "Low-Sang" (tossing for good fortune) and ended with a group-photo. Families leave for last minute home-cleaning, washing up and minor preparations before the stroke of midnight. Sounds of firecrackers nearby, welcome the dawn of the CNY day.

As we usher in the new year of the Ox, filling the house with aromas of foods, teases and laughters, a time to catching up with young ones and listening to advice from the old. It was a especially fun filled week despite raining in the evenings. On the bright side, the rain cools the heat from the noon sun and offers cool breeze. Need not fuss about watering the garden!

Another look-forward activity during CNY would be the distribution "angbao" from the married to the unmarried and trying our gambling luck amongst family members.

Tomorrow, before the stroke of midnight, we will be offering special thanks to 'Jade Emperor God' (Pai-Thee-Kong).

Episcia blooms non-stop lately. Its bloom last for 3 days before wilting. When wilted for a day or two, I'll softly tug it off because it doesn't fall off itself unlike the periwinkle.

I took cuttings and planted into 3 small pots as shown. Hoping that all will grow like its mother. It has been a week now and doing ok. Light watering on alternate days (rainy CNY) and no fertilizers.

Spotted Anthurium bud !!

Flower bud takes 2 to 3 weeks to fully form.

[Update May-1,'09] Anthurium's performance is quite discouraging - its dormancy stretches for months. I do not recommend Anthurium-growing for home garden and even in courtyard garden. Perhaps it is best to leave the growing to the experts and buy cut-Anthuriums for indoors as your temporary home decor.