Clean Out

We've been doing some pre-spring cleaning.  Old clothes that no longer fit have been bagged. Once they've been bagged the problem of disposal begins.  Most of the clothes are in excellent condition.  We have no second hand shops here, no bazaars and the church no longer collects unwanted clothing.  Mostly we leave them beside the recycling bins and they are usually discovered and taken, hopefully by someone who wants them.   

K also went through all his old naval uniforms.

He kept his ceremonial whites, the formal black uniform with all the medals plus his hat and gloves and his sword.  He also kept his Naval safari jacket, a light weight short sleeved white jacket for less formal wear in the summer.

The jacket in the photo above is a very old one which we have put aside in case anyone wants to wear it during carnival.  This jacket has only 2 stripes on the sleeve, the stripes of a sub-lieutenant.

He left the navy with 3 1/2 stripes and the title of  Commander.

Keeping his dress uniform in good condition is essential because it will be what he wears when he goes into his coffin.  We have strict instructions on who to call when the time comes, and what we hand over to Naval authorities.  His hat, gloves, sword and medals will all be on display and his coffin covered by the greek flag. We/he is lucky to have the Navy base here who will provide an official escort, honour guard.  The escort will attend the funeral coffee afterwards but must also be invited to the wake where close friends and family will eat meat or fish soup.

Tradition  continues to the grave and beyond.  We  have very strict instructions to keep the candle on his grave lit for 40 days and hold all the memorial ceremonies, at the very least the 9 days, 40 days, 3 month, 6 month, one year and 3 year memorials and not to forget to boil funeral wheat for All Souls.

Oof