Happy birthday, Dad!

I've said it here before and in many ways. I'm humbled to have such a splendid father. I hope your birthday has been wonderful, Dad. I love you and I couldn't be more proud of you. 

Sunday, Puppy Monday: slow on the draw

Sorry for late and spotty puppy posting. This summer has been full rodeo since it started.   I think Chuy had only pulled a muscle, and he seems fully recovered. However, he quite liked being lifted onto and off of things like the bed or the sofa. Now that he's feeling better, I'll catch him jumping on and off things, but he still does a "Princess and the Pea" routine, waiting patiently for his curbside service at every turn. Ha!

First attempt cleaning old textile: Venice Tapestry

When I was about 20, I began collecting vintage images of Venice, particularly antique photos.  When I came across this badly damaged tapestry of Venice, $4 didn't seem much of a risk or gamble-- even in its world-weary state, I still love it. Plus it's a chance to try my hand at cleaning stains from an old textile.  

Based on the spill/fade/soil patterns, I think this cloth was on a buffet or some horizontal surface, maybe with small objects displayed atop it, as there are less-soiled squares that might have been the bases of vases or candelabra.  I did a bit of research, but most information was on cleaning, and not on removing extensive stains.  These may be mildew, but they don't smell bad, so I think it's more likely something was spilled on the piece. 

Sorry, but I should have taken a photo prior to spot cleaning.  We shall see how this goes.  The first real area of concentration was the dome area, (which I DID snap before cleaning) which was the worst staining on the piece.  I soaked the piece with glycerin, waiting 30 minutes, then blotted the glycerin through with a damp cloth, frequently changing the cloth underneath.  You can see on the under-cloth the progressive blottings.  This part is a test, and if all goes well, I'll do this method from one end of the piece to the other, probably in stages.  Hopefully this will yield brighter colors, as well. 

Sunday, Puppy Sunday: Chuy in crisis

Chuy had a health scare yesterday, and we had to go to the vet. Hopefully it's just a pulled muscle in his back, but there's also the danger of IVDD. He seems to get relief from the pain killer they gave me for him. Hoping for the best.

Update: Chuy has been on painkillers for a week, but gradually he showed improvement in mobility and comfort levels.  I think he must have pulled a muscle.  Now he's his usual spry, jaunty self, to my delight.  :)