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.  :)

Sweet thoughts of my Dad on Father's Day

     On this Father's Day, and every day, I'm so grateful for my excellent, wonderful Dad.   He is the personification of all the finest traits you could hope for in a man.  He is good-natured, always quick with a smile or a good word, and he is a great and present help to all around him who might need a hand.  He is industrious and energetically attacks any task that needs to be addressed.  He is unflinching in his morals and integrity, and stands for what is right.   I am truly blessed, and I love him so very dearly.  Happy Father's Day, Dad, and thank you for being so wonderful. 

On the terrorist attack in Orlando:

Blaming the implements used in this attack is like blaming fertilizer and rental trucks for the OKC bombing. It's like blaming rooftops for the murder of all the gay men thrown from them. 

Sunday, Puppy Sunday: mini pup-tent on the recliner

Home from Dallas, relaxing with my furballs. :)

Sunday, Puppy Sunday: knackered puppies

Should auld acquaintance be forgot...

Today I am reeling from the loss of my friend Ray Carter. 

Ray was a remarkable person and my dear, close friend.   We'd often share conversation during his commute home through ungodly Seattle traffic, and we've logged hundreds of hours of phone time over the past eight years, since we first met at Blogrado.  We hosted a party together at the Houston NRA convention, and had plans to host more.  Last week he told me we'll host the first gunblogger party in heaven.  I'm holding you to that, Ray.  And thank you for being my friend.

R.I.P.

My bedbugs

Wise words:

Doggie stretch:

So funny:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CB4KFsV7Bqk&feature=share

Oak leaf hydrangea

They smell of honey.