Run One

I've been slowly working up to using my new-to-me proof press. After cleaning and oiling it thoroughly, the first impression I tried was a bust. I was new to this style proof press so I was in no hurry. Ordered new rollers, had a problem reinstalling them, and it took another year to get things together. More lag time. After all, my C&P platen does a fine job. While waiting, the Vandercook bed became the site of some Horizontal Surface Disease in the form of two type cases and assorted printers tools.

This week I cleared off the bed, and yesterday inked up to proof a large cut. Despite new rollers, I had no impression! What to do-- then I remembered I have no bed plate for this press. A galley fixed that problem, but I still had only a ghost of an impression. For a workaround I laid two sheets of tympan paper under the galley. Perfect!

Last night I finally got a decent print from my Vandercook No. 3. The Colt is not printed with "bite" impression, but he shows up clearly and the type is crisp. Now it's time to place the tympan paper in the packing rather than under the galley and have fun.

Yes. The ink is burgundy.

Home Sweet Porch

So, I discovered a soft spot on my front porch this summer. It's always something like that with an old house. The discussion with the contractor had begun several years ago, because I already knew that the front stairs needed to be reversed. They pointed away from the driveway. Not terribly useful. They were also in very bad shape. The soft spot was just the thing I needed for an excuse to get the front porch done up right.

Here we have the new front porch, stairs primly leading into the driveway. We built out over the former stairs, so the porch is larger than it was, and much more functional. I actually got some Christmas decorations up this year, and if I could take a photo in the dark I would put that up, too. The horizontal ropes of greens are lit! Too bad you can't really see the wreath on the door.

Next year, I may try for real greenery, but this year I just consider it good to have something on the porch!