[SOLVED] Body Background Image problem with y axis repeat

http://www.deborahnavas.com

I have a long narrow background image that I want to have repeat horizontally, so that it creates a fade out.

When I try this, which seems logical, there is no image displayed.
background-position: top left;
background: url(/images/background.gif);
background-repeat: repeat-y;

I have tried various other configurations, but they also display no image. For now I have left the image to be on, but if you scroll down you see where it repeats.

Thanks for any advice.
Gordon Peery