We've got company - AGAIN!

Oh my --- I love reading the comments. However, there are some days when  I get inundated with spam. And for the most part, it's easy to know that it's spam. I wonder how that happens? I mean - does someone set a program to troll for keywords? I know I'm not the direct target, the keywords just get picked up, and then AI writes some creative, mostly nonsensical sentences. Thankfully, all new comments are at the top of the list, so it's easy for me to browse them daily and delete what shouldn't be there. 

But read this one: 

Wow, what a delightful read! I absolutely love how you combine two such unique passions—quilting and biking—into one vibrant lifestyle. Your energy is truly infectious! Whether you're stitching fabric masterpieces or riding through nature, your creativity and enthusiasm shine through. The "crazy quilter on a bike" title is not just catchy, it's a perfect reflection of your joyful spirit. Can't wait to see where your next ride (or quilt!) takes you. Keep inspiring us with your colorful adventures!

Seriously? Who writes like that? It's pretty cleverly written, and it was certainly not a person who did that! How do I know? It's just too darned perfect, and I haven't written about cycling for a long time, so you know AI has searched many blog posts to come up with those creative words! And it is GRAMMATICALLY CORRECT. Not a single error in it according to Grammarly, which is a generative AI tool. 

Anyway, I accomplished some sewing before we had to leave the retreat house at 11 AM. That was a bit earlier than we're used to, but it worked out OK. I can't share with you what I did as it's part of my writing assignment, but it's looking awesome. 

I also managed to get all these blocks completed with the first round. I was using them as enders and leaders, and I actually had two extra pieces, but no worries, as I can use them on the second round of the black on white blocks. I need to give them all a good press and trim them to the correct size. Usually, I wouldn't do that, but I know some of them are a bit off. The next step will be to sew the blocks using the black on white fabrics. And there's no need to worry if I'll run out of fabric, as I have loads of white and black fabric. And this will be another quilt top done, but it's going to take a while since it's an ender and leader project. 

Progress on the ender and leader quilt

Through the Pony Express, I got the rest of the books from one of the thrift stores. Perfect timing, as I got an email from them that they have received another book on my list. I must respond to them. 

More books from my thrift store shopping

The traffic was heavy on the 401. No accident, no construction, no visible reason for a slowdown, but it was slower. Then all of a sudden, it was fine. I don't get that. Why does the traffic slow down when there's no reason? I know -- someone brakes and that throws a monkey wrench in the mix, but this highway is notorious for heavy traffic. The trucks? I swear every second vehicle was a transport truck! Not that that is a bad thing, because for the most part, they are the better drivers, but there were so many! I'm sure they love the traffic. 

Anyway, I had quite the reception when I got home. 

MOM-How dare you leave me alone! 

MOM - where were you? I needed you! 

Grandma - I'm a good boy, and when I'm not, I'm just cute! 

Wait!!!!! Bear -- how did Little Bear get here? He arrived on Tuesday when neither I nor DH were home. So the dog sitter got to enjoy him for a couple of days. She loves him and he's super snuggly, so the two of them hung out while she worked! Such a good little companion. 

But what trouble! 

Grandma - I'm upstairs and I need help!!! 

He loves to hang out with the big girls! 

Chilling at the window with Lexi

Surveying their backyard kingdom this morning

M and her friend stopped by to visit in the afternoon for a bit, and then they were gone, and Bear gets to stay here! That works for me! 

I got more writing done and completed more videos. I'm not doing too badly with the videos, but there's still so much to learn! I swear that recording yourself is an excellent way to practice speaking. I only save the one I like, and the rest are gone. But it sure helps to reduce those 'um' and 'ah' words, and you learn to say what you want. I don't want to edit if I don't have to. 

I slept like a log at the retreat. It was dark and very quiet, not that I need either to sleep. But I had trouble sleeping last night, and I was so tired at 4:30 AM when I needed to get up for the gym. Now that I'm home, I plan to walk the girls and the boy, and then I need a nap. 

And then I'll be back to work as I need to get more writing done today and start prepping for my trip next week. Yep - so much for a calm and quiet July. 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!