I LOVE Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Thanks, everyone, for the fantastic comments! I MUST get back to responding to them. As for the floss, I did have a Waterpik at one point, which I don't think I ever used! BUT I understand the concept of it - I'll look into it. In the meantime, I flossed twice yesterday! And brushed once. It's a start! And yes -- I know that all that bacteria is not healthy for my insides! I'm trying! If I get a Waterpik, can I bypass going to the dentist? OK - just thought I'd try!

I have good genes, but one must do what they can to help oneself. I feel I'm one of the few "older" people who can say that both of my parents are still living, and still live together. And all of their siblings are still alive! Now there are only two children, including my dad, on his side of the family, and there are five siblings, including my mom, but still! All of them are in their 80s and 90s. I wish them all continued good health!

Well, yesterday was a day to make things happen. After the two presentations, where I had crappy internet, which is most annoying, I had other things to get done. 

The biggest thing that happened was this. The customer quilt that was "stuck" on the long arm for almost two weeks is now complete, and no one will ever be able to identify that there was a problem. Remember, the quilt was perfect; it was the operator who was having a meltdown. 

Customer quilt - DONE at last!

I don't know what the matter was when I started that quilt, but I had three separate issues with the long arm, and a couple were my fault. However, when I had a clear head and a NEED to get that quilt done, I got the pattern realigned, and it was this close. See those two parallel lines in the middle. Well, one is the original mark, and the second one is the new mark. I could have zeroed in a bit more, but this was close enough! 

Close enough! 

I left the tape marker on the quilt, and I must say that I watched it pretty closely as it completed the last five rows. It's funny how something like that can bog you down. I've fixed this kind of issue in the past, but that day, my brain just shut down and couldn't cope with it. 

My tape marker

Even as I quilted the entire section, I kept that marker on. I did NOT want to have to find the spot again. And I have no idea how I learned this - it just happened in my brain. The computer is logic, and if you understand logic, you can do anything! 

The market is still there!

Plus, it helps that the computer will show you where the marker should be - the red is the corner dot (I mark a needle hole in the blue tape) and the blue lines are the quilt pattern. 

The spot for the marker is on the screen

And then I also got busy because it is UFO Club day today, and well, I was behind. I will show you what I did another day, but I had to put a binding on. I swear, if you use the correct tools, things are so much easier. 

One of the issues we have in the sewing world is that we purchase all kinds of presser feet, and if they get out of the packaging, it can be a challenge to know what foot is what. Guess what? The PFAFF creative icon 2, with its AI technology, tells me what foot is on the sewing machine. How cool is that? And as time goes on, more and more feet are being inserted into the software. 

AI on the PFAFF creative icon

This is what the foot looks like. 

Bi-Level Topstitch Foot for IDT (PFAFF) 

I'm on the fence about this, but the darn machine is SMARTER than I am! I put that foot on and wanted to move the needle over. Guess what? I couldn't. Why NOT? 

I cannot reposition the needle - why?

DUH --- I have the single hole stitch plate on the machine, that's why! And it wouldn't let me move the needle, which was a good thing because I would have broken a needle as soon as I started! OK -- I guess it's OK if it's smarter than I am!! 

Single hole stitch plate - can't move the needle - DUH!

So why is this foot cool? When I want to sew binding on, it's always a good idea to keep the presser foot as flat as possible, but when you are binding something, the presser foot wants to tip sideways off the edge of the binding. 

Using the Bi-Level Topstitch foot to sew on a binding

Not so with the Bi-Level Topstitch Foot because there's a lip on the left-hand side that rides along beside the binding to keep the foot level. That binding on that large quilt went on so fast, I was still whirling when it was done! And the machine sounded happy! And I was happy, so we had a happy dance when the binding was on! Plus, it helped to keep the line of stitching even. 

The lip on the left side of the Bi-Level Topstitch foot

I know -- silly, but hey, life is all about having fun. Otherwise, it's going to be a long and tedious life! 

OMG --- Look what arrived at our house yesterday via Pony Express. 

2025 Advent Calendar - EXIT Game

Yep -- that's the 2025 Advent Calendar for the EXIT games. I'm super excited, and I think we need to keep practicing. I've pulled out another smaller game, but our schedules are going to be a little bit off this coming week. 

That Miss Lexi is sure loving her new bed. It took her a long time to warm up to it!

MOM -- this bed is super comfy!

This dog wastes ZERO energy. Look at her eyes - she doesn't lift her head to check out her surroundings, she simply moves her eyes. Creepy!!!

MOM - I know you are there! 

MOM - I'm NOT acknowledging your presence

And gas prices are just silly here. Well, they are their usual selves. They start up high and throughout the day, they drop, sometimes over TEN CENTS a liter in one day. I don't get it, but it's a game the stations play with the consumer! 

The low price of gas at the end of the day

The afternoon was filled with paperwork and follow-up. We are having an issue with our TV service provider, and well, I'm a mostly patient person and say, "Oh -- it's not that bad." Well, I've about reached my limit after the two of us spent over six hours on the phone and a walk to the mall to resolve the issue, and so far, nothing has happened. We have not had network TV service in our house since October  8. Personally, it's no big deal for me as I don't watch it, but during the baseball playoffs? Bad news. 

I have called the loyalty department, and they gave me a reduced rate on one of our services forever, but I want the issue fixed. I gave them until Tuesday (OK - I could stretch it to Wednesday), and if we don't have our remote, I'm yanking all my services. I do NOT want to do that because it's a hassle and I don't want to be hassled any more than I am. But I want this fixed. 

It's not the service, it's not the company, nor the technicians. I have zero issues with any of those. It's the CALL CENTER, which is absolutely useless. I mean, totally useless, and when I asked for a phone number, I got one, but it wasn't even one of theirs! I don't understand how it works, but I would LOVE to take a tour --- there is a HUGE need for some training. MASSIVE NEED. 

I will say one thing --- the process will go much smoother if you have your account number and magic pin number when you call. If not, it can take up to 20 minutes to authenticate who you are. Seriously? 

Pole Pole!!   Let it go - that's what they would do in Africa, and I don't want any pressure. 

Oh my --- I've been messing with ChatGPT and wondering if I would ever need a subscription. How can I make this a helpful tool in my life? So far, I've just played around making cakes and making my dogs do silly things. 

However, yesterday, I discovered a REAL use for it. I can't share at this point in time, but OH M ! I'm having fun with it, and I may need to get a subscription after all. I'll share more when the time comes. 

That reminds me so much of when I lived in Montreal and my then DH and his uncle insisted on getting computers (386s). I went on and on about why they were spending so much money on something they would barely use. Famous last words! The uncle went away on vacation and didn't want his computer left in the house in case someone stole it, so I babysat it for him. By the time he was back from vacation, I was buying my own computer. DH and I didn't live together at that time, but were still friends! 

Someone introduced me to Wizardry (a fantasy computer game), and I was hooked. I spent countless hours playing those fantasy computer games. It's one of the reasons I won't play games on the computer because I'm addicted to the darn thing s At one point (1990), I played so much that my neck muscles were spasming, and I could no longer support my head (no fancy gaming chairs back then), and had to play slouched in the chair with my head supported on the back. I know --- very silly!!! 

I can see ChatGPT being just like the computer. I will get it - just not quite yet. I'm close, but not using it enough to warrant paying monthly for it! 

We have a virtual retreat this afternoon. 

Sunday, October 19  --- STARTS at 3 PM

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81073536036?pwd=uxRqMnK1aSKrmrcSO78w8QQs5g44eA.1

Meeting ID: 810 7353 6036
Passcode: 596838

You know, last night, we were talking about computers versus iPads. I barely use the iPad - I use it for my manuals. I would be totally LOST without a computer, which is why I have two! 

On that happy note, I'm out of here. I just thought of more things for ChatGPT to do for me!!!

And the girls need their walk before UFO starts at 9 AM. 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

A little fun with AI

The masses have spoken. There will be NO new sew-along until Colour My World is done! Let's not get ourselves into any kind of mess! Thanks for making me see the light of day! I do NOT need to start another project. And by September of next year, there might be something else we want to sew! 

When I attempted to use ChatGPT to compile those documents from the QUILTsocial website, it didn't work. Someone mentioned that ChatGPT wasn't really meant to scrape data from websites. It creates things, but it doesn't do the dirty work! I'm not sure that's a good way to describe what it wasn't meant to do. What do I know - I'm totally ignorant of this AI stuff. 

However, another person and their husband, who are experts in databases and compilers, decided to write a small script for some program, and voilà — I got what I wanted! Their DH is retired, so this was the perfect little task to keep him on the edge!!!

A big thank you to everyone who reached out to help resolve my issue. I have the information in a spreadsheet, and now I can proceed with what I want to do with the data. 

But I thought I'd have some fun with AI that was a bit more in tune with what it's supposed to do. 

I was walking Lexi and thinking about what else to put in the presentation for our Monday sewing group. Sometimes, it's pictures of quilts from quilt shows, sometimes, it's what we are working on, or what we have finished. But yesterday, it was all about what people had embroidered on those oversized felt totes from Dollarama. Good grief - I bet the store is wondering why people are buying multiples of them! 

I haven't embroidered one yet, but I'll get there, and then I'll post a picture. But last week, I also challenged the group to make a cake using some form of AI. Oh my --- the results were hilarious! And I would say that we are pretty good cake makers!

We had a wide range of cakes, and even though it's just words (typed or verbal), the variety is wide and shows that it takes time to really think about what you want on your cake. 

I swear the cake in this picture went through some kind of natural disaster! The machine looks like it was hammered with something, and there is NO icing on that cake! I think it also makes a difference which AI program you used. 

A cake with a battered sewing machine on top

This cake was created using a sophisticated AI image generator, and the person who made it is highly skilled in this area. We even got a front and a back view of this cake! 

That's a gorgeous cake

The difference is quite remarkable! 

I made my cake last week, and can you guess what parameters I included? 

My cake

It was something like, 'I want an orange sewing-themed cake with a crazy quilter on a bike!' This is what I got! I LOVE it, and I could actually make this. Well, someone with good cake decorating skills could make this! 

This past weekend marked the first two games of the American League East (baseball, for those who didn't know), and although I'm not a fan of watching baseball, it's our team! 

I noticed that one of the Monday group had posted a picture of her dog dressed in his Blue Jays gear. 

A loyal Blue Jays fan

And while he looks pretty happy, I knew he would be jumping up and down after those two incredible wins. So this is Charlie cheering his team on! He was cheering so hard, his hat fell off! 

Go Jays Go!

When I was walking Lexi, I decided to have some fun with the Monday group, so I downloaded ChatGPT to my phone and asked it to create a picture. My parameters were to create an image with six dogs (the six dogs of the ladies in the group - I hope I didn't miss anyone's dog), with Blue Jay jackets and hats on (I guess it didn't want to hide the faces of the dogs in the front row with hats! Lexi probably said, "I'm beneath wearing a hat," anyway! And then listed the breeds: a black lab, a cockapoo, a golden retriever, a Bichon frieze, a chocolate lab, and a husky. This is what I got!!! It's hilarious!!!!

Dog baseball fans!

I was trying to make a more elegant cake, but I ran out of computing time on the free version of the app. Hmmm --- I could have loads of fun with this. Should I pay the monthly fee? I would get way more fun out of this than I would watching a streaming service. I'll have to think about it! I am a stickler for using real stuff. But can you imagine what this will do to Stock Photos? I created that picture while walking the dog, and no edits or changes were made from the first, very rudimentary commands. Yikes!!! Scary stuff!!!

Please don't ask how I got all the dogs to sit together so quietly! 

Oh, gosh — I need to get myself organized, as I've been looking for something I purchased about a month ago. Of course, I couldn't find it. But when I was searching for something else on my desk, there was the darn box! My desk is currently in an unfortunate state, but I'll get it cleaned up! 

The missing box! 

During Monday Sewing, I managed to make some progress in the tidy-up area. I had a couple of mats for my Momento cutter that needed to be cleaned, and now they are ready to go for the next cutting session. And even better, all the mats are put away! 

Cleaning the large mat for the Momento

When I was at Sewing Machine Magic two weeks ago, they have LDH scissors for sale. I had a look at them and decided to upgrade my cheap thread snips with a nice new pair. 

LDH scissors

I got the solid black ones, and I haven't used them yet, but they are now sitting beside my sewing machine. I'm looking forward to sewing something later to try them out. 

My new thread snips

After removing the cutting mats from this table, it looked a whole lot neater. I pulled out my small cutting mat and, with the ironing station right behind me, I proceeded to trim some half-square triangles. 

Trimming half-square triangles

I'm happy to report that all the ones I've recently sewn are now trimmed. That is excellent news, and I need to stay on top of it, which I'm doing a great job of now that I'm aware of it and not just letting these things build up. 

More half-square triangles trimmed

I still have this container of them sitting on the ironing surface, and I'll save that for the occasional cut or do them while on Zoom calls. 

The remainder of the half-square triangles

It was time to clear all the crap off the floor. I was growing increasingly tired of it, and I can't believe I lived with clutter strewn all over the floor for years. And then I dare to discuss hoarders. I didn't even see the mess until I had no choice but to pick it up when the floors had to be replaced. The cutting table is a disaster, but that's on the agenda for later today. 

Nothing is on the floor in front of the cutting table

I have a lot more to share with you about Studio B, but time doesn't permit it this morning. On my walk, I stopped by Indigo (a book/gift store) to see what was there. This is a very dangerous place for me to be, but I won't buy books because I can get them from the library. However, there are so many I want to read! Help!!! I confess that two jigsaw puzzles came home with me - they were on sale! OK - one of them was! The second one was a jigsaw puzzle, and then you had to solve a mystery. I have a couple of those, but there are more every time I check. 

Jigsaw puzzle and a murder mystery

More murder and puzzling 

They also have a nice selection of the non-Advent calendar EXIT Games, but I didn't buy any. I need to check which ones we have. One of our sewing group members, who is currently in Austria, spotted an EXIT Game Advent Calendar on the shelf. Now the language with that one would be a challenge!

EXIT Games!

However, they had started a jigsaw puzzle, and I had to stop for a bit. It's on their community table! I've never seen or heard of this before, but I wanted to help the cause by lending a hand. 

Community table at Indigo

This was the table when I arrived. There are three chairs: top left, bottom right, and to the bottom left of that photo. The puzzle frame was sitting on the table with the bottom facing towards the rest of the table. And a large number of pieces were still in the box. 

The table when I arrived

So I put out a couple of handfuls of the puzzle pieces and turned the puzzle so that when someone was sitting at one of the chairs, it would be in the correct orientation. 

Now this is much better! 

Believe it or not, but I even managed to find one piece and put it in the puzzle. 

I completed the mountain top!

Anyone want to join me at Indigo to do some puzzling? I might have to go every day! I wonder how long they would allow a person to stay without being too obvious that they were there for hours? 

Would anyone else stop by to chat and puzzle with me? It might be fun to see what happens. It's a rainy day today - a perfect day to work on a jigsaw puzzle. 

I'm getting closer to finishing the writing - I hope, no, I really need and want to get it completed today. I have so many other things that I want to tackle. No deadlines, but I want to move on! Today's the day to make it happen. 

Be sure to check in tomorrow, because Studio B is not the same as you've seen it lately. It probably looks even worse! 

I had a couple of issues with falling asleep and then staying asleep. Now, why is that? So I was creeping around the house, tidying up and opening windows since it was so warm. My little pouch slipped to the floor in the office, and I accidentally stepped on it. A few seconds later, I hear the car alarm go off. No way! Yes way! When I stepped on the pouch, I somehow activated the panic button on the key fob. Go figure! In a real emergency, I probably wouldn't be able to touch that button if the key fob were in my hand!  

Anywyay - if you get a chance to make a cake with AI, send it my way! It's a hilarious task to undertake, and it doesn't take much to create something, however good or bad.

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

Challenges

Excellent --- thanks for the comments about the light. It appears that I'll be switching to LED light. I'll get to work on some research when I get home and find myself an electrician. Thanks!! I know I had purchased different replacement bulbs that are relatively expensive, but I don't remember the details at the moment. So more on that over the next week. 

Did anyone watch the video I posted last week about Ricky Tims and his quilt, entitled 'The Visitation? His artist statement referred to the use of AI in the design of the quilt, although he did not use an actual AI design (that's an oxymoron) for the quilt. He used the AI-generated designs as inspiration. Anyway, you can check it out if you haven't looked at it before. Start watching at the 4:00 mark, where he discusses how he utilized AI to assist him. 

So, just for fun, I threw in some parameters for the Trendtex challenge into A. I did not ask for an image; I simply asked for a suggestion. OMG!!   I am shocked by the results that came back. I received a two-page document with written suggestions on designs and colors. I am STUNNED!!!! I printed it off and threw it in my portable office bag. Will I actually look at it? I took a cursory glance at it before I threw it in the bag, but I haven't had a chance to really read it.  

I might just for fun. And I must confess that I spotted a couple of words that got me thinking while walking the girls before I left the house. I think I may have a plan based on two words!!

I am not a fan of AI, as I think it will take some of our creativity away in writing, creating photos, quilts, or other forms of art. BUT, if we use it to add to our pool of inspiration? Well -- it might just become a new helpful tool to use. 

I'll keep you updated on what happens. 

The drive to Kingston was uneventful, although I spotted many OPP cars along the 407 and the 401. Some of them had cars pulled over, and others were waiting to nab someone. Google Maps would pop up every time to alert me that police were ahead and ask if they were still there. I knew they were going to raise the speed limit on the 401 to 110 KPH, and since I keep my cruise control at 120, I knew I was OK with many cars speeding past me. 

There was a lot of traffic on the road, but what drives me mad is when people hang out in the passing lane or the next rightmost lane and drive 100 km/h. Move over, as you are messing up many lanes of traffic when you do that. 

I made one pit stop to use the washroom, and then I arrived in good time. 

But wait -- what did I use to entertain myself on the drive? Good old Nancy Drew. Oh my goodness — it was such a hoot to listen to the audiobook. They added music at the end of the dramatic chapter endings - just like on those old radio programs. I was cheering Nancy on as I drove. It was hilarious!!! 

OMG -- the things you can learn when you search the internet! Do you know what year the first Nancy Drew book was published? Take a guess!! Nancy Drew is older than my parents! That first book was published on April 28, 1930. GASP!!! I did not know that. It was also rewritten in 1959. Read this story to get more information. I found it fascinating. 

Nancy Drew books

The Pony Express is always working, and I met with someone yesterday - I had items for her, and she had items for me. Mary is always fortunate in finding good deals in the local thrift stores, and look what she spotted. 23 Nancy Drew books for $70. I'm going to pass - I love the audiobook version, and the version I read was the 1959 version. Wouldn't it be fun to track down the 1930s version?  

Nancy is still under copyright laws, but in the US, it will become public domain in 2026. That's interesting -- it's all in that story. 

Good grief -- there are over 620 Nancy Drew books in 13 different series! The last one was published in 2003, if I recall correctly. I loved Nancy when I was a kid, but I read more of The Hardy Boys because my brother got them. I didn't have access to Nancy when I was a kid. 

Wow -- who knew all that about Nancy? Now I have to find The Hidden Staircase - just because!! OMG -- I just downloaded the audiobook version on Libby, so guess what I'll be doing on the drive home! My drive will be split into two segments as I have demos at another store on the way home. 

It was easy to unpack the car because there wasn't much in there. The technician was waiting for the machine when I arrived. You have to love being able to make appointments for servicing! 

Then I unpacked my samples and had two excellent presentations - one in the afternoon and one in the evening. It's interesting because, as many times as you go over the presentation in your head, there are always different ways of presenting that go through your mind as you do so. However, that's OK- there are many alternative ways to achieve the same result, and I'd like to redo a couple of samples or add to the existing ones.  

I have a free day today and will be at the store, where I hope to stitch out a couple of samples or design a few new ones. Sample making (and learning NEVER ends).  

Speaking of challenges, Stitch by Stitch in Kingston is one of the few Canadian stores that stocks the Cherrywood challenge. I debated whether to purchase the bundle, as it is not cheap. You can buy FQs or half yards. 

Cherrywood Challenge display

We discussed the challenges at Monday Sewing, and while no ideas came to mind while we chatted, it was niggling in the back of my head. Oh my --- a thought just popped into my brain while I was walking the dogs, and I was hooked! 

I picked up the half-yard bundle, and I'm getting the FQ bundle for a friend. I also picked up the floss, but they don't have any of the optional Sketchbook bundle in stock, so that is on order. Anyone back home want a half-yard bundle? 

What idea came into my head? You will have to wait. However, here's the thing about challenges — first off, I think some of my best work comes from taking on a challenge. And this is something I have wanted to do for a while, and here is the perfect opportunity. So even if it doesn't get accepted, I like this piece!! Now that I have the bundle, one of my priorities (just add it to the list) is to get it designed, and then I can start to work!! 

Let's just say that I have many things on my plate that I want to accomplish, and now that my work time is going to be somewhat reduced, I'll be able to do some of the things I've been wanting to do. I can hardly wait!!!! 

Here is the list of events over the next couple of days, including links to the Virtual Retreat scheduled for the weekend. 

September 25 - Store Opening: Sewing Machine Magic, Cobourg, Ontario. This store sells PFAFF sewing machines, and I'm excited to present a series of demos that day. It's all about the magic!!!!

    Floating stitches

    Ribbon/yard/bead embellishments with the embellishment attachment

    Circular attachment

    Sequence creator

    The NEW Decorative Fringe Foot

    Maxi Stitches

September 27 - Colour My World (Online class hosted by me) at 9:30 AM. I need to send out an acknowledgment to those who have paid. But you have all the information you need. No supplies required for the first class. 

September 27 (Saturday) - Virtual Retreat - Starts at 6 PM EDT

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82693702241?pwd=QpQkm8Ppppy1XwCPOqva1bcgJCWKdP.1

Meeting ID: 826 9370 2241
Passcode: 795071

September 28 (Sunday) Virtual Retreat - Starts at 3 PM EDT

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81073536036?pwd=uxRqMnK1aSKrmrcSO78w8QQs5g44eA.1

Meeting ID: 810 7353 6036
Passcode: 596838

Zoom does not like it when I post that link publicly, and I receive an email from them after every Virtual Retreat meeting warning me not to do so. It's for security reasons, but I've never had an issue, and I can remove anyone from the meeting if they shouldn't be there. It's never been an issue. 

I'm getting hungry and need to go downstairs for breakfast. I had to chuckle when I checked in last night, as the woman at the desk asked if I had ever been here before. I said YES. She said she recognized me. Nope - she recognized the orange flowers in my hair, I bet!!!

And get your thinking caps on for those quilt challenges — they are the best for letting your creativity run wild! And if you are struggling, would you dare ask AI for help? 

OK -- I have to run. 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!!

PS -- In case you wonder how good AI is, there are times when my Grammarly editing software goes beserk. It will catch things like leaving an extra space after a sentence - it should be one space, not two. But there are times, like this morning, when it removed the LAST LETTER of every sentence instead. Seriously??? And there are times when I write "okay" and "OK" and Grammarly wants to make them consistent, which it attempted to do this morning. But seriously? That correction process this morning was painful, so if you spot something that looks odd, blame it on AI, not me.

Tick tock

Oh great --- the blog got scammed with many comments, and I don't have time to deal with it this morning. As a matter of fact, this blog post will be kind of short as I'm running short on time! 

However, there is good news, but I didn't seem to have taken many pictures yesterday. 

The binding was finished on that last quilt! Yeah!! I also remembered several other quilts that would be appropriate for this show, so they were pulled and packed into the suitcases. 

One more machine embroidery design was completed, and I've packed supplies to work on some projects while at the show. That is, if I get time. It's a lot of stuff to take "just in case," but that's part of doing these kinds of shows. I'm all good with it. 

OH -- and the labels are done! I'm sure there are a few things I might have changed, but it's good enough for the show. How many people read those labels anyway? But I learned a valuable lesson. For those quilts that you want to keep and those that have a story, you need to write that story and have it handy. Don't try to make up a story when you need one in a hurry!

Here's a question I contemplated. Could AI have generated those labels? I think NOT! It would have no clue what information is in my head, and you would have gotten very generic labels. AI? It's not for writing - proofreading, yes. Writing? No! 

Many of my projects are linked to a magazine or a blog tutorial, and I tried to find all the references, so it took a lot longer than it would usually take to write up some labels. When I'm back home and have some time - OK - so in October, I need to fact-check that information a bit closer and try to track down the missing magazine, and a few missing links. No worries --- it'll be a good process. 

ALL of the quilts at this show will have some element of machine embroidery attached to them! That's hard to believe, but it's true. I threw a few extra quilts in in case I didn't fill the room. My fast math tells me that I will fill the room, so let's see how it goes later today. 

I was also madly throwing some extra supplies into my bags as I worked yesterday, and all I need to do this morning is pack up the sewing machine, the digital cutter, and WAIT -- I need some fabric and scissors. All is good, and I hope to arrive around 10:30 - 11 AM. It can't be sooner - it's a two-hour drive, and I have to walk the girls; otherwise, they will be upset. The walks will be short! 

Even if you are not into machine embroidery, my show will be interesting because it shows the direction that quilting and sewing are taking. It's like every other industry in the world, and I think we need to embrace it because some of the quilts I made could NOT have been done traditionally, and that adds a whole other element to our level of creativity. Be open!!! OK -- they could be done traditionally, but I doubt anyone would go to that much trouble. 

If you are coming to the Bukchorn Quilt Show on either Friday or Saturday, be sure to stop by and see me. I'm in the Raccoon Building. It's going to be loads of fun!!! And I'll answer any questions I can, whether it's related to technology and quilting, or just quilting. 

For those who cannot make the show, I'll be taking videos and pictures of my show. The rest of the show is not my responsibility or place to intervene in that matter. 

This was how my day started. A nice, quiet walk through he forest with the girls. - one at a time, of course! It's so calm and peaceful in there. I miss it when I'm unable to walk. But it made me think of the rainforest we walked through on Mount Kilimanjaro. So different, and yet the same. Although the path is very flat here, it was not as flat as on the mountain. 

Forest bathing

I had to laugh when I dug out some black fabric for an appliqué on my embroidery. This piece was purchased at Quilter's Fancy. I remember how they would fold the fabric and then staple that tag to the edge. It cost $7.49 for a half meter. When their shop closed and they moved it to their home, I used to visit way more than I should have. And then one day, they just disappeared. I don't imagine either Carol or Bab is still around. Does anyone know what happened to them? 

Black fabric from Quilter's Fancy

I had to walk to the mall to get some stuff. WAIT ---I forgot to mention that my Calcium comes with Magnesium in the same pill! I'm covered! 

I spotted this puzzle at Indigo. I love all the things Canadian on it and will have to break down and buy it, but yesterday was not the day. 

Canada-themed puzzle

Speaking of technology, have you seen these new AI glasses? I didn't stop long to check them out, but there's a camera in the frame, and it does other things. All operations are controlled through a button on the arm. I HATE that - I need to see the buttons, not just feel them. Can't I just say "smile" and have the glasses take a picture? How does it line up photos? It seems very silly, but these glasses, or ones like them, are supposed to be the killer of smart handheld devices. Let's see how true that is! I don't doubt anything these days. 

AI glasses

OK --- here's a link if you wish to check them out further. It's kind of creepy because you can virtually try the glasses on. It uses the camera on your computer!!! ACK!!!

I also picked up a pair of headphones as the ones I have seem to be completely dead. I've tried recharging them, but nothing seems to work. It's pretty quiet in Studio B without an audiobook to listen to, and I didn't bother to connect the radio to my speaker!

Well, on that note, I'd better get moving. There is still a lot to do before I leave, and wait — I'd better remember to take some clothes along! That is always the last thing to pack. One day,. I'll be in such a hurry that I'm going to forget!

I see it's raining today. Oh well -- we live in Canada --- it's supposed to rain here! I just heard thunder - perhaps the girls will decide they don't want to go out! As if!!!!

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!!

Change is constant - deal with it!

I'm glad to know I wasn't the only slug! Sometimes, that's the kind of day we get, and we just make the best of it and move on! Tomorrow is a brand new day! And for me, it was. I got lots done, and all was good!

My girls are over 10 years old, and I'm in denial about that. They are still puppies! They are so different; after all those years, I still can't wrap my head around it. Murphy is filled with enthusiasm, while Lexi is still enthusiastic, but she's a princess. Murphy is the bull in the china shop!

Lately, Murphy has been like a total lunatic on the walk, and my right hand is painful to prove it. Yesterday, she spotted a squirrel attempting to cross a busy four-lane street and almost didn't make it. She went ballistic! Scooters? Bicycles? If she were free, she would be after them. I wonder what she would do when she caught up. 

We stop in the forest for her to calm down and chat occasionally. This is her reaction. 

MOM -- I heard a leaf fall

MOM - I swear I saw something move 

MOM - wait - I heard a bird

MOM - I'm busy

MOM - I REALLY did hear something

Then she became so focused that she stopped panting, so she could hear! 

Mom - Oh, were you talking to me? I was busy! 

It's hilarious -- she definitely failed the Attention class. 

Later, when I walked Lexi, we turned a corner and saw a big German Shepherd approaching. It's best to just walk to the other side of the street. Neither is angry at the other, but both get excited. I was so busy watching that we almost ran into a skunk! When I noticed it, it was about 10 feet away. Lexi never even flinched! I guess neither dog pays much attention. 

And then she loves to do this when we walk in the forest. 

MOM - take a picture of me - I'm pretty!

MOM - it looks like I'm trapped

Mom - I'm pretty right? 

NO -- she is not tangled, she just likes to feel the leaves or grass on her body, although there is so much hair, I doubt she can feel a thing! Murphy would NEVER do that! 

We love them a lot, and that's all I can say. And this comes from DH, who never had a dog in his life, and now he's ready to babysit or rescue any dog! Our neighbors are getting a dog next weekend, and we're not sure they are dog people. DH has already volunteered (not to them) to take the dog if they no longer want it. Yikes - that dog is a brand new puppy - only eight weeks old. I'm not sure I could handle a puppy.

We've had so much rain that this little pond in the forest filled up, and the pair of ducks were back, happily swimming in the muck. 

Ducks are swimming in the muck

Can you tell me why Lexi won't sleep on that bed? Nope—she's getting closer but won't touch it. Maybe because Murphy is so aggressive with it; it doesn't help that the blankets are all in a big ball, waiting for Murphy to come and unwrap them! 

Mom - I'm close enough!

Enough about the girls, although they are technically the most important people in our house! But I managed to get this giant quilt loaded on the long arm, and my goal is to quilt it today. The Pony Express takes off on Thursday, and there's a lot to complete before it leaves! 

Quilt loaded on the long arm

We zipped out quickly to the restaurant last night since we didn't go on Friday. I love going somewhere and you're recognized; they know your drink and automatically bring it to the table. That used to happen when I worked at the Bank of Montreal YEARS ago. The Head Office in Montreal had a cafeteria for the employees and was open for breakfast. I'd go to the gym in the morning and then head to the cafeteria for breakfast. The second I walked in, I could hear one of the staff members order my breakfast. 

I don't remember what it was - probably scrambled eggs and bacon! I'm a creature of habit - no denying that. And I'm perfectly OK with that. 

While we were chatting, what's the point of going out if you sit at a table and don't talk to each other? We don't get a lot of opportunities at home, which is silly, but true. Anyway, I did something, and I think I accidentally hit my wrist on the table and CRACK - something fell. NO - I did not break my arm! 

My FitBit flew off my arm. Wow, how did the strap come undone? OH, it didn't come undone—it broke! 

Broken strap on the FitBit

Could it be trying to tell me something? I'm not ready to give it up yet, and I have BRAND NEW straps at home. When I opened the package, I found half of a strap in the bag; it was the part I needed. It wasn't new, and I remember something about replacing half the strap before. That was quickly fixed, and I was back in business. 

Fixed

We had our Virtual Retreat last night and more this afternoon. My 60-second challenge for the day was tidying up the ends of these knitted dishcloths. I found them in some of the stuff I brought home from Diane's, and well, one can always use more dishcloths. That job is done, and they are put away in the drawer. 

Knitted dishcloths

Then I puttered and tidied up a bit and found many more 60-minute or fewer projects I can work on. It will be a long time before I run out of those small projects. 

We had two great Zoom classes in the morning, and there was loads of content. I have a list of the samples to make for the final class in three weeks. I'm leaving that out as I need to continue working on them, so it's not a big deal at the last minute. There are so many cool things you can do with binding! 

The other day, I was at the grocery store and discovered these laundry detergent sheets. I had seen them online, but for some reason, I am hesitant to buy online unless I know the store. But when I spotted them in the grocery store, I decided to try them. I've used laundry sheets before as they are a HUGE thing when traveling and easily found at a travel or outdoor store. But these are meant to be used instead of pods in your washer! 

Sheets of laundry detergent

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On the call last night, I discovered one person who has been using them for a long time and LOVES them. Someone else has recently acquired a package and has been experimenting, and they also love it. I guess I'll be using up my Tide pods and switching. No plastic, reasonably priced - $16.99 for 32 sheets, which translates into 64 washes. You can buy them online through a subscription for $13.99, but I think I'm good with this. I can't wait to try them. Will I break it open for this week's laundry or wait until the pods are done? 

I've been getting notifications from my phone for the last three days that I need to install the latest software. I finally did it last night. WHOA!!! The interface is slightly different, the look of some apps is different, and the fonts are different. But other than that, everything is pretty much the same, so it's not a big deal. However, I was mystified all day about the number in the top right-hand corner. Why do I have 45 notifications? Why do I now have only 30? Oh, that is the battery percentage - right where it always is, but with a new look. Silly me!!!

But it appears there are MANY AI assistants, and I initially got a whole list of them, which I promptly ignored. I don't care about AI on my phone. I just need to do a few things, none of which takes long, and I don't need AI—thanks, but no thanks. 

If we rely too much on AI to summarize, translate, and take notes, our brains will lose the ability to do so. And you all know what has happened to our bodies as modern conveniences came into being, and most of us are now doing less physically. The same is going to happen to our brains. What is the point of anyone writing anything anymore - just sit down and ask AI to do it? Not me! I'll write and use AI to assist in editing, but the ideas are MINE, the writing is MINE, and no one will take that away from me! I'm in full resistance mode for that!

Now, if I were a busy employee and received thousands of messages a day, maybe I would use it. But AI now allows employers to expect more from their employees. And the funny thing is—it's probably computers talking to computers, and what are the humans doing? I don't want any part of it!

Speaking of those little rascals, Miss Lexi slept outside last night. At 3:30 AM, she banged on the door to be let in. I don't know how to curb that habit except to NOT let her out after dinner! Thankfully, I got right back to sleep. 

WAIT—As I was looking at that photo with all the ASISTS on it, I decided to check out my camera. They made some cool changes to the Zoom features, which I LOVE. I'll definitely be using those. I'll experiment with the new camera settings. Perhaps I could even aim to master all of them. As if!!! I just tried it and I LOVE the new Zoom features -- way more practical. OK - perhaps I'd better have a closer look at some things on the new interface! 

Here's the Zoom link for the Virtual Retreat today. We start at NOON. Be sure to stop by and say hi - it's too cold to be outside! 

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81073536036?pwd=uxRqMnK1aSKrmrcSO78w8QQs5g44eA.1

Meeting ID: 810 7353 6036
Passcode: 596838

And on that happy note, I'm out of here to see what adventures await on our morning walk!

Have a super day!

Ciao!!!