Half of 2026 is gone! Since it’s July 1 it’s time to announce the Dirty Dozen Number for July and it’s a coincidence. July is month #7 and the Dirty Dozen Number is also 7 – seven. Find your #7 project and finish it before the end of the month. Then send me a picture at my email address found on our home page.
It’s been a day and a half here – I went to the grocery store out of town, put my Target credit card in the reader and it was declined! I only have that one credit card and didn’t have $127 cash so I used a debit card that I’ve never used before. What in the world? I had also gotten a text about 20 min earlier from Target saying to call them. I was buying groceries! I hurried home to start unwinding the problem. Target had put a restriction on my card – many phone calls later I still don’t know what triggered it – except a purchase in Rapid City, SD for $97.29 on the 29th. I am in Iowa and have not ordered anything from SD. They were never able to tell me the name of the merchant – I have to wait for my statement. What? There was a monthly subscription charge for $14.99 – what? The woman helping me could not guarantee that wouldn’t go thru unless I simply got a new Target Card. Every monthly charge such as copier, blog, utilities,Netflix, Apple, Prime is all on that card. I have been hacked! Damn. Such an inconvenience! I’m not sure what date the blog pays out each month but if I disappear, I’ll get it figured out. I’m trying hard not to panic. If I have signed up for some $14.99 per month subscription, I have no idea what it would be. CRS – can’t remember shit! That’s my excuse.
Here’s a sweet “aha” moment. Remember we just sent cards to my friend Mareen’s sister Marsha? They have another sister named Margo who lives in CO.
This was posted 2 nights ago:
Remember this card shower was for Joan who raised Australian shepherds and she sold one to the cowboy poet, Baxter Black?
Well, here’s where the story gets interesting – this passage was sent to my by Margo, Mareen’s sister:
My husband Gary Greiman and I were livestock producers and were very familiar with the Australian Shepards as a breed. We owned several and loved them especially in the livestock and sheep industry. I would have met Baxter’s dog that he purchased. Baxter was a personal friend of ours since the 1970’s. My boss was one of Baxter’s professors at Colorado State University. One of our neighbors Jim Shafer, also vet student at Colorado State University introduced us to Baxter. He was a wonderful and loyal friend. Ultimately my husband and Jim Shafer started a County Western Band. Jim, Gary and Baxter wrote many songs together and Baxter was a guest singer, author and vocalist. .He was most of all our friend. Baxter traveled all over the United States speaking his poetry and performing. He was a guest in my parents home in Iowa and my sister Mareen now lives in that home. He was a forever friend. Baxter was fluent in Spanish and English being raised in New Mexico.
Baxter performed on the Johnny Carson Show and many others. He was a true gentleman , accomplished poet, author, song writer, veterinarian and friend.
Cherie – you wrote to me about Joan and her raising puppies and also sent me the picture of Joan and Baxter Black with a puppy. Can you believe this connection? Baxter and the dog visited Mareen’s mom at her home in Garner where Mareen lives now.
Can you believe this? Wow!
Somebody connected the dots in this story.
My doctor gave me antibiotics to take before he’d have to amputate my leg! Haha! Have to keep it wrapped which is hot so hope it heals fast – a week tops.
Reader photos
A patriotic scene in Indiana
I have to say my mind is so boggled tonight trying to post from emails, text messages, comments, photos and all that I could have forgotten some. When the messages and emails with pictures come in, they’re just downloaded but I need a better system to keep the descriptions with the pictures. If your name was on the picture I would know where to find the details. Without a name it’s nearly impossible for me to remember where that picture and description is located. It’s a shot in the dark really.
Happy Fourth of July, Mary!
I love the photo with the Aussie! My favorite dog, and we had three of them. Makes me want another one 😊
Hoping your leg heals soon!
Happy 250th America!!🇺🇲🗽
Oh Mary!
I’ve had my credit cards hacked and it sucks, so frustrating! I also have 2 credit cards. My main card is Costco Citi ( citi bank app on my phone that alerts me to any charge) and another thru my credit union.
Be VERY CAREFUL…the scammers are so good!
I would cancel that Target card if they can’t tell you what those charges are today!
I’m so sorry!
Happy Belated Birthday! My nephew shares this birthday with you! ❤️🤍💙
Sherri – how old is your nephew?
Target expedited my new card but I’m not going to activate it – it already arrived today! I went to my bank yesterday and got things shuffled around, I think. Yes, the scammers are very good and I’m not!
Happy Birthday, Mary!
Hope tomorrow will be filled with celebration!
Oh, Mary! I’m so sorry about your card being stolen — just be assured that the PROBLEM IS NOT YOU. You did not forget anything, and you did not allow anything to happen. Every time you use a card — and I would NEVER in a million years use a debit card online or from a phone — that number is stored in who know how many places. It is so common now that credit card companies don’t even try to figure it all out. You are also NOT RESPONSIBLE for any false charges. Federal law says that an account holder is only liable for the first $50, and that fraudulent charges must be removed. Many companies forgive even that $50. Typically, you report the false charges, they are removed from your account, and the credit card company issues you a new account number and life goes on. It is annoying, because all of the automatic charges will trigger an error, but at least you can see what you are paying for! You reset the account number, and it’s all good.
Can you tell that I have done this many times? It’s absolutely ridiculous! LOL I am a computer systems engineering professor. I know what happens and I know how it happens, and yet, I get hacked at least every other year. I have one single card that I use online, and I have every possible alert set { purchase limit; only US purchases; etc, etc }, and I check the account a couple of times a week. The problem is that once we use the account, we lose all control over where it goes and how that information is protected.
I just want to be sure that you don’t blame yourself. Online security is like a chess match — the bad guys make a move; the good guys figure it out and block it. Then the bad guys make another move, and on and on and on.
Susan – oh, good grief! I wish I could just shop and write checks like I used to. I hate doing everything online – can you tell I’m old? I have spent the day trying to notify streaming services. I understand that if one card goes down there’s a little buddy system that notifies the other cards. I was hoping since the card they’re tied to is not longer valid, those subscriptions would die, too. Am I wrong?
If a card has been closed the subscription has nothing to draw on, so I would guess it can lapse. Like Susan, we
-never use a debit card
-No subscriptions so such charges are red flags to us.
-One card obtained from a separate bank with purchase limits for online activity.
-When a vendors shows up on the payPal list to charge the account again it is disabled promptly. Like “Quiltfolk”, for example.
-No automatic renewals. Pay for a set period of time by my choice not on their schedule
-Our bank allows sending a “check” by entering, say, the utility company and the amount. We use that a lot.
-We don’t give utility companies or service providers a credit card if we can avoid it.
Refrigerators purchased in Germany and a $1.60 fishing charge was removed immediately with no hassle or dispute.
Mary, I don’t think disliking being forced to do ‘everything’ online is acting ‘old’. What you said about it being easier to just write a check is true, no matter how many people say it isn’t! Liking the truth is what people of all ages do, isnt it? Well, I suppose not— even if the old system worked fine, they will tear it down and declare the new system better no matter what. Okay, I’ll stop ranting! What Susan from Alabama said was a real eye-opener, too.
Totally agree! We are more careful than younger people and do not like our privacy invaded. If that makes me old, ok!
Happy Birthday, Mary! I’m sorry you were hacked. Learned a lot from all of the comments about keeping cards in special protectors. That’s a great idea. I hope your leg heals fast! Keeper and the chickens – what great pictures! I just love the quilts today – Rita’s pineapple one is amazing, but I love the colors in the butterfly and the tulip quilts! So much inspiration. Hoping tomorrow isn’t as hot as today…it was near 100 which hardly ever happens here. Staying inside but my air conditioning is old and is having a hard time keeping up with it. Happy Fourth, everyone! And Sandy, enjoy your cool temperatures, so fun to read that it’s cold and rainy there while it’s near 100 here! Jan in MA
Happy Birthday!
Hope it’s not too late to comment on today’s blog post. Looked up Relay for America and found out it went through Indiana about a hour’s drive north of here. Disappointed that the local Indianapolis TV news did not mention it at all, even though they routinely cover news in that area of the state. I agree with the commenters who said they have one credit card for automatic payments and another for in-person purchases. That’s what we’ve been doing for a long time now and it has worked so far. I’m surprised that you were told that you would have to wait for your statement to find out where the false charge was made–we’ve always been able to log into our credit card account and see all the current charges (and, if we couldn’t log in, customer service could do it for us). Our daughter’s credit cards were stolen a few years back while she was at work. Her workplace has high security for getting into the premises, so I wonder why they couldn’t identify the culprit. She was made aware of a false charge within hours of her cards being stolen and was able to get things fixed (new cards).
Loved seeing all the quilts, pets, and your purple leg wrap (glad your doctor was joking about amputating)!
Happy, happy birthday to you, Mary! Enjoy your day and all the love being sent your way from all your readers.
Mary, I’m so sorry you’re having all the hassle with your Target card. I have two cards. One is used only for recurring subscriptions and automatically charged utility bills, and the other goes out in the world to be exposed to the hackers, being used at brick-and-mortar stores or online for one-time purchases. I have them set to text me every time they are used.
That reminds me of another thing we all should be aware of. Years ago, I signed up for online banking to manage our checking account and credit cards. The bank said I didn’t have online access to one card, because I was only an “authorized signer”, not an “owner” of that card. My husband had applied for the card years before, and it was set up with only him as the owner. I was unaware of that! We had to go to the bank and sign paperwork to make me a co-owner. When my husband passed away, if he’d been the only owner, the card would have been immediately canceled. So all of us need to be the owner or co-owner of at least one card.
So sorry you were hacked Mary. Such a hassle! I clicked on a fake Verizon link 6 years age and they stole my phone number and credit card. It was on a Friday night and I had to wait until the next day to talk to the Verizon fraud dept. They got my number back but now I have a freeze on my credit and I never click on unknown links. I also put a freeze on my Verizon account. I have to go into the office and show my ID before I can make any changes. Most companies will try to protect your security.
Such beautiful quilts today!! Especially the butterfly and pineapple quilts.
Hi Mary,
Re: credit card.
I have 2 different cards thru Chase and check both of them online every day as part of a routine. First they post pending and after that stage you can dispute a charge. I find it easier to look at it everyday to stay on top of it.
Happy birthday Mary! Hope your day is filled with joy and happiness!! Thank you for your blog and all the work you put into it!
Doris – you’re welcome! Thank you for being a blog reader!
Love the photos today – lovely quilts!
I remember Baxter Black being on the Tonight Show – such an entertaining fellow and segment. (I miss the old Tonight Show – it was fun and kept things light-hearted for the most part.) It is amazing how those connections show up.
We had the Relay for America come through central Ohio yesterday – what a nice display of celebration for the 250th anniversary of the USA. For anyone who doesn’t know, it was groups of runners that started with a flag in San Francisco; and handed that same flag off to the next group every few miles. (There is more info on https://www.relayforamerica.org/ ) The flag will reach Washington DC this weekend. I am lucky enough to live on the selected route – they ran by my rural home at about 6:30 Wednesday morning. (Yes, I was at the road to cheer and offer bottles of water – I’m not able to run like that! Ha!) There were Facebook posts all morning as they went through our county’s small towns – the number of excited people who turned out to support the runners was fantastic! Many folks handed out water, snacks, etc. to the runners and cheered them on – it felt as though everyone had some patriotic pride.
Gail – old late night talk shows used to be fun – I love watching the old Johnny Carson clips! I personally do not remember Baxter Black. Wish I did! Love seeing the pic of those runners – what an accomplishment!
Oh, my goodness! Never expected to hear about Baxter Black on a quilt blog out of Iowa, but why not, right? He was, amongst other things, a veterinarian! We loved Baxter and saw him frequently out here in Colorado. His cowboy poetry was/is the best! He autographed at least one book for me way back when. I had it in my sights just a few days ago–will have to go find it again. I’m sure he has many things available on YouTube for those who haven’t heard of him before–worth a listen!
Diane – haha – in the blog about nothing, too! You just never know what I’m going to talk about – I am going to YOUTUBE to watch because I do not remember him. Like I said – an “aha” moment.
He had quite a dry sense of humor. And oh, that mustache! He was a rancher and played the part up on the stage. I loved going to his shows. Just a very down to earth kind of a guy, no nonsense, but a great view of life.
Diane – look what I missed!!!! Darn it – and he was a vet, too, right?
Yes, he was a veterinarian. Large animal, as I recall.
I agree with the security text when charging anywhere! If it is stolen you can stop it immediately. I do not carry our ever use a debit card. Sandy, granddaughter and were in Minneapolis a few years ago and my next statement had two large charges to events in California. When I called it in, the gal was pissy with me like are you sure you didn’t make these charges. I told her to look at all the other charges, local gas, local grocery, somewhere in sf, but a typical string month to month. We had not been anywhere. The charges were taken off. I purchased a new purse, card holder both being rfid as we had been in the mall of America and ate at a Mexican place also. I like canadas way of bring the charge machine to your table…..American is catching on some places. Cards are handy but sure can be a pain.
Well, my wet noodle legs are sore wet noodles 😝. Our grandson is coming to visit this afternoon. He works in Peoria. It is his birthday tomorrow! When he was little he gave the best hugs and always talked like an adult . Love it!
Mareen, Baxter black used to have a column in the Tri-State Neighbor. Funny how small the world is.
Keeper is so protective of his girls! And Mortie is queen of the lawn!
Have a good one.
So sorry about your credit card, Mary. I hate that stuff. We were hacked and learned that usually they will test it with a small amount charged. Ours had small amounts for make up (i don’t wear any) and something else, both from China. Master Card solved it quickly.
I was going to comment yesterday, but life got in the way. Now I can’t remember what I was going to say–CRS, too. The photo of all of the flags is near where I live in Ohio, but we are sort of close to Indiana!! 🙂 There are hundreds of flags in front of the Mobile Power Wash company. It is stunning to see.
I put the last stitches in the binding of my DD last night so I will send a photo soon. The story of the card ladies and Baxter is very interesting. It is a small world. TOO D. HOT here.
Sorry to hear about your credit card getting hacked. I would suggest you get an RFID wallet. People with skimmers can’t penetrate the RFID wallet and therefore can’t get your card number that way. Most of the online companies that I order from already have my card number on file. So when I order, their employees cannot see the whole card number. I may be wrong, but I think that cuts down on the possibility of hacking.
Happy birthday anyway.
Yes, I think you’re right about that. I also think it’s better to have a credit card from a bank rather than a store like target. We had Mastercard for a number of years, but now have visa at the recommendation of our bank. If you’ve had an account with a bank for a while, then they are more likely to back you up if something happens.
Mary, glad to see you went to the doctor although you should’ve gone right when the accident happened. I’m an old nurse and I believe pierced you’re asking for it! And it takes longer for wounds to heal in our lower extremities. Now that we’re older – I am 74 – so I know how that is.
Lots of pretty quilts this time and I always enjoy the pictures of your animals!
Laurie – yes, I suppose I should have! I don’t always choose the best route / don’t want to bother or take the time
The story about the card recipients and Baxter shows again, it’s a small world.
Happy Birthday, Mary!
Credit card problems are a hassle. We’ve been hacked a couple of times, both appeared to be related to the medical billing company located several states away.
So many nice quilts! Keep cool, and Happy Sewing!
Rita from Iowa – your quilt, so many pieces! A stunner.
Thanks Michele, 37 pieces in each block. 99 blocks and then the borders!
Mary early Happy Birthday to you! Glad you had your leg looked at and hope it heals quickly for you. I have been hacked many times and carry my cards now in a protective pouch that hackers can scan. Many times it happened in Texas or when we traveled. We have a list of the important companies that we just go through and contact with the new card information.
My Pineapple Quilt was started in 2017 and then put in hibernation for a long time. I decided to pull it out and work on it. Then I started pulling strips from my strip bins. There are some really old fabrics from the 70s. Because my current quilt on my bed was for a queen size bed I decided to make this large enough for our King size bed. But boy is it heavy. The size is 100 x120. It shouldn’t shrink enough when washed to not fit the bed. HA!
Stay cool everyone and stay safe.
I can’t believe we are here in July already! Seems like it was just christmas…… 😳 My momma always told me time moved faster the older you got and boy she was spot on.
What a pain the credit card thing is!!! I have 1 card I only use for internet purchases and 1 for everything else. I also have all my cards set up so when something is charged I immediately get a text. There are far too many people doing nefarious activities out there. I always say if these people did their activities for good instead of evil this would be a wonderful world. 🤷🏼♀️
Beautiful beautiful quilts!!! Love Keeper and his harem!
Have a wonderful day everyone!!!
I have another twist on a credit card problem. Yesterday I phoned the local Barnes and Noble store to order two books. All went well until I asked them to have them sent directly to my home. I had my credit card in hand , expecting to pay postage for having them shipped. But – they no longer will take credit card numbers over the phone because of security reasons. They did take my order, but when the books arrive at their store, they will call me and when I pick them up, then and only then, will they take my credit card. Has anyone else had this happen to them?
The pineapple quilt picture shown today is gorgeous. A lot of work but it sure was worth it.
Happy birthday, Mary. Enjoy your special day. Glad to hear your Dr. decided your leg could be healed with lesser means than by amputation. Ha Ha. Jeanne in Co.
Jeanne – haha – my dr laughed as he said it but also added – “it’s always something with you” meaning something odd!
Keeper is so cute hanging out with the chickens. As always, Mortie is adorable as she intently stalks something.
Hopefully, your antibiotics are fast-acting, so your leg heals well.
Thanks! 🥰
I have another twist on a credit card problem. Yesterday I phoned the local Barnes and Noble store to order two books. All went well until I asked them to have them sent directly to my home. I had my credit card in hand , expecting to pay postage for having them shipped. But – they no longer will take credit card numbers over the phone because of security reasons. They did take my order, but when the books arrive at their store, they will call me and when I pick them up, then and only then, will they take my credit card. Has anyone else had this happen to them?
The pineapple quilt picture shown today is gorgeous. A lot of work but it sure was worth it.
Happy birthday, Mary. Enjoy your special day. Glad to hear your Dr. decided your leg could be healed with lesser means than by amputation. Ha Ha. Jeanne in Co.
What a hassle with the card situation. We just had that happen to us a few weeks ago – it was a charge made online (no person involved). What stopped it & flagged our company was they entered the wrong expiration date. New card ordered. We switched everything to a different account (company) where we each have our own card and separate information. Now we have all the monthly charges (utilities, annual insurance bills, etc) go on one card only – nothing else. The other card is for our personal use. What a hassle…but we feel confident now that all is ok. Plus the new account flags us within ONE MINUTE from the time a charge hits the account (goes to our phone) so if there’s a problem we know immediately. We’ve had stores ask us who our card is with – they heard the chime on the phone as soon as the charge goes through (Citibank, through Costco). Highly recommend – their security is top notch.
I agree with you Deb. I have 2 Citibank cards, one through Costco. I’m notified on my phone as soon as the charge goes through. I bought airline tickets on my card and I just got an email that they will watch my card with my change of location while on vacation. I try to only use PayPal for online ordering that way everyone doesn’t have my card number. I have an RFID wallet but I’ve heard that there is something new out there that can penetrate the RFID wallet. Too many crooks out there that need to put their smarts to something worthwhile.
It is a small world isn’t it? Baxter was a great guy and funny and boy could he tell stories! Baxter, Jim, and Gary are all passed and I’m sure they are all singing in heaven! Happy early birthday Mary! “Prod to be an American!” There is a story behind that comment as well isn’t there Mary! Oh the good old days!
Proud – dang spelling
Mareen – here’s your comment!!! It worked! Glad you kept trying. I think we should tell the story of Proud To Be An American – such a sweet memory!
Im sorry to hear you have been hacked…why do people t think that is fun? I was hacked a few months ago. My bank wouldn’t give me another card. I changed banks. What a pain . I hope you can get it straightened out soon. SO frustrating. We are at their mercy. I think mine stemmed from a purchase I made on Facebook GRRR
Mary, couldn’t we help you out by adding in the comments when our picture is posted a little about the picture or the quilt pattern name. It would save you time. I know I don’t mind commenting about a picture of mine. And I always find it interesting when someone tells the story behind the picture. I truly appreciate all you do for the blog. I’m sorry to hear someone hacked your cc. That sucks.
Teresa – I think that’s a great idea! Guess I was just overwhelmed last night trying to put it all together. Each time I go looking for more info I have to leave the blog or save it so I don’t lose it. I’m thinking I will try writing the blog throughout the day and load pictures as I get them. I wonder if that would work. I’ll figure it out!
When I send photos to Mary that I feel need an explanation I’ve done just what you suggest – write my explanation in the comments for the day posted. We, who create, sometimes have some very specific reasons behind the development and final product. Although some projects are “just get ‘er done”, others are inspired by a person, family, a personal or shared experience/memory, or . . the list goes on. At least that has been the impetus behind several of my quilt projects. Carrying on the Paul Harvey tradition, it’s “the rest of the story” behind the completed quilt project itself.
Jan I agree so much, sometimes there is a great story behind the quilt or any picture really. I always find it interesting to read the story, like Rita’s pineapple quilt. So many pieces in one block, I never knew that. I looked at the quilt admired it but now knowing how many blocks and pieces per blocks makes me admire the maker even more.
Have a wonderful day everyone.
Jan – yes, you’re right! I love hearing the rest of the story but I simply can’t cut and paste or retype it all
I know a day or two early, but Happy Birthday Mary,
Something on the mail if I can find your address. Argh.
I have been hackex too. It is awful. Goid luck witb tbe battle!
Shirley from OR
Shirley – makes me so disappointed in people!