Howdy from the home front. It's been a great week of sleeping in my own bed and driving my own cars, which is as good as it gets. Lots to share this week, so let's dive right in!

Listen, I never really saw myself as someone who'd be writing advice pieces about bored dogs. But you know what, when you have a dog that's as totally wired as our Koopa often is, you tend to learn what works and what doesn't pretty quick.

But though I am probably certifiable at this point, I'm not exactly certified, so I spoke with a bunch of real experts for my latest piece for The Guardian on recommended toys, treats, and techniques to keep your little buddy from going bonkers — or, you know, driving you to a similar state. Please make sure you click on through if only for the insanely charming illos by Odile Ferraille, custom-made for this article.

Volvo is getting an early start to pruning season, and the latest bud to fall is the EX40. At least, that is, on the American market. The company’s right-sized electric SUV is dead here, but thankfully its ICE cousin continues on with a little bit of a refresh to keep it looking current.

If you saw me on the socials last week you know I was bumming around Imola and the surrounding Italian hills, doing a lot of sweating and a lot of reporting, too. I was out there to cover the latest round of the A2RL, an autonomous racing league that got its start two years ago. My piece for Design News focuses on the tech, while my piece for MotorTrend is more about the dynamics of the event itself — which, well, didn’t quite go according to plan for two teams.

Finally, here are some shots of my latest print placements.

To start, I’m excited to be on the cover of the latest issue of Excellence, with my impressions of Porsche's stellar 911 GT3 S/C.

Sticking with Porsche, I'm back in 000 magazine, with my impressions of the new 911 Cup car, including some wonderful (as always) photos from Marc Urbano.

And yet more Porsche, this time writing up the new electric Cayenne Coupe for Worth magazine. Also, my latest column in Car Graphic, talking about the upcoming battle between Slate and the Ford Fathom and trying to break it down for my Japanese readers.

And that's all from me this week. I spent much of it trying to catch up on sleep after that time in Imola. Next week it'll be much the same, doing my best to enjoy the last dredges of summer. The leaves are turning and starting to fall and yet all I want to do is eat fresh tomatoes and sweet corn. I'd best get my fill.

Until next time, do good and be well.