diff --git a/home/bilbo_churn.py b/home/bilbo_churn.py
index 9db4010..def810f 100644
--- a/home/bilbo_churn.py
+++ b/home/bilbo_churn.py
@@ -59,8 +59,25 @@ def ollama_worker():
                     response = f"Churning... status {resp.status_code}"
                     
             except Exception as e:
-                # System overloaded - send churn message
-                response = f"*adjusts spectacles* The system churns at maximum, you see. My thoughts come slowly when Bag End is so crowded. But they DO come. Thank you very much for your patience."
+                # System overloaded - try quick generation or fail honestly
+                try:
+                    # One last try with minimal prompt
+                    quick_resp = requests.post(
+                        f"{OLLAMA_HOST}/api/generate",
+                        json={
+                            "model": "qwen2.5:1.5b",
+                            "prompt": "Bilbo is exhausted but polite. Respond briefly.",
+                            "stream": False,
+                            "options": {"num_predict": 30}
+                        },
+                        timeout=10
+                    )
+                    if quick_resp.status_code == 200:
+                        response = quick_resp.json()["response"].strip()
+                    else:
+                        response = "Oh dear... I'm a bit overwhelmed. One moment please."
+                except:
+                    response = "The system churns... I'm here, just slow."
             
             # Send response
             try: