Bloglovin' app for smartphones is a DUD

My relationship with Bloglovin' has come to an impasse.  Since Blogger or Google or whatever system last changed my blog reading platform, I came to rely on Bloglovin' and was very happy.  I'm still happy with the program on my computer but not on my smartphone.

Since the last time I lost my phone - when someone picked it up right outside my house and contacted me but never responded to my requests for a meetup - I have gotten a replacement phone which I assumed to be the same model.  It looks like the same phone but doesn't act like the same phone.

I have spent so much time removing the "improvements".  I backed up my phone and it should have reloaded like it was before - but nooooooo.  But, I digress.

When I reloaded the Bloglovin' app on my phone it added a new feature - you have to choose new blogs to read before it will let you read the ones you already follow.   Now I have been known to explore new blogs by subject area or by reading comments on a blog and thinking that person sounds interesting and going to their blog. 

What I do not want is to be forced by Bloglovin' to add blogs everytime I open the app.  I contacted them and got a thank you for contacting us and we'll be back with you - which, of course, they did not. 

So because I have advocated for Bloglovin' before, I wanted to tell you that I do not recommend it as your blog reader on a cell phone unless you are lucky enough to get the app I had before the "improvement". 

Another crazy thing.  Is it me or is every page so full of ads that you can only read 3 lines of type at a time and/or so slow loading because of all the pop-ups, videos, etc.  I'm beginning to feel like I did about regular TV when there were more commercials during a television program than there was a program. 

All of these companies need to remember they are not the only game in town and if we are not pleased, we will go elsewhere.  Just sayin'.

I've been playing around with cards.  Not the fancy note cards some of you make.  I just can't let myself spend more money on a hobby as I seem to go through them.  These are just little 4x6 cards to put in a picture frame to make you laugh or give you inspiration.

They are nothing special.  As is true with all new hobbies, you have to start at the bottom and learn your way up.  

I finally hooked up with my teacher and picked up my Christmas Ornament from the class I took.  I'll share a picture soon.  

More later ....

A Moment in time

I have been going through a box of old photographs and posting some on Facebook.

Me on the left and my Cousin on the right.  

Somewhere around 1955-56, we think.  She is a year younger than me.  She said she always got in trouble with the teachers at school because she followed me and they knew me from talking too much.  

This is Me on the left and my Sister on the right.

I'm guessing this is maybe the mid to late '70s.  There are 3 girls in my family.  I am the oldest.  The sister in the picture is four years younger than me and then the youngest sister 18months after her.  This sister truly is the talker.  We all went to the same High School - me, my cousin, my middle sister, and the youngest sister.  The teachers were certainly tired of my family after this talkative sister followed behind my cousin and me.  

I guess that is why photographs are important.  They capture a moment in time.  Truly remarkable finds. 

The Bishop's Wife (1947)

Buddy and I are watching The Bishop's Wife (1947) with Cary Grant and Loretta Young on this chilly day.  Nothing says the Goodness of the Holiday Season like this movie - both versions.

Here is something I read on https://mymerrychristmas.com/ten-things-you-did-not-know-about-the-bishops-wife and I have copied in its entirety.  You may enjoy this share.

Here are ten things you don’t know about the film:

1. The film is based on a book published in 1928 by author Robert Nathan. The book gets far more carried away with the relationship between the Angel and The Bishop’s Wife. The movie never carries it beyond flirtatious banter and wishful thinking. After all, in 1947 there were still film censors to please.

2. David Niven was never supposed to be the Bishop. He was cast at first to be Dudley, the angel. Roles were re-cast as Cary Grant came on board the project and he was not fond of the Bishop’s dialogue as written in the script. Being Cary Grant he saw the magic in the role of the angel and being Cary Grant he got his way. It was, in the end, an inspired choice.

3. The movie was made just a year after It’s A Wonderful Life – to which it has been compared for decades since. After all, it features an angel (without wings) and a central character fighting a miserly opponent and a bummer of a situation. Like It’s a Wonderful Life the movie is not expressly about Christmas – but has been considered a classic of Christmas for decades.

4. The movie was nominated for five Oscars and won one. It was not a big success at the box office. But like It’s A Wonderful Life it gained in popularity decades after it was made through constant Christmas-time replays on television. Working against The Bishop’s Wife at both the box office and in the Oscar race was another movie destined to become a Christmas classic: Miracle on 34th Street.

5. Cary Grant was a persnickety perfectionist on the set – and this clashed with an equally difficult-to-get-along with Loretta Young. In fact, they really couldn’t stand each other. It is a wonder that their chemistry bubbled up to the final film product. In one scene set in the Bishop’s office, Cary grant stopped the filming when he declared that “since it’s supposed to be winter shouldn’t the windows look like it?” The cast had to wait to resume filming until the prop guys could quickly frost the windows.

6. Tragedy struck in the personal lives of both Niven and Grant just before film began. Cary Grant was famously close to the wealthy Howard Hughes, who at this time was hospitalized and not expected to live (he survived). But Niven’s task in filming came on the heels of even greater tragedy having lost his young wife unexpectedly due to an accident at a Hollywood party, leaving him a widower with two young children.

7. The film has strong Christian messaging and is considered by some to be the Protestant answer to the Catholic leaning films of Going My Way and The Bells of St. Mary’s. In fact, The Bishop’s Wife quotes scripture as Dudley tells of the 23rd Psalm and the Bishop’s closing sermon is frequently used even today in many churches for its moving text:

Tonight I want to tell you the story of an empty stocking.

Once upon a midnight clear, there was a child’s cry, a blazing star hung over a stable, and wise men came with birthday gifts. We haven’t forgotten that night down the centuries. We celebrate it with stars on Christmas trees, with the sound of bells, and with gifts.
But especially with gifts. You give me a book, I give you a tie. Aunt Martha has always wanted an orange squeezer and Uncle Henry can do with a new pipe. For we forget nobody, adult or child. All the stockings are filled, all that is, except one. And we have even forgotten to hang it up. The stocking for the child born in a manger. It’s his birthday we’re celebrating. Don’t let us ever forget that.

Let us ask ourselves what He would wish for most. And then, let each put in his share, loving kindness, warm hearts, and a stretched out hand of tolerance. All the shining gifts that make peace on earth.

8. The film features two child actors who also were credited in It’s a Wonderful Life. Karolyn Grimes, who plays young Debby in The Bishop’s Wife, was Zuzu in It’s a Wonderful Life. And Bobby Anderson, who played the young George Bailey who was slapped by the pharmacist in It’s a Wonderful Life, plays what is labeled in the script as “the captain of the snowball fight” in The Bishop’s Wife. Incidentally, David Niven, perhaps driven by his grief and dramatic change in his personal life, wanted nothing to do with children on the set of The Bishop’s Wife and asked to have them kept away from him. Cary Grant was welcoming to the kids and is known for pulling Grimes on a sled while he skated on the ice on the set of the movie.

9. Cary Grant could ice skate just fine. All but the most difficult moves were filmed by Grant and it is easily seen when a stunt double has taken his place. He was able to don the skates after learning proficiency as a child.

10. The film suffered at the box offices and endured several last minute re-writes. In some areas of the country the film was perceived as being “too religious” and was retitled “Cary and the Bishop’s Wife”. The more scandalous title increased box office receipts in some areas by as much as 25%.

What makes The Bishop’s Wife work as a Christmas movie is not only the Christmas backdrop but as well the cast of extemporaneous characters whose job it is to interact with The Bishop, the Angel and The Bishop’s Wife.

Plus there’s no shortage of good humor in the film. Niven was a bit put out by being re-cast as the Bishop but nobody could have pulled off the dismay he did in finding his trousers welded to a newly varnished chair (a trick that was somewhat cruelly imposed on him by Dudley).

And nobody else could pull off a debonaire angel like Cary Grant.

The Bishop’s Wife is a Christmas classic for a reason and should continue to enjoy immense popularity for generations to come.

Houston. We Have Pictures

The much-anticipated description of my colonoscopy is here. 

All the suffering resulted in a beautifully clear rectum the doctor said.  Getting clean was, as we all know, the worse thing ever.  Most of my extra preparations weren't needed.  I do think cutting down days in advance made the passing (Pun Intended) easier. 

The problem began on the morning of the test.  We had to be at the clinic at 5:15 a.m.  Ridiculous for a person who sleeps until 10 or 11 but they wanted me in first because of the diabetes so I could take my insulin and eat as soon as possible afterward. 

I jumped in the shower Thursday morning half asleep, definitely hungry, still-leaking and woozy.  Sure enough, my sugar had dropped to 66 which is seriously bad.  I tried to shower, got lathered up, then felt so faint I got out and laid on the bathroom floor with soap covering my body.  I got up in a few minutes and managed to wash the soap off. 

I called for my daughter to bring me sugar water even though you are not supposed to drink at all the morning of the test.  I drank a few sips and off we went.  I was so sick, shaking and still dripping (with a washcloth in my underwear for emergencies). 

I noticed that there was a problem with my toenail but I was to sick to care.  More on that later.

Once I got to the clinic and got in bed and answered a million questions, I was taken to the room, told to turn on my side and next thing I knew waking up in the recovery room.  I want that shot next time I have to drink that gunk and they can just put me on a washable table and hose me down as it runs out.  Gross, I know. 

I felt drunk all day yesterday but that could be from the rising and falling insulin levels as well after effects of anesthesia.  I tried to get my sugar balanced and did not even bother to read the report and pictures in living color from my GI.  I go back on Jan. 10 for results.  Fingers crossed.

So last night the loose toenail toe was aching and kept waking me up.  On closer examination this morning, I could tell it was connected to my toe by one small piece of skin.  I went over to the quick clinic near me and saw the nurse practitioner.  Again, the problems my brother-in-law has had requiring surgery on his diabetic feet has influenced me to take everything seriously. 

The nurse practitioner pulled the last of the nail bed loose and said it looked good except for a little black spot the size of a pencil lead which she thought was an infection.  She said my toenails had a fungus and I needed to get it addressed.  So today I made an appointment with the podiatrist next week.  The NP gave me an antibiotic and so I will go forward with that for the next 10 days unless the podiatrist makes any changes. 

Boy, you give a girl an extra insurance policy and her body goes to ruins immediately. 

More later ...

The Nicest Christmas Ever

I saw this on my phone but not sure where to give the credit to.  If I copied it from you sorry but the punch line was too good not to share.

Watch for the American kids around 2:05 repeating words from the great orange one. I forget which country he was in when he said this - or was it at the UN? Doesn't matter. OUt of the mouth of babes.

Nervous Confessions

This may be too much information so feel free to skip this post on my colonoscopy thoughts.  LOL.

Today is pre-colonoscopy prep day.  I have taken the first step with is the Dulcolax laxatives.  When I picked up my gallon bottle of whatever it is I have to drink, I picked up the Dulcolax and a bottle of Magnesium Citrate off the shelves because they were considered over the counter by my insurance company.  No problem because they were only about $10 together.  Does seem like the insurance company should pay the little bit when it protects them from paying for cancer treatments but for a total of $18 for 3 products, I won't complain. 

What I didn't know was that there was such a large array of laxatives and some came in boxes of 100. What?  I've never had a problem in that area.  Good to know there is one medical problem I don't have.  Sorry if you do. 

So my preparation really began on Sunday.  I started eating only easily digestible foods.  I knew I could enjoy normal food but because of diabetes, I wanted to start cutting back to allow my blood sugar to slowly adjust to the no food day today. 

Soups and a little hamburger patty or chicken (insulin requires a combo of protein and carbs to work off) were main meals.  My numbers have continued to be high since then.  Not sure why but that is the mystery of diabetes. 

I had my last coffee this morning.  Not supposed to have milk today but had creamer in my coffee anyway.  The rebellious child that I am.  If I'm going down, I'm going with a good cup of coffee behind me - Pun Intended.

I bought Diet 7-Up to have on hand thinking tea and water would get old today.  I wish I made some jello last night but didn't think of it.  They told me to drink sugar water if I needed to correct my blood sugar so I'll have a little something sweet to get me through. 

I washed my sheets and bedspread today.  I thought I might appreciate the smell of nice clean sheets when I get home tomorrow if I feel like napping.  We have to be at the place at 5:15 a.m.  That would be fine if I were in the hospital.  They could wake me up to put me to sleep.  Kind of miss the old days when you were checked in for everything. 

I've got the bathroom prepped.  Full 24 pack of toilet paper.  Don't think there could be that much in me after watching my intake all week but better prepared.  I've also got the mop bucket full of water and a small pan to scoop water into the low flush toilet should I need it.  Bought a new toilet bowl scrubber yesterday so the current one will be tossed after today. 

Hahaha.  Could anyone be more overprepared for such a simple test?  I just hope the doctor is good and awake at 5:15 a.m.  I'm not excited about this test at the best of times but I hope I get to make sure she is awake before they put me to sleep.  And since when did they start putting you to sleep for a colonoscopy?  I'm not complaining, I just didn't know. 

It will be fine.  Just wanted to share my silliness. 

Taking a Glass Beadmaking Class tonight

Tonight I'm scheduled to take a Glass Beadmaking Class.  The class is hosted by the same company that gave the candle making class.  The candlemaking class seemed more like an outing for most of the ladies, whereas I looked at it as a learning experience.  This class is being taught at a glass makers studio here in the neighborhood so I'm hoping it is more about learning and less social, but either way, I'm sure it will be very interesting.  I'll let you know all about it. 

My Daughter is putting up Christmas last night and today.  Our little place is so small there is barely any place to put things.  We had to buy a few pieces of furniture when we moved here because normal size couch or dining table was too big.  I'll share more pictures later.  

My friend and I have made a pact that each week we will go somewhere decked out in Christmas spirit.  We are not going to worry about decorating but instead are going to see the Christmas sights and sounds to keep us in the spirit.  

I haven't bought very much this year and what I did buy I ordered online.  I promised myself I would not go to Walmart or order off Amazon unless I just had to.  I love Amazon.  I can find what I want, buy it for a decent price and get it delivered free to my door.  But I don't believe Jeff Bezos should be the wealthiest man around while he is keeping prices down by paying workers less and using vendors that will accept a smaller profit.  We know the Waltons did this to create the Walmart empire but the Walton children (grown) are also among America's richest.  There is a point where these rich people have to give back.  Make scholarships, open libraries, do anything that will benefit the public.  I will not continue to support the establishments that do not give back.  Instead, I will go to a Mom and Pop store and give them my business.  It will cost me a little more but I will consider that my contribution to society.  

More later ....

This, That and the Other

Well, I've been a little busy lately.  Before Thanksgiving, I started out with the mammogram and good results.  Then the next day I was back at the ER with gastro problems.  Then Thanksgiving and a really nice get together. 

The Son has decided he wanted more picture books for Christmas after he watched the two videos I made at Thanksgiving and then a week later of the Grand Girls.  I'll share it below.  I used to make picture books of the Family Vacation each year but (bad me) I rarely attend the family vacations these days.  Being locked up with the family, as much as I love them, is hard for me.  Weekend visits are enough these days.  LOL

I made one photo album on Snapfish and then starting digging through discs, my old computer, daughter's computer and facebook for pictures I wanted to use in a second photo book.  Got the first one ordered and a tote bag for the Daughter with her photo on it, all within the Cyber Monday Sales.  I'm still working on the second photo book because organizing photos when you take as many as I do (found about 500 of Buddy!) and they are downloaded with image number instead of date is a real pain.  Anyway, I'll get it done in time for Christmas sale prices.

Today, I finally went to the gastro Doctor.  Scheduled colonoscopy for Dec. 6.  I'm very nervous about emptying my stomach of food and what it will do to my sugar levels.  I had adult onset Type II and then moved to Type 1 when I finally went to the specialist.

I'll get through it and will monitor my blood sugar closely.  I like the doctor I went to and explained how bad my diabetes was and that that was my main concern.  Like most doctors, she acted like she wasn't a bit worried.

Of course, this treatment is courtesy of my new AARP supplemental insurance.  They pay everything that Medicare does not.  For $200 a month I'll be going to the doctor a lot!!  I can't say enough about getting this type of supplemental insurance before you need it. 

More later.

Thanksgiving Family Video

I hope you can play this video I made of the family Thanksgiving get together.  In the video is my sister (with me in the intro photo), her husband, and two sons; then me, my son and his girlfriend and her two young sons (grandgirls were at other grandmothers) and Grand Son; then my daughter and her girlfriend,  I was afraid I would be overwhelmed with too many people in the room but it was very calm and peaceful.  Probably one of the best holidays I have celebrated with my extended family.  The background music is Bill Withers singing Lovely Day.  

Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving too.