Books, Movies & TV

I am still handicapped with non picture posts while using my handy dandy little Kindle Fire gadget. So far I am finding it a perfectly suitable substitute over more costly alternatives. I have been able to check my email, check on my friends at Facebook, and keep up reading all the new blog news. I have even watched a few episodes of Downtown Abbey at Netflix & PBS. Sometimes it doesn't stream very well since the WIFi isn't the best in this area but it's free so I really can't complain. I watched a new to me BBC series called Land Girls while I sewed today. I recommend it to anyone who is a fan of British TV. Most kindle owners use it for reading. And I've been reading quite a lot, too. I tackled the Hunger Games series since a friend recommended them. They are an interesting take on a future world with a sort of cross between the Roman gladiator entertainment & the sacrificial virgin to save society from collapsing into chaos deal. Not really my cup of tea but I'll admit I read it all just to find out how it ends. I've given up on the free kindle books. After reading a couple of them it I realized why they are free. You definitely get what you might expect from a book that is free. A really well written book is Room but I'll warn you it is painful to read. Something a little lighter but also enjoyable is The School of Essential Ingredients. I'm not all that wrapped up in Downtown Abby either. I loved the first season but it has gotten a bit too soap opera-ish at this point. Two really excellent British period productions to seek out on Netflix are The Duchess, based on a true historical figure, and The Duchess of Duke Street. Regular American network TV is so mediocre in comparison. In my opinion. Your mileage may vary.

A Time And A Place

A blogger whose blog I follow posted today that she was offended at a political post she saw on Facebook. She feels that political opinions are inappropriate among friends. I respect her opinion but do not agree. It is fine with me if she chooses to ignore those whose political views are not the same as hers but I believe that in order to make informed choices I am much better equipped if I expose myself to all the sources available rather than just limit myself to those who say what I like to hear. This particular blogger has very pronounced opinions on a variety of subjects and has gotten her share of inevitable nasty comments as a result. Her reply, as it should be, has always been "screw you, it's my blog. If you don't like it, don't read it." Hear, hear!! In that spirit I submit the following political statement: I am appalled that in the 21st century, women are once again having to fight against the extremist right-wing in the United States of America for the right to obtain and use birth control. In this time and place no "employer" of any polical or religious persuasion should be allowed to deny me or any adult that, especially if that employer is receiving my tax dollars to help pay for my health care insurance. PERIOD.

A Post With No Pictures

I'm still struggling with learning how to use my Kindle. So far I have discovered that all the replies to comments I have thougtfully composed have been sent out into the vast emptyness of cyberspace. If you never heard from me is not for lack of trying. Kindle doesn't like my small town email provider. That coupled with my MAC computer alliance has resulted in an email handicap that is hard for an old Biddy with a lack of techno savey to overcome. I am trying. I also have to learn how to type on a keyboard the size of a thimble. I did figure out that turning the device sideways results in a larger keyboard, a distinct advantage to a typist with aging eyes and a fat index finger. As for auto spell checker it is the devil incarnate. I am away to warm climates for my annual winter escape. My new toy allows me to stay in touch but I have no way to share pictures. That is a real shame because you can't see how wonderful the sunshine is or how much fun I had at the Road To California quilt show with Annie O and Libby. You'll just have to imangine what a fun day we had together. Imagine also how cute the darling little thread catcher is that Annie gave me. I love it. Or you could go visit Annie's blog and take a look at the photo she posted. I've been reading a lot. Mostly just junk books, the stuff that you find on drugstore bookracks or free on Pixel. I,he put a few stitches in Pink Lemonade. We may go to Disneyland later this week. Maybe not. Just being lazy. This post is taxing my abilities so I think I'll just leave you with this wish: may you have all the time you want, to do all you want to do.

There's An App For That

Being a stubborn old biddy, I have been hard pressed to understand all the hoopla over the apparent need to remain in constant contact with every other human on earth. I did finally break down and I got a cell phone last year but only because Ma Bell kept raising the rate on my standard, attached to the wall telephone service.  Adding another line to my Honey's cell service seemed like a cheaper way to go. Turns out it really wasn't but that's another subject. The phone itself was free. It's a dumb phone rather than a smart phone. All it can do is make a call to someone. It doesn't tell me how to get to the restaurant or what's playing at the movie theater or display beady eyed birds doing whatever angry birds do. It just functions like my powder blue princess phone with light up dial did way back in the last century when telephones were part of my home decor.

I do admit to a fondness for my computer, however, and miss it when I am away from home for more than a few days. Since it is an old fashioned desk top model it is a bit cumbersome to take along when I travel. I don't have an extension cord that reaches far enough either. I have considered buying a laptop but I really don't need another computer. I've got the one on my desk all set up the way I like it with all my favorite blogs and websites available with a simple click. Besides, laptops are pretty expensive. I just want to check my email and read a few blogs not write a dissertation on the merits of the gold standard. So I've been contemplating getting an iPad. But they are a bit pricey. And sorta big. You need another piece of luggage to cart it along on a trip.

I'm also an avid reader. Well, maybe not avid exactly but definitely a regular reader of books. The various electronic devices replacing paper books have not grabbed me. I'm an old biddy as I said and there's just something about holding a book and the quiet progress of turning the pages that makes the whole experience of reading so satisfying. Then they came out with the Kindle Fire. It has the ability to access the world wide web. I caved.

It fits in my purse. But it's dangerous in there with all the pointy objects and and debris that accumulates  so a cover is a necessity. As with so many things I see in the store I said to myself, "I could make that myself." So I pulled out a piece of fabric that I am pretty sure I wouldn't need for a future quilt and sewed a cover for my new Kindle Fire.

It's not a perfect fit. I underestimated a little so it's really snug. But it'll do for now. It's lined with soft flannel and secures nicely with a couple of velcro tabs. The fabric depicting a host of trumpeting angels in purple, pink and aqua ensures that no one will mistake my Kindle for theirs in the plain brown cover.

So now I have truly entered the 21st century. I've already loaded a couple of apps from the 302,647 available. I won't be playing with the birds or cutting ropes. But if I find an app for how to make a perfectly fitting Kindle cover I just might get that one.

Thank You Lori

Thank you, Lori. I love it.