to make private, go to: settings - permissions

Your blog is open to all readers by default.

You can restrict your blog to only readers you choose.
However, these readers will need to log in before reading your blog, adding an extra step.

well advised. an added step for me too, as a reader. cld not call up blog to find sth without being logged in. that'd be a drag huh? maybe not so much. also cld never see it without the little pencils there (quick edits).
for now anyway, maybe just make mdlww private.
Done.
huh - after I sign out, can still load mdlww. if same browser window still open (I guess the cookie or whatever is there still?) need not be same tab. once close browser and open afresh, then I cannot get in until have signed in during that browser session.