Sunday 19th January - a new expression

 I learned the expression 'marmalade-dropper' today;

I'd never heard it before.

I suppose there aren't so many people around who read the morning paper over breakfast these days...

Talking of marmalade, I've got a couple of jars open at the same time for reasons lost in the mists of time. A good dollop of marmalade added to a basic all-in-one sponge cake recipe is definitely a recipe for success!

....

Psalm 23; the final part of 'the valley of the shadow of death' verse; 

For thou art with me, thy rod and staff comfort me.

The idea of God hitting me with a stick doesn't sound comforting at all. But the word 'rod' also has the idea of authority,  dominion, power, like a ceremonial mace or sceptre. A better reading of this verse is perhaps 'your power and authority comforts me, I trust in you to beat off my enemies with your stick'.