Quote of the Day: "Watch out for the dew."
What I'm reading: Red Clay, Blue Cadillac, still.

A week of VBS had me thinking about popular Biblical characters-- David, with his slingshot; Jonah, in the whale; beautiful queen Esther. But my favorite character that isn't the Lord, is Joseph.

Was it Dave Barry, or David Sedaris, who points out that in Christmas pageants no boy wants to play the role of Joseph? They all want to be shepherds. But Joseph is the real hero. He is steadfast and loyal, and crucial. Without Joseph, Jesus can't trace his lineage back to David, right? Not to mention growing up faithful.

I have myself a wonderful, steadfast stepfather. From him I learned about hard work, doing one's best-- to the point of perfection, which only my stepfather achieves-- and kindness. And lots of other stuff, too. That my mother had the wisdom and good fortune to marry him, surely, was Providential.