Family and Peanut Butter

Welcome to the weekly Hodgepodge, hosted by Joyce.  Today is her sister's birthday...  so she asks:

1.  What's one way you're like your siblings? 

Of course, there are many ways...  but for my sister and I, we sound the same.  When I leave a telephone message - or she does - I hear the same voice! ha!    As for my brother and I, we both are tall, and we both have the same nose.  The height is good - but I don't know if the nose shape is all that wonderful!?!

2.  What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of yourself at age eighteen?

At eighteen I was starting college so I picture it as the first time away from home, and living in a dorm (second floor, Saylor-Ackerman) at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio.  I was excited, meeting new people, reconnecting with an old family friend, and basically enjoying my first college experience.  It was a good  "transitional" place to go. The school wasn't too big, and it helped to have a bit of family roots already there.  My Dad and my sister had attended the school.

3.  Sculptor - actor - painter - dancer...   if you could excel in one of these arts, which would you choose and why? 

Well, Joyce did not include "singer" and I think it would be my answer. It's what I have always wished I could excel at...but picking from her choices: a dancer.  A dancer feels music and uses her body to interpret it.  And think of the exercise!!   I love anything to do with music.  The other art forms listed are wonderful too, and actually, the sculptor, actor, and painter can all leave a permanent piece of art, and that's pretty cool.

4.  What's a scent that takes you back in time, and where does it take you? 

I remember as a child the scent of my grandmother Fogt's soap. She used Dove or Camay... and we used Dial at home.  So, when I was visiting her - and staying there - the scent of her sweet soap filled the small bathroom and it was lovely!  I only experienced that fragrant smell when I was there.

5.  November is for peanut butter lovers (National Peanut Butter Lovers Month). Are you a lover or a hater?  What's your favorite dish/recipe that calls for peanut butter? 

Peanut butter!!!  I Love love love it!  It's my "go to" snack item.  I love pb on crackers and a cold glass of milk.  I also love it warm on toast.  In fact, most mornings I have a peanut butter sandwich for breakfast.  The weird part?  I prefer pb with mayo, not jelly.  Did anybody else grow up like I did with having peanut butter and mayonaise sandwiches?   Absolutely marvelous!  And to make it really special, add a leaf or two of lettuce!   I do not cook with it tho.

6.  What do people thank you personally for most often? 

I'd have to say perhaps some of the things I do around my church.  But...I like being involved and I like helping, so I'm not doing it for thanks.

7.  What event this year are you most thankful for? 

It's hard to narrow it down to one event.  I am thankful for the summer gatherings we had this year, and the family time together...  we had them at our "riva cabin" here and at Lakeside, Ohio.  I'm thankful for the special church times and festive holiday get-togethers.

8. This week's random thought. 

It's November.  What?  It's November?   Oh, help me... I'm coming into my tough time...colder weather, more darkness than daylight, stress of shopping, etc.  Come on Spring!  Is that terrible to say?  Probably. I walked my doggies this morning at 6:30am and I looked like a hobo dressed in jammies, robe, socks, scarf, and gloves - and I was still chilly.  When I get cold I am not happy.   I need to remind myself of the wonderful parts of the winter months.  Ummm....   can somebody help me out?  A suggestion?   I DO see my girls at Christmas and I love that!!!  I'll focus on that.   ( :