Among Friends

[DeLaney]

Cinnamon & Honey Brioche French Toast

Ingredients
* Makes 2 x 1lb loaves

* Brioche ingredients
* 370g strong white flour
* 50g caster sugar
* 7g sachet dried yeast
* Pinch of salt
* 100ml milk
* 3 medium eggs
* 175g soft butter

* French toast soaking liquid
* 1 large egg
* 300ml milk
* 1 tbsp Irish honey
* Quarter tsp ground cinnamon
* 1 tsp vanilla essence

* To serve
* Fresh berries
* Honey
* Pecans
* Crème fraiche

Method
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast and salt.

2. To this add the warm (not hot) milk and eggs and continue to mix until a soft dough is reached.

3. Add the softened butter and mix for a few more minutes until combined.

4. Place this soft dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover and place in the fridge overnight. The dough will firm up and be a lot easier to work with.

5. The following day, grease 2 x 500g loaf tins. Divide the dough in half and knead until smooth and fits into the base of each tin.

6. Cover the brioche with a cloth for about two-and-a-half to three hours, until doubled in size.

7. Preheat your oven to 200°C/180°C Fan/Gas 6. Brush with egg wash and bake for 20-30 minutes, until golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped underneath. Cool on a wire rack.

To make the French toast
1. Whisk all of the soaking ingredients in a bowl.

2. Cut four thick slices of brioche and place two at a time in the soaking liquid, turning after one minute.

3. Place a non-stick pan over a medium head and drizzle in some oil and add a knob of butter.

4. Carefully place two slices on the hot pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, then turn them and cook for another 4-5 minutes. You can keep these warm in the oven while you cook the other two slices.

5. Serve topped with fresh berries, a drizzle of Irish honey, some pecans for texture and a spoon of crème fraiche.

[DeLaney]

Sending my sincere condolences to @HiLo on her loss of a dear friend and her cousin. 🌹🌹

My prayers remain with her brother, Don. 

Deepest condolences to @snappyfrappy on her loss of her half-sister. 🌹 

My prayers remain with her sister, Shirley. 

Sending deepest sympathies to @cute t on her loss of two loved ones. 🌹

My prayers remain with her granddaughter-in-law. 

Ongoing prayers for @Issy379 and family while they mourn the loss of her brother, J.M. 🌹

Have added her dear friend, Joan for compassionate care. 

[DeLaney]

A belated. . . 

. . . to @cute t!! 💗 

I hope that you and your hubby danced the night away, and little Sawyer was there to kick up his heels, too! 

[DeLaney]

@Q-Anu. . . 

Could not be more proud of you!! Do you know how rare that is? We will have to celebrate your success and soon! The promotion, too!! 

How is your ankle coming along? Hope the swelling is down, and the crutches are retired once more. 

Great news on your inlaws—tentatively—locating nice, new digs, too. 👍 I'm praying something likewise turns up for @SelahG and @Rowan72's aunt and uncle, too. It's so uncomfortable to be residing in “limbo” indefinitely. . . 

Have been meaning to tell you that I recently caught Brit Marling (of the Netflix series, OA—with its other-worldly, labyrinth plot) on Off Camera with Sam Jones. I’d never before noticed the uncanny physical resemblance and mannerisms that you two share! 😳 Mind blown. I kept pointing it out to Mike throughout the interview and he agreed: “they’re twinning it!” Are you sure you're not related to her on your mother’s side? No offense intended, if you don’t care for her. 

YES!! Still planning to attend Josh and Becky's wedding and reception. Like you, it'll be a quick weekend trip, since we’re saving up our vacation days. Mike lost two already. I've been working some “overtime”—filling in for others, so should have no problem. Don’t know what to wear! 

@WaJa61, what are you wearing, and are you changing for the reception? The only two spring items I've added is this Eliza J sheathe dress: 

. . . and this Row A jumpsuit: 

. . . that I'm considering for the reception. What do you think? Too casual? 

We watched Mrs. Wilson, too. Wow, what a case study. Leaving us with more questions than answers on his behalf. He seemed to live in a fantasy world of his own creation, that he kept reinventing. Though she was reticent to say, the shocking experience seemed to leave her unable, or unwilling to trust another man under God. Understandable, and I'm glad she found some measure of peace. PBS cut the finale and went to previews before we got to see the family pics. 

I'm praying for sweet Suz. Please tell her that I went with friends and co-workers to see Unplanned. She had been recommending it to all on Delphi. Hope James got the ramp built for her. 

Sending lots o' love out to all here! 

—Marcia 😘 

[LurkyLoo]

A good Wednesday Hump Day to you ladies! Beautiful here. Just about 60°, but sunny. I got out to do some shopping early this morning. Just stocking up on groceries- many recipe ingredients I was out of or very low on. Been cooking and baking more in my own little kitchen since they revamped it. Made it so much nicer so I can do most chores from my chair. This helps me take some nutritious goodies to those who live here that I visit. I don’t have to bother the kitchen staff downstairs, who definitely have more than enough concerns as is. 

How is Joan, Issy? Certainly do remember her fondly through your posts, and have been remembering her to our Lord daily, too. Very sorry for her suffering and your distress after just losing two cousins and your brother. I know what you mean about friends who become like family to us.. such a blessing. Makes it all the harder to lose them, though. My thoughts are with you, dear. 

Snappy, how is your back lately? I hoped the pain might improve with the new medication, since some RXs can make our arthritis worse. I found that to be true with one antibiotic the dr prescribed for me. The pain lasted for several weeks after, too. This new super bug fungus infection going around is frightening. According to the news from the CDC, 1 in 3 who are unfortunate enough to get it will die. Apparently it invades the brain.

So happy your son and his family brought the girls to see you! You had an early Easter visit and the quieter, more private time was likely much more enjoyable for all. Especially the shyer Sunny. I think crowds overwhelm some children.

Has Shirley finished up her treatments yet? Know she'll be glad to have those behind her. Praying for lasting results this time. It's wonderful that your apricot tree is still living after all these years- through the droughts it hung on to receive the more recent rains. I hope you get one or two before the birds and insects stake claim to them. I love apricot jam with a little melted butter on English muffins. It enhances pork and chicken, too. 

I went with my neighbor to the gardening show here, Selah. Never saw such a crowd! Makes it hard for me to manuever among them safely- felt like I was chasing my tail! Was glad to see so many young people still interested in gardening, though. My friend bought me this kind of orchid:

I would never dare look a gift horse in the mouth.. but I just know it won’t thrive here in this 3rd floor apartment. I'm following the instructions to the T anyway. Isn’t it a beautiful shade of blue? I hope it lasts long enough until her next visit. Maybe it will surprise me and survive. I love your birdy window ornament! Anything with birds appeal to me. I'm watching for the hummers to arrive soon now. Still a bit too cool for them, I think. 

Have your aunt and uncle found new living arrangements yet? I asked our Lord to guide them to their new home. Affordable housing is scarce and badly needed by those on a fixed income. I'm sure Rowan will be glad to see the end of the school year- as will Snappy's daughter. Enjoy your brother's wedding and the upcoming get together with the KS ladies. Wish I could attend both, but I'll be looking forward to the news and photos! ❤️ 

[snappyfrappy]

DeLaney, oh so thankful your mom's tumor was benign!! What a blessing. Thankful she is recovering. I understand the  different aspects of "relieved"!!

Sorry your hubby got sick, but is better now.

That picture of your little guy in the big elephant is so cute.

My older grandson, when a little guy, called them Wotows.

Not for long, but DD and I still mention it now and then.

Grateful your Gram is with you and learning new things to make her life easier when she returns home.

snappy

[LurkyLoo]

MsLomo- how awful to learn that your husband has such trouble staying on his feet due to balance problems. So concerning for you, around the clock, too. Maybe if the walker is always right there in sight? I keep mine right at hand where ever its needed like the bathroom when I have to transfer myself from my wheelchair to the tub or toilet. Everyone has their own unique troubles, though. God be with him- with you both. I pray you'll have much more quality time together which is so very precious. 

Anu- so happy and relieved for you! 

I know it seemed to take so long for you to reach this important milestone, but something tells me you appreciate it all the more. And your children had to come first in your life- I so admire that! Now you are up there where you belong, and I hope your husband won’t be transferred any time soon. He's been there for several years now, so likely not.. though I understand your concern in his line of work. Did his parents decide to stay in the Tuscany place? My it sounds nice! Way above my “pay grade” but likely perfect for them. I hope they have nice neighbors. That’s so important in any community. 

Marcia, Joy is going to be Becky's maid of honor, so she'll have a special dress. As will Agnes, who'll be a bride's maid. I like the dress you posted, but you'll be lovely in anything you choose. I don’t know if anyone is changing clothes for the reception.. 

How cute! Tyler and his elephant.. time sure flies and he'll be crawling before you know it. Glad it's beginning to thaw there, so Mike can get busy building his bedroom and bath. I'm thanking our Lord that your mother's bladder tumor was benign. Know she- and all of you are so relieved.

Love the french toast recipe, and I'm thinking some good quality sausage links would go well with that. You could fry them up the night before to reheat in the microwave. Also a sliced fruit platter and boiled eggs. Rather you dye them or not. Will you have an egg hunt for BabyGirl? We're hosting a small one here in the gardens for the grandchildren of our residents. Not dying the eggs.. will fill the plastic kind with candy. I hope it doesn’t rain- I love to watch from the terrace as they dash about in their Easter outfits. 😊 

I watched Mrs. Wilson.. and yes, Mr. Wilson was either highly disturbed or his government sold him out. I tended to believe his chain-smoking handler in the end. No sooner than the wife thought she had him figured out to the good  via his friend.. than the 4th wife and her son appeared! 😰 Don’t know what I would have done in her shoes, and though I didn’t join a convent.. I know how our Lord moved to help me survive my own heartaches. Nothing compared to what those women and children were put through. It's amazing how all of the offspring came together at last in peace. You can probably view the photos online. I thought it rather remarkable that the staring actress played the role (so well) of her own grandmother.

Enjoy the rest of the week, ladies. I'll check back in with you again soon. 

With Love,

Ruth Ann 

[snappyfrappy]

Hi, Lurky, I'm sure you are enjoying being able to cook in your own kitchen. So glad they made it more user friendly.

Nothing like home sweet home.

We've had some days in the 80s. I think it's in the 70s today.

Last week I had some suspicions that the UTI might be "lurking" pun intended.

Went to bed Friday night. Woke about 2 hours later and had that awful frequency and urgency that lasted the rest of the night. I remembered I had some meds like Pyridium that help with symptoms, so took 2 of them. It took hours, but they did help some. Also thought about the fact that my insurance company has a 24/7 RN phone line. Spoke with a lovely lady in NoCar. She told me to call the infectious disease doctor and speak with whoever was on call.

I took her advice and a nice doctor returned my call. I went through  the whole litany and he did some research looking for a lab open on Saturdays where I could take a specimen. He also said to take the last 2 Cipro I had on hand. DD took me to that lab which was bursting at the seams with people. Long wait, but finally we got in. They close at noon,

The Lord helped me make it through until Monday. My own IDD phoned in the afternoon. Told her what had been going on. They had an opening for me to see her yesterday morning. DD#1 came out and took me.

She got the lab results which showed that I did not have a bacterial infection (meaning that the antibiotic was working). That's a good thing since it's something I can take now. What I do have is a yeast infection, probably from all the antibiotics. She prescribed an anti-fungal pill to take once a day for 5 days. Started that last night. No side effects. I also have a cream to use for 7 days and so far the itching is gone.

She told me to put the remaining Cipro on a shelf in my "stash" but to not take it. At my age, and with my heart condition, it's too dangerous. My heart could stop beating.

Said to keep the remaining 5 anti-fungals in my "stash" just in case. Once I finish this medication, I'm to go back on the last antibiotic she gave me once a day as a prophylactic. Gave me cups and lab instructions just in case.

They told me that the lab I went to isn't covered by my insurance even though that's where the on duty doc told me to go. I'll get a bill. Maybe it's not too bad, but I can call my insurance co and see if we can work out something.

This is hard on DD who can never know what a day will bring. I'm so sorry about it, but it's how it is. Next week is her Easter vacation.

The doc told me with her darling accent...."you okay", "you be happy", "you enjoy" This is very common in the elderly. "nobody getting younger". Pointed at DD#1 and said "you get one someday"....DD said she felt like she was under a curse, but it's all in good humor. We like that doctor very much. She gives me time and listens and devises plans to try. If they don't work, she tries something else.

Slept well last night. Got up only once.

My sister is having chemo this week. Yesterday, today and tomorrow. Then 6 daily shots to boost the immune system. One more treatment, then a scan to see if it's all gone. If so, they may put her on a routine of infusions designed to keep it at bay. My pastor's wife does that sort of thing. She called me and is coming for a little visit tomorrow afternoon.

The apricot tree was stunning with those beautiful flowers. They are almost all gone with fruit developing and the leaves coming out. DD got a beautiful picture while it was in full bloom. It's frameworthy.

DD#1 is going out to my son's on Friday to have a visit with Sunny whom she hasn't seen since Christmas.

It's their 5th anniversary that day. They are going out to the Cheescake Factory for dinner.

I wish everyone here a most blessed Easter! Maybe I'll be back before then.

Love to all,

snappy

[agnesann]

Hi, friends! Happy Friday eve! 😍 I'm really looking forward to the weekend, though we're expecting lots of rain and thunderstorms. I need to stay in and get caught up on so much. Work, training and helping Jacob complete this semester with passing grades has had me worn out. I think he will pass, but he's struggled so hard with a couple of classes this year. Focusing on those subjects he doesn’t have any interest in is his main challenge academically. 

🤗 CONGRATULATIONS ANU!!!! 🤗 

We are all thrilled for you - well done! 👍👍 

It's nice you have a few weeks to chill a bit before the promotion. I hope you’re back on both feet again soon. There will be dancing at the wedding reception. Not my forte, you know....but I'll try for Becky and Josh's sakes. Neither of them are very comfortable with it either. I understand why you have to stay over with your parents. Jacob will miss Nathan, but I reminded him that KS-Fest is quickly approaching. It will be so nice to stay (mostly) in the one location and I can’t wait to experience The Cove. 

Marcia, as Lurky explained....I'll wear my bridesmaid dress. Don’t have the photos from our fittings on this phone, but they're on D - on the Becky's Wedding thread in the private forum. Joy and I will definitely change for the reception (she is hosting) into something more comfortable and casual. Your jumpsuit should be perfect! I love them, but they're such a bother when going to the bathroom. More so, when we may have to wait in line. Otherwise, they're cool and very big this season - seeing them everywhere. Is yours pink or ivory? Can’t tell on this puny screen - needs a good cleaning. I have gained a few pounds despite being busier than ever. Watching my diet like crazy so my bridesmaid dress won’t be too snug in the middle. 😜

Whoa! Sorry that your mom required surgery, but TG it wasn’t cancer. My mom has lots of cysts on her ovaries, etc. that aren’t life threatening, but often painful. I'll likely develop the same....right now she has a big one on her upper back, too, that's draining. She should be on an antibiotic, but the weather there in Denver is too bad currently for her to get out. Snow, wind - white outs. She's still on a walker, too - post surgery. Says she has nearly zero core strength, so her thigh muscles and knees compensates - then gets very weak. 

We're not having guests for Easter, so I'll make a basic breakfast casserole with biscuits and fruit. French toast sounds delicious! Very time consuming for a large group, though. I wish you the best and have fun making the Easter baskets! Jacob has outgrown the interest and I miss it. Tyler is so cute with his “Ellie-font” - that's how Jacob pronounced it as a tot! 😁 How does BabyGirl say it? 

(((Snappy))) you have been through so much with the UTIs. I feel awful for you, and your DD, too. Of course she will always worry - she loves you and feels somewhat responsible for your care. That's just part of being a loving, responsible daughter. ❤️ It's good you have the IDSs that you trust who are always on call. Yeast infections can make life miserable. I get them from time to time - and every time I take antibiotics, though I eat yogurt. I have to use probiotics. Nothing else prevents them. I hope you’re feeling much better now and will be able to enjoy Easter. Do you have any plans? 

Lurky, enjoy watching the egg hunt! You'll have the best, front row seat up on your terrace over the gardens. Nice that you can enjoy cooking in your kitchen again. I need to clean out all of my cabinets - top and bottom. I have ordered a big set of storage containers and will begin tackling this over the weekend.

Have you ladies been watching Jeopardy? This professional sports gambler is something else!! His range of knowledge and speed is so impressive. He has a very unfortunate grin and I believe he realizes it - tries to dial it back despite his enthusiasm. I like how he bets by using family members' birthdays, his anniversary date, etc. Hope he goes on to be the all-time champ! 

Hello MsLomo, Issy, cute, Hilo, Gloria, bathina, Selah, Rowan, Joy, LadyAnn and all of our Q-Friends! Wishing you a nice weekend - and a glorious Easter season! 🌷

💗 from Agnes 

[Q-Anu]

To each of you for your love, support, guidance, advice, prayers, power vibes and good thoughts that helped so much to see me through the bar exams! Thanks, too, for sharing in my relief and gladness at passing! 

I know you're all so busy and also dealing with a lot in your lives, but you took the time to help and congratulate me anyway. I so appreciate each of you, more than I can say. I'll never forget, and I only wish I could return your kindness somehow. Throw a big Appreciation Dinner for all of you ladies!! 

Yeah, @MsLomo - a few family members said those very words to me: “Knew you'd pass - was never worried for a minute!” I know they meant well. Showing such faith in me, but you’re right. I sure didn’t know, and with every passing day.... my doubting increased ten-fold! Some are still waiting for their results. My heart goes out to them. The waiting is the worst! You made me laugh, but oh so true.... Sadistic! I can picture the think tank group, sitting around a table - laughing maniacally - as they plot on how to word some of the questions. 😈

I'm afraid I will have to replace those shoes. When I turned my ankle to the outside, the rough pavement scuffed both the wedge heel and the bottom of the leather. My hubby, Logan tried to buff it out for me, but it looks pretty bad. I doubt Nordies will sell me just one shoe - even from the display, but I thought of asking!

I am so very sorry about your husband's more recent falls, with trips to the ER. 😰 It must feel like one step forward and two steps back. Heartbreaking! I'm praying for the Lord to guide his mind and hands with his walker. He is so blessed with such a loving and devoted wife as you. I hope you can take some time out for yourself - you and your son - to relax and enjoy the Easter season. I'll be thinking of y'all!

❤️❤️❤️

@DeLaney - I have no idea how rare it is to pass the bar on the first try, but I've only heard about one guy from our classes who failed, so far. He is about half my age, and always seemed as though his priorities were elsewhere. Probably just not ready yet - or maybe he isn’t as interested in corporate law, as perhaps his parents are for him. Seems to openly dislike his father for some reason, so I'm only guessing. It's definitely not for everybody. Sometimes not until later in life, if at all. 

BRB, ladies....