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You are here: Home / Balloon Juice / Meetups / Looks Like She Made It! Congratulations, lamh. (we all yell: Surprise!)

Looks Like She Made It! Congratulations, lamh. (we all yell: Surprise!)

by WaterGirl|  May 13, 20206:05 pm| 174 Comments

This post is in: Balloon Juice, Celebrating Jackals, Events, Meetups

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Congratulations, lamh!   SURPRISE!

You thought you were done, but we have one last quiz for you:

Looks Like She Made It! Congratulations, lamh. (we all yell: Surprise!) 1Looks Like She Made It! Congratulations, lamh. (we all yell: Surprise!) 2

Cue the music, and then we have cake!

dmsilev baked this lovely cake for you – for real! – and extends his congratulations to you for making it through the grad school grind.  It’s a lot of work, and something to be proud of.

Technically it’s an orange chocolate ganache tart.  We talked it over, and we definitely think there’s enough to share.  I think this is one group activity we can all get behind.

*****

If there’s a song or a GIF or an image or a photo or a movie or anything that you’d like to add in your comment as  “gift” to lamh – and you’re not a front pager – if you send it to me by email or put the link in your comment, I can turn it into a real thing in your comment, rather than a link.

*****

Update:  I am very disappointed that no one spelled out “Happy Graduation!” or “you made it!” on squares of toilet paper with colored markers or sent lamh on a pretend vacation.

Oh, and because I screwed up the time zone, I will pin this post to the top at 8pm (blog time) which is the earliest lamh should get out of her final exam.  (Just for a couple of hours until, hopefully, lamh arrives.)

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Reader Interactions

174Comments

  1. 1.

    WaterGirl

    May 12, 2020 at 5:52 pm

    So proud of you for what you’ve accomplished!

    Testing 3

    This is the mug I got as a gift when I finished my master’s degree.
    I wanted to (virtually) share it with you.

    Looks Like She Made It! Congratulations, lamh. (we all yell: Surprise!)

  2. 2.

    H. E. Wolf

    May 12, 2020 at 8:43 pm

    Here’s a bouquet for lamh36 with warmest best wishes from Idris Elba. :)

    Testing
    [Photo by H.E. Wolf]

  3. 3.

    Wolvesvalley

    May 12, 2020 at 8:44 pm

    lamh: You did it!

    Congratulations and hopes that you will have many opportunities to put that degree to good use!

    I can send you a copy printed on official looking parchment paper, if you like.

  4. 4.

    Betty Cracker

    May 12, 2020 at 8:44 pm

    Congratulations! Here’s a nice big hunk o’ circa-1970s Velveeta to celebrate your achievement! :)

    Testing 12

  5. 5.

    Anne Laurie

    May 12, 2020 at 8:45 pm

    Congratulations, LAMH!

     1

  6. 6.

    Dorothy A. Winsor

    May 12, 2020 at 8:54 pm

    lamh, I wanted to stop by to give you an advance copy of my new book. Congratulations!

  7. 7.

    satby

    May 12, 2020 at 8:58 pm

    A congratulations bouquet for you, lamh, with flowers picked from my garden.

  8. 8.

    Casey L

    May 12, 2020 at 9:01 pm

    lamh: For congratulations on a job well done, here is “A Seahorse Vacation” : fused glass, 4.5″ x 9.5″

    Not just virtual – if you like the piece and want it, I’ll be happy to send it to you (we can arrange that off-line; WaterGirl has my contact info.)

    I remember you went on vacation Down Under, but don’t recall if you went snorkeling there (or on any of your various travels!). But this piece makes me think of being at the seaside, in the sun, with the wind and waves and smell of salt air. After all the incredible work you’ve done – pursuing an advanced degree while working full time AND now doing both during a pandemic – you totally deserve something that (hopefully) will conjure thoughts of relaxing by the sea.

    Congrats, again!

    CaseyL

    Hanging Inside

    Hanging Outside

  9. 9.

    MazeDancer

    May 12, 2020 at 9:10 pm

    Couple of friends stopped by… wanted to send their best to lamh

  10. 10.

    Nicole

    May 12, 2020 at 9:13 pm

    lamh, here’s the cookie bouquet I wish I could send…

    …along with the card. :)

  11. 11.

    J. R. in WV

    May 12, 2020 at 9:17 pm

    Congratulations LAMH on completing your first graduate degree!!!

    This is a virtual orchid that after years of watering on the kitchen windowsill and being 4 or 5 green leaves, has finally bloomed again.

    I started grad school years ago after finishing my BS, while looking for work. So I know how hard it can be. You did it while traveling all over the world AND working full time, which is even more amazing!

    Best wishes for all your future goals from hermits up a hollow in West Virginia. When we are allowed out of the house safely some day, maybe we can take you out to dinner in the Louisiana good eats area, whoot !!

    Everyone, take care, stay safe, be healthy…!!!

    JR

  12. 12.

    SWMBO

    May 12, 2020 at 9:19 pm

    These are pictures from the Blue Angels flyover that a neighbor posted. They were taken from the parking garage roof at Publix. A salute to our medical teams on the front line seems fitting for you at this time. Best wishes and congratulations on finishing your masters degree!

  13. 13.

    BGinCHI

    May 12, 2020 at 9:30 pm

    To lamh from Xavi and BGinCHI:


    Editorial note: Love the cap and gown, the tassel, and of course the diploma.
    But the sunglasses really make it, I think!

  14. 14.

    Avalune

    May 12, 2020 at 9:32 pm

    I’m shit at platitudes.
    Congratulations on your achievement!
    Idris is proud.
    Go Bears!

  15. 15.

    Laura Too

    May 12, 2020 at 9:34 pm

    Congratulations on your grand achievement!!

    from Laura Too

  16. 16.

    frosty

    May 12, 2020 at 10:06 pm

    I’m happy to hear that you’ve finished your last final and all the work for your degree. You should be proud of yourself. Take a step back to celebrate and then get ready for the next phase of your life and career. Enjoy it, you’ve earned it!

    Here’s pictures of some of the wildflowers we saw this spring on our tour of the Southwest.

    – frosty

    Testing 1

  17. 17.

    debbie

    May 13, 2020 at 9:31 am

    They know it’s your special day…

    via GIPHY

  18. 18.

    Something Fabulous

    May 13, 2020 at 9:46 am

    Congrats on your accomplishment, LAMH! So nice to have met you the night of the LA Meetup. Have been cheering you on ever since! And hope you get to have more spontaneous travels soon.

    Testing 2
    In attendance were Something Fabulous, LAMH, 
    Mnemosyne, Fair Economist, Ruckus, BillinGlendaleCA, Roger Moore, Bill’s camera bag, and the balloons. Fun night! 

    For a trip down memory lane, here is the meet post with all the meetup pics.

  19. 19.

    opiejeanie

    May 13, 2020 at 3:24 pm

    Hey…

                   Just wanted to congratulate you.

  20. 20.

    O. Felix Culpa

    May 13, 2020 at 3:31 pm

    Congratulations!!! from O. Felix Culpa and Pippin, the garden guardian.

    Testing 8

  21. 21.

    geg6

    May 13, 2020 at 3:36 pm

    Big congratulations from all these Balloon Juice dogs (my own Koda and Lovey, John Cole’s Rosie and Thurston), taken on John’s back porch. Lily was there, but went into hiding every time I pulled the phone out. :-)

    Testing 9

    Testing 10 Testing 11

    Editorial note: I assume that one of the two men in the picture is John Cole, but they both appear to be wearing pants, so I am perplexed.

    edit: I have just been informed that John is indeed in the photo, wearing the blue shirt.

  22. 22.

    Kattails

    May 13, 2020 at 4:57 pm

    Awesome job! Here’s a card I made for you, all the best, Kattails.
    Testing 13

    Editorial note: Kattails painted this for you! And did the calligraphy! She can put your real name on it, if you like, and send you the file.

  23. 23.

    Baud

    May 13, 2020 at 6:06 pm

    Woo hoo!!!

  24. 24.

    WaterGirl

    May 13, 2020 at 6:08 pm

    @Baud: I bet lamh would love an autographed picture of Baud.  She might even toss Idris aside for you.  (Or not.)

  25. 25.

    Ben Cisco (onboard the Defiant)

    May 13, 2020 at 6:09 pm

    Congratulations lamh36!! Job well done!

  26. 26.

    Tom Levenson

    May 13, 2020 at 6:11 pm

    Awesome!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=8&v=uSD4vsh1zDA&feature=emb_logo

    ETA:Welp. That video is a little rich for my blood.* But the song, at least, expresses my hope for your celebration.

    *Oh yes. I am an old.

  27. 27.

    gbbalto

    May 13, 2020 at 6:11 pm

    @WaterGirl: With or without his pants?
    Anyway, well done Lamh!!!

  28. 28.

    Cheryl Rofer

    May 13, 2020 at 6:15 pm

    Congratulations, lamh! Here are some flowers from my garden –

    Looks Like She Made It! Congratulations, lamh. (we all yell: Surprise!)

  29. 29.

    randy khan

    May 13, 2020 at 6:17 pm

    Nothing original, but hearty congratulations.  It’s a fine achievement.

  30. 30.

    Doc Sardonic

    May 13, 2020 at 6:21 pm

    Mostly lurk, infrequently comment…..Well done, Congratulations now get out there and knock ‘em dead kid.

  31. 31.

    dexwood

    May 13, 2020 at 6:23 pm

    Well done, lamh! Congratulations.

    This is another one of the great little things about Balloon Juice that makes this place a big deal.

  32. 32.

    pat

    May 13, 2020 at 6:24 pm

    I haven’t looked at all the comments and the wonderful things that are contained therein, but I just want to say..

    This is the first good news I have read today!

    Congratulations and all the best wishes for a successful and rewarding career!!

  33. 33.

    Dorothy A. Winsor

    May 13, 2020 at 6:25 pm

    I am so impressed by the great messages! I have a meeting tonight until 9, so I won’t be around she lamh hopefully shows up. Yell surprise for me.

  34. 34.

    zhena gogolia

    May 13, 2020 at 6:27 pm

    Congratulations, lamh! You’re one of my favorite commenters. So happy for you.

  35. 35.

    ThresherK

    May 13, 2020 at 6:27 pm

    @Betty Cracker: Okay, thread’s over. Nothing more to see here!

  36. 36.

    Aimai

    May 13, 2020 at 6:28 pm

    I don’t have any talent to post anything but I do want to congratulate you, lamh! You are one of my favorite commenters and as a recent MAster’s recipient myself I know just how big a deal this is! CONGRATULATIONS!!!

  37. 37.

    WaterGirl

    May 13, 2020 at 6:28 pm

    Oops.  I thought LA was Eastern Time.  Looks like I screwed up the timing, and lamh hasn’t started her test yet. Lamh, you had better be studying and not reading BJ!

  38. 38.

    Latetotheparty

    May 13, 2020 at 6:29 pm

    No pix, no cakes, no flowers … just a heart-felt WELL DONE to you, LAMH! Been following BJ for years, and you are one of the reasons why. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.

  39. 39.

    Haroldo

    May 13, 2020 at 6:29 pm

    Nicely done, lamh.  Ain’t it a relief to have it behind you?

  40. 40.

    J R in WV

    May 13, 2020 at 6:30 pm

    Hope LAMH doesn’t go to a real party instead of surfing the B J blog after the big test..~!!~

  41. 41.

    ThresherK

    May 13, 2020 at 6:30 pm

    @WaterGirl: So, this is like a TV show where everyone but the guest walks into the house and the hiding assembled say Surprise! several times?

    Hey, I admire your commitment to the bit.

  42. 42.

    Baud

    May 13, 2020 at 6:31 pm

    @WaterGirl:

    There’s no reason not to assume that I am Idris.

  43. 43.

    TaMara (HFG)

    May 13, 2020 at 6:32 pm

    Well Done, lamh!!

  44. 44.

    ?BillinGlendaleCA

    May 13, 2020 at 6:33 pm

    @Something Fabulous: Good thing I’m not in the frame, would have broke the camera.

  45. 45.

    ?BillinGlendaleCA

    May 13, 2020 at 6:36 pm

    @WaterGirl: Yeah, was thinking that.

  46. 46.

    Kristine

    May 13, 2020 at 6:36 pm

    Congratulations, lamh! Have some homemade chocolate chip cookies! https://www.instagram.com/p/CAECP12g2Lp/

    Looks Like She Made It! Congratulations, lamh. (we all yell: Surprise!) 8

  47. 47.

    japa21

    May 13, 2020 at 6:37 pm

    Congratulations lamh.  You’ve done yourself proud.

  48. 48.

    ?BillinGlendaleCA

    May 13, 2020 at 6:37 pm

    Lamh, Congrats Graduate!  Here’s a lotus flower for a job well done.

    Looks Like She Made It! Congratulations, lamh. (we all yell: Surprise!) 5

  49. 49.

    thalarctosMaritimus

    May 13, 2020 at 6:41 pm

    Hooray! Congratulations, lamh!

    Looks Like She Made It! Congratulations, lamh. (we all yell: Surprise!) 17
    Idris Elba at the Berlinale 2018

  50. 50.

    Raven

    May 13, 2020 at 6:42 pm

    Congrats from Cabrini Park!

    Looks Like She Made It! Congratulations, lamh. (we all yell: Surprise!) 1

  51. 51.

    Yutsano

    May 13, 2020 at 6:45 pm

    @debbie: I believe she’s in Red Stick* now. She moved for a job I believe.

    To Lamh: MAZEL TOV YA CRAZY KID!!!

    * Yes I feel like being that kind of butt today.

  52. 52.

    Auntie Anne

    May 13, 2020 at 6:45 pm

    Congratulations, Iamh!

  53. 53.

    zhena gogolia

    May 13, 2020 at 6:46 pm

    @MazeDancer:

    Oh, terrific!

  54. 54.

    Rob

    May 13, 2020 at 6:46 pm

    Congratulations, lamh, from a (mostly) lurker! Well done.

  55. 55.

    laura

    May 13, 2020 at 6:47 pm

    Congratulations lamh! You’ve worked hard and sacrificed to achieve this milestone and richly deserve every bit of praise and admiration.

    How you managed to juggle ambitious scholarship and travel both international & domestic while keeping your wits about you and feet firmly on the ground is a mystery to me.

    Bouquets of all the pretty scented flowers, clinka clinkas of champagne glasses and so many hugs and kisses!

  56. 56.

    MomSense

    May 13, 2020 at 6:47 pm

    To celebrate we’ll have lobster and fried clams!

    Looks Like She Made It! Congratulations, lamh. (we all yell: Surprise!) 4 Looks Like She Made It! Congratulations, lamh. (we all yell: Surprise!) 3 Looks Like She Made It! Congratulations, lamh. (we all yell: Surprise!) 2
  57. 57.

    Steeplejack

    May 13, 2020 at 6:47 pm

    Congratulations, lamh36! ?????

  58. 58.

    NeenerNeener

    May 13, 2020 at 6:49 pm

    Congratulations!

    This is the song that always popped into my head whenever I finished my last final of the semester:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ddz0GWcPUjM

  59. 59.

    Brachiator

    May 13, 2020 at 6:49 pm

    Congratulations!

    Time to celebrate…

  60. 60.

    debbie

    May 13, 2020 at 6:50 pm

    @Yutsano:

    You made me Google, me with my high school French!

  61. 61.

    The Lodger

    May 13, 2020 at 6:51 pm

    Yay lamh!

  62. 62.

    PsiFighter37

    May 13, 2020 at 6:54 pm

    Well done and congratulations!

  63. 63.

    WereBear

    May 13, 2020 at 6:55 pm

    We’re all this happy.

    via GIPHY

  64. 64.

    HumboldtBlue

    May 13, 2020 at 6:56 pm

    Fantastic news and congratulations, Lamh36!

    For some reason I have failed to embed a picture of beer.

    Looks Like She Made It! Congratulations, lamh. (we all yell: Surprise!) 7 Looks Like She Made It! Congratulations, lamh. (we all yell: Surprise!) 6

    bottle, or on tap?

  65. 65.

    dmsilev

    May 13, 2020 at 6:58 pm

    Congratulations!

    And because I know someone will ask, here’s the recipe for the tart. Fairly easy if you’ve ever made a pie crust from scratch. Transcribed from “The Essence of Chocolate” by John Scharffenberger and Robert Steinberg. (the version above deviated from the recipe at the end; it’s garnished with sliced almonds, mainly because that’s what I happened to have in the pantry).

    Orange Chocolate Ganache Tart
    Ingredients
    • 1 egg yolk
    • 1 tsp vanilla
    • 1 tsp orange zest
    • 1 1/3 cup flour
    • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
    • 1/8 tsp salt
    • 8 tbsp unsalted butter (1 stick), cubed
    • 12 oz 72% bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
    • 1 3/4 cup heavy cream
    • 1 tablespoon orange zest

    Preparation Steps
    1. Beat yolk and vanilla in small bowl, mix in teaspoon orange zest.
    2. Mix flour, sugar, and salt in food processor. Add butter, pulse for ~30 seconds or until finely divided.
    3. Add egg mix, mix for ~1 minute or until a ball forms.
    4. Turn out dough, press into 6-inch disk, wrap, and refrigerate until firm, ~3 hours.
    5. Roll into 13 inch round between pieces of parchment paper; flour if necessary.
    6. Transfer to 9 inch springform pan, trim edges to be even.
    7. Oven to 375
    8. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
    9. Prick with fork. Line with foil or parchment paper, fill with weights, bake for 12 minutes.
    10. Remove paper and weights, bake for additional 12-14 minutes, until golden.
    11. Cool on rack.
    12. Bring cream to boil, cover & turn off heat, add tablespoon zest, steep for 15 minutes.
    13. Return to boil, then pour through strainer onto chocolate.
    14. Whisk until smooth
    15. Pour into tart shell.
    16. Garnish with ground hazelnut or zest (optional)
    17. Chill until ganache is set (~1 hour), remove rim of pan.

  66. 66.

    WaterGirl

    May 13, 2020 at 6:59 pm

    @Baud: Well, I do love you both, so if you were the same person. you wouldn’t have to share!

  67. 67.

    Julia

    May 13, 2020 at 7:03 pm

    Lamh, congratulations, so happy for you! All your hard work has paid off. I rarely comment but do enjoy all the ‘regulars’ here. You brighten my day!

  68. 68.

    rikyrah

    May 13, 2020 at 7:03 pm

    CONGRATULATIONS, LAMH :)

  69. 69.

    Barbara

    May 13, 2020 at 7:06 pm

    No pics, but heartfelt congratulations. You did it!

  70. 70.

    Mary G

    May 13, 2020 at 7:06 pm

    Congratulations, lamh! I admire your work and play ethic so much, and predict all good things for you. Here is a picture I took in my garden last February – I tried to send it to AL for Garden Chat, but it wouldn’t go through:

    Ice plant blooming in my garden. pic.twitter.com/3rxF8PYOvj— Mary Michel Green (@marymichelgreen) May 13, 2020

    Looks Like She Made It! Congratulations, lamh. (we all yell: Surprise!) 9

  71. 71.

    CatFacts

    May 13, 2020 at 7:09 pm

    Congratulations!

  72. 72.

    Jackie

    May 13, 2020 at 7:10 pm

    CONGRATULATIONS LAMH!!! You’ve worked so hard for this moment!!! Eat, drink and make merry!????????????????? ?  ? ?

  73. 73.

    ljt

    May 13, 2020 at 7:10 pm

    Congratulations lamh! (From a long-time lurker who looks forward to reading your comments, and shares your Idris love ;-)
    New Day Dawning

    Looks Like She Made It! Congratulations, lamh. (we all yell: Surprise!) 10

  74. 74.

    banditqueen

    May 13, 2020 at 7:14 pm

    Lamh-

    You triumphed in this crazy year 2020–that says a lot about your commitment and braininess, and it’s also a reminder that great things are happening all around us despite the ugliness. Here’s a portion of you own personal commencement address*:

    https://media.giphy.com/media/mrucZJ0u8wme4/giphy.gif

    Say hi to Idris for me!

    *Don’t let them grind you down, ever!

  75. 75.

    Johannes

    May 13, 2020 at 7:15 pm

    Many congratulations!

  76. 76.

    ?BillinGlendaleCA

    May 13, 2020 at 7:16 pm

    @dmsilev:

    16. Garnish with ground hazelnut or zest (optional)

    You put soap on your tart?

  77. 77.

    MisterForkbeard

    May 13, 2020 at 7:16 pm

    Way to go lamh! You nailed this one, and this is a real triump in the shitstorm that is 2020. Congratulations!

  78. 78.

    Lyrebird

    May 13, 2020 at 7:19 pm

    WOO HOO!!!!

    Does this mean you can write a weekly movie review column now?  Just kidding, unless you wanna…  but first…

     

    Celebrate!

  79. 79.

    dmsilev

    May 13, 2020 at 7:22 pm

    @?BillinGlendaleCA: I prefer Ivory.

  80. 80.

    BGinCHI

    May 13, 2020 at 7:22 pm

    This is a great thread.

    I think I got something in my eye……

  81. 81.

    ?BillinGlendaleCA

    May 13, 2020 at 7:22 pm

    @dmsilev: I always took you for more of an Irish Spring guy.

  82. 82.

    MomDoc

    May 13, 2020 at 7:23 pm

    Congratulations LAMH! It is such a great feeling to be finished! Enjoy, celebrate, and then sit back and be proud of yourself. Sometimes we forget to take a moment and relish all that we have accomplished. It’s a big deal!

    Congratulations again!

  83. 83.

    BGinCHI

    May 13, 2020 at 7:24 pm

    @?BillinGlendaleCA: There must be a tart joke around here somewhere…..

  84. 84.

    Mnemosyne

    May 13, 2020 at 7:24 pm

    I randomly popped back just in time to see this. Whoo-hoo! Congratulations!
    ?????

  85. 85.

    pamelabrown53

    May 13, 2020 at 7:25 pm

    Super Congrats lamh! You da bomb!!!

  86. 86.

    satby

    May 13, 2020 at 7:25 pm

    @dmsilev: @?BillinGlendaleCA:  ??? (soap jokes)

  87. 87.

    Montanareddog

    May 13, 2020 at 7:27 pm

    You can tell this is a real party because there is a bearded, fat redneck with no pants on being obnoxious upstairs.

    Congrats, Lamh.

  88. 88.

    cain

    May 13, 2020 at 7:27 pm

    Congratulations!!!!!!! :)

  89. 89.

    ?BillinGlendaleCA

    May 13, 2020 at 7:28 pm

    @satby: At least they’re clean jokes.

  90. 90.

    Elizabelle

    May 13, 2020 at 7:29 pm

    Looks Like She Made It! Congratulations, lamh. (we all yell: Surprise!) 13Looks Like She Made It! Congratulations, lamh. (we all yell: Surprise!) 12Looks Like She Made It! Congratulations, lamh. (we all yell: Surprise!) 11

  91. 91.

    Tazj

    May 13, 2020 at 7:30 pm

    Congratulations! I hope you get the chance to relax and celebrate now.

  92. 92.

    Elizabelle

    May 13, 2020 at 7:32 pm

    French Market beignets coming for lamh.  Pretty much the recipe from Cafe du Monde, I think.

    So it will be easier to read:  this recipe is from Rima and Richard Collin’s The New Orleans Cookbook (hardcover, page 200), and I’ve made it successfully for years.  Usually a half batch is plenty, and you will need to refrigerate the dough overnight.

    Here are Mr. and Mrs. Collin with their recipe and comments:

    BEIGNETS  (FRENCH MARKET DOUGHNUTS)

    Beignets are the rectangular doughnuts served fresh and hot around the clock at the French Market coffeehouses.  They are simple to prepare at home and make a delightful breakfast bread or a delicious snack at any hour of the day.  We have found that dough must be prepared in advance and refrigerated overnight.  We have found that for home preparation the dough works best in the large quantity given here [Elizabelle — ha!], enough for more than 5 dozen beignets.  But that’s no problem — the dough keeps beautifully under refrigeration for almost a week.  Just cut off some of the dough when you want to make beignets; roll it out, cut it up, and fry for about 3 minutes per batch, then sprinkle the beignets with confectioners’ sugar and serve piping hot.

    We wondered for a long time why homemade beignets lacked the special flavor of those served in the French Market.  Then one day we figured out the secret — using canned evaporated milk.  And it made sense.  Many older New Orleanians consider canned evaporated milk a great delicacy and, in fact, refer to it fondly as “pet cream.”

    Serve freshly fried beignets with good hot cafe au lait.

    For about 5 dozen beignets:  NOTE:  PREPARE THE DOUGH AND REFRIGERATE OVERNIGHT.  HALVING THIS RECIPE IS PLENTY!

    1 and 1/2 cup warm water
    1 package active dry yeast
    1/2 cup sugar
    1 teaspoon salt
    2 large eggs
    1 cup undiluted evaporated milk
    7 cups flour
    1/4 cup vegetable shortening  (ie. Crisco)

    Oil for deep frying
    Confectioners’ sugar

    Put the warm water into a large bowl, then sprinkle in the dry yeast and stir until thoroughly dissolved.  Add the sugar, salt, eggs, and evaporated milk.  Gradually stir in four cups of the flour and beat with a wooden spoon until smooth and thoroughly blended.  Beat in the shortening, then add the remaining flour, about 1/3 cup at a time, beating it in with a spoon until it becomes too stiff to stir, then working in the rest with your fingers.  Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

    Roll the dough out on a floured board or marble pastry surface to a thickness of 1/8 inch, then cut it into rectangles 2.5 by 3.5 inches with a sharp knife.

    Preheat oil in a deep fryer to 360.  [OK, a deep and heavy pot works great too. Revere Ware, whatever.]   Fry the beignets about 3 or 4 at a time until they are puffed out and golden brown on both sides (about 2-3 minutes per batch).  Turn them over in the oil with tongs once or twice to get them evenly brown, since they rise to the surface of the oil as soon as they begin to puff out.

    Drain each batch, place on a platter lined with several layers of paper towels, and put the platter in a 200 degree oven to keep warm.

    Sprinkle the beignets heavily with confectioners’ sugar and serve hot.

  93. 93.

    Old School

    May 13, 2020 at 7:34 pm

    Congrats lamh!  Here’s hoping the last test went well or it’ll be a little awkward for everyone.

  94. 94.

    Elie

    May 13, 2020 at 7:34 pm

    Congratulations and many many best wishes and good fortune for the future, Lamh!

    I always enjoy your perspectives and comments here also!

  95. 95.

    Emma from FL

    May 13, 2020 at 7:36 pm

    I’m too darn tired to be creative, but wanted to congratulate you on your success. The mad dash is over. Relax a while and enjoy your virtual presents.

  96. 96.

    Delk

    May 13, 2020 at 7:37 pm

    ????? Way to go!

  97. 97.

    scribbler

    May 13, 2020 at 7:37 pm

    Your tenacity and sheer dogged perserverance to reach this achievement put me to shame–well done lamh!!

  98. 98.

    Omnes Omnibus

    May 13, 2020 at 7:43 pm

    Congrats, lamh.  Fire on the Bayou.

  99. 99.

    Martin

    May 13, 2020 at 7:49 pm

    Well done, lamh. Best news of 2020 so far.

  100. 100.

    stinger

    May 13, 2020 at 7:51 pm

    Congratulations, lamh! You are an inspiration to us all, and a wonderful role model for your niece!

  101. 101.

    schrodingers_cat

    May 13, 2020 at 7:52 pm

    Congratulations!

  102. 102.

    tokyokie

    May 13, 2020 at 7:53 pm

    Congratulations! Now I know of somebody with a degree from a school whose teams are the Whos.

  103. 103.

    Dan B

    May 13, 2020 at 8:03 pm

    Congrats!  Now get out there and smell the roses (peonies..)
    and snarf up the deliciousness!

    Looks Like She Made It! Congratulations, lamh. (we all yell: Surprise!) 15

    Looks Like She Made It! Congratulations, lamh. (we all yell: Surprise!) 14

  104. 104.

    Mingobat (f/k/a Karen in GA)

    May 13, 2020 at 8:05 pm

    I offer you the highest of fives.  Congratulations!

  105. 105.

    hedgehog mobile

    May 13, 2020 at 8:05 pm

    Congratulations!

  106. 106.

    SiubhanDuinne

    May 13, 2020 at 8:10 pm

    AN ONLY PARTIALLY-RHYMING ENCOMIUM UPON THE OCCASION OF LAMH’S EARNING HER MASTER OF HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT DEGREE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW ORLEANS, 13 MAY 2020

    I started this in ample time,
    But simply cannot find a rhyme
    For “Healthcare Management,”

    And rhyming “lamh’s big graduation”
    Requires but one “congratulation!”
    (An insufficiency.)

    But now that your degree you’ve gained,
    My pride in you is unconstrained
    (Although the rhymes won’t come).

    So shed those academic shackles
    While I and all the other Jackals
    Salute your brilliant feat:

    Well done! Huzzahs! Jolly good!
    Wear with pride that Master’s hood!
    Kudos on your last exam!
    Cheers for our beloved lamh!

    — SiubhanDuinne

    So happy for you! Congratulations (plural)!

  107. 107.

    Another Scott

    May 13, 2020 at 8:11 pm

    Hearty congratulations lamh!!  You worked hard for this accomplishment and deserve it.

    Celebrate!

    Best wishes,
    Scott.

  108. 108.

    Frosty Fred

    May 13, 2020 at 8:14 pm

    Haven’t posted in years but–

     

    YAY!!!

  109. 109.

    The Lodger

    May 13, 2020 at 8:15 pm

    @?BillinGlendaleCA: With all these soap jokes, I’d expect it to be a watery tart…

  110. 110.

    WaterGirl

    May 13, 2020 at 8:15 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne: Nicely done, SD!

  111. 111.

    grandmaBear

    May 13, 2020 at 8:16 pm

    Congratulations! You’ve done well, and may you go on to do great things.

  112. 112.

    jimmy higgins

    May 13, 2020 at 8:17 pm

    https://youtu.be/2wR7ntuQc2s

  113. 113.

    prostratedragon

    May 13, 2020 at 8:17 pm

    Congratulations, lamh! Looking forward to Blue Skies.

  114. 114.

    beth

    May 13, 2020 at 8:26 pm

    Congratulations – May all your dreams come true!

  115. 115.

    lamh36

    May 13, 2020 at 8:27 pm

    OMGoodness!

    This is wonderful

    Thank you guys so much!!

     

    THATS IT!!! I JUST OFFICIALLY FINISHED MY LAST TEST AS A GRADATUATE STUDENT. !!
    #ClassOf2020 #UNOGrad #MSHCM

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/3154903a9174f4034c941d662c68fa337f6aeb93b55e817337835db34bd9e713.gif

  116. 116.

    Elizabelle

    May 13, 2020 at 8:28 pm

    @lamh36:   She’s here!  Woo hoo!

  117. 117.

    Baud

    May 13, 2020 at 8:29 pm

    @lamh36: Congrats!

  118. 118.

    Eunicecycle

    May 13, 2020 at 8:29 pm

    (Huffing and puffing from running) Am I too late? Congratulations, graduate!

  119. 119.

    WaterGirl

    May 13, 2020 at 8:31 pm

    @lamh36: Did you even answer the second part of your test?  Or did you just say “i’m out of here”?

  120. 120.

    Miss Bianca

    May 13, 2020 at 8:32 pm

    Mr. Darcy and I both say, “congratulations, lamh!” : )

    https://giphy.com/gifs/movie-film-s2AT65bLtVFsI

  121. 121.

    WaterGirl

    May 13, 2020 at 8:32 pm

    Okay, lamh, tell the truth – I screwed up the time of the post because I thought you were on Eastern Time.  Did you see this post before your exam started?

  122. 122.

    Kattails

    May 13, 2020 at 8:33 pm

    @dmsilev: I gained two pounds just looking at that.

  123. 123.

    mg_65

    May 13, 2020 at 8:33 pm

    Congratulations lamh! An impressive achievement. Raising a glass to your continued brilliance!

  124. 124.

    CarolDuhart2

    May 13, 2020 at 8:34 pm

    Please turn this into a video, please-every graduate’s theme song:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kw-_Ew5bVxs

    Pomp and circumstance.  Go to the head of the class!

    (added to the top of the post – WG)

  125. 125.

    BethanyAnne

    May 13, 2020 at 8:36 pm

    Omg, UNO? That’s where I started college, many, many moons ago. Congrats on your graduation!

  126. 126.

    WaterGirl

    May 13, 2020 at 8:37 pm

    @CarolDuhart2:  Great idea.,  That’s perfect!

    I added the Pomp and Circumstance youtube video to the post up top!

  127. 127.

    mrmoshpotato

    May 13, 2020 at 8:39 pm

    Woo!  Congrats lamh36!

  128. 128.

    WaterGirl

    May 13, 2020 at 8:40 pm

    @mrmoshpotato: I think she came to the party for a minute, and then ditched us! :-)

  129. 129.

    JeanneT

    May 13, 2020 at 8:40 pm

    What a wonderful happy thread and reason to celebrate:  congrats lamh!

  130. 130.

    HRA

    May 13, 2020 at 8:47 pm

    Congratulations Lamh!

  131. 131.

    Just One More Canuck

    May 13, 2020 at 8:47 pm

    Congratulations to an actual beloved commenter

  132. 132.

    lamh36

    May 13, 2020 at 8:47 pm

    @WaterGirl:

    Finished the first part in the first 30 mins…didn’t even go over each answer like I ususally do…just got her done changed an answer or two, but that was it.

    Then yep…breezed right through the 2nd part in less than an hours.  Was the first one fininshed in fact…LOL.  I think even my professor was surprised

  133. 133.

    JAFD

    May 13, 2020 at 8:48 pm

    Congratulations, LAMH, and best wishes !

  134. 134.

    lamh36

    May 13, 2020 at 8:49 pm

    @WaterGirl: Nope I actually didn’t.  Spent the day mostly lollygagging and offline.  Wanted to be zen for the test.    Then bout 2 hours before the test…I did some last minute studying.

    I came to say I finished my test and boom this post was up!

     

    Thank you so much!

  135. 135.

    lamh36

    May 13, 2020 at 8:52 pm

    I wish I could individually thank everyone, but there are so many of you!

    Thank ya’ll so much for the kind words…and encouragement for the past 2 years!

    I have tried my best to keep up with work, school and leisure, but I admit it was harder than it looks.

    Looking forward to having my evening free and using the rest of the quarantine time to relax and plan my next move, which may just be a move to Cali.  I can use these stay at home orders to plan my next step

  136. 136.

    lamh36

    May 13, 2020 at 8:54 pm

    @BethanyAnne: I got my first Bachelors from UNO in 2002.  So I’m double alum now!

  137. 137.

    WaterGirl

    May 13, 2020 at 8:54 pm

    @lamh36: You must be over the moon to have made it over the finish line!

    When you come back down to earth tomorrow, I hope you’ll have time to go through the amazing stuff people put together for you.

    People baked real cakes and real beignets, painted you real pictures, wrote poems, made you cards, wrote notes, looked for the perfect, well, everything!

    P.S.  You get Idris for the rest of the week because he obviously cares about you, but I think I should get him for the week after that.

  138. 138.

    Mnemosyne

    May 13, 2020 at 8:56 pm

    @lamh36:

    Cali can be a good place to come if you’re in healthcare since we have a pretty well-functioning system that’s continuing to grow. I wouldn’t be surprised if we take another stab at our own universal system, which will need planners and managers.

  139. 139.

    WaterGirl

    May 13, 2020 at 8:58 pm

    @Mnemosyne: I have it on good authority – from someone on this blog called Balloon Juice – that people from California hate it when you call it “Cali”.  :-)

    Is that not so?

  140. 140.

    lamh36

    May 13, 2020 at 8:58 pm

    @WaterGirl: YES!

    I’ve been looking through the entire thread just now!

    If anyone really want me to receive anything, I think you, john and Adam or any of the FPer can email me and I can give a forwarding address.

    Either way…thank you and thank all you BJ commenters for the congrats!

    It was cool, esp since I won’t get a chance to have a real time celebration with my fam like I would have cause of this quarantine

  141. 141.

    TomatoQueen

    May 13, 2020 at 8:59 pm

    Well done to you and best wishes and hopes for your bright future. You have earned it.

  142. 142.

    WaterGirl

    May 13, 2020 at 9:03 pm

    Thanks for coming, everyone!  Stay as long as you like.

    We finished off the lobster and clams.  But there’s still some chocolate cake if anyone wants to take some home, and a few cookies.  The beignets should be coming out of the oven any time now.

    Drive carefully.

  143. 143.

    Laura Too

    May 13, 2020 at 9:05 pm

    Champagne all around! I’m buying. :) Congratulations lamh! what a beautiful party, Thanks Watergirl, you sure know how to put something together, you’re amazing!

  144. 144.

    WaterGirl

    May 13, 2020 at 9:07 pm

    @lamh36: I’ll send you email now while I’m thinking of it, and I’ll share your address with the peeps who offered things in real life.

  145. 145.

    ?BillinGlendaleCA

    May 13, 2020 at 9:08 pm

    @WaterGirl:

    Drive carefully…

    and remember to put on your pants before you leave.

  146. 146.

    dmsilev

    May 13, 2020 at 9:12 pm

    @Kattails: Fortunately, it slices nicely into small pieces (recipe says “serves 12”, but I’ve cut it as thin as 20 slices when necessary). Yes, it’s rich. But so so good; the citrus blends beautifully with the chocolate.

  147. 147.

    something fabulous

    May 13, 2020 at 9:14 pm

    @?BillinGlendaleCA: Look who’s being all fancy all of a sudden

  148. 148.

    Elizabelle

    May 13, 2020 at 9:15 pm

    @Dan B.:   I love that cat.

  149. 149.

    Soprano2

    May 13, 2020 at 9:21 pm

    Congratulations lamh! A graduate degree is quite an achievement.  I couldn’t face school again after I got my B.A., I’m always impressed by someone who can.

  150. 150.

    WaterGirl

    May 13, 2020 at 9:22 pm

    @Elizabelle: I know!  That cat was awesome!

  151. 151.

    BGinCHI

    May 13, 2020 at 9:26 pm

    @lamh36: Serious, hardy congrats.

  152. 152.

    WaterGirl

    May 13, 2020 at 9:28 pm

    I hope as people are still hanging around that you take a minute to admire some of the awesome stuff people put together.

    I mean, seriously.  I couldn’t do a drawing like Avalune, to save my life.  The watercolor, the certificate, the cards, and so many beautiful photographs.

    The photoshopping of Idris… could someone photoshop him into my life?  With a deep fake so good that even I would wonder whether it really happened?  :-)

    So much talent and good will here on Balloon Juice!  And so much attention to detail.

    To everyone who participated – you are all great.

    Okay, before i get too sappy, maybe I should say fuck you?  (surely someone deserves it, right?)

  153. 153.

    CaseyL

    May 13, 2020 at 9:33 pm

    @WaterGirl: That would be great – thanks!

    And @lamh36:  Missing your family now just means you get to celebrate *again* when you can all get together.  At least, that’s how I’d look at it :)

  154. 154.

    Aleta

    May 13, 2020 at 9:39 pm

    @lamh36: Congratulations and admiration for all  you know and have achieved… and then managing those great trips and time with family too.

  155. 155.

    Darkrose

    May 13, 2020 at 9:40 pm

    Congratulations lamh! That’s so awesome and I know you must feel great! Make sure you take some time to treat yourself—you deserve it!

  156. 156.

    opiejeanne

    May 13, 2020 at 10:07 pm

    @WaterGirl: That would be me, probably, and I’m not just a native Californian, I’m also one of those very rare natives of Los Angeles County.

    I don’t live in CA any more, but I feel a deep connection to the state of California.

  157. 157.

    Yutsano

    May 13, 2020 at 10:12 pm

    @Mnemosyne:

    I wouldn’t be surprised if we take another stab at our own universal system

    Please please PLEASE address the big problem that spiked it last time! That really was such an own goal honestly.

  158. 158.

    opiejeanne

    May 13, 2020 at 10:17 pm

    @lamh36: Congratulations again!

    I have only a tiny idea of how much hard work this took. I chickened out when I was considering starting my Masters because it was just overwhelming, and it was going to cost me $1800! That was a few years ago, yes.

  159. 159.

    Miss Bianca

    May 13, 2020 at 10:44 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne: Have you been made the blog’s Official Balladeer yet?

  160. 160.

    planetjanet

    May 13, 2020 at 10:46 pm

    What a wonderful celebration.  This is such a remarkable community.  Congratulations, lamh!!!!  You have done a remarkable deed.  There is so much good you do in the world.  Thank you.

  161. 161.

    chopper

    May 13, 2020 at 10:47 pm

    congraduations!

  162. 162.

    FelonyGovt

    May 13, 2020 at 10:58 pm

    Late to the party as always but I wanted to wish you congratulations, lamh! What an achievement!

  163. 163.

    zeecube

    May 13, 2020 at 11:10 pm

    Go Lamh!  Whodatt!

  164. 164.

    hitchhiker

    May 13, 2020 at 11:18 pm

    Flowers and Idris and love and recipes and jokes and songs to you, lamh! Sincere congratulations on crossing that finish line.

    You did it!

  165. 165.

    Tenar Arha

    May 13, 2020 at 11:27 pm

    Congratulations Graduate lamh!

    Very happy for you. And reading this thread it feels like we’re all making a virtual party & really dancing to Chic on here.

  166. 166.

    ellie

    May 13, 2020 at 11:30 pm

    WAY TO GO!

  167. 167.

    Felanius Kootea

    May 14, 2020 at 12:08 am

    @lamh36: Congratulations lamh! You did it!

  168. 168.

    Amir Khalid

    May 14, 2020 at 12:43 am

    Congratulations! Go, you!

  169. 169.

    ruemara

    May 14, 2020 at 12:51 am

    Looks Like She Made It! Congratulations, lamh. (we all yell: Surprise!) 16

    Happy day! Congratulations, Iamh! You did it! This is amazing and I’m so happy for you. Can’t wait to see what you do next. Although maybe I should have gone with my shots of sealed petri dishes.

  170. 170.

    Comrade Colette Collaboratrice

    May 14, 2020 at 1:24 am

    @WaterGirl: 

    I have it on good authority – from someone on this blog called Balloon Juice – that people from California hate it when you call it “Cali”. :-)

    Is that not so?

    It’s definitely a flat note. But we would welcome lamh so damn hard it wouldn’t matter, and we’d give her all the time she needs to find a different nickname. Congratulations!!! What a terrific achievement. You have earned this party and then some.

  171. 171.

    sgrAstar

    May 14, 2020 at 2:16 am

    So happy for you, Lamh!!!! Excited for your next move!

     

    ?

  172. 172.

    Sister Golden Bear

    May 14, 2020 at 2:59 am

    Belated congratulations!

  173. 173.

    WaterGirl

    May 14, 2020 at 8:11 am

    @Comrade Colette Collaboratrice:

    …and we’d give her all the time she needs to find a different nickname.

    Do the letters in “lamh” spell something out?  Louisiana something?  All this time, I had no idea… I just knew that every so often I try to spell it lahm.

  174. 174.

    Torrey

    May 14, 2020 at 1:30 pm

    Congratulations! That’s a huge achievement, made huger by finishing as a pandemic interrupts your final semester. Laisse les bon temps rouler! (Or “laissez,” depending on whether you’re going for the Creole or Cajun version. But either way, definitely les bon temps!)

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