Ahh, the Good Golden Captain of Ziinngg*...many was the day as a shorter lad that I binged the golden nuggets to the tune of Saturday cartoons. Never even THOUGHT to ask mom to make french toast out of them. What WAS I not thinking?! That does sound rather glorious to this taller lad today. I'll have to try it. Though syrup on top might make sleeping for the next 2 days a (fun) chore ( :

I LOVE traditions, and am such a silly sentimentalist. Also love your take on them, peer pressure from beyond. Classic stuff. If I use it, I'll give full GK credit.

So very sorry to hear of your friend's passing. As folks have said below and you above, we never get used to it. Though I do believe each one takes a little piece of us with them when they go. Life is so grand and sucky, all in one breath. My thoughts are with you though, in hard times.
Now I need to go eat, and wondering if some crunched up Honey Bunches of Oats will work for F.T. Naah, the Good Golden Captain is all that will do. Now where are those car keys again? Cheers my 'brarian friend of the feline variety, Le' Caste Skillette

*You eat about 17 bowls and your brain goes wonky for longer than a spell