Summer is on its way!

Mimosa trees are now in full bloom across Brittany. It is one of the first flowers we see after winter and the bright yellow flowers and delicate scent is a reminder that summer is not far away.

Native to the Middle East, North Africa and Asia, mimosa trees were brought back to Europe in the mid-19th century by Captain James Cook and rich English winter holiday-makers planted them in their Riviera gardens. They thrived in the warm climate and the well-drained soil.

In France you can also order a Mimosa cocktail. This cocktail is very similar to a Bucks Fizz but I think the Bucks Fizz has a higher proportion of champagne and the Mimosa has a higher proportion of orange juice.

Sport on Perscription

From 1st January 2017, doctors in France will be able to prescribe sport.

Trials in Strasbourg have shown that sport is an effective way of helping to treat a range of diseases from cancer to diabetes. Initially sport will only be prescribed to patients with major long term diseases. Patients prescribed sporting activities will not be directed to gyms already filled with fit people, instead they will be offered specialist sessions run by sports therapists who will tailor activities to each patients physical condition.

The idea is that by prescribing sport, patients will get fitter and more active and in time they will join main stream sporting clubs and associations.

The sports being offered include jogging, archery, yoga and gym sessions.

Paying for these sports sessions will either be met by health insurance providers or by local authorities.

Trials have shown that prescribed sports sessions lower anxiety, less pain and improved blood pressure.

When a Frenchman collides with a deer

8.00am on Saturday morning.  Jean Pierre has just called.

‘Is Mark there?, I have just collided with a deer and I need his help?’

‘Are you OK?’ I ask

‘Fine, I am waiting for the gendarmerie but I need some help to get the deer into the boot of my car.’

Now, if I had collided with a deer, the last thing on my mind would be how I could transport it home.

French law states that if you collide with a wild animal you are entitled to keep the carcass but you can’t sell it. Whereas in the UK you loose your no claims bonus after colliding with an animal, in France you don’t as long as you report it to the gendarmerie.

I didn’t ask what Jean Pierre intended to do with the deer once he got it home, aren’t there laws about home butchery?… some times it is best just NOT to know!

Creme gets an island unit!

My nagging has paid off!.. ‘La Maison Creme needs more kitchen cupboards’.

Mark has just finished the island unit so La Maison Creme now has more kitchen cupboards!, and reinforced shelves. I have been known to ‘overload’ shelves.

Really pleased!, when it gets a bit warmer, I will go and move everything around.