The weather has finally cleared, the sun has come back to us and the garden is growing.
Just to clean out my files, here is the last of our cold, wet spring dinners….
I hope.
I still have half of a container of preserved lemons in the fridge…. I’m thinking they’ll be good in salads.
The recipe, Chicken with Chickpeas and Preserved Lemon, has been updated, nutrition information added, and re-posted here: Lemon Chicken with Chickpeas.
I got a notice from the French health care system today. I’m due for my mammogram. It’s done every two years in France.
It’s one of those things about living here that I’m not quite sure how I feel about.
Not the mammogram, the notice from the System.
My doctor doesn’t schedule it or tell me to schedule it. I get the notice in the mail and am expected to get it done. I’m given the films and am expected to take them to my doctor at my next appointment for her to revue
And if I don’t, they nag.
It’s kind of like Big Brother, but in a good way.
I think…..
It’s not just the mammogram the System nags about. Three years ago we were told it was time for a complete physical – which seemed like a good idea, so we both immediately scheduled it.
Still, it was their idea…. and we were told where to go and what time to be there.
Then, of course, is my favorite: the hemoccult test kit.
The first time that came in the post I promptly ignored it.
A month later I got another one, with a chastisement that I had not submitted the first one they sent and to please take care of it NOW.
In fear of having someone show up at my door to, ahem, assist me, I did as I was told.
As I dropped it in the post box I had visions of all these completed hemoccult test kits floating / flowing through the French postal system.
Gives one pause, doesn’t it?
Just so you know…. We had an entire day of sunshine.
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I got one of those test kits too – mine too went into the bin but I am absolutely sure our government does not do reminders – its every man/women for him/herself in reality !!
Congratulations on the sunshine! Brrrr about the mammogram. (I never understand why they don’t call a spade a spade and label it extreme-breast-pressing. It makes me think of chicken piccata.)
What a good idea to add chickpeas to this chicken and preserved lemon dish. It sounds wonderful.
As for the hemoccult test, the hardest part of it (aside from the “ew” factor) for me having to avoid red foods for the duration of the test.
Love the flavors in this salad! I’m still trying to figure out new uses for preserved lemons so this is perfect!
We belong to an HMO here in California that reminds us gently of medical appointments we need to make and sends us the “poop test” as we call it without our asking for it. I actually like the reminders – when else would I ever remember?
Glad you have some sunshine at last. I heard on the news that Europe is drowned this season.
Kate, I get reminders LOL
Elizabeth, mammograms seem gentler here, for some reason. I’m developing a real love of preserved lemons… – too bad about the food avoidance – I think I’d avoid the hemoccult (no choice, tho….)
Joanne, I’m getting very creative – I love it.
Zoomie, it is nice to know the reminders will come – otherwise I’d probably intentionally forget… Very wet and lots of flooding at the moment. Not in France, thankfully.
Rain again, took a nap
Susan, naps on a rainy day are always a good idea.
Yeah…. got one for colon cancer dépistage and have so far ignored it and am waiting for the follow up and the chastisement. Good for them. But oh if all healthcare solutions were as good as this chicken with chickpeas dish. Beautiful and really perfect for this lousy weather.