It was Mr T's birthday this week (I'd bought him a card and gift!), and so on the list were a few variations to the weekly themes as he felt like a change, although his list was still a good mix of the familiar C's - carrots, chicken slices, cheese, chicken kievs...he wanted me to get him something different to cream of chicken soup too...and the sardines would be in olive oil.

Fortunately all the shops were behaving, so we had plenty of time for a good catch up post shop across the usual wide ranging topics, and once again I left enlightened on a multitude of subjects that prior to 2pm today I knew nothing about!

The list that Mrs S dictates to me (and which I take down in my best handwriting...) are always clear and precise, but it's the additional level of detail that makes shopping for her such an enjoyable experience (and occasional challenge)...today it was essential that the broccoli was English, the Beef Burgers Scottish, the Cheese Spanish, and that I try to find the "greenest of the bananas" (for which she did compliment me on my selection upon my return). I thought I knew my way the world's politest supermarket, but shopping for Mrs S takes it a whole new level!

David and I arrived at Mr N's ready for a bit of bed making...how much work would be required we weren't sure as the bed was described as "partially completed". Fortunately the care workers for Mr N proved very helpful and we soon understood the scope of the task. A couple of screws at the headboard were loose, and try as we might we couldn't find a way to get them to firmly attach to the support upright - it looked like a little too much force had previously been applied.

Fitting the slats to the frame proved a far more straightforward task, especially with two of us on the job armed with the necessary tools and working from each end. Before long we soon had it all in place, and the whole bed felt a lot sturdier as a result, which meant the loose screws shouldn't be a problem.

Mr N came in for a close inspection and declared himself delighted with our work, and the fact that he now had a bed he could actually sleep on!

Midway through getting Ms D's items scanned and bagged, I noticed the attention of the friendly checkout lady turn to whatever was happening outside, followed quickly by a rather loud "wow"...the heavens had truly opened and the equivalent of an Edgware Road torrential monsoon was flooding the pavement outside. A few brave souls were risking it and getting very wet in the process, but everyone else was now congregating near the exit, like an audience watching something unusual slowly unfold in front of their eyes.

At some point I had to make a run for it - and so judging that it had "eased off a little", and with umbrella in one hand and Ms D's shopping in my arms to try and avoid it getting drenched, I made the long dash for her front door...drowned rat doesn't even come close.

All very efficient today - the friendly pharmacist was expecting me and I soon had medicine bag in hand - the biggest challenge was to then avoid the passing showers and puddles (and a large number of learner bus drivers out on the roads) en route to the drop off at Mrs S's front door, for which I was glad I'd discovered a few short cuts...

Our compact team took to the streets of Canning Town to spread the word about Cody Dock’s “Lighting Up the Lea” Open Day—an event that takes place across not just one, but three festivals: Open House, Totally Thames, and Newham Heritage Month. Armed with flyers, we were on a mission to spark curiosity and draw in the crowd. The event is always fantastic, and we’d highly recommend a visit—check out all the details below!

When:
Saturday, 20 September 2025, from 11 am to 6 pm

Where:
Cody Dock, 11c South Crescent, Canning Town, London E16 4TL

What to Expect:
Free activities, workshops, exhibitions, performances, and new installations. Tours of the Cody Dock Boatyard and Frederick Kitchen restoration and a chance to explore the site’s arts, ecology, and heritage offerings.

Here’s the Cody Dock event page with full details: codydock.org.uk

Next week we're back at Emmanuel Church, this time to put our painting abilities to the test - sign up here.