After a few weeks of a break, it was my turn to visit Ms F's for her weekly shopping mission. It was good to see her in good spirits after catching up with her friends.

Today's list didn't include the usual Orkney oatcakes and Ryvita, but had a special treat: Bonne Maman blueberry yoghurt, apparently beneficial for the eyes. Unfortunately, the sizes and flavours of the yoghurts in the store didn't match the voucher Ms F had hoped to use. She'd still have a week to redeem it.

Another special request was a discounted pinot grigio wine. I didn't have much luck with getting the product Ms F wanted as the promotion on her favourite had finished. I called Ms F and suggested a different, also discounted, brand that matched the budget and, apparently, was organic. It didn't come up as a surprise to me that Ms F decided to give the organic alternative a try.

Back at Ms F's flat, the lady examined the label, discovering that the wine originated from Sicily. Potential involvement of mafia in the vineyards or production was briefly brought up, but Ms F decided to trust the new brand and try the pinot grigio later with dinner.

A rare Tuesday lunchtime visit to see Mr T, as he hadn't secured a visitor over the weekend - he was clearly glad to see me (as much for the spinach, cheese and milk) but also to tell me how much he'd enjoyed the last night of the proms, which had featured a Dumfries native in tartan troosers and a lot of Union Jack flag waving...just how Mr T likes it.

Arrived at Ms F block of flats and rang several times before calling her. She opened for me to find out she was in the kitchen with her newly installed machine earlier this week. She did not hear and was trying to figure out how to work the machine and dryer. We talked while getting the shopping list : usual items but some newbies that have come back as getting cooler. Yes the fish(breaded haddock and poached salmon with herbs) was on the menu as Fish Friday. Vegetables to go with her fish. Water bottles to ensure Ms F keeps drinking even if getting cooler. Chicken Korma is back on the list. Then had cleaning gloves to find - golden gloves! Her preferred 4 rolls of toilet paper were not there but found a substitute(same brand) and got a deal on it - Half price!!!Ms F was happy with her discounts today. When I came back, I had to ring the bell and call her several times as no answer. Then she opened and said she was on the phone with the aftersales team for the washing machine warranty - hold the line caller!! Once shopping packed I did a quick demo on how to use the new machine as she could not understand how to use the "dryer" as this is a washing and drying machine.

Well I learned something new today chatting with Mr T, when during a lengthy discussion about various foods (favourites, not so liked, types of cuisine, bad cooking experiences etc.), Mr T threw in the Scottish phrase "going for a tightener", which he kindly explained (to this unworldly south of the border softie who'd never heard this wonderful phrase before) means having a substantial feed...brilliant, just brilliant.

Friday evening shopping mission in Camden for Ms F. On arrival, Ms F was feeling sleepy and was sitting in the dark - maybe a reason wanting to snooze. Shopping list provided with just some small changes, but most of the usual products including the Boxton water. Quick walk to the store and aisle shifting to get all the items required - store was not too busy so went quickly. Bagged her vouchers(£2 of discounts) plus got an extra discount for her Trentino(saved £2.50)

Had a lovely chat while taking out the shopping from the bag

Back to Ms F for her weekly shopping. Not many surprises on the list : water always on the list. Had some extras or some slight changes and today she had a preference for the haddock at the fresh fish counter instead of the poached salmon with herbs. She said I dont like the breaded cod which I already knew 😉. Get some haddock if any, but dont take cod. Then worse case scenario I will have some salmon.

Lucky Friday as loads of haddock plus it was Fish Friday so got discounted fish at the till. Ms F loves her vouchers and discounts : bonus tonight!! Got some "fancy" cheese with mango & ginger. Salad is on the menu as got some nice gems, spring onions and avocado, not to forget the special mustard for the dressing.