Unfortunately all the moving parts of this particular mission didn't align this afternoon - as Ms S is bed bound, the drop off of her medicines was timed to coincide with her carer being there at 1330...however, as I discovered when standing outside Ms S's door and speaking to her on the phone, the carer had arrived early at 1300, and had already departed.

So all I could do was explain to Ms S that I'd return the medicines back to the pharmacy and that another volunteer would deliver them to her (hopefully this week) when the carer is in her flat and able to open the door for them.

I'm aware that Maida Vale isn't really that far west in the overall scheme of London, but for someone who's normally out East, it made a pleasant change of scene- and as I'd been near Paddington, today's shop for Mr R proved an easy and pleasant walk and explore of a new 'hood.

As per last time his list was detailed and easy to follow, and even in these inflationary times, Mr R has the prices right as we still got change from his crisp £20 note. Overall a very pleasant way to spend a damp Monday afternoon, and Mr R was very grateful for this week's assistance.

At the end of last week's run report (mostly about rain and mud), I'd (more in hope) mentioned that next week would see a return to blue skies...and so I clearly wasn't the only one delighted this morning to see the sun out and crisp-ish conditions underfoot, as we were joined by 54 enthusiastic runners (including 4 first timers) under the big tree this morning, and a full house of volunteers too...amazing what a bit of sunshine can do to the mood.

After Run Director Mas had led the warm up, and the handing out of milestone wristbands to those who'd achieved either half or full marathon status, it was a big crowd on the start line waiting for the off - timekeeper Rue kept them on their marks and then it was go, go, go for the pack, keeping GG regulars and Hi Viz heroes Hilary, Sooz and Nick to the left at all times. The sun (or a hearty breakfast) had clearly boosted a few, as we saw 7 PBs set, and a lot of rosy, mostly smiley, faces at the finish.

It'll be sunny and blue skies again next week - come and join us then for more Sunday fun at the Fields!

A return visit to Ms H to build more of her IKEA furniture, but when I arrived it was clear she'd managed to get some additional assistance, as various wardrobe shells were now in her living room, and there were a couple of other people (hard at work) assembling various items.

She quickly put me to work upstairs building a hanging unit and a small storage unit that sat below it - "these are the easy ones" she said, and on the whole she wasn't wrong, albeit it was a precursor of things to come....as once I'd completed these and asked what was next, she indicated she had a bunk bed that needed building downstairs in her living room, and being the ambitious sort and up for a challenge on a rainy Saturday afternoon I agreed to do this - fortunately I hadn't made dinner plans...

I'm a flat pack fan, and remain amazed that something like a bunk bed can be built using two different sized Allen keys (and a hammer), and after judicious following of the step by step guide, the frame and slats were in place, and it was starting to look like a (double) bed - the issue now was the lack of space to get round each side to finish it off, so much breathing in was required...and eventually it was all done.

Ms H was delighted and commented (positively...) on my building skills and diligence - "Adult Lego" she called it - albeit you certainly don't ache as much after building the Death Star or Apollo 11 out of hundreds of plastic bricks...

Almost the moment I'd got through the front door, Mr T was clearly itching to tell me something - as I parked myself in the now familiar wooden chair, he mentioned he'd had a winner at 40/1 this week, his best ever odds - even with my limited (but ever expanding courtesy of Mr T's weekly teach-ins) knowledge of the turf, I knew this was a good thing - the fact that Mr T couldn't stop smiling made it clear he was also pretty chuffed. He'd also got his Christmas tree out, so it all felt very cheery and festive in his flat today! I also discovered that £4.99 buys you an inordinate amount of toilet rolls in Lidl...

Week 2 of back to shopping on a Friday morning for Mrs S and it's as if the break never happened - list was ready, money and Waitrose token on the kitchen table and a quick catch up with Mrs S and it was off out into the Friday morning sunshine.

As always I was very appreciative of the detailed list which left no doubt as to the items to be gathered - Mrs S has discovered the nightmare that is "chocolate bar shrinkflation" , so was adamant I should only get her a bar of Lindt (bigger size for your money, or at least for now...). I also discovered you could buy frozen spinach...friday's truly are school days on the shopping front.