My Friday evening shopping mission for Mr G, apart from being an opportunity to run 7km with a purpose after finishing work, was an educational experience. Mr G taught me a classic piece that should be sung with a Cockney accent. I didn't dare to sing it myself on the spot, without practising.

My old man's a dustman
He wears a dustman's hat
He wears cor-blimey trousers
And he lives in a council flat

It was good to see Mr G reconciling with cavolo nero, his once-favourite leafy vegetable, which had recently fallen out of favour. I bought him three items from the cabbage family today: sweetheart cabbage, cavolo nero and brussels sprouts! Perhaps, one day, Mr G will try veggies that are not green - and not cabbage - and will fall in love with them.