Ms N was delighted to see me after a break. She announced she had a big order for me today which I welcomed with a sense of challenge. There was no challenge though. Ms N asked me if I could go to my secret spot where I source the reasonably priced and excellent 2kg Kohinoor rice. Of course, I could.

When I was in Sainsbury's, my first stop, I was pretty confident that I would get away today without crossing the South Ealing road. The only things remaining on the shopping list were the Onken yoghurt (usually found in Co-Op) and half of the cucumber. I didn't think I could find any cucumber halves locally but I made a gamble by not buying a whole cucumber in Saino's and betting on Co-Op. That was a mistake. Co-Op didn't have cucumber halves, whole cucumbers, cucumber quarters or 0.5772156649 of cucumber. They had zero cucumbers.

The cucumber shortage forced me to either go back to Sainsbury's or cross the road after all and buy cucumber in the nearest shop with a vegetable stand which was a Polish delicatessen. I chose the latter. Why? Well, I have already returned to Sainsbury's once. I haven't told you yet that I missed the strawberry cheesecakes that were on the list but I was oblivious to that. Sainsbury's didn't have them, and neither did Co-Op, so I gave Ms N a ring and initiated negotiation. As a result, I bought Co-Op's lemon cheesecakes which I hope Ms N will love.

Ms N was very grateful for my help today and for the efforts of all other GoodGymers who did their best while shopping for her. Nice one you lot!

Also, special thanks to Becky who arranged this usual weekend mission to happen on Friday!