Pickle

I agree with JohnL... I always wait till the bus lane disappears before pulling into the left hand lane - but always seem to encounter speed freaks intent on roaring up the bus lane (not always turning left either). Just yesterday I was wondering whether there are cameras, but I'm guessing not?

There's also Dulwich Runners, but I think they take things a bit more seriously than DPR - not quite so good for beginners (but excellent if you're a serious runner by all accounts)

Great pics, thanks for sharing! I just love the way everyone running has a smile on their face, brilliant.

The Dulwich Park Runners beginners course would be perfect for you - there used to be a lot of complete beginners, it's a great way to get an introduction to running in an environment that's both supportive and safe (good warm ups, warm downs etc., so the risk of injury is reduced).

It's really worthwhile - I used to be a member of the club (pre baby) and helped out with the beginners course. From memory it used to be Saturday mornings, at Dulwich Park. They build you up slowly with the end result being that you should be able to join the club for their weekly runs (if you want to, there's no pressure!). I'll be doing the beginners course this time next year to get me back into running again, can't wait!

Oooooh, are you the one that looks like Daniel Craig?

;-) I'll stick to being an ex-accountant, now Mum, who must admit to feeling more than slightly jealous when faced with the lovely Dr Anu looking fabulous while I sit covered in baby sick/food, wearing whatever clothes I picked up off the floor that morning, looking like I've been dragged through a hedge backwards. Sigh.

Annaj, it is very true that people are surprised to see a young dynamic woman working as a doctor. I should know better than to quip about it. I used to work as an accountant in the city, and was often faced with surprised looks from people who had assumed I was a PA - so it happens in other industries too.

It's not meant to be mean - she's an excellent doctor, just seems streets ahead of all the other doctors I've ever come across in terms of personality and fashion sense! :)

Good on her, she interviewed well. She's known to us as "clippy cloppy pretend doctor"... I can't help thinking she looks nothing like a doctor when I see her in the surgery wearing her trendy retro dresses and high heels! But, she's lovely.

Yep, Ibuprofen was my best friend after I did the marathon. Try and get some of the super strength stuff, it will sort you out. Well done!

I did it 3 years ago, amazing experience! Watching it on TV now, feeling motivated... although at 6 months preggers not sure I'll be running any time soon. For 3 days afterwards I had to go up and down the stairs in our house sitting on my backside. Worth it though!

My god, that's shocking, what a scary thing to have happen (and it must have been pretty horrendous to witness). I can't believe the dog is still allowed to walk around, by all accounts it will do the same thing again. Very worrying given the number of kids in the area and the proximity to the park.

Brilliant! As I see it, it's no different to giving a starving person food or a naked person clothes. I'm sure you made their xmas... although chances are they probably can't remember it!

Good luck guys, it sounds brilliant, a much needed addition to the dining options in ED.

Just be wary... if you negotiate a lower than usual commission, check the final statement you receive before you pay it. We negotiated with Haart when we sold our house almost 2 years ago, and then noticed they had charged their standard percentage on the bill. We queried it (with contract it hand) and it was amended... but it made me wonder whether they chance their arm with these things!

I'm always amazed at the number of cars parked in the disabled bays at Sainbury's that don't display blue badges... and that car park is "monitored"! Especially at busy times, like the weekends.

I've lived in London for 7 years and (touch wood) have never had any problems. Mr Pickle was mugged at gunpoint when he lived in Battersea, lost his wallet & phone but thankfully was fine. Police managed to catch the guys responsible as they'd carried out a string of muggings that night and were identified in a line up. Flong - that's terrible! Just goes to show how these kids progress from bag snatching to much much worse.

... must have been quite nice for our parents too! A day without kids sounds lovely, much better than our current role which involves accompanying them everywhere. There's a limit to how much soft play and visits to the park I can take! Mind you, my boy is only 13 months old, perhaps not quite old enough to kick out the front door yet?

I didn't grow up in ED, in fact I didn't grow up in this country... but have great memories of summer school holidays where we waved goodbye to our parents in the morning and set off on our bikes with a sandwich and a drink ready for a day of adventuring with friends. As long as we were home by the time it got dark nobody worried. Sad to think this isn't possible for our kids, no matter where in the world they live.

I use that parade of shops quite often if I can't be bothered with the hustle and bustle of Lordship Lane (or am just feeling too lazy to walk the extra 5 mins!). The Co-Op staff are friendly, and they have the basics that I need if I'm just nipping out, and often some good savings. The NHS chemist has a good stock of baby products and once again a bargain can be found every now and then. Si Mangia is fab, cheap and cheerful food, great atmosphere. The post office is a godsend, I often use it late afternoon and hardly ever have to queue (here's hoping it doesn't get closed down!). I've never ventured into Beauty Plus, but might give it a try, especially if they do late nights.

As someone who's worked in the weight loss industry (the traditional healthy eating/exercise side of it) I can't help but be sceptical about using a patch to miraculously lose weight. I do, however, agree that emotional issues come into play for many people as far as weight is concerned, but fail to see how a patch would help to deal with these? Surely the healthy eating and exercise route is more effective in achieving overall mind and body results?

I'm loving the Dolly Parton version of Stairway to Heaven... only listened to it because I was expecting a laugh, but it's actually really good!

I used to catch the 176 up to Oxford Street every Monday morning, complete and utter nightmare! I switched to using the 12 (bendy bus that goes down Barry Rd, through Peckham, past Westminster) and found it much better. It certainly seemed quicker on the way there, but on the way home I used to get off at Camberwell and switch to a bus that took the direct route past Denmark Hill rather than through Peckham as for some reason it was a lot slower in reverse. The best thing about the 12 was that I used to get on at one of the first stops and always got the single seat right at the front, public transport luxury!

They've all got fetching "crew cut" hair styles... number 1 all over kind of thing. Guess from a practicality angle I can see the benefits. Usually matched with black hoodies & black jeans.