I agree about the organic stuff being so costly although I do like the veg boxes I get delivered. Other than that, I mainly shop at the Co-op or the small independent fruit and veg in trendy Queen's Road. I hope Nada is sufficiently well-placed to make a living. Their location is very good.
I'm completely with your wife: even for just a week away I'm not used to my usual foods and long for plain English cooking. I hope she enjoyed her dinner.
It sounds like you've got your hands full. Where do you source the books? Enjoy yourself here in our lovely drab country and look forward to the Singers (the rye was great. I've got a fixation about cheese and onion now).