I've been staying with Kalihi and my nieces at Kalihi's sisters house - or rather her large deluxe house on a substantial plot of land.

It has been really hot here, 40 degrees most days (42.5 today) so we've been running errands in the mornings and then jumping in the pool in the afternoon. Delightful.

Kalihi and the girls left for England today. It was really sad, I've realized that I'm not good with goodbyes. I was the one who cried first - quite silly really as they are moving nearer to where I live, but it was the emotional situation that did it - she was leaving her mum and sister.

Annie (Kalihi's mum) said I could stay at her house for a while which was really nice. It's a lovely little cottage (i say cottage - don't think old Cotswold stone, but modern wooden, air-conditioned, lush place - I'd like to get me one of these) and she is working for the next three days which means I'd have the place to myself.

However the reason for staying on in Ashland (or rather Phoenix where she lives) is that I was waiting to hear from the boys (Felix and Francis Corbett - friends from school) about their proposed road trip north through California, Oregon and possibly even to Canada.

I wasn't sure it was going to happen, but it is and tomorrow!! I don't even know where we are going or anything about it which is really exciting, but I will be in good company. I have everything with me that I might need so I say bring on the exploration and adventure!!