It just doesn't seem possible that my journey here is coming to an end tomorrow...

Despite feeling ill this past week, we have still managed to make some wonderful memories, such as my homemade "American" blueberry pancakes (English pancakes are more crepe-like with lemon juice and sugar), last minute shopping with Selina, and a fantastic day of riding a narrow boat down the canals of Oxfordshire.

There were about nine of us, and we lounged and read and chatted and ate and strolled along the banks and took turns managing the canal locks. It was an absolutely fabulous day. Things were a little touch and go at first when James dropped his Ray-Bans into the brown, silty canal water, but a couple of sticks, some removal of clothing and stinging nettle rash later, we had them back and all was well. What a wonderful day of relaxation and friendship.

I have grown so close to James and his family that it breaks my heart to know that I won't be back out here until January, when the seasons will have changed, and the landscape altered dramatically. The black kitten they got a few weeks ago will be an adult cat by then, and the fields behind the house will have lost their green sheen. The good news is that James will be out in October, so we can begin to plan for adventures out in Southern California once again.

Tonight is one last big dinner with the whole family. It's been requested that I make tacos. Somehow, this makes me feel that if nothing else, I am leaving one small imprint of myself here.

Thanks for reading, friends. I look forward to seeing you soon.