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It is perhaps just as well to leave some things undone so that there is always a reason to return. In this case, I think, it will be April 2012. We have not left from San Diego before albeit for LAX and it did not hurt less than leaving from Palm Springs. For all that is frustrating and annoying about America, a nation that is more afraid of dairy products than it is of terrorists, there is so much that is good, especially in California and we love it. The morning weather in San Diego matched my mood, dull and a little cool. There was brightness by the time we reached Long Beach on an easy drive and we had lunch at the airport there. I would have liked to stay longer as there is a lot to see. Alamo tried to rip us off for gas but I robustly defended our position and got the bill halved even though we did not have the pre-paid option. They even tried to tell me the vehicle had a 16-17 gallon tank; I got out the handbook, rarely present in a rental car, and proved otherwise. If randomness is the secret of great security then LAX was very secure today. The security lines were very badly managed and organised. I kept uncharacteristically quiet. Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee were in the lounge. Both looked very well. I had a little chat with Debbie. She was absolutely charming. Television does not flatter her as she looked absolutely lovely in real life. Strangely, they vanished as they did not pass us to board the earlier flight. I think they probably went through the first class lounge or maybe it was just an illusion. Later, Greg recognised Jensen Ackles boarding our flight. I would not have known him from Adam. I was extremely annoyed that he got pre-pre boarding in a ridiculous display of sycophancy by BA. Actors (and sportsmen) may well be near the top of the salary chain but they are certainly not at the top of the food chain. At Heathrow, he had to wait for the transit like everyone else but, again, he had a greeter cum minder.

Without assistance from BA other than an early arrival, we sped through Heathrow until we went for the Hotel Hoppa. I would like to say that the 30 minute frequency (we waited 25 mins) is hopelessly inadequate but I must admit the demand was not really there. In England, the weather was much nicer than that we left behind in Los Angeles. We were ahead of the Friday traffic and soon returned to innocuous post and a clean house. My FB problem seemed to be resolved and I set about familiar tasks. Next stop, Norway.