Fun and games before flying. Highlight was racing to tyre 'centre' as valve in a tyre needed replacing. Done free of charge! Lowlight was the plumber turning up to sort out the underfloor heating....again. It never gives me confidence when an opening line is 'I'm not an expert but...'. He seems to have guessed what the problem is and he changed the colour of one of the wires I think he said. Anyway he scarpered, without testing the system, as the taxi arrived. We'll check it upon our return if the place hasn't flooded!

Cab to T5, had traditional English fayre (Itsu) and bought Jo a new camera. The TZ100 Panasonic Travel (10x zoom!). Then off we went. Flight was pretty dull - I first watched a pretty depressing film - I, Daniel Blake, then Fence (Denzil Washington - excels) and then a few episodes of Modern Families (Series 8). Ella was able to stretch out as she had a free seat next to her. Isabel stretched out over Ella!

Reached Houston - nine hours, twenty three minute sessions later. Staying in La Quinta Inn & Suite (6/10). Girls have already been swimming. It's now 8pm local time (six hours behind UK). Time for sleep assuming we can turn the v noisy air conditioning off.

Top Tip - Given my well publicised traditional view on tipping, i.e. 10% unless exceptional circumstances such as serving us free wine, I thought I'd highlight in this section daily tip rates. 0% Clover cabs to Heathrow as I thought £45 was more than enough. $5 (Infinity %) for transit from airport to hotel - well he did pick up Jo's 22.7kg bag.

Photo of Isabel at Houston airport - she'd like one of these for Christmas.