An extra challenge this year has of course been navigating around COVID. We live in California and have both been fully vaccinated since the spring, but it’s the UK rules and in particular those in force in England that matter. As of writing, the US is on the ‘amber’ list which means as UK citizens we may enter the UK but must undertake to self isolate for 10 days. We must also take a test before we fly and take further tests on days 2 and 8. In addition, we can take a test on day 5 and if OK, can abandon our quarantine. The fact that we are fully vaccinated makes no difference. A further wrinkle is that the tests on days 2, 8 and 5 must be obtained from one of a number of private companies that are charging fairly high prices, so we will be spending hundreds of pounds on tests.

A good friend (thanks Dave!) is allowing us to use his spare flat for our self-isolation. The rules state that we must not leave the flat, so its going to be a trial, that’s for sure. Maybe I can finally get through Doctor Zhivago?