A few days ago we, along with every other resident in Britain, received a letter from the Prime Minister detailing the UK's response to the coronavirus pandemic and the measures people should take to protect themselves. This letter was sent to 30 million households in the UK.

It doesn't really offer any new information (unless you have been living under a rock, in which case it will be news to you that leaving your home is basically forbidden). But I thought this letter was interesting. It is at once a warning, a thank you, and a rallying cry to defeat a common enemy. It is almost poignant to think of the Prime Minister typing up this missive himself, alone in his room under quarantine.

Closer to home, today marks the start of week 4 of self-isolation and "home schooling" (I use the term loosely since we've been light on schoolwork here; on the plus side I have never done so many crafts in my life). This weekend was absolutely gorgeous weather-wise, and had Covid-19 not hit, we would have been in Bath. Emma was really looking forward to our weekend there, since she has developed an interest in Roman Britain. I keep telling myself, "Some other time." But how realistic is that? 

Emma has now joined a daily hour-long Zoom call with several other girls in her class. It has been really great for her to socialize with other kids in a more normal way. I hear her giggling upstairs throughout the call.

Richard and I continue to keep calm and carry on. Richard works, and I work with Emma. We go grocery shopping twice a week. We try to get outside to exercise each day. We limit our news consumption. And like most people, we are watching a fair amount of television. Last night the three of us watched the Queen address the nation on the BBC. No matter what you think of her, she delivered a good speech. I learned later that she was filmed by a single cameraman wearing a hazmat suit. These are strange times indeed.