Yes, they are really clamping down on people trying to get free treatment while just visiting, or coming back short term specifically to get free health care. Can't really blame them for that.

Great to hear these updates. I really enjoyed all the adult stuff, signing up for utilities etc, it made me feel 'We`re back"!
We`re still camping out in our empty and shabby looking house, but before the furniture gets here we are aiming to redecorate, which is exciting.
I really can say my brain is still not quite back. Things like telly, I`d got so used to not watching in the USA, because it was so awful, I hardly bother to watch much here anymore, but I`m sure that will change when winter comes.

Hi Britwhore,

Glad you are enjoying being home, or hopefully you will be once you get past all the boring adult stuff that has to be done!

I get what you're saying about the QM2 being boring, 7 days on a ship must have it's quiet moments and you can't exactly get off. I am hoping my then 18 year old will be allowed in the teen club otherwise she's going to be bored out of her mind and driving me crazy!

I hope you enjoy the weeks and months ahead exploring and making the most of our beautiful Country.

Thanks Lorry1.

Trying to find a car right now. It's tough because I'll be driving on a US license so my insurance will be higher than most therefore I want something cheap to insure. But the cars that are cheap to insure are kinda ugly with no power!!! HAHAHA!!!!!! It's tough having to go from a Mini Cooper to a "regular" car - it's just not the same!!!

Also what's with the names of cars in this country!?!?! I swear I saw one called a "twinkly-twonk" the other day........

We are doing the same thing. here is a link to a useful website http://www.whatcar.com/

the other website is Parker's?

I am still trying to get my head around the cars. we want small, with power. Must go now as OH has just served up dinner!

Britwhore, do you have to sit your test in the UK or did you pass before you left? Can you obtain your claims history from you US insurer along with your Driving Abstract from the appropriate California authority? If so, it may help to reduce your insurance costs with a UK insurer.

I have to look for a car too, so will be interested in what y`all find, also cost of insurance. The names are hilarious, but pretty much as funny as US names.
Britwhore, could "twinkly winkly" be the Renault Twingo?

Have you all tried this source?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/form

Will check out whatcar.com. Already took a squiz at parkers. Thanks.

Say hi to your hubby for us! Good luck with the car buying. Let me know what you end up getting. I think we'll either go vw golf or peugeot 206. Can't help looking at Mini's though..........

I was just being facetious but I think the Twingo started it!!!!!

Driving abstract?!?!?!

I did get my no claims but it appears my husband was down as the primary driver and I was just additional which means our no claims letter is only in his name..........bugger.

ooh I love mini coopers but I think we will just be getting crappy cars initially and then something better once we are working and have a bit more cash.

crappy car for us too sadly. Hopefully once we're settled a bit and making money then I'll go back to Mini's. Mine is still sitting in LA

Put me down for a crappy car too! `Im indoors is making it a condition of his return that he gets his 'midlife crisis' car, and who am I to refuse?

Driving Abstract is your driving record, e.g. Speeding tickets, charges etc. If yours is clear it is worth getting a copy.

On our insurance claims record we are shown as driver 1 and 2 and our one claim, in 22 years, is attached to OH's name. We were both shown as Named Insureds. Was your policy only in your husband's name?