History has only just begun...

If I open my eyes and listen to absorb what's around me, I begin to feel like a piece to a puzzle. The sky is complete with alarming seagulls and teasing clouds. The flowers on the balcony are complete with vibrant butterflies and tyrant spiders. The cracks in the road are complete with Mother Earth and the debris of busy feet over the years. The world is complete with girls in sundresses reading novels, boys in muddy shorts playing football, mothers tending to the garden, fathers tying flies, babies opening their eyes for the first time, grandfathers closing their eyes for the last time...and my mind is drawn back to my body once again. 


I find that in all the culture of this place, the happiest moments are the simplest ones. To spend an entire day with Andrew, planning as we go, and just being, is what happiness is all about. It is days like these that complete our puzzle.

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We began our weekend in warm company of great friends Greg and Becky. Becky came in the morning to spend the day with me. We bought groceries for dinner and spent hours talking about the past, present, and hopeful future. In the evening we cooked chicken stuffed with cream cheese and pesto. And with water bottles of wine in our purses, we were accompanied by our handsome beaus to the Odeon to see Batman. I can wholeheartedly say that I have proof that when life is full of happiness and you give just as much back to the world as you've been given, you find the very best of people alongside you.

Saturday the 28th, Andrew and I toured the Roman Baths. Wow, so breathtaking! To step foot in a sacred place 2,000 years old, is humbling. I was raised in Utah, a place very far from Europe and its descendants. And I can honestly say that there is nothing more fascinating than imagining someone so long ago carefully carving statues. Or picturing the wealthy bathing in the water and sending worship to the Gods. 

Roman Baths

And to add to its power, we entered the Bath Abbey cathedral. 

Talk about feeling inferior! You don't have to be religious to feel spirituality in a place like this. We walked down the isle and to the left was a man with eyes closed, both hands facing upward on each knee, thumb to forefinger, in peaceful meditation. There were people of every culture walking around quietly admiring the stained glass artwork and the intricate detail of the building walls. There was a group of people praying together in a quiet area next to the organ. And there we were alongside them, feeling our own personal effects of such a place. 

We then walked toward Pulteney Bridge to grab something to eat. Andrew ordered a mince and potato pasty. Mmm it tasted like my family's roast all in one bite! We were then lucky to find a spot on the grass in the gardens by the bridge to sit and enjoy the sun!

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The next weekend, on the 3rd, I was taken for a proper night out in Bath. We were accompanied by James and came across friends Adam and Cat on our way to the first pub. We spent hours in great conversation, beer and wine. We carried on to an underground club. What an experience that was! I was enjoying all the dancing and drinks completely encompassed by people. And all I have left to say is that I had the best dance partners in the building! 

Saturday was spent watching a Godfather marathon and getting to bed at a semi decent time. Sunday morning was greeted bright and early for a bike ride from Bath to Bradford. The sky was vast against the flowing greenery along the canal.

 When we reached Bradford we stopped at a lovely outdoor cafe. 

After our big fry up brunch, we walked into the town and came across a lock. It was intriguing to watch the canal boat lower down and carry on like they've done for over 200 years.

Suddenly we heard thunder and saw very dark clouds rolling close. And I was then reminded that I wasn't in a dream, I wasn't in someone's novel, but actually in reality, and in England. 

It was a twenty mile bike ride round trip and the last hour and a half was in pouring rain! 

Throughout life the sunshine will determinedly lead to rain. There is serenity in them both. And although our journey began with light, now in the settling grey air, our hearts are still there at the end of the trail.