Had a mini holiday within a holiday when we went to stay with Jim & Rosie in Bristol for 2 nights. Only a reasonably short drive from the Cotswolds & we were in the city of Bristol where we had a thoroughly enjoyable couple of days in the company of this lovely family. It was a pleasure to share in meals with the boys in the back garden, breakfasts at the table, walks in the countryside & generally being included in their busy lives. We went with Jim & Rosie for a good walk across the Downs to the River Avon & to see the Suspension Bridge & walk across it to the visitor centre. Designed by Brunel & opened in 1864 this is an inspiring piece of engineering. Thursday morning we took the train to nearby Bath & had a great time exploring a little of this ancient place. Spent a long time in the Roman Baths, listening to the audio tour & imagining how it would have been in Roman times. I still find it astounding to be in a place, walk on the stones & touch the walls filled with so much history. Once again I'm struck by the brilliance of the Romans & wonder how their empire could have failed - they were so very, very clever! Had a look at the Circus & The Royal Crescent thinking of life here in Jane Austen's time. Were picked up to head to South Stoke for a walk along part of the Somerset Coal Canal & set off along narrow paths, through fields, past cattle & horses & wildflowers in the rain. It was a good long walk, the countryside so lovely, a dark tunnel to negotiate, the disused canal overgrown & the company delightful. Stopped for tea & attempt to dry our feet in the Hope & Anchor pub then back home. Friday we all went to Dyrham Park & walked around this estate past herds of deer to look out over the downs to Wales in the distance. On to explore the stately home & imagine again how different life was to live the aristocratic or the servant life in a house like this. Said goodbye to Jim & Rosie but really hope we'll catch up again as they are such generous & like-minded people with such a jest for life. As Rosie said " this is not a rehearsal".