Yesterday morning we left Bath to head cross-country, covering parts of Somerset, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. It only took about two hours, including one hilarious diversion going around in a circle repeatedly when the GPS information didn't match the road, but the GPS Madam wouldn't give up trying to get us on track. We reached Meryl's house in Stokenchurch in time for a leisurely cup of tea (surprise!) and then an expedition to see a lovely parish church at Fingest, not far from where Meryl lives. This church is in use and well preserved, including its 12th century Norman tower with a double gabled roof.

Today we had a wonderful afternoon visit with Patricia, our cousin on the Gradwell side, who shared many stories of her parents in Birmingham. Her son and daughter-in-law joined us for the evening meal with their mostly-greyhound puppy curled up under the table.