We’ve been away for a few weeks. The middle daughter graduated with a PhD in psychology and my husband,  her youngest sister and me went to the ceremony. Her older sister, unfortunately, had to work (or fortunately as she is employed).  The middle daughter has been attending Swansea University in Wales so we went to Edinburgh before the ceremony. Well, we landed in Edinburgh and then went south. Our intent was to get to Vindalanda and Hadrians Wall. What was supposed to be a 2 hour trip took a day. Not because there was a problem but because we were fluted off the highway to look at a bridge – not just any bridge but 3 bridges one next to the other – a 19th century bridge, a 18th (or it might have been a 17th) century bridge and a 20th century bridge.

A roman fort also was at this spot and there was a bridge across the river at that time as well. There was also a ford near here. There is no need for bridges or fords unless people need to cross. What was here that people wanted? Was it just a way point to someplace else? I look around and all I see are fields. It probably hasn’t changed much since the Romans built an amphitheatre overlooking this river and people are still crossing this river.

Going where? Coming from where?

The more things change, the more they remain the same.