Our three nights in Yorkshire

After touching base with Nottingham, we got back on the M1 and continued north. Ruth Norton, Elaine's British supervisor had retired to this duplex, (referred to as a 'semi detached' in the UK) located in Dewsbury, just south of Leeds. She had bought the house before we left England in 1994, but waited until her retirement to actually move in. Ruth was a wonderful hostess for our three night stay.

We weren't there very long, and Ruth served us a quick "Tea" and we were off to see all the towns and villages in her territory. It was a crisp evening and that far north, light really lasts until 10:30 P.M. our target was Holmfirth.

For those who watch the English television programs on public television, this town is famous for the filming of the series "Last of the Summer Wine." it features a collection of aging ladies and gents that can't quite give up their youthful sexy vigour.

The pics above shows two streets in Holmfirth and above is Sid's Cafe where the characters frequently ate.

And this is Nora Batty's house. Too late for anything to be open. but light enough for picture taking.

The next day, we drove the 30 miles to York, intending to get as many photographs as I could with my new digital camera and my tripod. Above is my first target, the York Minster.

I wanted to get a picture of those flying buttresses which are designed to keep the cathedral walls from caving out. It has worked for these 800 or so years.

The York Minster from the front.

Inside, looking toward the altar

Looking back from the altar.

The grand organ sits right in the center of the altar high up where it can speak unobstructed. I wish I could have heard it.

Here is a close up of the organ.

Below the organ are statues of all the kings of England.

At least, the kings before this monument was carved.

Looking into one of the side chambers.

Standing right in the center, this is what the ceiling looks like.

This is a 400 year old clock getting ready to strike 12 noon.

This is a plant Elaine found right next to the Minster. Recognize it, Alison? Could we grow this in Maryland?

One of the busy streets in York. No shortage of tourists here!

Walking down the Shambles.

Cliffords Tower right next to our parking lot. We're hungry for lunch! And so, we went to Bar Convent on Blossom Street for lunch.

There was supposed to be a museum there, but it was closed.

So, we decided to walk the ancient wall around York.

Ruth insisted there was a terrific view of the minster up ahead.

This is as far as we got; it poured for the rest of the afternoon.

That evening, we had Fish and Chips with Ruth's mother, pictured here. She is 97 years old and is alert, and very healthy. She lives by herself and goes to church every Sunday. We attended church with her, and saw her slowly walk down the aisle just before the service greeting all her fellow worshipers.

We didn't exert ourselves much that Sunday. We visited the Red House, a home featured in Charlotte Bronte's novel Shirley.  Ruth remarked that the above scene is very British. A brass band playing for polite English people with umbrellas poised for the expected rain. It came, and the band first moved under that tree on the right, but eventually had to quit.

Ruth, Elaine and two dummies in the drawing room of the Red House. (R & E are in the center.)

Elaine sizing up the kitchen. This was my last picture, because Ruth had to ask if photography was allowed. It wasn't!

Next, join us in our Trip to Cumbria
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