16 October 2023

 Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me… Being here is indeed a marvelous gift—thank you, dear Phil!

Today was our last full day in York. I had planned to make the most of it by spending a few hours in the York Museum, where the main character in my novel must research a history project. However….I had failed to take into account that the museum is closed on Mondays. 

So instead we decided to walk along the River Ouse along the opposite direction, then explore the museum gardens, the Minster, Goodramgate, and St. Andrewgate—all places in which Freya will live with her father for their one year in York. But first we stopped at Lucius Books, near Micklegate Bar. He had some lovely antiquarian books (far out of our price range), and also a row of first editions illustrated by Arthur Rackham, my favorite illustrator.

I must find some copies of these.

I loved this original artwork from another illustrator, 

Annie French, priced at 8,750 pounds.

From thence we climbed the Micklegate Bar onto the city walls and walked to the River Ouse, then took the “promenade” away from York, eventually meandering along the river through a tunnel of ancient willows.

These must certainly figure in my story as well…

On the return, we saw a phalanx of swans on the Ouse, along with a most graceful boater. My daughter Rachel would enjoy this. 

The return path led us to Dame Judi Dench’s Walk, which led into the museum gardens.

We found ghost-like figures hidden in corners of the garden: 

The artist achieved this ethereal effect by using wire mesh as his sculpting material. It felt as though ghosts were emerging from the past.

Next was a restorative and celebratory tea and a shared almond croissant, which would fortify us until supper time.

Then a tour of the Minster, including the mysterious crypt (which revealed the foundations of a Roman fortress) and Elizabethan funeral effigies. We did not climb the tower, as we had already clocked 15,000 steps that morning.

After that we walked St. Andrewgate (where my main character will live with her father)—a plain street with brick buildings, running off of a square near the Shambles. I took a video of the entire street so that I can remember it more clearly when writing. Phones are amazing for that. 

Next: a bakery! We were looking for almond croissants but settled for traditional scones (it was late in the day and supplies were low).

Then home for a last dinner of soup, salad, and bread and cheese with Ruth. It was so filling that we couldn’t eat our scones for dessert. The perfect end to our final day in York.