Weekend wrap-up

We kicked off the weekend Friday night (or as I like to call it "Susan doesn't cook on Friday night") at the village pub around the corner.  Larry had stopped by the pub back in September when he was out here to check on the progress of the house renovations.  Gavin, the young owner, was quick to say "oh, you're the American who's moving in."  I've got the feeling news travels fast in this village.

I have heard stories about English pubs ("pub"lic houses) but never been to one.  They were the center of activity and business for the villages, more than just a place to drink beer.  But they are a slowly dying business.  Grocery stores have undercut their beer sales and people are staying home to drink.  They started offering meals as a way to bring the people back and it worked for awhile.  The pub, which Gavin leases, was bought by a large corporation and now he can't afford the rent.  In a few weeks, the pub will shut down, very sad.

But, good news, mystery solved, kinda.  Ran into Richard (the plumber) who asked if "so and so" had stopped by to welcome us.  I told him that yes, a woman had come by with flowers but that I didn't get her name.  He said she had told him that she was going to stop by.  She "lives on the big farm down the road."  Once again, I think news travels very fast…. and I still didn't get her name.

We hit the road early Saturday morning for a visit to the city of York.  It is about an hour away and we have been told by many people we have to go there.  It is a walled medieval city, with tiny cobblestone streets and dates back to AD 71.  

Our first stop was York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral north of the Alps.  It is home to the largest collection of medieval stained glass in Britain.  Quite an impressive place.  We even climbed up the 275 steps of the tower and 275 back down.  My legs are still aching!  

Some of the streets are closed to traffic and the Christmas markets are set up.  There were lots and lots of interesting shops and kiosks, even one selling Cadbury drinking chocolate.  Oh my was it delicious! By noon, the place was a complete zoo!  It was shoulder to shoulder people and we couldn't get out of there fast enough!

We spent Sunday finishing up some projects around the house.  Larry spent most of the day out in the retreat, now named his bike man cave.  He's happy that it is completely organized now.  

There are only a couple more things left on the list, which we hope to cross off next weekend.