16 September 1999

Dear Ju,  

Wish you were here, the weather has been fine and the three course meals at the Youth Hostel great. Enough said - as you may be able to see l am contacting you from the Art House office, as they still haven't managed to get me sorted out at Mount Grace.

Enclosed with this postcard from the edge is two postcards, one of the Priory and one of Osmotherly, the local village where l have been staying. All very cosy, I am just waiting to walk into Miss Marple.  

I haven't really done much since my last message, I've chatted to one of the gardeners, who's shown me some markings on the stone walls, which show the masons' symbols. These were used to identify their work when assessed by the bigwig mason. Some of these symbols can be seen in buildings elsewhere, as the masons moved on, hence freemasons. They're crosses and W shapes mostly, reminding me of old ruins. All interesting stuff. I've tried to get rubbings, but they're not so good as the stone is bumpy. This was done intentionally to take a plaster covering. There are stones laying about on and off site, but I think the on-site ones are precious, they are quite big and mossy, l could just carry one at a pinch.

l found the second spring head just off site, I'll take a photo to show you.   Tim has taken some photos of me on-site on this flashy camera thing, but we have yet to get them to you, hopefully will do soon.

Next week l will be having a go at staying at the local Youth Hostel, it's about a mile and a half from the Priory across field, the village is about l mile, but there's often lifts from staff and taxis if needed, I've not used them yet as the budget is a little tight.  

A local priest told me a little about the monks, they did seem to get together in church for mass, and they all went walking once a week. What a ramble eh! There's a lady chapel about a mile and a half away, that was once a hermitage used by the monks, I'll try and get over to it next week.

As you are aware of my interest in Mary stuff, I'll let you know of any interesting bits. I've not heard of any dark secrets or goings on yet, but I'll keep you informed.  

The exhibition looks great, some large ceramic pots are so similar in colour to the Yorkshire sandstone that they are difficult to see, hidden in corners etc. but that all adds to the mystery. The grass is vast and very green and the ducks continue to invade everything, by presence, sound or mess.  

Well l am having a lovely time, and will need a holiday just to get over this one, I'll bring you back a stick of rock. Bye

Rita