We waited patiently until Christmas Eve to burn some of the turf that Terry gave us– which we somehow managed to get back to Alaska. Brian smudged the house with it to give the carolers a whiff of Ireland, then placed it back in the fireplace. I imagined a whiff of smoke making its way to Cushendall to weave itself in with the turf smoke there on Christmas Day.

And, yes, we had tunes AND an Irish dancer in front of our turf fire! Her name is Mary, and she is indeed lovely!

The season rolled on with a ceili on St. Stephen’s Day at McGinley’s.

We wish our friends in Cushendall a Happy Christmas season and a Happy New Year! We miss you!