December 25th! Must be global warming
Our first Christmas at Nead an Iolair and it’s been everything we could have wished for. The day itself was bright and sunny. We threw the French doors wide open and exchanged our gifts in the sunshine. It’s a good job we enjoyed it while we could, as the wild weather set in on St Stephen’s Day (Boxing Day outside Ireland).
Robert’s gifts: is there a theme developing here?
Of course, we had to have the ceremonial first cut of each of our Christmas cakes. Readers will remember that I made Monica Sheridan’s recipe while Robert made Delia Smith’s. The verdict? Mine was way better! (This is MY post.)
The avant garde and the traditional approach
Our new stoves were installed just in time for Christmas. This kind of supplemental heating is essential for the winter months in West Cork, where fuel is very expensive. Together with our decorations, newly purchased from the Christmas markets and hung on twigs culled from nearby hedgerows, they created a cosy and seasonal ambience in the house. Also perfect for a house-warming party, which we are finally hosting this weekend.
Ready for the house-warming party!
Now so, at the end of 2013, we have to say that it’s been a grand year, like. And to our readers, Bliain nua faoi mhaise agus shona dhaoibh – a Prosperous and Happy New Year to you all.
From Roaringwater Bay to all our friends and readers – a Happy New Year!
Roaringwater Journal 
I see a rabbit theme..
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Hares, Vi – hares!
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And a Happy New Year to you too – love the logs all ready for the fire. Keep warm and keep the roof on….MM 🍸
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Thanks, MM. Same to you.
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Looking lovely and festive- cool stove 🙂 Hope to see you later xx
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Missed you but you will see it all soon!
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I loved both your Christmas posts – thanks Finola. Such different weather to what we are now experiencing here – very hot, but hopefully a storm approaching – at last – and noisily! Love to you bo9th and very best wishes for the New Year – keep writing. Hugs Ann
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I love the idea of ‘hoping’ for a storm!
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Lovely post, Finola. Happy New Year!
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A Happy New Year from 2 Rossbrin, North House as well!
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And to you, Jens!
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So cosy and welcoming! I will be back…
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Yay!
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Looks like heaven to me !!
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Sounding like you need to get back here soooooon, Sean!
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Oh! that was so lovely. I don’t know why, but I got tears in my eyes reading this and seeing the pictures. It made me so happy that you are so happy. Happy New Year to you both and to Ireland!
Ingrid
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Now I have tears…miss you, Ingrid! Love ya.
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