Every Thursday, local musicians gather at Belfast’s Darby’s Restaurant to riff on baseline Celtic tunes.  Last week, my husband Guy decided to join in on guitar, and I then decided to go along and check it out.  The truth is, I tend to get awfully home-bodied this time of year, read:  from now until the mid-April. This doesn’t do much for me, so I’m keeping my wool hat and mittens (the ones I bought in Ireland) by the door, and I vow to say YES! when asked to do something not inside this house.

Bottom line, I decided to go.  And I’m really glad I did.  I met some really nice people: Hello, Jody and Daisy! Thanks for the CDs!  I heard some delightful music – a combination of guitar, fiddle, penny whistle, mandolin, a bodhran, and an accordion.  The musicians memorize everything they play.  One starts a tune, and eventually they all join in blending their own talents with those of the others.  This was much like what we heard in Dingle and in Doolin on our Ireland trip in July – which made me happy.

Afterwards, I had a lovely walk in this sweet little town we call home.

If you’re ever feeling the desire to go sit with a friend and have a beer, somewhere cozy and warm, I suggest Ireland.  But if you can’t go there, try a Thursday night at Darby’s in Belfast, Maine instead.  You won’t regret it.