On New Year’s Eve, we watched John Le Carre’s Tinker, Sailor, Soldier, Spy until 9 or 10 p.m. Then, we had some genuine and excellent moonshine to toast the New Year and went to bed. I imagine we slept through much of the celebrating.

One of the benefits of living in the country is our occasional access to moonshine, often called white lightning or hooch, it is usually illegal to sell but not to make or drink. Traditionally, it carries a punch. In these hills and on these farms, many people prefer to make their own liquor, and do it well.

Around dusk, our friends Donna and Treasure popped up and brought us two fresh bottles of their moonshine, I have no idea what’s in it or how it was made, and did not ask. It does carry a punch.

I was in a happy place when George Smiley battled his nemesis Karla to try and save the British Secret Service.

I love the BBC series portraying some of Le Carre’s great works. I could watch it over and over again, and I do. I always appreciate Smiley’s visits to the Faithless Anne.

The moonshine helped me see it all anew.

We owe Donna and Treasure a dinner, at least. As Connie says, it is a world of half-devils and half saints, and it is difficult to know who is who.

Donna and Treasure’s moonshine was great, I expect to sample it again today, Maria loves it. I think it will be gone soon. I don’t think that even Ed Gulley has moonshine in his barn. A Happy New Year’s Day, for sure, a good omen for the year.