There have been so many posts recently regarding the cold winter weather  those of us in the northern regions must endure . I thought our  Gaelic lesson might  be a way to find joy in winter’s bite. Let’s pretend that Jamie is comin’ a-courtin’ again; this time to take us for a lovely winter walk. Button up your coats, lassies,  and tie on your warm boots. Here we goooooo.......
 

"Where will we go, Sassanach?", Jamie says as he helps you on with your coat.
Cait an teid sinn, Sassanach?
Kahtch un jael sheen, Sassanach
 

"For a walk on the moor." , you reply.
Cuairt air a mhointich.
Coe-ursht ir uh vawn-tcheech
 

"What is the name of that mountain?",
you ask, as you stroll along hand-in-hand in the crisp winter air.

De’ n t-ainm a th’air a’ bheinn ud?
Jaen tannam uh hir uh veh-een oot?
 

"That’s Ben Dorain",  Jamie replies, as he gives your hand a squeeze.
‘Se sin Beinn Dobhrain.
Sheh shin Beh-een Doe-ran.
 

Jamie watches you observing the scenary, then whispers at he looks directly into your eyes....
"What a beautiful view."
Abair sealladh breagha.
Abbir shallugh bree-a-uh
 

As you continue to walk along, you say, "My hands are frozen!"
 Tha mo lamhan reodht!
Ha mo lahvun rawt!
 

"Here is a sheltered spot", Jamie says as he pulls you close.
Seo aite fasgach.
Shaw uh-tchuh fasskoch.
 

"Will you kiss me?", Jamie says, as he lowers his mouth to yours.
An toir thu dhomh pog?
Un dor oo ghoe pawg?
 

Phew!  I dunno ‘bout youse guys, but I’m feeling warmer already!!!! Let it snow, let it snow, let it snoooooooow!!!

Lady Mercedes

Sourse:  Everyday Gaelic, by Morag MacNeill.
  Copyright 1991, GAIRM Publications, Glasgow