Курс разговорного английского «Прорыв: от понимания к свободному общению»

The middle of December in New York. It was a nasty turn in the weather. It became cold. It’s raining. Chilled and distressed, John comes home from work.

M: HI! I’m glad you’re already home.

J: And I am so glad. It’s a complete nightmare outside. I’m drenched to the skin.

M: In the car?

J: The car broke down. I had to take the subway. Swarms of people with wet umbrellas. I’m awful tired and almighty hungry!

M: Change your clothes. Dinner is ready. Your mood will improve now.

J: Shower first.

At the table.

M: Oh… And in Miami, the heat just slackened. Early winter is my favorite season.

J: And I complained about our summer. I was dreaming of seeing snow-covered New York. I gather they get nothing whatever but rain here.

M: People are always complaining. Remember how you were grumbling at the summer heat in Miami. No way without a conditioner.

J: Our winter is wonderful, though. The sea is warm, +25. Lovely!

M: That’s true. But, a short while ago, we went to the countryside. The fall here is very beautiful. Gold and red leaves against the background of the grass, still green, are adorable. And indeed, it’s not that much cold. And what’s more, it’s not a storm region.

J: No storms, it’s a big win in the plus column. I agree. It was warm and beautiful a week ago. And today, it’s the kingdom of mud, wind and cold. And it will last for more than one month.

M: You’re stretching too far. Besides, according to the weather-forecast, January will be snowy. Have you seen snow in Miami at least once in your life?

J: I haven’t. But my mum said it was once. I think, it was January 19, 1977. It was a real wonder. Families poured out into the streets. Although, a communal disaster nearly happened. And also, do you remember, in January 2010, there was a forecast about a snow flurry? But then, snowflakes were melting already in the air. I missed everything. I was at work.

M: But I saw them. It was very beautiful. But weird. I was standing dressed in a top and shorts and from above, white powder was sifted down. I wish it would be snowing on Christmas!

J: Do you want to make a snow angel? But keep in mind, I won’t shake you off!

M: I’ll not need it then! We’ll see your tune changing when I’ll shower you with snowballs!

J: It remains to be seen! And I’ll skunk you at the ice rink. There’s someone who can’t blading.

M: Yes. I heard about the New York ice rink. It’s gorgeous. We should go there. But do you really think that your roller-skating skills will save you on the ice? Most likely, we’ll both look like awkward bear cubs.

J: But we’ll have fun!

M: Fully expect!

M: By the way, I got talking with our neighbor not long ago. Kathrine says that New York is particularly charming in the spring time. Plentiful blossomed trees and flowerbeds, splendid parks and fountains. So, according to her story, we must see it firsthand. Although, from the same words of her, the summer here is extremely comfortless. The heat, high humidity and flocks of tourists not loved much by locals.

J: Is it kind of a hint?

M: Not likely. On the outside, we’re in with her. She even invites us for dinner sometime.

J: Well. I don’t mind. Dibs no picnics. At least not sooner than May. Or when the promised rave of color comes there.

M: Ok. This is what I’ll tell her.

J: Just look. The wind is rising outside. And the rain is getting heavier. I’m growing envious that you’re a housewife. I don’t like going to work so much.

M: Tomorrow, it may be fine. The weather in New York is treacherous. I’ll check over the Internet. Exactly so! Look. Tomorrow AM +2, PM +6, mostly dry. You’ll get to work with no troubles. But you’d better have your car fixed. The day after tomorrow, it’ll be rain and snow and wind 14-17 mps.

J: I’m happy. I gonna have to do deal with it. Or else, I’ll enjoy watching the storm clouds while running from one shelter to another on my way to the subway. That’s how flue is not long in coming.

M: Listen. If tomorrow is a fair weather, let’s have an evening walk in the park? I so want to see the stars! I believe they differ from those we saw in Miami.

J: Why not! Let’s do that!