Scotland of the Mid-18th Century

In anticipation of a new book coming out this summer from Diana Gabaldon, I decided last November to listen to the Outlander audiobook series from the beginning.  The unabridged audiobooks (which is the only way to listen to or read ANY book) are 36 to 46 hours long EACH....but oh so worth it.

I am no less hooked than I was when I originally read the series.  I just completed Dragonfly in Amber, the second in the Outlander series.  For those of you unfamiliar with Claire Randall and Jamie Fraser - you should be!  It is a love affair for the centuries, literally.  The series began at the end of WWI with Claire Randall visiting Inverness with her husband, Frank Randall.  Claire stumbles upon a thin space in time and is transported to the 18th century.  In her quest to return to Frank, she meets Jamie. 

The plot is complicated, intricate and presented at a firecracker pace.  It is all consuming.  My husband and kids are now accustomed to me wearing a bag about my neck with my Kindle inside and headphones on my head.  I listen while cooking, cleaning, folding clothes, driving, doing puzzles, etc...  The books are addictive.

I have learned a great deal about Scotland of the mid-18th century.  Here is a small sample:

• Women's shoes were very uncomfortable.     
• Wintergreen mint could not completely cover the smell of rotting teeth.
• Scots could/can handle cold and pain with a zealous sense of humor.
• "Sassenach" can be an arousing term of endearment when said by the right person
• Heather grows on wet bogs; you can't run though it.
• Oats for breakfast every morning will keep you regular.
• Bonny Prince Charlie wasn't so bonny.
• Kilts have multiple, useful purposes besides covering men's privates.