Lake Garda, Italy
Me to Husband: “Let’s go swimming!
Husband: “Are you kidding? It’s too cold!”
Me: “This from the guy who grew up swimming in Canadian lakes?”
Husband: “Not at this time of year. But you go ahead, California girl. If you last a minute, gelato is on me.”
I march resolutely down to the shore and wade in.
Me: “It’s not that cold.” (I’m clenching my jaw so my teeth won’t chatter.)
Husband: “49…48…Great!…46…”
Me: “You should join me!” (Are my legs are turning the color of my pants?)
Husband: “33…32…No, I’m good…”
Me: “Look! There’s the ice cream truck! We should go before he leaves.” (I can’t feel my toes.)
Husband: “19…18…Then you’re buying…”
Me: “Not fair! You’re counting too slowly!”
Husband: “10…9…” He holds up his watch. “Going by the sweep hand. 5…4…3…2..”
Me: “ARRRRRRRGH!” (I sprint for the walk path.) “I have never been so cold in my life!”
Husband: “Congrats! Ice cream, coming up.”
Me: “Make mine a double.”
Husband: “Chocolate?”
Me: “Brandy.”