This challenge is produced by GirlieOnTheEdge with the following simple rules:
Write 6 Sentences. No more. No less.
Use the current week’s prompt word – CONFETTI
Click here to hear the author read his words:
Boiling a Frog
Walking on the beach at Medville in a fierce, bitingly cold March easterly wind, I see a gentleman of a certain age (read ‘old’), clad only in a budgie-smuggler bathing costume, ambling serenely into the Mediterranean surf, which itself might best be described as agitato (or perhaps agitata as, in Italian, surf translates as schiuma, which is a feminine noun).
Now, I am aware that the water is pretty fresh (read ‘bliddy Baltic’), as I have in the past week ceased my paddling, a favoured winter pastime of mine which raises much curiosity and, indeed, eyebrows among the Provençals.
I ponder the natator, wondering which of the only three feasible approaches that I consider likely to enable someone to bathe in such inclement conditions apply here.
The most probable answer, I think, is that he performs his aquatics on a daily basis, throughout the year, so that his body adjusts ever so gradually to the changing temperature, thus ensuring no sudden shock to his ageing anatomy.
The other possibilities are that a) he is a Scot, and therefore genetically engineered to survive the Arctic conditions found in his (and my) homeland where, even in May, snow can often be seen drifting confetti-like from heavy grey skies or indeed crashing in icy fragments into ungritted teeth, or b) crazy.
These last two are in no way mutually exclusive.
Yeah, we see those sorts around here, bare toes on surf boards on Lake Superior mid-winter. But they also wear wet suits…food for thought?
Big girls’ blouses!
Crazy Scotsman? Surely not! 🤣🤣🤣
Not all Scots are as sane and sensible as I am, Chris.
Perhaps a combination of the two. I’m heading north to your homeland in a couple of weeks, so if it snows I’ll blame you!
Dangerous time up there, Keith, it’s mating season for the Haggis, y’know!
The last is best 🙂
Thanks, Reena!
Smiling CE, smiling. And shivering while I do, lol
The sun has been shining, Denise, and I’ve been swimming too!
No more shivers till mid-November!
I like how you linked “Scot” and “crazy” through the daily bathing habits outside in all kinds of weather.
I kinda think sanity is overrated, Frank!
That last line elicits a “you said it, not me!”
Wonderful story that leaves one puzzling about the man.
The world is full of strange folk, Mimi, or hadn’t you noticed!
One can only suggest that sea bathing in that weather would not be putting much of a strain on his budgie smugglers. 😉
That’s an image I don’t really want or need, Doug!
I think you must have enjoyed writing this very witty wee story. Made me smile.
Sometimes it’s just fun, Lindsey!
You made me laugh with this one.
The joy in the use of words and the sheer fun of the story itself.
And I can attest to the Scottish genes, having young relatives who bathe in the Mediterranean when no self-respecting French person would even be seen on the beach – or are they just crazy?
Excellent story.
Well, Jenne, we didn’t get where we are today by being too sensible, did we?