I'd promise to keep her warm.

I'd like to think of myself as the master of persuasion. By convincing my Italian amore. To spend two weeks of winter. In Minnesota. With me. So far, I've managed to lure her to the USA for the Christmas-New Year holiday. But it came conditionally. We met in Arizona. Dear Cristina wants no part of a frigid White Christmas. She's seen snow only once in Sardinia.  And rarely a freezing temperature. Yes, she likes to stay abundantly warm.  And frowns on air-conditioned restaurants. Even in the summertime. Of course, I try to ease her fears about Minnesota winters. With promises of keeping her warm. In my arms. I'd hate to think of the consequences. If my arms weren't warm enough. --Jim Broede