It seemed like a good idea but when you've got two hard-headed people trying to find some common ground, there might be a problem. And Chris and I find that out first hand when we wind up at the beach.

For starters we're just a little underdressed to be wandering close to the water's edge in the evening in the middle of January. This might be Sunny California but someone forgot to tell Mother Nature that its supposed to be toasty warm this time of year. Its cold, damn cold.

We've both ditched our shoes, leaving them in the car and I think I'd give anything for a nice warm pair of wooly socks. Who cares if they wouldn't match my evening gown. They'd feel wonderful right about now. I glance down at Chris' feet, wondering if his toes are turning blue yet.

Then I make the mistake of complaining about the temperature. That sets him right off and as much as I'd like to blame it on the conditions, I know there's a whole lot more than that. I'm still not 100% sure what set him off at Christmas and I find since then I worry it will happen again. And I worry I'm the one causing his foul moods.

"Well we could have stayed at the award show, then the cold wouldn't be bothering us, would it?" I snap back.

"So much for thinking you wanted to talk. As usual you just want to clam right up," he retorts.

"I want to clam up? I don't think so. I'm the one who's been begging you to talk. What's going on with you, Chris?"

"Nothing is going on. Why are you always so suspicious?"

"Look! I'm the one who flew all the way here on the spur of the moment to spend some time with you. I don't remember hearing you ask Pam to watch the kids."

"Maybe I didn't want to make a big deal out of this trip."

"Maybe you just wanted more time away from all of us."

We go on and on and on like this until its just pointless. Talk about a silent car ride. All the way back to Carolyn's neither of us say a word.

Guess finding out whether Chris actually won the award he was nominated for is hardly the question right now.