The thermometer at my house read 50 degrees at 6:45 a.m. this morning when my husband Chris and I loaded our water skis into the boat and headed to Lake Austin.

But I learned long ago that an early morning water ski run is the best way to start the work day. Besides, our friend Ryan Whaley, who works in public relations for Breckenridge Ski Area, was in town. Ryan skis as well on water as he does on snow, and he does it in Colorado. We figured he’d think our water was balmy by comparison.

By 7 a.m. we were motoring in our Ski Nautique toward the Pennybacker Bridge, where the water turned glassy. No other ski boats out!

We made Ryan hop in first, to test the water temperatures. He didn’t scream or seize up, so we figured it was good.

Upstream from the bridge, a layer of fog and mist hovered just over the surface river. Ryan skied right through it.

Chris took a turn next, whizzing across the water and yelping at every turn.

He didn’t freeze either, so when he got back in the boat I jumped in.

Not bad. The water was warmer than the air, and a short wetsuit keep me from going numb.

It felt so good to zip back and forth as the sun came up. Glorious!

And now I’m ready to start the day.