Since you asked...about my engagement
 

Hello all,
For some reason I can't reply to the Freaky Friday post from last week but noticed that there were a few posters who were insterested to hear about how my bf proposed to me (OldSouthernBelle, OWJ, and Seetheworld). Of course, I'm so excited I'll share the details with anyone who asks so here you go. I'll make this as travel related as possible.

As you know, my bf spent the week in Vermont on Lake Dunmore. On Weds. the 7th we decided to go to Burlington for the day. We had initially planned to go on the 8th as that was my birthday and I wanted to do some shopping. Well, the forecast for the 8th was rain (which it never did) so we decided to go on Weds. My bf suggested we go to the waterfront first and I agreed as it seems that we never make it there all of the other times we go. It was an absolutely beautiful day. We walked along the waterfront a little bit and he suggested we sit on a bench for a little while. Mind you, from the time we left the car he would not let go of my hand so I knew something was up. So, we sat on a bench that overlooked Lake Champlain and several sailboats that were anchored on the shoreline. Did I mention it was a beautiful day? The weather was perfect and in combination with the setting I just can't imagine anything more. As we were enjoying the view he started saying some very romantic things and I started to shake (had a feeling what was coming). Then he pulled out the box and got on one knee and asked me if I would marry him. My first response--"Oh my god, MrEthel, Oh my god" all the while shaking and on the verge of crying. He put the ring on my finger and it just all seemed right. We sat there for a while longer and then went to Breakwaters to have a celebration drink. I think I floated there :) While were enjoying our beverages and our newly engaged glow I had to ask him if I said yes. The whole moment was so surreal I couldn't remember if I said yes. Of course, I did.

I have to say it was probably the happiest day in my life so far. The ring is gorgeous and I probably look at it at least twice an hour (I've cut down).

Now for the planning and, of course, deciding on where to go on our honeymoon. Right now, we're thinking about Hawaii or Vegas. Yes, we've been to Vegas a few times but this time we could actually splurge and pamper ourselves. Although, Hawaii is a once in a lifetime trip and it only seems fitting to do it for our honeymoon. However, I don't know a thing about Hawaii or where to even start my research (I know, I know "do a search"). We would probably be going in October (next year) so I've got to find out how the weather is that time of year. I'm open to any suggestions so please feel free. I'd also love to go back to Puerto Vallarta. I'm open to anywhere but due to a limited budget I'm afraid my dream places like Ireland, Italy, France, etc. probably wouldn't be possible.

So, that's the story of how I got engaged. Thanks for reading and letting me share it.

Oops, that should be "my bf and I spent the week..."

Congratulations and thank you for sharing your story. It sounds like it was beautiful.

I chuckled when you said you were cutting back on staring at your ring. I've been married 18!years and I still look at my engagement ring at least twice an hour. That sounds silly but its true - I like shiny sparkly things!!!

Have fun planning your wedding and honeymoon. Try not to get too stressed. Just remeber that its the marriage that's really important not the wedding.

So romantic! Congratulations, ethel! And thanks for sharing.

Congratulations and a happy, long life of travels and adventures together!

Lovely story, Ethel. Best wishes.

What a great story! Congratulations!
I still look at my ring and it's been 45 yrs. Right next to my rings, my mom's is on my little finger. (I had her diamond taken out of her engagement ring and placed on her band) Very special.

Ok, so maybe I lied. I definitely look at it more than twice an hour :)

Congratulations!

Inquiring minds want to know...did you use Fodors travel talk to plan the trip to Lake Dunmore?

No, my parent's have a site at a campground there so I've been there many times and know quite a bit about the area.

Hi Ethel !

Congratulations! \:D/

And by the way, I concur with the above, I STILL look at my ring all the time. In fact, my DH has told me one of his favorite things is not to look at my ring, but to look at me while I'm looking at my ring. Still.

Now on the with the honeymoon. One word for you my dear, HAWAII.

There are many ways to conserve your dollars too, you can rent a condo, etc. If you want a hotel but don't want to spend alot, the Renaissance Wailea on Maui is a great value for the money. There is so much info here just start typing info in the text search box and have fun! We're here to answer any questions you have.

Many good wishes for you!
((L)) Tiff

Ethel, how wonderful! ((L)) ((F)) Congratulations to you .... (and I'd choose Hawaii for that honeymoon ... we'll help! :-d )

Hmmmm.... Depending on where you live, I wouldn't be so quick to cross Paris off the list of potential honeymoon destinations!

Oh, and congratulations!!

Congratulations!! ((L))
I like the way he does things! This is a good sign for years of anniversary celebrations etc :)

I have been married 100 years and I still look at my ring :)

ethel - congratulations!!! what a great story, and a perfect setting for this romantic memory. i smiled reading about your celebration drink at breakwaters - love that place ;-)

maybe you can get married in burlington on the water! i know several people who got married in state parks on the lake (the prettiest ones were at kingsland bay). although if i remember correctly you are from lake placid which is course a lovely, lovely place for a wedding.

Oooooooooh, you are from Lake Placid? Say Little Miss East Coast, I wouldn't be so quick to cross Europe off your honeymoon list either!

Now we do indeed have a dilemma!

:)

I look at my ring all the time too.

You know what they say about age and diamonds, don't you!

Oprah and I are on the same page with this one. I'm going to be permanently engaged as well.

My vote is probably NOT what anyone elses would be. IMHO stay closer to home after the wedding- romantic and beautiful and quiet. And save the high end vacation for a time when you have more adventure and energy at the fore.

Weddings are est-stress, you might just want to rest and enjoy. A beach in Mexico seems to be the biggest hit around here for those who have walked in your shoes. Hawaii from where you are is way too exhausting.

Congratulations Ethel. ((D))

Honeymoon? South of France. Fly from NY to Nice. Great time of year (Oct.) there. Combo of city and country feel.

Congrats!

I would think that October would be a great time to go to Hawaii. The summer crowds are gone (along with their kids) and the beaches should be relatively quiet - and the water will still be pretty warm.

Hawaii weather site (shows month by month averages):

http://hawaiiweathertoday.com/content.php?pid=19

Ken