Engaged!

Neil popped the question today, and I said yes! The short version of the story: We went out on a bike ride early this morning, our regular route up Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park. After about 15 miles, we took a break at our usual grassy patch in Bethesda. Neil walked off a bit, obtsensibly to shake out his legs. I stayed put to stretch, and when I looked up -- surprise! -- he was walking toward me with a purple duffel bag. It was filled with a beach towel, Pringles, Gatorade, two plastic tumblers and a packet of tissues. We sat down, he pulled out a sparkly ring and, well, you know the rest!

Here I am re-creating the teary moment. I needed just one tissue, thank you.

My left biking glove went back on after this -- extra protection. Had trouble keeping this smile off my face. At one intersection on the ride home, Neil looked at me and said, "I could probably get you to ride a century today." Alas, my leg muscles weren't able to sustain the joy, turning against me not long after that. Made it home all right ... and happy.