Friday September 23, 2011: Rita was feeling really ill, but not being one to ever let Dan down, she still drove out to Ashford to be with him for the weekend. When she got there, she told him how sick she was feeling and how she wanted to spend the rest of the day on the couch. After a nap, Dan woke her up saying that he wanted to go on a walk at the National Park. This request was met with much complaining on Rita's part. But Dan knew that she would stop as soon as they got up the mountain.
After a very miserable car ride to Paradise, Rita refused to get out of the car. Dan coaxed her out and said a walk would do her some good. They walked around the Alta Vista trail (where the old visitor's center used to be). As it was nearing sunset, the mosquitos were out and very hungry. Dan tried to get Rita in the mood by saying things like "We've known each other for almost 10 years," but Rita wouldn't have any of it. She was thinking only of how mad she was that Dan would drag her up to the mountain when she wasn't feeling well and about how bad the bugs were.
Dan finally gave up and got down on one knee as Rita swatted away a mosquito from his face he asked her if she would marry him. Rita was shocked but was able to say, "YES!" and then asked him if he was going to put the ring on her. Surprisingly, Rita felt much better after that. The couple finished their walk hand in hand and was congratulated by a beautiful doe on their way back to the car.
About the Ring:
Dan began designing the ring himself with the help of local jeweler Amy Johnson of Johnson's Jewelers in May. To his surprise the process took longer than he wished. The final result was well worth the wait.
About the Ring:
Dan began designing the ring himself with the help of local jeweler Amy Johnson of Johnson's Jewelers in May. To his surprise the process took longer than he wished. The final result was well worth the wait.
