Why the hiatus?

It's been almost 9 months since my first and only post. Why such a long hiatus?

4 days after my first blog post for The Hike Life,
Michael proposed. 

The beautiful solitaire diamond ring on a chocolate covered espresso bean.

He proposed at Village Coffee in Troy, Alabama, where we first met and had our first date over 5 years ago. He told me we were going to a "family get together" last minute on Friday evening. I was a little annoyed to be told at such late notice. I just had to make something to bring because I just couldn't show up empty handed! He tried to talk me out of it, but I just wouldn't listen. So, he went along with it. We spent a few hours making cornbread salad (his family's favorite, and a little bit of an inside joke within the family). The next morning, I was exhausted.
But we left on our way to Troy at 8 a.m.

We get to Troy, and he wants to stop and get some coffee. I said, "Ok. Well, I'm going to wait in the car. I don't want any." He sweet talked me into going in with him. I huffed and got out of the car. He ordered and it took a few minutes for his order to be done.

As we were walking out to leave, he said my name. I turned around and saw Michael on one knee and then I saw his coffee cup with a chocolate covered espresso bean...and a ring on it. All I could do was cry in happiness. And had to sit down because I felt like my legs were about to give out! We hugged for a long time...and then I hear his cousin Paula say, "I hope that means yes!" He had her record the whole proposal.

Our Engagement Announcement (in today's local paper)