It was Deb’s first trip to New York on a long weekend to visit sister Vicki and her daughter which included a visit to Central Park, a Broadway show, shopping and a visit to Angie’s lovely home. It wasn’t until check-in at the airport did we learn of a long delay due to a blizzard back home which had closed all the runways temporarily did she spot tall, dark and handsome Pete also waiting at the gate. Several hours went by and many passengers had been rerouted but MSP was both of our final destinations. With the doors of the plane finally closed Deb found herself in the rear of the plane and no one on either side to talk to. She hit her call button and asked if she could change seats. The attendant just happened to be standing at the edge of Pete’s seat who could hear the conversation and was also sitting alone, when he waved Deb to move up and over next to him. It was there, halfway to heaven that we shared our souls and became instant friends.

OUR ENGAGEMENT: “Early” on during the course of their relationship, on their 15th anniversary of the day they met, which was during their fifth trip to South Padre Island, Pete proposed to his darling Deb despite his strong sense of “rushing” into things. It was during a romantic dinner at a seaside restaurant after a lovely day dolphin watching with a stunning sunset that Pete produced a beautiful mood ring to express his undying love and devotion. The mood ring (flaming red) was required to replace the actual engagement ring which was lost somewhere along the two day journey to Texas. Much to Pete’s happiness his lovely Deb said yes in spite of the hasty 15 year proposal timeline and the lost ring!