Frances saw Alan's profile on Yahoo Personals and liked the picture he had with his boys at a baseball game. After a few email exchanges, Frances agreed to meet Alan at the Cheesecake Factory at Arden Fair Mall (nice safe public location). Just to be extra safe, Frances asked Betsy and a friend to join her for "Happy Hour" so they knew what Alan looked like and could describe him to authorities (just in case he turned out to be ax murderer! Lol). Frances and Alan hit it off right away (and Betsy and friend went on their merry way). They enjoyed a few drinks and a bite to eat. They then drove to Old Sacramento where they listened to music at the Delta King. At first Frances was unsure on whether Alan was "the one" for her. Alan knew Frances was "the one" for him. Alan put a plan together ("salesman" hat) and enlisted his close friends and family convince Frances on what a great catch he was and it worked!

It was Frances' hope that a shiny diamond ring would be on her finger after 10 years of 'dating'. (She was off by four years.) There was much discussion of marriage over the years, however Alan forgot requirement #1 = Shiny diamond ring.... The 'shiny diamond ring' finally materialized... and a nice dinner at Scott's on the River ended with a proposal. Frances' favorite niece was there to video the event. Frances wondered.... (self) how long should this engagement be? (self) 14 years?!? Alas it was not meant to be a L O N G engagement, it was meant to be short and sweet.... (Just like Alan.... He's not short, but he can be sweet) So here we are.... June 2, 2019 will be the start of a new adventure for Alan & Frances.