They've Done It!

They went off for a meal on their own at lunchtime, to a great little restaurant at the lakeside village of Estrela. She had a few suspicions, but thought he didn't seem nervous enough. After the meal, they went for a walk and he asked her to look at the Lake, so he could take a photo. When she turned back around to see why he was so silent, he was on one knee, holding up this beautiful white gold ring with a London blue topaz surrounded by diamonds and engraved with "coisa de Deus" (which I had to transport here, can't tell you how relieved I was to hand it over). Anyway, his hand was trembling so much, she was frightened he'd drop it, so thought she'd better rescue it... They then went back to the restaurant, where lovely Graça was waiting with some good champagne.

All this took over four hours. Poor old Mum back at the ranch, wondering if it had all gone wrong, but no, eventually they arrived, glowing with happiness. Phew.

Watched the sun set from the top of Monsaraz, and then went down to Sem Fim for some petiscos, served by Gonçalo, our friend Zé Maria's son. Just perfect.

Gratefuls:
- being allowed to share in this special moment of our daughter's life
- this good and kind man, who makes her so happy
- the Alentejo rising to the occasion and being the perfect backdrop for it all