Althouse's hand is won by a commenter -- and not just any commenter.
You have to know a bit of the backstory to know how sweet this is. You have to have heard strong but vulnerable Ann fiercely defending singlehood, and watched warmhearted and gallant Meade slowly, slowly unwilt from a traumatic divorce.
On December 30, Meade wrote to me:
I would love to have a date with Althouse. I can't really imagine it leading to a second date but I think it would be a gas just to watch her as she blogs and talks to herself and laughs out loud.
In the comments over there today:
- Freeman Hunt said...
(But my guess is that if they're engaged, they actually got pretty much engaged on the second date.)
- Meade said...
In our little blog world, this is . . . this is . . . tabloid!
It makes you happy. It gives you hope.
Congratulations in excelcis!!!
UPDATE: Trooper York has the best comment over there: "Who knew that all this time I was really commenting on EHarmony.com?"
Congratulations, Meade!
Posted by: Tom Strong | March 22, 2009 at 03:23 PM
Ain't it just fine and dandy all the way 'round?
Posted by: Donna B. | March 22, 2009 at 04:59 PM
I am very happy for them. I remember that Meade once posted that when he was picking up some stuff from his ex, that she was yelling stuff at him and screeched "Why don't you tell it to Ann Althouse." And now he can.
Posted by: trooper york | March 22, 2009 at 06:05 PM
I know. It's fuckin' awesome. I am over the moon for them.
Posted by: amba | March 22, 2009 at 06:13 PM
And I know Meade loves him some of those onion rings!
Posted by: trooper york | March 22, 2009 at 06:50 PM
I married late in life and had to make a lot of adjustments to how I live my life. Friends of mine who were divorced and then remarried after a long time as singles also had a lot of adjusting to do. So I hope they find ways to work it out. We need to help all we can by making them laugh. (I mean except for seeing Meade naked, nothing could top that for comic relief).
Posted by: trooper york | March 22, 2009 at 07:00 PM
This is wonderful news! Congrats to both of them.
Posted by: RW Rogers | March 22, 2009 at 07:29 PM
Wow!
Congrats to you both!
I think I'll keep blogging, talking to myself and laughing. I'll either get incarcerated or find another relationship. Either way, worth a try.
Posted by: Melinda | March 22, 2009 at 08:40 PM
Troop: that's it! He makes her laugh. Roger Rabbit.
Posted by: amba | March 22, 2009 at 09:10 PM
Hey... Meade made me laugh too! Was it only because I'm already married that I did not succumb to his charm???
Whatever... charm, love, lifepartnersmeanttobeordainedbythelovegodsof... whatever.
I wish Althouse and Mead the best. The very best, in fact.
So when are the nuptuals and are we all invited? Even if the invitiation means I drink a toast from this electronic terminal... I'm up for it.
In fact, I think I'll start practicting now!
Posted by: Donna B. | March 22, 2009 at 10:38 PM
invitiation = invitation. OK, I admit it, I've been practicing for some time this evening. I'd hate for it not to be perfect at the the actual nuptials!
Posted by: Donna B. | March 22, 2009 at 10:41 PM
I'll clink (wine)glasses with you, Donna. Here's to Meade and Ale!
Posted by: amba | March 22, 2009 at 10:42 PM
How fun.
I'll have to reread some of the old threads in light of this.
Posted by: Peter | March 23, 2009 at 12:15 AM
I am kind of shocked. Happy for them but shocked.
Posted by: Titus | March 23, 2009 at 01:42 AM
Hi, Titus!! Yes, it's incredibly impulsive and romantic and old-fashioned -- not necessarily what you'd expect of the Professor.
Must be some tulip . . .
Posted by: amba | March 23, 2009 at 01:51 AM
. . . or the mead.
Posted by: Peter | March 23, 2009 at 01:59 AM
Snap out of it!
:-)
Posted by: Sissy Willis | March 23, 2009 at 03:35 PM
Tom, Donna, trooper, amba, randy, Melinda, Peter, Titus, Sissy: Thank you for your kind, funny, warm, touching comments. Love, Meade
Posted by: Meade | March 24, 2009 at 08:05 AM
Oh.My. Holy cow!!!
I leave the keyboard for, like- two days and THIS is what i miss 1st-hand? WOW! I am so impressed and gushy w/- hope and love and excitement for Meade and Althouse. The future is ahead of you:0).
Donna- another wedding to share. ~clink~
Posted by: karen | March 24, 2009 at 09:13 AM