Thanks everyone for the feedback. The ring was not on my finger. I had put in a zipped comparment in my wallet but somehow it was opened and must of fell out. I was staying at the Holiday Inn Express and we visited the Bugaboo Steak House twice, Kroegers, a couple of gas stations (one by 54 and McDonough Road), Krystal, IHOP. We also attended the race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Again, thanks for your responses. I vaguely remember hearing a clink sound once when getting out of our rental car, but didn't investigate - I can't remember where I was though.

Perhaps if you send a letter to the editor, so that it goes into the hard copy that is thrown in nearly every Fayette County driveway, you'll get more exposure.

If you could remember where you heard the "clink" noise, that might be a start. You must already have contacted the rental car agency to see if it could have been in the car, right?

I don't suppose there is any sort of inscription, etc?

A few years ago my wife lost TWO very valuable rings that an elderly friend (now passed on) had given her, and under very similar circumstances. There was both monetary and sentimental value involved.

Meanwhile, as a former Minnesotan (Northfield and St. Olaf College, 1991-1997), I wish to express my condolences for the coming winter. As a Florida native, I just never adjusted to the Minnesota climate. Never quite got the hang of wearing long underwear.

Image: Child's author Bill Peet's "Whingdingdilly"

The prospects of having it returned seem pretty bleak. But wouldn't it be a cool story if it happened--especially as the result of a local "grapevine"?

Image: Child's author Bill Peet's "Whingdingdilly"