Hey buddy :)

Thank you, and its very good to have you back here.
the midwife has just checked Alex over again and he''s gaining weight well now. Louise is moving a little more easily, so things look to be going very well thanks.

Best
Gene

Hello Gene!
I liked your argument about the love of swords. We (collectors) from different countries, in the old days would not only fight well, but also to salute the enemy for his bravery. We are united by something spiritual, that is not at all. Nurture Alexander to these values.
Once again, congratulations! Health of your wife, your little son, and you (the head of the big family health and forces are also needed) of course. :)
In Russia there is the traditional toast: "Za nojki!" Drinks the friends new-found Father.
Protect God Your entire family, let all be well and happy.
Regards.

Thanks mate.

Choosing a name was sooo difficult! Louise and I had very different ideas about the names we wanted lol.
It was my long chats with you a couple of months ago that put the idea of 'Alex' into the mix of names. Then towards the end, it was the only name that we both agreed on, so we started thinking of him as 'Alex'.
When he was born we both agreed it was just right for him!
He looks like an 'old soul' so a classical name suits him!
So, there you go! You have a little namesake :D

P.S. I'm rather pleased as it fits well with his dads classical Greek name!
'Alexander son of Eugene' lol :D

Best
Gene

Hi Gene ,
George Cameron after the author G.C. Stone . ;)

Yeah, the C section was tough but a relief after 36 hrs .
It takes a bit to bounce back .
All will be well .

God bless.

Rick

Hello everybody ,

Congratulations from me too, Gene & Louise, on Alexander's arrival!

Best Wishes from India,

Sandeep:)

Hi Gess,

Thank you for your kind words. I completely agree with you.
It's the great paradox of our existence, that so much of our culture and so many of our achievements are driven by, or born out of our conflict with each other.
But learning and respecting our past 'where we have come from' perhaps we can one day consign all weapons (not just edged) to museums, collections and 'dojos'.

Forums like this are a fantastic thing. Conversations such as we are having bring such diverse people together, initially because of a shared interest, but often 'evolving' into deeper, if sometimes subtle discussions where we all gain a greater understanding of each other.
Then hopefully we realise that what we share is so much more than what separates us.

On a personal level, I think back to my childhood, and I would have never dreamed that I could be 'talking' as friends to you in what was then the CCCP.
That alone is a good enough reason for me to have hope for the future and the world that little Alex is going to 'inherit'.

Best
Gene

Ah I see!

As for the C-S, you're right there amte! Louise is begining to get back to normal now. Hell of a cut though, must be 12" long. Poor girls as sore as hell.

Best
Gene

Best Wishes from India are always very welcome ;)
Thank you very much Sandeep. :D

regards
Gene