First entry since the new FC opened for me; have to be a quick note, but here's an open invite for anyone passing through town. The atmosphere is energized. The coaches are seemingly even a bit more dedicated, and proud. The space is great. I took a lunch hour lesson the other day, and sunlight pouring through a long wall of windows, strips gleaming, and light wood deck looking sleek. This club is gift, and I think we all know from whom. I thanked him personally, but he stayed low-key, not wishing to give away what I think we all know. Ironically, I chalk this new location and club up to sub-prime, yes, sub-prime. My network says this special person took the right position on the market, and won pretty big. His heart has always been at the FC, and this club is his gift. Anyway, amazing fencers keep passing through, making it very fun. Latest has been some international fencers from some pretty far-off places, guys, brothers actually, one saber fencer, one epee, who just showed up, in national team kit, and took all comers. What a great time. While it feels like my sense of competitive mission is past the high point of passion, my relationship to the sport has never been healthier, and happier. Yes, I am wistful that age has put me past the fantasy of a highly competitive revival, and I still make the circuit, though fewer competitions than I'd like, but the desire is still there, the learning is still there, and the fight is undiminished. So a solid tuesday practice of two hours, or a light touch-up practice on Sundays, then a hot shower, and lunch is soul satisfying. Along with career, and family, fencing remains a pillar of my life.