Greetings Everyone

[smilingjake]

I would like to say hello to everyone and introduce myself. I have been reading the different posts and topics in an attempt to educate myself and learn from the past experiences of others.
A bit abouut myself. I am a 52 year old guy, divorced seven years and on my own for that time frame after a 22 year marriage. I'm also a retired police officer of twenty four years, so I do have some street smarts. Although street smart in my part of the world, in the FSU part of the world I am strictly a rookie with no street experience or expertise. Therefore, I accede to the wisdom of those who are much more informed.
I've been corresponding with a lovely lady, early forties, through A.Web agency, ugh !!! dont blast me. I'm new at this and getting my feet wet. The correspondence has been going nicely and I believe I am reciving personal replies as opposed to form letter replies -- My lady friend replies to and asks questions in regards to previous things I've told her. I mentioned that I had planted a couple of tomatoe plants in my back yard. She expressed surprise as she thought all Americans bought all their food from the grocery store and then asked me several letters later if I was as of yet serving my friends the "mellow" tomatoes. I also mentioned I was going to Virginia to a Civil War show with my nephew. She later asked how the weekend went and mentioned my nephew by his first name. So, she does seem interested and attentive. She has never mentioned personal hardships on her part only that she lives in a flat with her mother and she is doing minor repairs (cosmetic repairs). She has sent me a few pictures and yes she is quite attractive, at least to me and thats what counts.
She recently had a birthday and I sent her five roses, yes I remember the odd number on the flowers. I received a picture back of her takinbg delivery of the flowers and the picture was awesome. She was in her faded jeans with a white plain top, hair not all done up, just a natural picture, butlet me tell you she looked radiantly beautiful with that smile. It warmed my heart and really made me happy!!
She is from Nizhny Novorgod. I did a bit of research on the city to see what her city surroundings are in which she lives. It looks like they have a very nice WW2 museum which is a big history to me. Anyhow, I am rambling a bit here. I just wanted to seay hi and any comments or thoughts are greatly appreciated.
Jake

[I/O]

Smilingjake: Welcome to RWD. If you put it on paper that she was from NN and you met her through A-web, you would at least give me a laugh for the week. However, anything is possible and I think (If memory serves me correctly) one of the long time married guys here's wife is from there also.

It all certainly sounds genuine and nobody can know for sure one way or another until things develop further.  Take your time and do your best (If that is possible for we mere males) to not get emotionally involved to any extent.  If you haven't done so, have a good read through the FAQ section.  That will give you a very good general oversight and may envoke some specific questions.  It was put together by guys who do know their stuff on the given subjects.

All the best and again, welcome.

I/O

[DizzyD]

welcome SmilingJake.... I'm a recent arrival myself...   as you will find out very quickly... the people here are great,, and they are very willing to share their knowledge..

All the best
DD

[acrzybear]

Howdy Jake

Welcome to RWD, you'll find some good information here.

  It's nice to have another person familar with LE here.  I started out in Northern California approximately 13 years ago and am currently a Sergeant in a mid size agency (200 sworn) here in central Texas.

 If you need anything just PM and I'll be more then happy to help you.

Take care

P.S you might want to look at "time for some humor" thread, got some funny stuff there.

[Shadow]

Hi smilingjake, after you have done somereading you will see that you have some hurdles to take, but do not worry. Right now you have to concentrate on what is ahead. First is to try and get her on a phone call. If that is prohiibited by Aweb and there is no way around, proceed immediately to the next step: plan a visit to her.

It may seem rushed for you, but ultimately visiting is the ultimate test for compatibility. And if she is anything less than real, she will vanish or write a 'dear John' as soon as she understands your plans. If she is real she will be extremely happy, and no matter the outcome you are in to a new experience.

[Kuna]

SmilingJake...

Welcoe to RWD.  I'm sure you'll find it a great help s you continue along this journey...

It sounds like you're off to a great start... but I'd suggest you go over the 10 Commandments and stick by them every step of the way.

When are you thinking about traveling?

Before doing so it's very worthwhile to do some in depth planning and it's even a good idea to have a back up plan.  Stick around... many men here have ample experience and you'll find lots of help here.

Again... Welcome!   

Kuna

[catzenmouse]

Welcome SmilingJake!

 Which battle field/park did you go to? I used to live near Richmond so have been to quite a few of them over the years. Pamplin Park is the newest one and I enjoyed my day there.

 Like has been said before: There are good women listed with bad agencies and bad women listed with good agencies.

 Hopefully you've got the first part of this with this lady. Plenty of great information here to guide you through the maze and land mines.

Good Luck!
 Ken