The Life and Times of an Old Gent

 I have tried blogging in the past. My first blog was pretty well read, but life seemed to get in the way and I gave it up. The next one I tried had two regular followers! Was it worth my time to write or their time to read. One reader was a close friend whom I either text, see, or call almost daily, or at least 3 times a week. The other reader lived in another country, was more prolific in his writing, took beautiful pictures and basically put my blog to shame. So I gave that one up, too. I am not giving this one up. I like to write. I have funny stuff to say. I have serious stuff to say. I am 77 years young and have lots of life's ups and downs to share. Lots of experiences hopefully to be had. Let me tell any readers just who I am. I am an mixed media artist, so I can use this space to show my craft(s) to anyone who might happen by. I am a crocheter and an avid reader. I also love music, struggle at the piano and organ, but sing in a men's quartet and my church chancel choir...

I have spent a lot of time out on my screened porch this summer. Admittingly, I am a nosy cuss and wonder sometimes about the people in my neighborhood and beyond.  As I sit and ponder the world around me, these thought begin to ramble through my older, but still sharp (most of the time) brain. 1.  How do the couple that live across the street from me expect to train their German Shepherd pup when they give entirely different signals, words and voice tones when they are out with him. Tiger is a beautiful black and orangish dog who looks full grown, but is still a pup at a little over a year. Most of the time he looks confused by what his owners are trying to tell or ask him. I know nothing about training a dog, but my experiences with a Keeshond and a Pug along the way is that consistency is crucial. The owners are sure not consistent and add two teenage girls to their mix and it's no wonder poor Tiger is confused. 2.  Another neighbor who recently lost his wife has to le...