A new experience in my old age

What is it they say? Ah yes, it is  "You can't teach an old dog new tricks."

Well, yesterday I proved that this saying is not true and in fact, it can be a detrimental saying and stop an ageing person from even trying!

It may take a little longer to process information or learn how to do it, but, yes, it is possible to keep on learning and to achieve a good result.

That is enough philosophy for today.  Why did I start on this thought pattern you may ask, particularly since I have just risen and am drinking my morning coffee!

Let me fill you in on the details so that you may understand.

I have a friend who is having a dispute with her landlord and I was requested to be a witness for her side in the court case.  She also brought a fellow tenant as a witness.  I came as a friend and as moral support.

I have to say that I was very impressed by the judge.  She was patient and very thorough.  While my friend was giving her evidence and showing the many pictures that we both had taken, the other witness and myself had to wait outside the court room.

The guards were lovely (commissionaire) , they brought out a chair for me to sit on, brought me water to drink twice and even closed the blinds as it was extremely hot in there in the corridor.

After two and a half hours of testimony by my friend, the first witness was called in which was me.  I wasn't sure what to expect.  I had to swear to tell the truth and I was warned that not to do that is a criminal offence.  For me, it was easy, I had written out what I wanted to say and organized my thoughts.  Most of what I said was admissible in court but once I think the judge stopped me nicely and said that I had not seen it directly but rather had been told by my friend, so it was not admissible.

I could understand that, so just carried on.  I think I was on the stand for about 15 minutes what with both sides asking me questions about what I had said.

I was then allowed to remain in the room while the next witness was called.  I suspect his testimony was more relevant as he has lived there many, many years.

We had only 15 minutes left of the allotted time and to give the landlord's agent a fair allotment of time to present his case, we will need to return again.  It is only fair in my opinion that he be given equal opportunity to state his case,

It might be a month down the road so hopefully the weather will not be as beastly cold as it was yesterday.

We parted company after leaving the building and as it was close to 5 p.m. I went to my usual spot on Thursday night and spent several hours there with good company and interesting topics to listen to and to participate in.

I was very, very tired when I got home and put off calling people until I was fresh the next morning.

So you see, you can teach old dog new tricks.  It was an easy experience for me and the judge noted right away that I was hard of hearing and took that into consideration.  I appreciated that very much.

Next time we go, my official part is over and I will just go as moral support.  My friend will not get a decision right away but it will be mailed to her home once the decision is made. It may take two weeks or so after the decision is made plus the mailing time.

Today I plan to work at home (housework) and to continue working on two poems (a poetry contest) as time is rushing by and the deadline is looming. I also plan to bake a cake.

Thanks for dropping by and have  great day.