Cue The Olde Philosopher

Actually our man is not old much less olde

but he does regard himself as a philisopher

knowledgeable, cosmopolitan, pacific. 

He has a loyal companion who regards him

with liquid eyes of adoration so that's one

thing in his favour, though their lines of

communication are somewhat complex, she

canine, he human. To ask whether there are

other traits in his favour one would have to

enquire directly to his wife of whom he will

occasionally discourse and reading between

the lines of his wry accounts, one has reason

to doubt. Begin a conversation and prepare

to have the topic yanked out from under your

tongue. Wait for him to launch a topic and

then grit your teeth and launch a rictus smile.

Time is not in your favour, friend, take it from

we who have suffered over the years anxious

not to appear bored or fed up with the man's

endless expositions for which he brooks no

interruption, polite or otherwise. And when

tactfully you search for a conclusion whereby

escape is possible and launch an 'anyway...' as

preparation in taking leave, it is clear that many

have attempted that ruse and failed for he takes

that word and mockingly quotes: anyway

anyhow, nonetheless, even so, in any case .....