Tomorrow, my wife Karen returns from an eleven night sabbatical at her childhood home in the County Durham town of Birtley. A sojourn undertaken to help care for her recently widowed octogenarian father. Although not a hiatus requiring passport, Hawaiian shirt or the SPF 20 sun cream, on her return my spouse will be required … Continue reading Strac the Wife
Over-Analysing!
At one stage yesterday evening I found myself watching US drama Dexter in parallel to listening to Edward Elgar's classic orchestral work Nimrod (Enigma Variations). As entertainment multi-tasking is unusual behaviour for yours truly, on completion of Nimrod I began mulling over the significance of this break from the status quo (no not the band!). … Continue reading Over-Analysing!
Balaclava Days in NE9
In numerous previous literary offerings I've written whimsically of northern English summers past. In particular the mid to late 1970's, years when meteorological gods bequeathed us Brits almost unbroken sunshine during the warm season. Helius and Zeus working in conjunction with Karma to recompense the UK proletariat for 1974's power cuts and 1976's Great Spangle … Continue reading Balaclava Days in NE9
Patience Required
Post-heart attack I've unsurprisingly striven to avoid situations that'll raise my blood pressure. Consequently, I'm currently staying clear of listening to/watching Leeds United games, listening to/watching Leeds Rhino rugby league matches, exposure to England Test crickets encounters and (apart from writing) numerous other avenues of pleasure. I'm also attempting to stay clear of my wife … Continue reading Patience Required
Chilling in the Chill
Post-haircut, I'm writing this literary effort sitting outside of the Botanist pub on Boar Lane, Leeds. It's nippy out; however, keen to avoid legitimate observations like "Well go sit inside and sit where it's warm you pillock!", I'm reticent to complain about today's late winter chill To be honest, being well wrapped up against the … Continue reading Chilling in the Chill
Mr Davidson’s Surgery
Recollections of 1970's dental appointments bring to mind thoughts of oral torture chambers infused with odours of stale gas anaesthesia and the flatulence of nervous patients. Visits in which you'd open your mouth for treatment which'd be closely followed by a pain induced "Aaaaarrrrggghhh" - As opposed to the much calmer "Ah" associated with GP … Continue reading Mr Davidson’s Surgery
“Turkey Salad with Mayo Again?!”
Last week I wrote a narrative containing untrustworthy recollections from my senior high schooldays in Low Fell, Gateshead. Within those memories I touched upon a sandwich shop called The Griddle - During my schooldays a 'go to' source for midday refreshment. In the 1970s/80s, this Durham Road deli was heavily patronised by Heathfield Senior High … Continue reading “Turkey Salad with Mayo Again?!”
