Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
At reveille, looking atop my bedside table staring back forlornly were a five and ten pound note that've lain there gathering dust for eight weeks. Along with the adjacent four pound in coinage, its inactivity consequential of monetary payments being unfavourably viewed on planet COVID. It's entry into similarly dust gathering tills, only accepted as a... Continue Reading →
Yesterday afternoon, I skimmed through ten decades of family photographs. These snapshots incorporating footprint's of both recent familial existences, along with images of my earlier paternal and maternal line forebears. Included within the monochrome memories a photograph from the 1920's taken in Leeds Town Hall, showing my great grandad as toastmaster at an event where... Continue Reading →
In recent days I've witnessed a few of the unsavoury US sideshows masquerading under the moniker of White House briefings. These unseemly episodes, played out to a backdrop of childlike animosity more suited to the schoolyard, depressing insights into how poorly this catastrophic pandemic is handled in many quarters. I've no intention of serving up... Continue Reading →
Yesterday evening, UK prime minister Boris Johnson informed around a 30 million TV audience the lockdown edict of 'Stay at Home > Save the NHS > Save Lives', had been superseded in England with a slightly more libertarian advocacy of 'Stay Alert > Control Virus > Save Lives'. Advice, which is at this time, isn't being adopted... Continue Reading →
I'm slightly fatigued as this chilly late Sunday afternoon drifts seamlessly into evening. A lethargy which manifests notions of surprise at how daily itineraries bereft of activity can diminish one's energy levels to this level. Anyhow, as an aside, I got to speak to both my siblings today. Mercifully, they and their broods are keeping... Continue Reading →
Today sees the advent of yours truly's eighth week in COVID lockdown. "How do you reflect on events in the previous 56 days, Gary?", I hear you cry....... And even if you're not I'm gonna tell you anyway!.......Come back! Come back!....... I'll endeavour to make your ocular scan of these paragraphs as entertaining as possible.... Continue Reading →
This essay is the 1,900th blog manifesting from my capricious mind since embarking on this literary odyssey in March 2015. While sitting at my patio table, in close proximity on my starboard bow a money spider tenaciously navigates the web it's weaved. A view I take as a sign for the future...... Sadly, not one... Continue Reading →
My redolent consort on this literary sojourn's commencement is a tantalising bouquet of barbecued fare. At least one of the neighbourhood homes utilising the presence of solar rays to partake in alfresco grilling. Sunshine and barbecued fodder a marriage made in heaven; add a cold beer into the episode and there's unequivocal proof that the adage... Continue Reading →
Standing on the drive with an aural backdrop of clapping, pan tapping, hollering and chiming of cow bells, Thursday evening saw me fleetingly transported back to my childhood. This brief episode manifesting during a weekly clap for key workers, in the company of socially distant neighbours. Temporarily ceasing my ovation, I felt moved to cup... Continue Reading →