Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
“He looks really scruffy!” A forthright opinion emanating from an elderly lady’s mouth as I walked past her and (I assume) her husband while strolling towards the Batley Mills retail outlet entrance. With other shoppers in the immediate vicinity, I am unsure if this barb was directed at me. And even if it was, as... Continue Reading →
Last Saturday saw my first day at the races since pre-COVID19 lockdown. The outing part of a weekend in Newcastle with my son-in-law Simon; meeting up with my brother Ian who lives across the River Tyne in Gateshead. Incidentally, although I refer to Simon as my son-in-law that is not strictly true. Well not since... Continue Reading →
Five years ago a life episode played out which, although shaking my being to the very core, became a catalyst for positive life changes on my part. Transformations which have enhanced my life immeasurably; subsequently, augmenting my self-worth and esteem. Let me point out this life event, the suffering of a heart attack, could've been... Continue Reading →
In lieu of a blog, today I include my submission for a writing group I attended yesterday. The prompt for our submissions was 'flooded river':- Through my front room window, I watch water advance slowly towards the riverside bungalows neighbours and I call home. Although proceeding at a sloth-like pace it remains a a sinister... Continue Reading →
After almost a week of malady, yesterday I finally tested negative for COVID. Subsequently, today I ventured out of my apartment for the first time since Christmas Day; today’s writing venue the front room of my beau Sarah’s home. As she is working, I’ve volunteered to sit with her adorable German Shepherd Zella. The furry... Continue Reading →
The new year is upon us. For many the start of January manifesting resolutions aimed at improving physical and/or mental wellbeing. People’s declarations of existential advancement coming in various ways. For instance, gym memberships increase, sales of workout gear surge skywards like new years fireworks, and I purge all thoughts of taking up lion taming.... Continue Reading →
I have been stricken with COVID since Christmas Day; the virus an unintended festive present from my fragrant beau Sarah… Well, hopefully the pathogen wasn’t intentionally passed to me by the shapely West Yorkshire lass. Although with her mischievous sense of humour, I wouldn’t totally rule it out. The Ossett lady was similarly afflicted last... Continue Reading →
Below are a series of deliberately absurd quiz questions I wrote for a Christmas quiz night last year. These catechisms were written purely for comedic value and should not be taken seriously or viewed as factual fare... The 'answers' are shown below in bold:- True or False - Last year my brother asked for Christmas... Continue Reading →
If I am not on his naughty list, in eleven days Santa will have broken into my flat. With a bit of luck, though, not to ransack its festively decorated chambers or quaff my favourite single malt whisky. No, the chubby red-faced bloke’s modus operandi will be to impart yuletide cheer in the shape of... Continue Reading →