Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
The first known batch of Scotch whisky was recorded on this day in 1495; the first distillation accredited to a Tironensian monk named John Cor. The man of pray a servant in King James IV’s court at Lindores Abbey, Fife. For the uninitiated, the Tironensian Order was a medieval monastic order named after the location of the mother abbey in France (Tiron Abbey), which... Continue Reading →
It played out one year ago..... 12 months...... 365 days..... Events ensuring, irrespective of future occurrences on that date, 3rd October will remain indelibly tainted within the family as being the calendar juncture of my mums passing. The familial matriarch's protracted 2021 demise playing out in an Ossett care home; the final dark proceedings witnessed... Continue Reading →
It's two days since my first coronavirus shot and I'm delighted to report that, as yet, I've not encountered any adverse side affects to the vaccination...... Well, apart from a brief period yesterday when, thinking I was Scandinavian comedienne Sandie Toksvig, yours truly started conversing in Danish. As GJ Strachan speaks none of Denmark's mother... Continue Reading →
Today sees the second anniversary of me suffering a heart attack. A major life, and nearly death, event making me acutely aware of the exactitude of oft used old cliche 'Live every day as it's your last'. Admittedly, I still don't always adhere to that mantra, however, the episode has instilled in me a stronger... Continue Reading →
It's 1st of October, the final quarter of 2019's. A date that's the anniversary of a few major life events that've touched my existence. Included among those episodes are the wedding anniversary of my parents, the date I commenced in full-time employment and being Best Man of a good friend from the north east of... Continue Reading →
My website provider WordPress this morning reminded me today is this 4th anniversary of me setting up my website writesaidfred.org . A domain I created for the purpose of sharing the blogs I'd commenced writing at that juncture of my life. Outlets from the more challenging aspects of my life, including my wife's incurable cancer... Continue Reading →
This week sees the eighth anniversary of a life changing event that shook my family to it's core. A time my brood and I were ushered, or more accurately dragged kicking and screaming, onto an unwanted emotional rollercoaster sojourn. A ride with no height restrictions, or indeed any other discriminatory parameters, allowing for non-participation. My... Continue Reading →
One year then, dad!...... One year since we lost you....... One year since we last witnessed that warm smile...... One year without your words of wisdom....... One year robbed of that calming persona that underpinned the family dynamic. One year which has no doubt seen profits at the Connie Club and the bookie's on Bradford... Continue Reading →
Tomorrow marks the first anniversary of my dad's passing. Twelve months during which I learned for the first time in my half century on this screwed up planet what loss truly meant. A valuable lesson formed from emotions resultant at never again being able to share the company of a dearly loved family member. This... Continue Reading →