Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
They journeyed from afar under an energy-sapping sun, parched and weary on arrival at their destination. The spent travellers odysseys made to congregate for a family feast among the east Leeds suburbs...... Well, they came from York and Wakefield anyway. The christian resurrection commemorated with sacrificed lamb, the up-coming birthday of GJ Strachan marked with... Continue Reading →
March 1993 - The clear spring sky grants unhindered visual access to the Piscean constellation lording it above a Bedfordshire hospital. A celestial display festooned majestically overhead; the new day only minutes old as it witnesses the girl child's arrival. The babe's advent seven days earlier than anticipated, catching her twenty-something parents on the hop.... Continue Reading →
25th January 2019 - Today sees Scots around the world marking the birthday of 18th century Caledonian poet and lyricist Rabbie (Robert) Burns. Incorporated within these global Burns Night celebrations revellers will feast on haggis, neeps and tatties; along with partaking in a wee dram to toast the national poet of Scotland. In some cases,... Continue Reading →
The first birthday without her beloved husband. Yet another milestone to endure; one more hurdle to be leapt as part of the lady's grieving process. After 57 years marriage, prior to being widowed in October 2017, my mother's anniversary of birth today will no doubt present her with a very different experience than normal. For... Continue Reading →
Part of our yesterday's celebrations for Mrs S's birthday were a cocktail at the Liquorist bar on Greek Street, along with lunch at Gino D'Campo's restaurant on Park Row, Leeds. For the latter we were joined by our son Jonny and his fiancée Jenny. Sitting outside the cocktail bar beneath the midday solar rays, my... Continue Reading →
Today's the eighth birthday my diminutive wife has celebrated since her November 2010 prognosis, at the age of 44, indicating her condition would make it unlikely she'd celebrate many more 11th Junes.... Obviously, I'm paraphrasing as medical professionals would never use language as insensitive to a patient - The message though was the same. As... Continue Reading →
Twenty eight years ago today I became a father for the first time following my son Jonny joining the cast of this reality show called life. A rollercoaster of a gig that my boy has thus far weathered relatively well, arriving into adulthood as an engaging and grounded young man of whom I'm very proud.... Continue Reading →
On this day in mid-1960's Kirskstall, Leeds my younger brother Ian made his appearance into the world. Born at home, our kid arrived shortly after the conclusion of the second Cassius Clay vs Sonny Liston fight. With Clay (latterly Muhammed Ali) winning by first round KO, Ian didn't turn up on time to witness Liston... Continue Reading →
Saturday 5th May - It would have been my dad's birthday today - The first since his passing last October. Ordinarily on this day, we'd visit him with perennial presents of a bottle of merlot, along with a CD to embellish his eclectic collection. Despite always receiving this predictable pairing of gifts, we knew we... Continue Reading →