Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
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 →
Ordinarily, I don't watch breakfast TV magazine shows. Indifference to celebrity gossip, unashamed self publicity of guest's new books and show biz 'idols' showing similar indifference in reporter Dan Wootton's selfies, negating my desire to pay it much mind. This morning, though, I was glued to a segment of ITV's Lorraine show, featuring a remarkably... 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 →
The four-weekly visit for her oncology treatment is once again upon my wee missus. A scheduled sojourn that appears to come around faster ever month. Incidentally, that isn't a complaint. The diminutive County Durham lass and her clan are grateful for every goddamn second at these visits, as it means her tenacious fight continues. The... Continue Reading →
Yesterday saw many thousands of people in the UK facilitating or attending World's Greatest Coffee Morning fundraising events in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support. As part of this campaign, my lunchtime was spent undertaking a bucket collection at the Marks & Spencer (M&S) store on Briggate, in Leeds..... To clarify, when I wrote 'bucket collection'... Continue Reading →
Today, while collecting for MacMillan Cancer Support in the Mark & Spencer store on Briggate, Leeds, I was momentarily blindsided by an unexpected instance of paranoia. This incident occurring while undertaking my voluntary role close to the stores Briggate entrance doors. The scene played out a few short yards from the women's clothing department, during... Continue Reading →
After a pleasant restaurant lunch to celebrate Mrs Strachan senior's birthday, late afternoon saw Mrs S junior (Karen) and me pay a visit to St James' Hospital for my spouses scheduled consultation with an oncologist. We talked Mrs Strachan senior (Maggie) out of joining us, the spouse and yours truly deeming an oncology unit waiting... Continue Reading →
It's a cycle that seems to arrive swifter than it takes Olympic champion Jason Kenny to complete a circuit of a velodrome. For almost eight years, this cyclic event has been an undesirable but essential evil undertaken by my long suffering wife - Mandatory medical treatment required every four weeks; a crucial ally in her... Continue Reading →