I was reminded earlier, during a visit to the social networking wonderland of Facebook, that on this day a year ago I took a train journey up to Newcastle for a Christmas night with friends in the north east. This gentle memory jog transported me back to that rainy north east break, in the company of amiable bunch of guys who... Continue Reading →
The Pentagenarian Tree Ornaments
As a result of a visit to my parents for Sunday dinner, for the second day on the trot I’ve started my daily blog later than normal. Although, I suspect not much sleep will be lost on that less than interesting introduction! With my wife Karen at her fragrant mum and dad’s for the weekend,... Continue Reading →
Christmas’ Revisited
I'm late penning this monologue today as I've been over to York for lunch with my two adult offspring. My daughter Rachel and I took the 20 minute drive from Leeds, after deciding it was quicker than walking. However, with the increased festive traffic around our historic county capital we were nearly proved to be wrong. On arrival, navigating crowds while being... Continue Reading →
The Christmas Lighthouse
Door number 7 on the advent calendar opened effortlessly this morning. A small tug of the sticky tape applied by the pilferer of its former confectionery contents was all that was required to relinquish its union with the calendar façade. The shape of the plastic insert behind the door, where the candy should have been housed,... Continue Reading →
It’s Beginning To Look A Little Bit Like Xmas
Christmas jollity is in evidence today at the Bexley Wing, at St James Hospital. There is a noticeable raising of spirits as volunteers adorned in Christmas sweaters and reindeer antlers hand out sweets, mince pies and hugs. The oncology patients respond in kind by returning the hugs and smiles, along with an acknowledgement of gratitude and MRSA... Continue Reading →
O Christmas Tree
With only a Cadburys fresh air advent calendar on display, there currently isn’t much of a festive ambience in chez Strachan. With this in mind, I intend to raise the yuletide cheer levels later by venturing to my local garden centre to acquire a Christmas tree. I know that’s hardly news that will make this evenings TV... Continue Reading →
Bespoke Advent Calendars of Yore
On opening door number 4 on the advent calendar earlier, I was taken aback be confronted by a shrill creaking noise. I’m not sure whether the sound emanated from my yet to warm up middle aged limbs, or whether it was rust on the door hinges. Although on reflection as the calendar is made from cardboard I suspect it... Continue Reading →
One Day More
The consumer build up to the festive period is well and truly gathering momentum. Like the runaway carriage at the beginning of Les Miserables, it hurtles out of control creating collateral damage until its inevitable conclusion. In Les Mis, the victims requiring the intervention of the parole breaker Jean Valjean to gain respite from its carnage. However, in... Continue Reading →
In Pursuit Of A Hamster Called Bert
I’ve a busy day ahead. It starts with shooting my Christmas workout DVD late morning, followed by an afternoon meander around the retail establishments of our fair metropolis. I’m not overly fussed about the shopping as I’m just giving family and friends my Christmas fitness DVD as festive gifts. Irrespective of this, I’ve told my wife I’d accompany her... Continue Reading →