Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
My late father visited me in a dream last night. Looking like he did in his 50's, he didn't speak to me, in fact with me almost stuck dumb by this rendezvous hardly any words were exchanged. I did, though, hug him as tenaciously as I've ever embraced anyone, either awake or in slumber episode.... Continue Reading →
For the third Father's Day on the trot, it's with tempered melancholy I'm unable to bestow the oft predictable trinkets I'd gift my dad on this day. Expressions whose value bore much more affectionate value than monetary, however, without exception thoroughly appreciated by my forebear. A habitual bottle of Chilean merlot and recently released musical... Continue Reading →
What I witnessed yesterday was utterly unmistakeable. Printed handwriting of draughtsman like quality I'd seen on innumerable occasions during the half century of my existence. This chance sight that of my late father's forensically neat scription. Words transposed onto an old DVD player case by ultraviolet indelible marker, the catalyst to manifestations of a whole... Continue Reading →
It would've been my old man's 83rd birthday today. At 9am*** precisely he'd have rung either me, or one of my two siblings, and in his engaging Leeds accent thanked us for his presents - Ordinarily a decent bottle of red and a CD. After relaying his gratitude he'd hang up, going on to make... 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 →
I have had the pleasure of my younger brother's company at chez Strachan these last few days. Two years my junior, our Ian is renowned as an accident-prone chap who has smashed more crockery than a Greek restaurant waiter. Haphazard of nature, he is barred from every crockery outlet in the county of Tyne & Wear where he lives with... Continue Reading →
Sixteen days since his admission, my dad remains in situ at the Leeds General Infirmary (LGI). This enduring recuperation an unavoidable consequence of the major surgery he underwent last Wednesday. It's been a tough time for the undemonstrative Yorkshire gent. His malcontent exacerbated by his struggle to tolerate his role of patient in the latest episode of the drama The Strachan... Continue Reading →
In times of seemingly endless negative and disturbing news stories, escalating worldwide political/religious tensions, enduring personal family issues and my en suite light fitting breaking, seeking a pastime to raise the spirits becomes one of life's necessities. With this in mind, not to mention a desire to ‘give something back’ for the treatment and support... Continue Reading →
It’s Grand National day today. A day of equine drama, jubilation, despair and, for many in the UK, their only sporting bet of the year. Apart from the few days a year when I go racing at York, I include myself within the throng of once a year punters. I belong to this group who... Continue Reading →