Recent episodes of 'devils own luck' with newly purchased electrical appliances struck again this morning when a drill driver (purchased only an hour earlier) proved faulty. Despite the tool's motor working as designed, frustratingly the bit chuck's jaws were less reticent to function as planned (ie not tightening or slackening). This episode subsequently derailing plans... Continue Reading →
Respite
As I commence this prose, my brother Ian's just left our mother's home where he's been providing me respite from carer to our mater. Him affording me a break from the caring role a huge fillip for his elder sibling. Another boon was my notoriously clumsy brother left the matriarchal gaff without breakage. An achievement... Continue Reading →
Saturday Scrawl
At 10am my first chore of the day, the construction of the remaining two Hygena kitchen table chairs, was completed earlier than anticipated, affording me extra time for Saturday's scribble. The other pair assembled during a quieter period a fortnight ago. It's fair to say, I'm spinning a few existential plates at the moment. In... Continue Reading →
Falls & Rises
With the advent of a new week, the UK populace's anticipatory notions of upcoming liberty from lockdown have been tempered with bulletins a number of European countries maybe in the grasp a third coronavirus wave. How that'll affect the UK government's blueprint for easing of lockdown protocols is anyone's guess. However, recent history indicates, when... Continue Reading →
Their Race Run
Bank Holiday Monday brought forth an early reveille for yours truly. Given a 8am - 1pm window for my boiler's annual service, a rarely used watch alarm was set for 7.30am. Making my breakfast early on a cold, dark wintertide morn an activity I'd not undertaken for a long, long time. Footnote - All other... Continue Reading →
If The Cap Fits
This week, it's been 'great' to witness Brexit re-emerge from COVID's shadows to once again clock up several column inches. These bulletins, relating to our great nations shambolic, lie laden campaign to gain our liberty from the European Union (EU), informing our populace the 'oven ready Brexit' promised by our prime minister isn't quite as... Continue Reading →
Embracing The Solitude
Housesitting my marital home continues into its final week; for the time being anyhow. In preparation for her monthly oncology treatment, my estranged wife returning from her father's abode this coming weekend. On receipt of her treatment she'll be returning back north to County Durham where she'll care for her indisposed forebear. Remaining at her... Continue Reading →
Fight The Good Fight
After witnessing an online tip from a US Army General, every day the first thing I undertake is to make my bed. The psychology behind this being, by doing so you immediately achieve something within your day. This inaugural undertaking providing a spark of positivity with which to feed upon during the upcoming day. This... Continue Reading →
A Likely Story
It's day one of England's second lockdown. I'm pleased to report the initial hours of life under more stringent government edicts have proved fruitful for GJ Strachan. It's just gone 11am and already I've pencil drawn a caricature, completed the re-arranging of the dining room furniture, along with emptying a cabinet containing many old curios,... Continue Reading →