Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
This morning yours truly woke to the sound of clanking ladders emanating from the bottom of our cul-de-sac. Not being inquisitive enough to poke my head through my bedroom curtains and look, I've no idea which company the perpetrators of the racket represented, or indeed what task they were undertaking. Hearing two male voices, though,... Continue Reading →
In the company of a pal of mine, yesterday evening I went to see a gig at the Brudenell club, Leeds. This an odyssey to see a band called The Quireboys - A synergy of musicians with roots in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Scotland and a Llandudno B&B (allegedly). I'll be honest and admit it's a band I'm... Continue Reading →
It takes guts to reprise a role on stage performed with such distinction in the original movie it secured the portraying actor (Dustin Hoffman) an Oscar - An accomplishment he achieved in the 61st Academy Award ceremony (1989). A lead actor performance that possibly usurps those of the other 89 winners of the accolade, prior... Continue Reading →
Over the weekend, I was sad to read of the passing of Chas & Dave pianist Chas Hodges. Hodges, one half of the London pair who in the 1980's taught us when it comes to a vacation, "You can keep the Costa Brava, I tell you mate I'd rava have a day darn Margate wiv... Continue Reading →
I had another trip over to my son's new home today. Painting, grass cutting and out of tune singing to 1980's hits the top of my agenda. If not singing along to music on Pulse 80's FM, I tend to hum the base line of the 30+ year old refrain. The humming solution ordinarily manifesting... Continue Reading →
Tuesday 29th May - This morning, I've revamped the look and feel of my website https://strachan.blog - A fiddly task where customising the site to my aesthetic requirements isn't ordinarily achieved without significant trial and error. I liken the process to that of attempting to 'wind up' my adult children. That a strategy of antagonising... Continue Reading →
Thursday 17th May - I'm sat writing this monologue at the salon of my mum's hairdresser. My attendance here that of dutiful son patiently awaiting to drive his mater home post-haircut. Despite me being firmly entrenched in middle-age, mum feel moved to promise me a bag of M&S Peppa Pig candies if I'm a good... Continue Reading →
Wednesday 2nd May - Yesterday afternoon was spent undertaking garden maintenance at casa Strachan senior. This involved a few hours hard graft manicuring lawns, along with pampering soil borders with a much needed weed/hoeing treatment. Consequently, at around 5pm thanks to assistance from lawnmower, grass clippers, a hoe and my family's horticultural secret (passed down... Continue Reading →
One Fine Day We Shall See - An aria in Act 2 of opera Madama Butterfly. A scene where Nagasaki girl Coi-Coi San misguidedly opines to sceptical maid Suzuki that, despite it being three years since last seeing her husband, her marriage remains strong. As fragrant tree blossom cascades gently onto the women, Ms San... Continue Reading →