Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
Within minutes of his arrival on Friday evening an almighty crash emanated from the downstairs bathroom of our familial home. The sound of ornament breakage so frequently heard during my younger brother Ian's tarries south from Gateshead to Yorkshire you'd think he arrives accompanied by a crockery shattering theme tune. Knowing our kid had smashed... Continue Reading →
Unlike the Hot Chocolate song which started with a kiss, after prompting from my buddy Sarah, GJ Strachan's final birthday in his 50's started with Alexa singing him a hearty rendition of 'Happy Birthday To You'. The virtual songbird making a far better fist of the famed refrain than yours truly who decided to go... Continue Reading →
It’s April Fools Day. Consequently, we'll have a day littered with inane pranks, silly stories and tiresome practical jokes…… In other words it’s a dozen or so hours of business as usual at maison de Strachan. I find some practical jokes whimsical and innovative. For instance, yours truly was amused when hearing of a prank... Continue Reading →
Mother's Day - For over fifty springtimes a March day affording my siblings (Ian, Helen) and me opportunity to bestow a well-earned thank you to our much-loved mum. A warm, caring and loving parent who, along with our equally admirable father, underpinned our fledgling years; ensuring we entered adulthood equipped to bequeath similar qualities upon... Continue Reading →
It's been a productive couple of days at chez Strachan. Included within these constructive episodes was a revamping of the downstairs bedroom back into a dining room. A reverse of this portal's adaptation last year following my mum's February stroke. This stark incident necessitating creation of a downstairs bedroom and wet room, enabling her ease... Continue Reading →
In recent times notions relating to my late father have been amongst the numerous visitors to my mercurial mind. My cerebrum in receipt of thoughts relating to the old fella who four years ago passed away, depriving my brood of his inherent warmth, kindness, wisdom and love of family. Amongst memories appertaining to the patriarch... Continue Reading →
Yesterday I was deeply saddened to learn the nonagenarian grandmother of my good friend (Samantha) had passed away. As would be expected, the granddaughter grief stricken when delivering her stark news via telephone. Sam's forebear Brenda spent ninety plus years wandering this vale of tears. Those four score and ten plus summers played out around... Continue Reading →
Last night, while meandering aimless through what'd been up to that juncture a pretty mundane dream, my night visions verve was upped a notch by a visit from my Great Uncle Hector's ghost. Initially I didn't recognise my late forebear as his face was masked by a cricket helmet. His identity only unveiled when he... Continue Reading →
Two days until family and friends say an official adieu to my mum at the matriarch's funeral service. A day when we'll give thanks to, and for, the wonderful force of nature who touched our lives with unconditional love, warmth, hilarity and generosity of spirit. Wednesday one of celebration for a lady who spent eighty... Continue Reading →