Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
I've felt physically drained over the past few days. Witnessing this constant rain seemingly bearing the same energy depleting qualities which Samson experienced after a trip to the barbers. The Nazarite's flowing locks, which initially attracted him to his beau Delilah, the fabled source of his immense strength. Their removal rendering him vulnerable to enemies,... Continue Reading →
Occasionally I'm asked about what it's like aboard the emotionally fraught rollercoaster ride which manifests from my spouses incurable cancer diagnosis. My inquisitors, individuals who've not previous shared this venture along a metaphorical cobbled path while in possession of nitroglycerin. People seeking to understand what's it's like existing with a clan member who in their... Continue Reading →
Yesterday afternoon, as a followup to my gastric haemorrhage in April, I underwent a gastroscopy procedure. A medical examination involving the insertion of a camera into my mouth, allowing it a short aesthetically displeasing sojourn down my oesophagus, coming to rest at the top of my stomach. Once the camera reached its destination, which Tripadvisor... Continue Reading →
It's Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK. As someone who's experienced the all-consuming joylessness of depression I felt it'd be remiss of me not to pen my thoughts on the subject during the days aimed at raising the profile of mental illness. Below I enclose an updated version of an essay I wrote two... Continue Reading →
Following the recent emptying of garbage bins by refuse collectors, the wheelie bin cleaning guy is currently treating our cul-de-sac's rubbish receptacles to a monthly spruce up. A £3 jet clean removing the cylinders interior and exterior detritus, providing a sparkling facade, along a pleasant fragrance courtesy of sanitising spray. I'm unclear what cologne this chap... Continue Reading →
I've not written a blog for six days - An unplanned hiatus caused by the latest fantastical plot in my real life soap opera. This storyline, introduced by whoever oversees my existential odyssey, seeing me hospitalised for the second time in twelve weeks. This affliction a gastric virus completely unrelated to the cardiac arrest which... Continue Reading →
Tomorrow sees my long-awaited post cardiac arrest health assessment. This a pre-requisite so cardio rehab staff can formulate a bespoke rehab plan for me to utilise at my local gym. This fitness strategy being drawn up to strengthen my heart muscle after it sustained moderate damage during the life-threatening incident. A plan that, although not mandatory,... Continue Reading →
As I write I'm sitting in the entrance waiting room of Leeds General Infirmary's (LGI) Jubilee Wing. Accompanied by my wife Karen, yours truly indulges in the addictive pastime of people watching. The 'entertainment' provided by scores of individuals oblivious to my surreptitious surveillance techniques - Some plying their trade within the chambers of this... Continue Reading →
Today's rehabilitative exercise aimed at strengthening my post-cardiac arrest ticker was a bracing 45 minute walk around Colton village. Slowly but surely I'm attempting to raise my heart's exertion levels; as such today's amble was at a brisker pace than normal. Accompanied by late winter sunshine, it was a pleasant enough sojourn around the estate.... Continue Reading →