Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
I've recently returned from collecting for MacMillan cancer support at Marks & Spencer Food in Cross Gates. After navigating torrential rain to secure their weekend provisions, as usual the big-hearted M&S customers dug deep and donated magnanimously. Consequently, the consumers altruism meant my voluntary stint concluded with a weighty collection bucket, not to mention arms like Stretch Armstrong. Dressed in... Continue Reading →
As I peer north westerly out of living room window in the direction of neighbouring West Ardsley, I'm greeted by a cloudless blue East Ardsley sky. I'm currently in situ at my parents home in the village west of Wakefield, about to embark on another day where the hog remains on terra firma. This recrudescing routine involves writing... Continue Reading →
It's Saturday morning. Sitting here in the dining room of my parents house on the Wakefield/Leeds borders, I'm mulling over my itinerary for this pleasant autumnal day. As I'm easily distracted, though, I don't envisage this period of contemplation will be overly protracted. My mum has been in the kitchen updating their fridge magnets with the latest news on... Continue Reading →
With our family head's health taking a turn for the worse, Thursday was a particularly tough day for our clan's emotional state. Ensconced in one of the Leeds Teaching Hospitals all week, his condition appeared to be deteriorating as each day dawned. Without going into too much detail, pater's condition twenty four hours ago saw him almost fully dependent... Continue Reading →
On Monday afternoon, while Karen was undergoing an MRI scan, I interspersed people watching with writing prose in a waiting area of the Bexley Wing, Leeds. The sonnet was written in a deliberately pretentious style, for which I make no apology. During this poem I made mention that St James (the name of the hospital currently... Continue Reading →
Chamber of lingering, institution of inflicted Seemingly endless tenancy o’er seven summers; brood support plural Carer career abiding; careering confidence consequential Caricature spent emotionally; parking fees spent frequently Oppressive chamber calefaction; procrastinating in dept Radiation Unfaltering resource dedication; vocational tools medication. Jimmy’s, affectionate moniker for institute of St James Minions of Zebedee’s son challenged... Continue Reading →
As a consequence of my diminutive missus' consultation with her oncologist today, along with follow up treatment tomorrow, another round of visits to Leeds Teaching hospitals commences today. As I write this, I'm currently in the waiting room of St James' Bexley Wing with Karen and around a score of other patients and families. It's a light,... Continue Reading →
Yesterday, our clan learned the family head's post-surgery progress was satisfactory enough for his imminent discharge from hospital. Mally still has some occupational therapy (OT) hurdles to overcome, mainly surrounding stairway mobility, it was heartening to hear our clan head will soon be back in the bosom of his brood. Attempting to motivate my dad with his stair management, I misleadingly disclosed that his surgeon recommended forthwith his consumption of red... Continue Reading →
It's Monday morning. Seeking inspiration while perched on a dining chair in my parents dining room, I mull over what week commencing 10th July has in store for the Strachan brood. With the octogenarian family head still stricken post-surgery, we know our itinerary will include visits to the Leeds General Infirmary (LGI). Additionally, on Friday, I've a scheduled 100 mile... Continue Reading →