Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
On this day, in 1835, PT Barnum and his circus embarked on their first ever tour of the United States. The multi-skilled Connecticut born showman’s diverse curriculum vitae included author, publisher, philanthropist, and politician. However, he classed his work entertaining audiences as his real true love. Barnum is accredited by some as being the man... Continue Reading →
In the early 1970’s, every evening at about 6pm my siblings and me would hear the words “It’s time for bed!” It was an authoritative almost regimental order barked from a head perched on a spring loaded torso. To clarify, neither of our parents were the source of this command. I can honestly say I’ve... Continue Reading →
Midday, 17th September 2016. Two guys sit in an automobile on the driveway of a semi-detached house in a Bedfordshire town. Their plan to utilise Saturday's free time embarking on a journey back in time. Unlike a fresh faced Marty McFly and eccentric elderly scientist Doc Brown in the movie Back to The Future, the two... Continue Reading →
Hospital visits a plenty this week for my significant other. Yesterday saw her undergo a blood test; while today we shall spend an hour or so, on the hottest September day in the UK for 50 years, bathing in the strip lighting glow of an oncology unit waiting room. The strip lights are far less of a skin... Continue Reading →
I’ve just returned back to a sun drenched Casa Strachiona after a thankfully brief shopping trip with Karen. Our presence at an out of town shopping centre was at the request of my Geordie consort, with the express desire to acquire greetings cards for up and coming family occasions. So on a beautiful summer morning we braved... Continue Reading →
As a middle aged man addled with cynicism and with bitterness to spare, it is heartening to know my erratic mind still occasionally revisits the immature double entrendre destinations of my youth. I’m not overly proud of the jokes themselves, however it is comforting to know I still have one foot in the portal of my... Continue Reading →
“Wake up and smell the coffee!” is a comment we could all do with hearing every now and again. I always find being given that piece of advice useful to re-focus on the positive aspects of my life. That being said, I’m not as appreciative of receiving those words when asleep at 7am after my... Continue Reading →
Currently bereft of a topic for today’s narrative my eye (well both eyes really) is drawn to the behaviour of two of the neighbourhood cats. One of which is sat on my front lawn, while the other cavorts with abandon in my back garden. While Marmalade gorges on the spoils of a recent hunting expedition... Continue Reading →
Charlie Chaplin once said "Laughter is the tonic, the relief, the surcease for pain.". I assume he did so via a caption as all the films I saw him in he was inaudible! Despite everything, it is a mantra we as a family try to live by as much as possible. There are times when... Continue Reading →