The Dating Game

In a move to improve my exercise regime, which brings with it many benefits, GJ Strachan is contemplating purchasing a heavy duty punchbag. Preferably one around six foot in height with ground-based footings and of robust constitution. Blimey, while articulating the previous sentence, it felt like yours truly was penning a half-assed lonely-hearts ad….. That being…

Ah Jonny Boy

Thirty two years ago tomorrow I became a father for the first time when my son Jonathon joined the cast of this reality show called life. A rollercoaster of a gig my boy has thus far weathered relatively well; arriving into adulthood as an engaging and grounded young man of whom I’m immensely proud. Never…

The Pied Piper of Ardsley

For the last few weeks, like a latter day Pied Piper, I’ve been accompanied everywhere by a couple of furry shadows. It’s fair to say, though, the two dogs following inches from my heels are a darned sight more enchanting than the rodents legend claims following a piper from within Hamelin’s walls. That being said,…

Still Centre Stage

Around midday yesterday the opening verse of Jimmy Osmond’s 1972 hit ‘Long Haired Lover From Liverpool’ rang out in a West Yorkshire hospital ward for elderly ladies. Although memory didn’t afford its performers with full lyric recollection any voids were filled with chirpy and reasonably melodic “La, la, la.” substitutes. What the room’s other five…

Support From The Other Side

My late father visited me in a dream last night. Looking like he did in his 50’s, he didn’t speak to me, in fact with me almost stuck dumb by this rendezvous hardly any words were exchanged. I did, though, hug him as tenaciously as I’ve ever embraced anyone, either awake or in slumber episode….

Shoot That Metaphorical Arrow

Upon entering the living room in Chez Strachan on the morning of 14th February, I was greeted by an unexpected audible ping. With it being Valentines Day, the poet within me romanticised this aural distraction may’ve emanating from Cupid’s bow string. Its source the forceful triggering an arrow in my direction; a gesture of amour…

Cokes Adds Life

It’s a stark grey day, however it’s not dampening the esprit consequential of being in the company of my lab/retriever buddy Coco. An affectionate soul from the red rose county of Lancashire, the spirited demeanour she displays when in her presence absolutely melting my heart. This morning while walking with my loving canine buddy at…

Don’t Ask Me Howard?!

Today sweethearts around the globe will drink a toast to mark a special day for the patron saint of love……. No, it’s not actress Margot Robbie’s birthday (I don’t think anyway!), I’m alluding to the perennial mid-February love fest which goes under the moniker of St Valentine’s Day. Throughout the world, enamoured couples will make affectionate gestures…

The Greatest Thing You’ll Ever Learn?

There was a boy A very strange enchanted boy They say he wandered very far Very far Over land and sea A little shy And sad of eye But very wise Very wise was he Then one day A magic day he passed my way And while he spoke of many things Fools and kings…