Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
On this precipitous Monday morning, I've been perusing my diary to ascertain what we have organised for the upcoming week. Despite the convenience of recording plans on the calendar app on my smart phone, the Luddite in me leads me to utilise an 'old school' paper diary. This traditional organiser exhibits a distinct scarcity of ink in the pages... 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 →
I started writing this narrative sat in the Oncology Institute at St James' Hospital, while awaiting Karen's oncologist appointment. It's the first of two visits this week as she has her monthly treatment on Tuesday to supplement her daily medication. When I commenced writing this, I was heartened to see the sun shining outside and... 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 →
Another day, another hospital waiting room. Today, I’m in Waiting Area 3, which is very similar to Waiting Area 2 and not unlike Waiting Area 1. However, it has to be said it’s a great improvement on Waiting Area 4 which was full of car tyres and exhausts……. Although I might be confusing that with... Continue Reading →
Recently, I was saddened to hear an old friend of mine had been diagnosed with a serious illness. I’ve known Alan (the friend in question) since 1983 when, as a wet behind the ears kid, he showed me the ropes in my new role at British Coal in Gateshead. He was supposed to teach me... Continue Reading →
Today is my final full day in Menorca. It has to be said it's been seven days of relaxation, lolling around, procrastination and the recharging of batteries. Yes you guessed it, such a tight ass I've been utilising the hotels power socket to render my rechargeable batteries fit for purpose again! Both Karen and I... Continue Reading →
Karen underwent a test this morning, as part of her latest tranche of investigations scheduled to identify ongoing issues resultant from her illness. On checking her appointment letter this morning, I became aware that the investigation staff wouldn't be able to undertake the test if her blood pressure was too high at appointment time. With... Continue Reading →
Yesterday I composed a narrative about my wife’s 50th birthday on Saturday. That blog had the emphasis on what reaching that milestone meant to her as the sufferer of a long term health battle. Today, I wanted to ‘add meat to the bones’ of the events that made her day so special to her. On... Continue Reading →