Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
Yesterday morning I received a surprise when arriving at the breakfast table to be greeted with a smile and a cordial “Hello!” from my diminutive other half. The surprise wasn’t the cordiality of Karen’s greeting, moreover the fact we had a kitchen table. We didn’t have one when I retired to bed the previous evening!... Continue Reading →
I was up and out of Strachan Towers by 6am this morning - My mission should I wish to accept it (which I did) to attend the Wakefield Hospice 10k run. I hasten to add this wasn't as a participant, my days of middle distance running now firmly behind me. Now only distant memories untidily... Continue Reading →
I wrote yesterday of childhood haircuts in the narrative You’ll Thank Me One Day! In particular brother Ian and I having to sport short hair, a consequence of our mother (Maggie) strongly disapproving of styles longer than collar length. Appropriate male grooming wasn't mater's only obsession at the time. Her appearance fixation also extended to the... Continue Reading →
It's Monday 19th March 2018. The snow has melted and the oft suffering shrubs are enjoying respite from the ferocity of the now departed easterly gusts. Consequently, a rare serenity engulfs the back garden as the spring daffs, tulips and tete-a-tete's tentatively peer above soil as if to ask "Is it safe to come out... Continue Reading →
Uninvited, unexpected, unwelcome and under our skin, heavy snow is once again 'gracing' the populace of West Yorkshire. Woken by my spouse Karen's singing as she ironed, this morning I jumped out of bed to be greeted yet again by a carpet of snowflakes...... It's no good, I'm going to have to get that flaming... Continue Reading →
Later today, I'll get the rare opportunity to meet up with my sister Helen and her 4-month old daughter Alice during their odyssey from Cheshire to West Yorkshire. With not seeing either of them for over two months, the Leeds based arm of the family excitedly await meeting up with our newest addition and my... Continue Reading →
Sitting here surveying my garden through an icicle framed bay window, the scene of snowflakes laying gently on a chaste white lawn plays out in front of me. Exuding a serenity akin to witnessing the aftermath of a vigorously shaken snow globe, this sight bestows cathartic qualities of calm and silence. An inner tranquillity that... Continue Reading →
I wrote recently of my scepticism surrounding old wives tales. A mini diatribe not backed on any scientific fact, moreover sneering conclusions born from my ingrained middle-age cynicism. During that narrative, I carelessly omitted to touch on the comedic value of these superstitious folk tales, especially when misquoted. I'm alluding to mixed metaphors and idioms, which are inherently funny when delivered incorrectly. I have... Continue Reading →
Respected French philosopher Aidan Le Torche said of the weather “If it’s cold wear a coat..... If it’s warm don’t wear a coat..... If it’s mild wear a fleece, but not the grey one as it needs a wash.” It wasn’t the most thought provoking or, indeed, inspiring piece of philosophy ever written. However, if adhered to in... Continue Reading →