Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
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 →
As I write, the unforgiving heat propagates beads of perspiration on my troubled brow, on this scorching East Leeds morning. Unfortunately, I seek inspiration not perspiration whilst sitting unshaven in my trilby at our underused rattan patio table. I catch a sight of my reflection on the outside of my kitchen window. The face staring back... Continue Reading →
My son Jonny is attending a work related course this week, meaning he has a five night stay at a hotel on the outskirts of London. It is the start of a six month stint in ‘The Smoke’ for the eldest of my offspring. It sounds a ‘full on’ week for the lad and his... 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 →
I’m having my boiler replaced today. Incidentally, that’s the house boiler not mine!...... I’m not equipped with a boiler; not since I had it removed after problems with my flue!....... Flaming heck I’ve gone into ‘Carry On….’ mode, I best move on quickly! When I was a nipper, my mum said to me “If you... Continue Reading →
We had a family discussion this morning which broached upon the subject of the principality of Wales. The living room in Chez Strachan rang out with erudite verbal interactions, predominantly centring around the naming convention utilised by the Welsh back in the day. In particular, we discussed how we felt this nicknaming would manifest itself... Continue Reading →
I’ve just been tidying up the front garden with my wee missus. To clarify, I mean Karen assisted me in the task of improving the aesthetic visage of le jardin de la maison Strachan; not that I’d used her as a substitute to secuteurs, a rake and a lawn edger! Using my dad’s cordless hedge... 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 →