Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
As I commence this narrative, I'm in the dining room of my parents home in East Ardsley. The clock on the wall indicates that it is 4:58 pm, although my laptop clock begs to differ with 4:20 pm being displayed in the bottom right of my screen. I'm not an astute detective like animated karate exponent Hong Kong Phooey, but... Continue Reading →
On Friday evening I was in situ at first direct arena, Leeds, with my wee Durham born spouse. The purpose behind our saunter to the state of the art music venue was to witness a gig by American singer/songwriter John Legend, My wife Karen endearingly refers to the slick soul singer as John Legen; apparently unable to suffix his name... Continue Reading →
On Tuesday evening, I took a journey on foot that I've taken many of times over the past 47 years. A sojourn that commences with parking in the vicinity of the Dragon Pub on Whitehall Road, Leeds, with a ultimate destination of Elland Road football stadium. It's a walk that starts with crossing Whitehall Road, followed by an amble down a bramble bush... Continue Reading →
Yesterday afternoon, I journeyed by automobile to the fragrant Junction 32 Retail Outlet at Castleford. This out of town consumer utopia is my wife Karen and my 'go to' destination if we want a pair of jeans for a 39 pence, or a magical purchase you can't obtain anywhere else. Quirky items such as a frying pan that can give... Continue Reading →
Tomorrow it'll be 29 years since I walked down the aisle of a County Durham church with my new wife. To mark the occasion, I thought I'd pen a few memories from that unforgettable service of betrothal. which I recollect as follows:- On this sunny September morn, my Best Man (my brother Ian) and I arrived slightly late... Continue Reading →
Witnessing this morning's siling rain outside, while standing to collect for a cancer support charity in M&S, a modified version of the adage 'The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain' manifested itself in my capricious mind. Originating in the movie My Fair Lady, the comment was used by self-absorbed linguist Professor Henry Higgins in an attempt improve the annunciation of flower girl Eliza Dolittle. The... Continue Reading →
Although not officially autumn until 22nd September, there was a noticeable autumnal chill yesterday evening in West Yorkshire. It's looking more and more like the meteorological gods aren't going to bequeath the UK with anything remotely akin to summer weather in 2017. It's citizens perhaps not even deriving the consolation of an Indian summer..... Well, unless they travel to India in... Continue Reading →
I spent a good part of my Saturday undertaking horticultural maintenance within the grounds of casa Strachana. Not a vast freeholding, the upkeep of the grounds is ordinarily a relatively straightforward chore, with exception of the maze - a recent self-indulgence of my wife Karen. My diminutive spouse insisted on designing and constructing the maze, such was her enthusiasm for the project.... Continue Reading →
Weeding and pruning the garden borders at this time of year can be a real pain in the ass. Endeavouring to navigate the plethora of spiders webs without it's creator ending up on your head or down your collar is a an acquired skill. Additionally, fall nuisance flies, miniscule of size but maximum of lughole itch, attempt to infiltrate the visage orifices of horticulturists,... Continue Reading →