Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
My last two days in Canada have seen a couple of life firsts for GJ Strachan. My half century or so on this planet never previously exposing me to experiences of watching close hand a theatre production sound and lighting team at work, or in a position where I'd been required to undertake pool maintenance... Continue Reading →
This morning, an Ontarian fall chill greeted me as I jumped groggily from my bed. The warmth of yesterday, which was my weather companion as I meandered the harbour and town centre of Westport, Ontario, a distant memory as I stood shivering in my undies checking my phone. Prior to announcing I was awake by... Continue Reading →
“You’re Welcome!” A retort I’ve heard on numerous occasions from my hosts since arriving in Ontario; ordinarily in response to gratuitous responses of “Thank you.” I’m unsure if that is a nationwide Canadian trait or merely the good manners afforded by residents of the Ontarian province. Irrespective, it’s behaviour I find endearing and worthy of... Continue Reading →
It's Thursday afternoon, I'm currently bound for Manchester airport station on the 14.50 train from Leeds. The locomotive carriages packed like my case, which lays under a ruck of luggage six feet from yours truly at the end of this compartment. Not crammed full, though with t-shirts, jeans, shirts and undies like my holdall. Moreover,... Continue Reading →
This morning I followed 19th century American author Horace Greeley's advice of "Go west, young man!" My embracing of this adage a consequence of the need to drive Mrs Strachan senior (mater) to my sister's home in Macclesfield. Certainly not a desire to follow the sentiments of Greeley's advocacy of relocating to undertake an agricultural... Continue Reading →
Yesterday, I ventured north to the Riverside cricket stadium in County Durham with a buddy of mine; the sporting smorgasbord provided by England and New Zealand's national teams. Both sides final group games; the victor's spoils the certainty of a place in the ICC World Cup semi-finals. Boarding the packed train from our thriving West... Continue Reading →
Rejoice - The wanderer has returned!!.... A metaphoric celestial choir exults the Yorkshire girl's recrudescence; the Strachan home awash with joy at once again holding the daughter absent for over four score months. Two years where as she sampled life in the land of the maple leaf. The Rocky Mountains and Banff National Park providing... Continue Reading →
With my wife Karen currently spending time in County Durham caring for her recently widowed dad, I'll be home alone this week. A time I aim to spend constructively by waxing lyrical, scratching around and nattering over Emu's fate since Rod Hull's untimely demise. My wife's home town Birtley located just south of the Angel... Continue Reading →
My daughter Rachel, who's been working in Canada for the last sixteen months, twelve days, 22 hours and thirty two minutes, is currently on vacation in the USA with her boyfriend. A lass who always tries to integrate with her hosts, Rach will spend her time in the States striving to fit in with the... Continue Reading →