Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
Tuesday 8th May - During the sporadic days when solar rays grace le jardin Strachan, we bequeath our chromatic sanctuary the moniker Owl Bar. The source of this nome de plume the long-standing nickname (Owls) my kids and me bestowed on wife Karen. A term of endearment borne from a time in the 1990's when... Continue Reading →
Tuesday 17th April - Yesterdays rocketing temperatures in West Yorkshire meant I was able to fulfil my much awaited re-entry into the world of horticultural maintenance. Solar rays bequeathing us warmth hitherto unexperienced in 2018. Heat of such ferocity if you sat close enough to a fire pit it was just about bearable enough to... Continue Reading →
Thursday 5th April - Took a brief morning sojourn to the out of town White Rose Shopping Centre for mater's weekly comestibles. Outside a cloudless teal sky at last paraded a golden sun after the long awaited baton change from winter to spring. The latter having lots of catching up to undertake on the season... 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 →
According to meteorologists and a local pensioner's bunions, the icy temperatures strangling the UK show no sign of relenting in the coming days. Originating in Scandinavia and dubbed the 'Beast from the East', this meteorological front is currently acquiring more column inches than any other news story. Apart, that is, from Saturday's English rugby defeat... Continue Reading →
Apparently, spring is around the corner. I'm unsure which corner it's hiding behind, however I wish it'd stop procrastinating and get it's ass back to Blighty pronto. Circling low pressure isobars are tightening like Native American's menacing a waggon convoy in a 1950's B-movie. The consequence being the UK's inclement weather. To gain liberty from... Continue Reading →
If you're in the fortunate position to fulfil this option, today's a day to stay indoors with the central heating on full, a Christmas movie or two on TV, along with partaking in an unseemly scrap with the rest of the household over who gets to wrap themselves in the sofa's throw. The latter a family tradition... Continue Reading →
Yesterday morning, I woke to a festive scene of a snow scattering in the village of East Ardsley, Wakefield. Despite the presence of winter sun, zero centigrade temperatures outside of my mother's house meant this covering wasn't in any great rush to abate. It's procrastination at melting requiring villagers to take extra care on ungritted roads and pavements. There wasn't a great deal... Continue Reading →
Today marks the 150th Birthday of the shipping forecast on BBC radio. The broadcast, introduced in 1867, a consequence of sea-farers concluding it's predecessor of harbour-masters exclaiming "I bet it's chuffing choppy out there today, marra!", was no longer fit for purpose as an aid to safe shipping navigation. In the days when it was frowned upon to calm boisterous children... Continue Reading →