Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
Bereft of a working printer, I've just spent the last hour cruising the streets of South Leeds/North Wakefield attempting to find a library to print off a package label. A frustrating odyssey where, after finding the first three book lenders closed, at a fourth attempt I finally fulfilled the task. Stanley Library, on the north... Continue Reading →
According to BBC's fragrant weather presenter Carol Kirkwood, precipitation will predominantly be this weeks meteorological bedfellow. An irksome forecast which, despite being delivered by an uber chirpy Scottish lady with a delightful West Highlands lilt, has frustratingly scuppered my plans of further outdoor timber staining..... Well, in the short term, anyhow. As an aside, upon... Continue Reading →
In prevailing times, I can't help but conclude COVID, along with the distasteful US presidential race shenanigans, have shifted an already dysfunctional world into even greater depths of dystopia. And, I'd like it on record, I don't use the word dystopia freely in either polemic or essay; or indeed ever. That being the case, it's... Continue Reading →
While morbidly rubber-necking at the car crash masquerading as the US presidential election campaign, it struck me how many of the country's powerful women utilise both maiden and married surnames within their monikers. In a move, no doubt, providing raised esprit levels among anagram enthusiasts, the honourable ladies Amy Coney Barrett, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Alexandria... Continue Reading →
In the wake of yesterday's new coronavirus restrictions in the UK, amongst the proletariat, once again talk of panic buying has reared its ugly head. As written about when originally locked down, an act which really puts my nose out of joint. Anyhow, how do you buy panic? Like it's cousins consternation and hysteria, it... Continue Reading →
This morning, GJ Strachan awoke to solar rays, a fresh breeze and mystified why he was clad in a Scooby Doo fancy dress outfit. Although tired and distressed after watching Leeds Rhinos capitulate against Wigan yesterday evening, I'm pretty sure I retired to my slumber pit adorning my usual nighttime attire - A Piers Morgan... Continue Reading →
After a week's respite from sub-zero temperatures, the scene through my living room window once again mimics that of a snow globe after a thorough shaking. Consequently afflicting West Yorkshire's long-suffering populous with yet more flurries of the white stuff. In the Collins English Dictionary*** under the word 'frustrating' it wouldn't be inaccurate to supplement... 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 →
I don’t use the word propensity much. In fact, you could say I have the propensity not to utilise the word propensity. I’ve nothing against the colloquialism per sa, however, I have the tendency to proffer the word tendency in its place. Alternately, I sometimes have the inclination to use inclination as a substitute for... Continue Reading →