Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
This evening, I'll be partaking in a virtual quiz with a group of Gateshead buddies. As I write I've no idea of the question format quizmaster Jeff Patterson will adopt. However, I'm hoping there's a food and drink category, which among its enquiries includes the insightful catechism "What did Gary Strachan have the morning for... Continue Reading →
Endeavouring to impart a little levity during these worrying times, I've mulled over various strategies in which I could maybe raise spirits amongst my readership, along with friends/followers on social media. Among these notions the production of recordings, either by video or audio podcasts of some of my narratives. My hybrid Yorkshire/North East accent, and... Continue Reading →
As I perch in self-isolation, whilst endeavouring to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19, I'm pondering who was the metaphorical Pandora who opened the box to unleash this odious coronavirus among the global family. For the uninitiated, in Greek mythology, Pandora opened a jar left in her care which unbeknown to her containing sickness, death... Continue Reading →
It's a few years since I've penned a sonnet. However, in the isolation of a West Yorkshire dining room, this evening I felt moved to quill prose about the prevailing shenanigans surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic:- SONNET TO COVID Indiscriminate pathogen, agenda stark Rendering us hermits, unless we roam park Enough already, you’ve made toxic mark Existence... Continue Reading →
Within the next few days I'll reach a couple of milestones on this enduring blogging odyssey. Firstly, today's narrative is the 1,800th piece I've penned since, five years ago, embarking on this sojourn by syntax. The second juncture of note is that of the aforementioned five year anniversary of me writing, along with publishing the... Continue Reading →
Watching the prevailing global shenanigans brought forth by COVID-19 make me feel as though I've been transported into a post-apocalyptic scene within a John Wyndham book. A sentiment leading to notions it's only a matter of time before there'll be triffids terrorising the avenues and alleyways of our planet. That being said, it's not all... Continue Reading →
I've just undertaken my inaugural piece of gardening for 2020, with a couple hours cutting back shrubs, hoeing and cutting the front lawn. In all honesty, the borders and grass were too damp to undertake the task. However, the daily witnessing of the aesthetically unsightly border by the bay window, along with a lawn of... Continue Reading →
It's Saturday morning and yours truly is seated within the open plan balcony coffee house in the White Rose Shopping Centre (WRSC), which's become a habitual locale for these daily chronicles. Through the glass barrier, which protects cafe patrons and me from plummeting 20 foot onto unsuspecting shoppers below, I witness a group of soldiers... Continue Reading →
Last week, in the narrative Never A Crossword, yours truly relayed observations of an affable bunch of pensioners whose behaviour I witnessed while sitting on the adjacent cafe table. Footnote - I'm unaware if the word bunch is the correct collective noun to describe a group of old aged pensioners (OAPs). Personally, I'd like to think... Continue Reading →