Stability...

Wow…nearly 2 months since I last posted. Eek. Time flies and so does the world. It feels like we were all in a very different place at the beginning of August. Much of the stability that we’ve experienced in recent decades seems to be eroding by the week. If its not the impact of Covid or Brexit, it’s the war in Ukraine, the cost of living crisis, energy prices, interest rates and so on. We are undergoing a great period of uncertainty for many, and I don’t imagine things are going to miraculously improve any time soon.

But within times of change there are also things that are relatively constant in our lives – family being one of them. Our families often act as anchors in the world – people that are central to our frames of reference. They are there when we enter the world and often there when we leave it. Family often act as a stabilising force in the world, the solid foundation underpinning our lives – always there, whether in the background or foreground, whether we’re close or distant – they’ll always be our family. And we know them for that.

And our end to the summer has meant we have been fortunate to spend lots of time with our family, which has been very grounding and special. We're blessed with a very special bunch at our 'core' and we’ve pretty much (but not quite) seen everyone in that ‘core’ in quick succession – which has been wonderful - much fun, laughter and memory fillers. There’s been…

- A trip to Banchory to see Nana and Baba.

- North Berwick for Fringe by the Sea with the Gurneys.
- My dad visited – 92 and still coming up on the train.
- My brother and family (except Chloe) came for a weekend of Pink Floyd and fun.
- And there’s also been the annual Gedik weekend away to Crieff.

Some photos below. Lets hope the world finds a little more stability in coming months. We all need that.

The 4 of us

Modellin'

Old'un and young'un

Kung fu fightin'

Dunnotter Castle, Stonehaven

Videoclip: Raindrops on sisters

Or you can watch the video here

First gig: Bombskare

Videoclip: How to eat your breakfast juice

Or you can watch the video here

Nice beets

Boys night out

The discover of squirty cream

Videoclip: Kids at play

Or you can watch the video here

Chilling out at the Falkirk Wheel

The Dunmore Pineapple

Happy girls

Posing out and about

Half way through 15k

50....Again!!

Cousins

Team Football Golf

Woodland combat Gedik style

Videoclip: Happy birthday Nana...

Or you can watch the videolip here

Videoclip: Tanya and Layla - the First Fifty

It's long but worth it!

Or you can watch it here

Carry on Sesimbra…

3 years in the waiting - and now its been and gone - but already I feel like Sesimbra “I miss you.” It felt like I was away for a month. The warmth, the food, the slow pace, the wonderful view…the fun times, the laughter, the silly games…here’s the top ten ‘highlights’ of Carry on Sesimbra – a fortnight on the coast south of Lisbon.

1. The flights – airports have become a bit of a trial. No longer is air travel a high class way to go. It’s a bit of a chore. That said I would gladly pay the airfare all over again just to see the excitement on the kids faces at take off and landing. Particularly Niomi – she loved it! She loved it so much that on the bumpy descent back to Edinburgh she vomited a combination of Oreos and Mentoes everywhere whilst I vainly tried to mop it up with her t-shirt. As I said, air travel is definitely not high class! But still the kids really loved it.
2. The heat – it was hot, everyday. Occasionally too hot but mainly it was just lovely to wear nothing more than swimming shorts and a shirt, ALL the time. And as the warmth soaked into my bones it felt good. A little faffy on the sunscreen front but as it rained on our drive back from Edinburgh I asked myself “how can people live like this?!”
3. The villa – the villa was lovely and airy with a stunning view and pool. And I spent an awful lot of time having massive fun in the pool (and around it). And that’s from someone who’s really not that keen in the UK. It makes such a difference when its hot and the water becomes your playground.
4. The food and drink – Swordfish, scabbardfish, bream, dogfish, shark, octopus, sardines, tuna, tiger prawns, squid, snapper, conger eel and probably more I can’t remember. We really cooked and ate them all. A highlight for me has got to be the market full of fresh produce, particularly fish coming straight off the boat to the traders. And then there’s the cheese – multiple variations of soft, hard, strong, salty and delicate local sheep, goat and cows cheese. Nearly all round in shape though. And then massive peaches and plums; huge lettuces, tomatoes and cumcumbers – fruit, vegetables and salad all super-sized, fresh and very tasty. Rustic bread. Wonderful red, white and green wines. Whether in stylish restaurants or cooking at home – we really ate and drank in style. And always outside – whatever the meal.
5. The beach – the Portuguese mainly paddle, sunbathe and occasionally batted a ball about. We built castles, whirlygigs, dug holes and made sand cakes – and generally got curious looks in the process. We swam in the sea – some for quite some distance. Needless to say the beach and sea were lots of fun. A highlight was snorkelling amongst the fish close to shore
6. The games – Uno, Dobble, Taco/Cat/Goat etc, Killer Dice, Love Letter were all part of our regular night time entertainment.
7. The exercise – I ran, swam, did yoga and meditated. Others did their daily stretch or pilates as well. We all walked up the steep hill nearly every day. But being outside and getting exercise just makes you feel really healthy and good.
8. The town itself – whether its castle, its port or marina; its old streets, tiled buildings of yesteryear or its more modern and stylish side; its bustle and hustle or laid back style – Sesimbra had something for everyone. Classy yet understated. Stylish yet old and shabby chic. It’s left its mark on my heart.
9. The boat trip – all of us agree that this was definitely the highlight. We chartered a fancy boat and crew for the day. We swam off-shore near remote beaches, paddled kayaks and SUPs into caves, landed ashore via private rib, and generally acted like the rich and famous for the day alongside some really stunning coastline.
10. The fun – the japes, pool games, banter and good natured fun just left you feeling a wonderful warmth and relaxation. It grows your spirit. Sure we all had our tired days, but really there was a whole heap of fun that was had.

So what was the downside. Well there wasn’t one really – what was not to like in the making of Carry on Sesimbra!

And a massive thank you to the Bucks Rookes for making it all possible – particularly to Will for inviting us along on his holiday.

Videoclip: Sesimbra - Photos only (short but not as much fun!)

Or you can watch the video here

Videclip: Sesimbra - The Full Monty (longer but with video - much better if you've the patience!)

Or you can watch the video here

A favour...

"Daddy", says Mummy..."would you do me a favour?"

My bat senses tingled. Generally this means some sort of job for me. Normally something not 'run of the mill.'

"Ah-uh..." I replied tentatively.

"Would you make a blog post from all those WhatsApp messages I sent you whilst I was away?"

I pondered this. All those WhatsApp messages showing what a lovely time you were having with sister, mum, nieces and our daughters whilst I was stuck at home working. A blog post on a trip where I wasn't even there. A blog post on the blog that I have written around 250 posts over 10 years - all of which included me in some way. Hmmmm....Naturally I said....

"Of course dear".

Sigh. A favour indeed.

Warning: The following feature contains no footage for which I have any responsiblilty (as I wasn't there). Consequently I cannot be held liable for any wonky shots or poor video quality. I did however pull it all together... 🤷‍♂️

Videoclip: Girls time - Fife 2022

Or you can watch the video here

 

The Social Season...

Summer is (kind of) in full swing. Recent years have seen some wonderful weather in June, but this year seems to be a most definite return to our more unfortunate ‘usual’ Scottish summers. Grey, wind, rain with occasional sunny spells. That's pretty much been the order of the day, but this has not deterred us stepping out for our own ‘social season’ before we enter the holiday season.

There’s been the Kirky Gala (very wet and windy), the Dandelion Festival (windy with sunny spells), some Solstice adventure (sunny spells), parties a plenty (wild and noisy), and a very special trip to Dumfries and Galloway to spend time with friends – a night in Kirkudbright (wet, windy and sunny spells) with Fiona, Frank, Joseph and Anna where I got roped into the Buckland Burn Up; and then a hop to nearby Palnure (sunny spells then very wet and very windy) to spend a night with Laura, Dave, Rory and Arthur and a second round of celebrations for Laura's 40th.
 
And its been fun. Lots of fun. Despite what the Scottish summer has tried to do. We’ve had plenty of cold weather but experiences to warm the heart; monsoon-like rainy weather but good times have shined through; and plenty of blustery breeze to shake us but we’ve ridden it all out with smiles on our faces. The kids have finished P5 and P2, and we’re now all ready for the holidays! Lots planned including our third time lucky trip to Portugal (flights permitting). So the social season has not failed to disappoint...now let the holiday season begin!

Birthday party excitment

Secret Agent party

Gala fun!

Surrounded by seagulls

Atop Cort-ma-law

Solstice adventure with Gordon

Feeling pleased after Buckland Burn Up

Barbeview 😀

Birthday fun with the Gilmours

Videoclip: Music come rain, wind or shine

Or you can watch the video here

Living to the max...

A bit of hardcore prep and we were off. Loch Morlich bound, near Aviemore, for four nights, and then onto to Banchory to, ahem, 'house sit' for another three.

The hardcore bit was knowing what to take. The early forecast for the week was a bit grim – down to 5 degrees Celsius at night and plenty of rain – and then later in the week might see it picking up, but who knows in Scotland? The van was laden with 4 bikes, food, awnings etc,  but I managed to find space for all our wet weather gear and a small fan heater (and what a godsend that was!). Wetsuits etc were abandoned on account of cold. So decisions and preparations for the worst made, we were off – excited about another Rooke family adventure.

We arrived, and it rained. Pause to the wet weather and the awning was up – so we grabbed some fish and chips and jumped on the bikes round Loch Morlich. A test run for the next few days which was passed with flying colours. We even christened our wheeled steeds Caspie, Luna-wings, Shrek and Bored-man. Next day saw more and more rain, till we really were rather wet. Nonetheless we ventured on a lovely (if wet) walk to Lochan Uaine – the green lochan – with some exciting scrambling on the way back. Retreat was needed though so lunch was ordered at the café while I set our stuff to dry using our lifeline of a heater. It brightened temporarily after lunch for some fun at the Reindeer Centre before the heavens really opened for the night. We retreated to the van-cinema for the eve and watched the groundwater rise till all below was waterlogged. But we endured. And the next day led to slightly brighter conditions and the ground drying out a little (enough anyway that we didn't abandon camp). So off we pedalled on our trusty steeds on the old logging road to Coylumbridge. A leisurely lunch was followed by a wonderfully epic cycle off road round Loch an Eilein, the Cairngorm Club bridge, a touch of the Lairig Ghru before reappearing once more alongside Loch Morlich. The kids did amazingly and we were all just elated.

Next day was up bright and early for our final trip to Landmark Adventure Park. By this time the sun was shining and we were in full on holiday mode. A day was spent enjoying all that the adventure park had to offer, apart from when Niomi got stuck on her own in the tunnel on the flumes. A little voice came calling up “I’m stuck” she said. The ride got shut and everyone waited with baited breath whilst the rescue operation got underway – her frightened tears echoing up the tunnel. Eek! Another parental nightmare. But rescue completed and a quick hug and she was back on the flumes – the best way to overcome her fear. In fact, 5 minutes later and she was going down the really steep one. What a girl! So brave… We topped off the day with a sunny bbq and some stunning views and play on the beach. True magic.

So Cairngorms done, we departed in bright sunshine – heady with holiday joy for Banchory. A couple of chilled out days before we were back out pedalling, walking, clambering and wading our way around Banchory’s best. And all in glorious sunshine for the Jubliee weekend. A word of warning though across all our adventures….covid may be going but 'staff shortages' are the order of the day. Many things were not fully open due to the latest phrase to dominate the headlines – and I don’t see it changing soon.

Still… holiday done. Massive tick. Two thumbs up. Batteries recharged. Memory banks loaded with joyful times. And plenty of stunning views to keep as content as we returned back down the road. Phew – all in all it was quite the adventure. Truly life to the max.

Greetings from a wet Lochan Uaine

Wildcats are back

The discovery of fizzy in Fanta

Cairngorm Club Bridge on our trusted steeds

We're hot!

Honey I shrunk the kid!

All going very weird

Videoclip: The Landmark Flumes

Or you can watch the video here

Evening sun on the Cairngorms

Farewell Loch Morlich

The sun was shining in Banchory

Oystercatcher babies!!

Jubi-Dee

My Jubilee picnic

The parting of the company...

In over 5 years there's only been the very occasional overnighter where myself or T, or maybe even Emily, has been away reducing our number to three. And even then those remaining three have generally hung around other family members to feel like the pack's intact. But never before have we truly parted company; Emily in one location, Tanya and Niomi in another, and myself in a third. It was uncharted territory to have the family split like this. A big step towards independence all round.

 

Strange as it was though, we all had a ball. Our little weekends away were a great success for us all. 

Emily went away without us for the first time for 2 nights on Brownie camp. It was Aladdin themed and it seemed to me that many of her wishes came true in Agrabah; toasting marshallows round the fire, staying up late, eating food she'd never eat at home (well if we cooked it anyway), games, games and crafts galore. It was an all in Cave of Treasures of a weekend and she came back delighted and exhausted in equal measure.

Tanya and Niomi were not to be out done. They had movie nights, a trip to the safari park, cycle adventures and Sunday breakfast dining out. Niomi also lost another tooth (3 gaps currently and 2 only just growing in). T even slept in the bunk bed with Niomi for that true sleepover experience, and tried to catch a glimpse of the tooth fairy (but failed). I came home to find them both shining with happiness.

And I got lost in the Fannichs (near Ullapool) with John. We had a mild endurance challenge climbing 2 munros in not the best of conditions, although it could have been worse. And then the next day actually was worse, and so we left our munro count at 2 for the weekend. Still, despite the inclement weather, we had stunning views in the barren north, and enjoyed good company, food and music, along with a dram or two.

Maybe we should all part company more often? Maybe, but then again I have to say it was equally lovely to be reunited on Sunday eve, so maybe we'll keep hanging around each other for a few more years yet.

On the magic carpet at Agrabah

Going wild toothless style at Blair Drummond

Happiness is most definitely two ice creams!

Walking companions in the wilds of the North

A wee bitty dreich

Sgurr nan Each before we disappeared in cloud

Campervan 'room with a view' onto An Teallach

Beltane's busyness...

The start of May comes with the promise of summer warmth. Mother Earth joins with her consort the Green Man for another circle of life, empowering the earth… It's Beltane - a time for blessings for couples, and to fertilise plans with energy and action. 

Beltane is traditionally celebrated by the collection of blossom and the lighting of fires. It’s a time I find so full of optimism and positivity – fully emerging from the long winter into spring and summer’s delights. And we always get busy….every year from the end of April things just get mad with plans and exciting busyness.

First up my Dad visited – his first time trying plane rather than train for his supported journey. The sun put in a welcome appearance, and we spent a happy few days enjoying the revamped Burrell Collection in Glasgow, the delights of Balloch Country Park, Springburn Park and Strathkelvin Railway Path…. We ate and played outside enjoying the positivity and warmth coming from the sun.

And then it was Beltane proper with a van trip to Aberfoyle. The rain came but we created an Odeon-luxe van experience; the rain cleared and we searched for fairies on Doon Hill; made blossom crowns; cycled, ran and walked about enjoying the best of the Trossachs. We even ate food at the Fairy Tree Inn to complete a magical experience.

Then last weekend my big cousin Jan visited with Patrick. And we had more fun, fun, fun. She was enticed to a Beltane wild swim in the waterfall pools of Campsie Glen, and we strolled through the Campsie foothills breathing the spring air. We ate wild garlic pesto and drank cleavers water – rejuvenating ourselves with natures health kick. And I think we also all ingested some of Jan's energy and joy of life - much to learn from there!

Refreshed, revitalised, renewed. Beltane brought busyness and vitality, and we're now fired up for more fun times in the coming weeks.

92 and still loving a Mess

Odeon-luxe Van-stylee

On the trail of fairies

Spotted!

Videoclip: The Fairy Tree

Or you can watch the video here

Spring in the Trossachs

Beltane Queens 1

Beltane Queens 2

Beltane Bliss

Big cousin Jan embracing life!

My wonderful wife absorbing Beltane's power