We are truly blessed to be surrounded by so many lovely friends and family; very fortunate to have plenty of both. Friends who’ve become family and family that are also friends. Many, many of our favourite memories involve these wonderful folk and we love travelling on life’s journey together with them.
September is flashing past at top speed but we've filled it by spending some lovely times within these circles. My Dad’s visited, there's been the annual Gedik weekend away - this year to the Pentlands, and a great camping weekend with friends on Loch Lomond. We never get to see any of you as much as we’d like but when we do its always magical…so thank you to everyone for making the walk on our path so amazing and hope to see you soon!
And so the family were divided. Off Mummy went with Aunty Leeloo for a weekend in the van, with Daddy left responsible for two children and Grandad.
Having spent most of the week organising Mummy’s weekend as well as my own – it was a relief that we were finally underway. No clear plans had been pencilled in for our half of the deal but there were options and the weather looked good. And so, as we were tucking in to the first of our gourmet dinners, it was somewhat a surprise when the phone rang to hear Mummy on the other end. It appears DDU wasn’t too keen on the family being split up and had decided to break down quite near Stirling Train Station (rendezvous point with Aunty Leeloo). Ho hum…there goes my well planned weekend of peace and quiet I thought – the riotous Gedik girls were sure to return.
Uh-oh...DDU wants to go home
And so they did. After seamlessly putting both children to bed ALL BY MYSELF! At about 21.30 all hell broke out in our quiet street. Brrmmmm we heard…then flashing orange beacons lit up the sky…it was like a Canal Festival fireworks re-run. And out they poured – popping my idyllic bubble. Despite their temporary disappointment they were determined to sleep in the van, so onto the driveway DDU was pushed. And, after all the neighbours had been out to join in the party, eventually I left them inside with a glass of wine whilst I returned to sit by the fire. Not quite as planned but Night One was over.
Videoclip: DDU off to hospital
Then onto Day Two. I was up bright and breezy – Daddy Disco was running 7-8am whilst Grandad, Mummy and Aunty Leeloo slept the morning away. Eventually everyone emerged – and the game of two halves resumed. Mummy and Aunty Leeloo were off to the Campsies for a day’s walking, DDU was off to hospital, and, Daddy’s crew were off for a day of more leisurely local fun. There was canal trips, ice cream, horticultural shows with monster vegetables and a town hall visit – all before everyone (apart from DDU) was reunited for a September dinner in the garden, and then Aunty Leeloo was packed off onto the train home.
Videoclip: Daddy Disco
Ice cream joy
Walking joy
So, the weekend of two halves ended a little prematurely, but as ever undeterred, the Rooke’s reassembled and spent a marvellous Sunday of fun at the Falkirk Wheel. And the verdict? A really tip-top-tastic weekend of fun. Not how the game was set to pan out but sometimes it’s good to throw the rule book in the bin. Let’s just wish DDU a speedy recovery before Mummy tries to throw him in the bin too…Thanks to Grandad too for all his treats!
Every Cow has its day. And this Cow's day came at the Canal Festival 2019. Many a child would be scared by the idea of their favourite toy being hurled off a 40 foot tower with just a flimsy parachute for protection, but not our Niomi. She graciously threw caution to the wind, and allowed Cow to be flung to the wind as well.
Strapped in and ready for the off
Off she set gladly watching Cow be hauled up by bucket for the first of two jumps. But then...disaster struck as Cow ended up stuck in a tree. This was not so great. And she started to entertain the possibility that teddy bear parachute jumping was not such a good idea after all. That said - one rescue and one plaster later and Cow was ready for jump two - achieved with much greater success.
Assessing the damage
Videoclip: Cow Air
Relief was evident. But I don't think Cow will be allowed on any more adventures any time soon. Go Cow - this was your 15 minutes of fame!
