The Rooke Family Blog: January 2022

Monday, 24 January 2022

They say it's just a number…

They say age is just a number, and that is probably true…but some of those numbers definitely seem more significant than others. And 2022 is definitely going to see lots of those seemingly significant numbers in the Rooke family. We’re full of 0’s, 1’s and 5’s this year. Deep breath... As a family we are 5, we’ve been married 10 yrs and Emily is also 10 too…(coincidence??). Then there’s the big 5.0.’s, both Tanya and myself hit seemingly significant birthdays this year too. And so far it looks like Tanya is going to hit hers in better shape than I will, as I’m nursing a very sore 49 year old knee and shoulder (still not needing specs though, and I can still dress myself, so my pride is just about intact!).

And to celebrate all this we’ve got much planned. So buckle up, watch this space…it’s going to be a big one!

And maybe 2022 will be the end of facemasks...

Happy 5 Rooke Family

Videoclip: Happy 5!

Or you can watch the videoclip here

Monday, 10 January 2022

A classic Christmas and then some…

After weeks of not tempting fate, the 07:00 Mercedes shuttle departed Birmingham. It was carrying the Kirkymas party collective – and boy did they do us proud. I’d engineered quizzes, games and songs for the journey – emailed at suitable junctures – so that the Bucks Rookes arrived in fine festive fettle with Rooke Snr in equally fine spirits. And then the merriment began – there was an endless supply of happiness and laughter; food and drink flowed; games, jigsaws, beauty treatments, dancing and song sprung forth; there were trips out to see Santa, some festive craft, and the rest of Kirky's finest; plus an exceptionally lengthy Boxing Day feast at the Broadcroft Hotel. For once I find it hard to put into words just how good our 5 days of Wondermas truly were. But I guess it boiled down to the fact it was filled to the brim with fun, laughter, kindness and love. It was a simply classic Christmas. All you could wish for and much more besides.

And then as the bulk of the party departed – my niece Chloe stayed on to keep us (and particularly the girls) entertained on a high energy journey for a few more days. We enjoyed the best of Scotland's outdoors when the weather was fine and the best of indoor entertainment when it wasn’t. But the Christmas vibe was not for departing and we continued to have a lovely time. Thank you so much to big cousin Chloe for entertaining the girls so much… and come visit again soon!

Phew! A very short pause for breath and then turn the tempo back up for Hogmanay at Methana. We pushed back the tables, ate our veggie steak pies, got dressed up and family ceilidh’d till late - well late for little Niomi anyway. Then Mummy and Niomi disappeared off to bed – leaving the party animals of me and Emily to see in the New Year. A first for our Emily and so a proud moment for me as the bells sounded midnight…

Then New Years Day was a quick cold water dip for Mummy, packing of new Christmas cases and a drive to the East to see the Gurney’s in North Berwick for a few days. And that was more loveliness too. It was all fairly low key but quality time nonetheless including catching up with other old friends whilst there (Keighley’s and Dell-Scotts), and there was plenty of walks on the beach, more lovely food and a sampling of John’s Christmas whisky.

Thank you to all for making this year so classic. Our hearts are truly filled with gratitude as we begin 2022. May the year also bring you all much joy and happiness.