Easter Socialising...

I can't ever remember taking 2 weeks off at Easter. And I certainly can't ever remember taking 2 weeks off anytime without a plan or a holiday booked. So what was I thinking? Well apparently a young puppy needs socialising. And by socialising the books mean introducing your pup to the world and everything that's new within it. So we wrote a list:

Things with wheels - pushchairs, wheelchairs, bikes, cars, buses, trains (not really wheels), prams and scooters.

Things with legs - other dogs, cats, cows, horses, sheep, rabbits, old people, young people, tiny people, people with sunglasses, people with helmets, people with facial hair, people with no hair.
Different environments - beaches, rivers, lakes, woods, hills, moss, sea, rocks, snow, hail, thunder, busy streets, crowded places.
Different noises - washing machine, lawn mower, hairdryer, dishwasher, vacuum cleaner, chainsaw...

And so forth, you kinda get the picture. And so we spent 2 weeks trying to tick off as much as possible. And it wasn't just socialising for puppy features. Us humans allowed ourselves some people contact time too which was lovely. So it was a very different Easter break - relaxing, rhythmic, sociable and well, just very grounding all in all. I'd forgotten what work was like by the time I returned 2 weeks later.

Abbie's Loch

Videoclip: Easter socialising...

Or you can watch the video here

Emily socialising

Niomi socialising

Beach socialising at North Berwick

Cousins socialising

Woods socialising

Sleep socialising

People socialising at Dollar Glen

I even got a spot of socialising with Liam

The best company is your own though - it's a dog's life

World Autism Awareness Day...

Today is World Autism Awareness Day.

Nearly 28 years ago, I came to Glasgow knowing almost nothing about autism, apart from having watched the film Rain Man. Like many people then, my understanding was limited and shaped by that narrow view rather than by any real experience.

That changed completely with my first job here, with the National Autistic Society. Over several years, working in different roles, I began to understand autism more deeply - its complexity, its challenges, and the very different ways it can shape people's lives.

A few years later, autism became part of my own family story when my nephew Will was diagnosed. That led me to look more closely at possible genetic links across the family. My mum, in her later years, often wondered if she herself might have autism. And when I look back on parts of my own childhood through that lens, some things make more sense than they once did.

Later, I spent another seven or eight years managing Health and Social Care services for people with autism in Glasgow. At the time it was groundbreaking work, and we changed a great deal, helping to bring much-needed awareness of autism into mainstream services that did not always respond especially well. There is still much to do, but I remain proud of what was achieved in those years.

Fast forward another 10 or 12 years, and autism is now far more widely discussed. Understanding is certainly better than it was. I know so many families now whose lives are shaped by neurodiversity, including autism. But greater awareness does not, unfortunately, remove the challenges that individuals and families face.

And then, a few weeks ago, Niomi finally received her autism diagnosis after a three-year wait. In truth, we had "known" for a long time. I first questioned it when she was two years old, so the diagnosis was not a shock, and it did not magically solve anything. But it did bring some comfort - a sense of recognition perhaps, after such a long process. A validation of what we had been seeing, saying and experiencing for a long time.

Niomi's view of the world is different. At times, that can be exasperating, difficult and exceptionally demanding. But at other times, it is wonderful, funny and full of surprises. Autism undoubtedly brings challenge, but it can also bring a different way of seeing, thinking and being that has its own kind of wonder.

On World Autism Awareness Day, it is worth remembering all of this.

Autism is not just a label or a talking point. It is a lived reality for many children, adults and families. It can test us, stretch us and worry us. It can bring tears, but it can bring laughter too. And it can teach us, move us and help us see the world differently.

Who knows what lies ahead for Niomi in the years to come? And whilst she's often a bubbly little soul, autism will still be there with us - a part of who she is, and part of the road we will continue to travel together with her.

Puppy School...

Wow ....where did the last 4 weeks go? That's what happens when a puppy enters your life. Apart from work I've barely left the house or garden, devoting much of my time to looking after the new boy in our lives.

Rowan's doing really well. He still sleeps a lot, but in between times we've been putting in the graft; training him, calming him, reducing biting and improving toileting. He's done really well. Monday night was his first lesson at puppy school and he aced his grades (mainly because we'd done most things already) - we were super proud. He had to be carried into class though, all the way from our house - the car's in the garage and he wasn't allowed out officially till yesterday. A long way with an 11kg pup. But boy this is an exciting time in a pup's life....he knows there's a world out there and now he can access it.

Having a dog in our lives is a total game changer. We have had to rethink everything a bit to accommodate him but I don't think any of us would change a thing. He's brought a whole new level of excitement and calm in equal measures to the Rooke house. And I don't know what's more joyful - having him walk/run by my side, play tug with me, come running to me when called, greeting me after work or sitting by me in front of the fire....probably all of the above. You can see why they're known as man's best friend.

Not much else to say just now. It's certainly not a dog's life for this boy, and with a bit more puppy school I think we're going to have one wonderful companion in our lives for the next good few years.

Amazon delivery

The Great Explorer

The Boy

Sister love 1

Sister love 2

Morning Meditation

Videoclip: Rowan - the first weeks...

Or you can watch the video here

Watching the world go by...

Valentine's...

I'm in love. And so is Tanya, Emily and Niomi. We've all fallen head over heels for the new boy in our lives, Rowan. We collected him on Valentine's Day and since then he's turned our lives upside down in a wonderful way. He's really a great pup. Super chilled and easy to settle, not phased by much, very bright and wonderfully loving. That said, like any pup he loves to chew anything he can, hasn't mastered toileting and needs constant supervision. But he's learning really quick - already basic training is going well and we're all getting used to each other. He was super brave in his new crate and has taken to that like he'd lived there for years. 

Anyway, I'm not writing about the kids anymore - am so over them. It's puppy love all the way. I'll likely wax lyrical at length about my new love, but for now I'll leave you with photos and you can judge for yourself...

The London Rapide...

It was 7.15am on a Saturday morning, and Emily and I were at Central Station in Glasgow – ready for a whirlwind of adventure in the big smoke. Her Christmas present was tickets to see Hadestown and The Hunger Games on stage in London – I’d booked it all months ago but was slightly nervous about the tight agenda. Still, soon we were off – no turning back now.

We arrived slightly late (over 15mins so could claim on delay/repay 😀), which wasn’t ideal but we set off wandering through about 4 different unis/colleges – UCL, RADA, Birkbeck and UoL – to arrive at the British Museum. I’d possibly misjudged this stopping point – Emily really wasn’t that interested in the most important chess set in the world, but it was really just a lunch stop as we only had 30mins to kill. I suggested we just wander round the west end, soaking up the atmosphere on route to the theatre. But arriving at the Shaftesbury Theatre to find the Live Aid musical playing was a little perplexing, and it appeared (ahem) that Hadestown was actually on at the Lyric Theatre. Who’d have thought it? Anyway a slightly sped up walk through Chinatown ensued as the rain appeared and we arrived having been past at least 25 other theatres and cinemas. Phew.

Hadestown was amazing. Highly recommended and Emily loved it. So then it was another quick frog march to a pizza place (Rudy’s on Tottenham Court Road – great value) and a quick bite before zooming across town for the 7.30pm showing of The Hunger Games at the Troubadour Theatre in Canary Wharf. Probably not quite as good as Hadestown but something quite different nonetheless and we enjoyed the show before a short trek away from the skyscrapers to the Travelodge with an amazing view and crashing in bed just before midnight.

Next day was another epic – another Daddy fail on tapping on/off on the DLR (thanks TfL staff for being understanding of us out-of-towners), before arriving at Kings Cross for a diversion to see Platform 9¾. Thanks again to staff for pointing it out with barely a snigger, when I stood a bit lost between Platforms 9 and 10, failing to see the queues of people lining up for the Potter attraction. We then strode for an amazing brunch at Alma, just on the edge of Coal Drops Yard – highly recommended. And then we spent a few cool hours browsing around Coal Drops Yard and marvelling at things we weren’t really ever going to buy. Time for one final stop? The British Libray – a bookworms dream. Although Emily was far more excited about the unusual editions of her favourite books in the bookshop, than the original Beethoven scores or first compilation of Shakespeare. Ho hum. She was happy.

And then boom, long train ride back and we arrived to find Glasgow somewhat more parochial than we left it. London definitely impresses me these days – it feels at least 5 years in the future – and everything just seems to work so well. Quite the adventure.

Happy Christmas Emily x

All aboard!

The British Museum

Definitely the right theatre!

Intimate staging

Canary Wharf

The intereactive setting for the Hunger Games

Best Travelodge view ever

Amazing brunch at Alma

The supercar that never moves

The British Library

Fun times!

Look who's coming...

Rowan

Meet Rowan. A 7-week fox-red labrador pup. Due to arrive with us a week today. He's cute as a button and about to turn our world upside down for a few months. We're currently frantically reading up on socialising and toilet training, and everything else you need to know about bringing up a puppy. 

Let chaos reign...

How to survive winter...

When I was young I don't ever remember finding winter long and hard. I just kinda accepted it like everything else around - I was all in the now, engrossed in what was going on that minute. These days I find winter somewhat more challenging mentally. Two parts are particularly hard - the change in October, as the last vestige of summer disappears and the dark nights draw in; and the long drag of January and February, with its dark, cold and wet. It's hard till the days start visibly lightening, and the sun, when you see it, has genuine warmth, and the snowdrops and then crocuses start to bring a touch colour and rebirth to the world.

My survival plan in recent years has been the same. October's end brings Halloween, our wood burning stove, and a cosyness in the crunching sound of the leaves and the smell of smoke in the air. A small lull in November then my focus turns to Christmas and New Year which generally occupies me through to early January.

The latter part of winter though is more challenging. But I think I've now sorted a great formula to get me through the dark days till the sun returns once more. First, book a skiing holiday. Last week saw me in Les Carroz with two great friends - full of fresh alpine air, big exercise and speed in the mountains, great company, great merry making, and beyond everything, some blue sky and sunshine. It really is just so good for the mind, body and soul. This year's trip was epic on all levels - I skied way more and partied way more than ever before - coming back worn out in a really good way. Emily has also now got the skiing bug. Her school ski trip to Alpe d'Huez earlier in January was a roaring success which I am delighted about. Two ski trips next year? You never know your luck...

And then after skiing Glasgow comes to my aid. Every year late January to early February the Celtic Connections festival brings the city to life in a warming musical way which breathes life into my soul at the end of winter. It's a wonderful fusion of Celtic and other music from around the world, with an atmosphere that just fills you with life. So, if you're ever in town during that time - book in a few gigs. I guarantee you a smile on your face.

So the final piece of surviving winter? Celebration season. Niomi, Tanya and Ly have birthdays, we celebrate Methana Day when we arrived in this house, our wedding anniversary, valentines day. And then boom. Winter is gone..... Nearly there now.

Emzo and ski friends

Dadzo and ski friends

Videoclip courtesy of Gordy: Les Carroz...

Or you can watch the video here

Videoclip: Celtic Connections...

Or you can watch the video here

Birthday girl using half her presents all at once

The Three Belles

A skunk experience??

Dog cake made by Emzo