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

Growing again...

Never ones for the dull life, the Rookes are growing again. This time we've decided to get a dog. After much heart searching, deliberating, ignoring and avoiding (parents); and much pleading, begging, nudging and cajoling (kids); we've finally relented happily agreed to get a cute furry thing. Exact flavour isn't 100% finalised but likely to be in the ballpark of a spaniel type furball. It's a big decision as taking on the commitment given our lifestyle isn't without it's cost; but overall the benefits definitely will outweigh any hurdles. And the kids were clearly delighted when we told them whilst celebrating our 9th family birthday. In fact, in true Niomi style I don't think she has topped talking about getting a dog since!

Videoclip: Announcing the dog...

Or you can watch the video here

One of the many beautiful things about adopting a small person is that every year we get to celebrate a family birthday, which is the day Niomi joined us and our family was fully formed. I think though that this years news topped all other previous birthday presents and we'll be hard pushed to ever beat that again!

And in other Niomi news, whilst Chloe was visiting I managed to sneak a video of her singing. Despite having a beautiful voice, she's normally very resistant to any performance, being put on the spot or sneakily videoed, but Chloe seemed to work some magic and the results were simply lovely. More singing growth please Niomi! 

Videoclip: Frosty the Snowman

Or you can watch the video here

Ho, ho, ho and away we go...

As I emerge from a very frosty start to 2026, its time to pick up the blog once more and have a quick round up of the recent weeks in festive hibernation.

The Southern Rookes arrived on Christmas Eve and we had a lovely Christmas Day of feasting and present opening which included the arrival via Santa of 'Wreck' (or possibly Reck) a rather large toy dog that Niomi transports everywhere. I think he was the highlight of my Christmas as he's given Niomi a greater sense of comfort and confidence in a world that can at times be challenging for her. Well done Santa! And following swiftly on from the big day itself was the arrival of the Dutch contingent to bring much energy and laughter into the mix. Despite my brother being a little unwell, we spent a lovely time sharing quality time with each other which included a meal at the Broadcroft, a great trip to Edinburgh and the giant lanterns at the zoo (joined by the Gurneys), and an enjoyable trip out to see Zootropolis 2. We played many games, ate too much, laughed plenty, finished a jigsaw, drank the odd cocktail, and got plenty of fresh air. The weather was kind and the company wonderful - so all in all another great tick of the Kirkymas box.

Then as the grand company left on 29th, we quickly were back out walking in the frosty air with a variety of friends before a night with our neighbours on the 30th, and then we saw in 2026 in style at Viv and Liams! An epic party from which we returned at 4.30am, with the prize to Niomi for staying up late! Thanks to our hosts for a wonderful night. Never before have I tried to play darts at 3am in the morning after drinking more than advised by any health and safety darts officiandos.

And then it was off we go 2026. There was more walking everyday in the stunning crisp weather. I started to get my body back into shape after its December lull. Work and school started. And then before we knew it Emily was away on the school ski trip to France and my niece Chloe had reappeared to record the Music and Meditation podcast for Radio 3 with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.

So if the first 12 days of 2026 are anything to go by then we are in for a wonderful year and the diary is already getting well booked up. 2025 wasn't my favourite for a variety of reasons but this years started with a bang so let's hope it continues. Happy New Year all! May 2026 be a great one for us all.

Videoclip: The arrival of Wreck

Or you can watch the video here

Creature comfort

Man and Bird

A trip to London with me!!

A giant new addition at the table

Cheeky cocktail elves

Edinburgh!

Sharing a bite with Paddington

Cousins

And more cousins

The amazing lanterns at Edinburgh Zoo

Jigsaw done

And Cranium won

Videoclip: Piping in 2026

Or you can watch the video here

Joy in the outdoors

Scotland's finest

Conducting the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra