Wild Horse tamed, by degrees?

Written by Ash:

There was certainly no stampede by the Wild Horse to finish his University life, but eventually all good things must come to an end. Last week Rowan graduated as a Bachelor of Economics and a Bachelor of Finance at the once-proud University of Adelaide.

 Appropriately it was raining as Rowan ascended to the secret mysteries of the dismal science.

 A happy coincidence of the graduation was that Rowan finally found out where the library was.

It's the economy, stupid. The last generation of economists has let us down badly, at least the ones that were running my super fund (thanks AMP) so why not let these youngsters loose? Good luck Australia!

DSR

Post JakeFest!

Jake turning 40 is a big deal, for everyone. It’s a shock reminder that we are all getting older.

The uncles and aunties remember when Jake was a bully older brother, often tumbling out of the car on family visits in a rolling brawl with Joe or Gnome. That was over 30 years ago. Toodie remembers when Jake was heading off on a scooter to break up with a girlfriend and not so politely declining his uncle’s advice/assistance.  That was nearly 20 years ago.

For the younger generation, it’s always been the highest honour to stay up the latest and out party the self-proclaimed, and newly crowned, King of the Cousins (see Photo). It gets easier every Roff Christmas for us, but none of us really want it that way.

Well, Jake, you out did yourself for your 40th. You would have been pretty close to being the last up, right? Plus, you, Kel and Band 6 put on a brilliant show. Cover bands are a dime a dozen but Band 6 are something special, with a repertoire that had everyone up dancing. My top three dance floor highlights included:

• A dance-off between Gnome and Joe (see Photo). Joe put his body on the line on a number of occasions with “the worm” and a stage dive into a summersault along the floor. Impressive stuff but Joe over-exerted himself and bowed down to the breaking dancing crumping queen, Naomi.
• Another dance-off with Sue and Rod against Glenn and Sharon, with dancing subs (see Photo). Glenn and Sharon reverted to dirty tactics, including a rogue shoe in their opponents dancing path and some heavy barging. It was a unanimous decision by the judges and the audience that Sue and Rod were the 2013 Lismore Pan Pacific Champions.
• Rowan.

The speeches were also something special, sprung on the speakers on the spot. Jake’s best mates told stories of a time in school when life was carefree, frivolous and fun. It turns out Jake hadn't attended the school during those incredible years and didn't know the boys. It doesn't matter, because Band 6 were back on stage to get the party started again. This time though the stage was open up to other guests. Big mistake.

So many highlights of the stage sessions, but I've narrowed it down to five:

• Daniel’s version of Pulp’s Common People  - spoken better than Jarvis (see Photo);
• Jenny saving Kel with lyrics and vocals (see Photo);
• The White Shites (Kel and friend) providing the infill vocals to the Angel’s “Am I ever going to see your face again” – google a live version if you don’t know what I’m talking about;
• Various attempts by members of the audience to drum; and, 
• Nick’s impersonations, particularly Nanny Fine.

As Damian said the next morning, the open mike session was an “assault on the aural senses”. So very true, and the battering continued until Jake could play no more (around 5am) (see Photo).
Roffs were well represented by Glenn, Sue, Damian, Jenny, Naomi, Joe, Daniel, Alaine, Harry, Vicky, Nick and Rowan. As a special treat, Damain shouted the family a KISS beer. Winner.

The car trip back to Newcastle was another high light, with three Bill Murray films viewed by the kids in the back – Stripes, meatballs and Ground Hog Day.

It was well worth the trek up to Lismore for a brilliant night of entertainment. Below are some photos, courtesy of the lovely Sharon.

Thanks Jake and Kel!

Now in Rodez & heading to Biarritz

Hi all
We are currently in Rodez, middle of south west France and we spent the day in Bozoyls where there an amazing hairpin gorge with a town built around it on the cliff edge. The temperature has been around 2degrees and yesterday there was snow. Rodez has an amazing cathedral and we sat through a mass today. France is beautiful and the countryside is fantastic. Lots of castles and historical buildings. We head to Biarritz tomorrow for 4nights where we will do day trips around the area. Food here is great though Stuart is yet to sample the snails. Will keep you posted. Stuart & marianne

Stuart does the louvre!

We arrived in Paris and in true Stuart style, we have been every where and done everything in less than 24hours. Our hotel is at the base of the sacre couer and we have a great view of Paris. We went to the louvre today and managed a photo opportunity of the Mona Lisa.we are now enjoying a 4euro bottle of Sauvignon. I have uploaded a couple of photos. We are off to Lyon in two days on the very fast train. Lots of love Marianne and stuart

Roff Ladies Weekend

The biggest event of the year (until JakeFest)!

Roff Ladies weekend was everything you would have imagined it to be - civilised, relaxed, indulgent and thoroughly enjoyable. Activities included  swimming, opp shopping, wining, dining, reading, relaxing, round table discussions and High Tea (pictured). 

Thank you to our host, Marianne, who was ever gracious and accommodating. 

Ladies of WA, Lady of Lismore, Lady of Brisbane, Lady of Canberra and Lady of the Philippines: you were dearly missed. Next year. 

Win a plasma TV

Im going on an epic bike ride from Armidale to South West Rocks as part of the Tour de Rocks which raises money for Cancer Education. It cost to register and Ive have to sell $200 worth of raffle tickets. They are $5 each. If you send me $5 i'll send you a raffle ticket! I ride out in 2 weeks time. Appreciate your help.  I have never been involved in any blood doping or taken any EPO in my career. I usually have 2 or 3 XXXX Golds at Tennis on a Monday night. Look out for my interview with Oprah.

Jakefest 2013

 

 The professionally produced poster for Jakefest! We have a few acts to be named (Nick and Daniel have yet to get back to me - and I still hold out hope for a performing Alaine..). 'Two Roffs don't make a right' involve Joe and I doing a folk version of 'The Boxer' by Paul Simon. I tell you what though, in terms of headliners, forget Iggy Pop and Robert Plant at Bluesfest - Band 6 at Jakefest is where it's at.