Its almost 2009, so here are January birthdays

Funny, in all the places we live in the world, the sun comes up in Australia first and then spreads out a couple of hours later to the rest of us. Now, the new year sees three birthdays and you guessed it - the first one is in Australia.

Jessica	Stapelberg	6	January
Carol	Whitaker	12	January
Molly	Care	21	January

These figures next to the names are dates not ages, just in-case you were thinking Molly.


Happy birthday to you three, you have the privilege of starting 2009 off for the 8cowle blog

We have some special birtdays this year and some of the hi-lites are

Liam 1st birthday, Paul Stapelberg 20, Tania 30, Charnelle the big 50, Billy and Allan the big 60 and all the rest become 1 year older
lets not forget the bigest of the big ones
MITCH TURNS 64

SO ITS PARTY TIME

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL 8COWLES VISITORS

THIS IS A GLOBAL MESSAGE TO ALL THE BLOG VISITORS AND READERS
FROM: MONIQUE BECHARD - DOWN UNDER

THE LAUGHS - WITH CHRISTMAS MESSAGES

I find it very difficult to explain HOW MUCH I enjoyed putting all the Christmas messages together and bring each and everyone of us right into your homes and to share our Christmas with special people. Wow it was an adventure and hope you have many happy memories to share with your loved ones.

Now with all the skype & type messages, included with the photos and video's there is always the funny side - behind the scene shots and recordings - here is a few to add a lighter and brighter side to the festive season........................................ and then there was the different festive family gatherings and Christmas lunch

now you can enjoy the fun with me,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, here goes.

First up is Leon and Elizma, they are 110% ready to do their Christmas message to you all..........

and you thought I would edit it out - got you this time
*******************************************************************************

Then we have a quick tour around the world on Christmas Day with the family

Episode 1 - series 7
********************************************

Episode 2 - series 12 coming to you now

- hot of the press just for the fun of it. I sat and played with the christmas voice message recordings and did some editing and this was the result, I could of spent the whole day I was having soooooooooooooooooo much fun - just cut and paste and delete and add, this is when I stopped and said to hell with it - put it on the blog, originally I was just playing now it is a master piece. No video - just audio - my apologies to the owners of the voices but it was irresistible. ................................................................................

JUST FOR A LAUGH - NOT AT YOU - BUT WITH YOU

CHRISTMAS 2008 - WE HAVE A LIFT OFF

THE CHRISTMAS MESSAGES BEGIN........
from all over the World.............

1. Main message - 2. Mitch - 3. Tessy - 4. Franky - 5. Leon-Elizma & Liam - 6. Tricia
7. Oupa & LIAM - 8. Debbie - 9. Monica - 10. Speacial Grandie - 11. The SMARTIE MAN
12. Carol - 13. Billy
and then some fun stuff

*************************************************************************************
Well, because the son comes up in Australia first and being Christmas there 6 hours before anybody else in the family, here is Mitch and Tessy's message to us all
Take it away Mitch

IN FRENCH
********************************************************************************
Now its Chatterbox's turn - Tessy

the SURFING QUEEN
******************************************************************************
its "NIFTY - FRANK TURNED FIFTY" in 2008
From the Citizens of the US - THE COWLES


It was a very good year.
Big Birthdays and Anniversary
***********************************************************************************
LEOLIZMA.COM in the UK
say - Merry Christmas to THE 8COWLES +

with lots of love from
Leon-Elizma-Liam
****************************************************************************
TIME FOR A TOAST @ 5PM IN THE U.A.E.
THE COOPERS RAISE THEIR GLASSES

TO EVERYBODY - CHEERS
***************************************************
then Oupa and Liam said it all

to return someday soon

*****************************************************************************
Debbie says Ho-Ho-Ho to everybody

HO-HO-HO
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Monica is Building Bridges

A bridge for each one of us
allover the world.
Molly-Carol-Billy-Tessy-Tricia-Franky-Monica & Kevin
from the
" BAARTS "
*********************************************************************

TO A SPECIAL GRANDIE - JESSICA FROM NANNA IN SOUTH AFRICA



TO SANDRA FROM MOM
**************************************************************************************

TO THE
"SMARTIE MAN"
FROM THE

"SMARTIE GANG"

MANY DAYS AGO - WILL BE AGAIN - ONE DAY ................WHO KNOWS
*************************************************************************
To my dear Family, my brothers and sisters.

This comes from my heart, with my nutcrackers
and two of my favourite slide shows

To each and every one of you...a special wish is sent with the Nutcrackers
to guard you from all harm. Thank you for being my family. You all in your
own ways have brought and left some part of you in my life. I have learnt
something from each of you perhaps without you knowing it. I am so fortunate
to have so many siblings, each of you a phone call away with technology
today. A special thank you to you Billy for the pleasure of bringing
everyone 'alive' right here in my home. Thank you with all my heart.

God Bless you and yours this festive season, keep you all safe and may His
guiding light shine upon you all the days of your lives.

Merry Christmas filled with peace, love and joy.
With my love,
Your sister, Carol


For my two WONDERFUL girls
***********************************************************************************

others still under compiling and uploading - catch a look A BIT LATER ON for them

Dedicated to the ones I LOVE

The video says it all, Luv you lots.......................

some of my favourite songs................reminds me of you.........

lets get skypeing and typing
BILLY
22h30 - 16/12/2008

HAPPY DAYS - Molly turns 60 ** 21-01-2005

This is one that I enjoyed immensely and sharing it brings back some very happy memories, not only Molly's birthday but the trip up north to Zambia. Wish I had a video camera those days.

If we all look back, it started in Newcastle Upon Tyne with Bill & Molly Cowle and then there was Molly and Carol born there. Then the Groot TREK to Africa, stopping over in South Africa - Germiston, Billy joined the club 1949, then off to Swaziland-Bremersdorp, along came Tessy, not long after that we were of to Southern Rhodesia - Bulawayo and Tricia arrived, then we had some more travels ahead of us, Kafue, Gwelo, Wankie, then off to Northern Rhodesia, Broken Hill where Franky was born, then Livingston, Bwana Makubwa and Ndola, Monica joined us here. Maybe I missed a few places, hopefully not any kids, then in 1966 we all, except Molly went back to South Africa, Germiston to 24 Virtop Rd, where Kevin was born.

This trip up north to Molly & Gordon's house in Lusaka- Zambia was a trip down memory lane for me, amazing the feeling was walking around on the soil you grew up on and actually where all of us spent our child hood days - Happy Days- all at once with whooping cough, travelling by train for 7 days to Gennozano on the Natal North coast , Molly and Carol, singing at night the Maro Lanza song DRINK with the university students from Rhodes varsity in the garages at gennozano. Stopping in JO'burg to ride on a Double Decker tram-line bus, WOW!, Walking down the banks of the Zambesi river past the Hippos, Crocs and Elephants in the wild ( no fences) down to the Vic Falls, playing cowbow and crooks in the stone walls of the Zimbabwe Ruins, going down to the movies on a Saturday afternoon with your pile of comics to swop-out and having to give 3 comic books for one Superman comic book was an injustice. Off to the Cafe to sit and sip a coke or a milkshake and put a half penny in the juke-box. Scratching Molly's hair with a needle because it was teased up and sprayed rock hard with hair spray. playing cards at night, the whole family gambling away our pocket money which the Old man won all back. In Bwana makubwa we couldn't wait for month end for the Railway MOVIE coach to arrive so we could watch Seven brides for Seven brothers on the train coach parked in the station for one night. The big party we had the night we blew out the paraffin lamps and switched on the electricity for the first time. What a party with Mr Knotze doing all the dishes after the party and all the LP records were in the kitchen zinc amongst the dishes. Remember it well when the OLD Man threw is own LITTLE PARTY and said if you want I bloody party I will give you one. The days of petrol rationing, Dad was with the St Johns Ambulance brigade and we used to syphon petrol out the ambulance to go for a drive. The day we had brush painted the OPEL CARAVAN station wagon dad had, and Tricia as a baby fell out of her cot and her head hit the wet paint and left half her hair on the side of the car. Polishing the red floors with red polish with the brushes under our feet and dancing to Elvis records while we worked. Sitting on the back step with the big bag of fresh peas, podding them, we had to whistle as not to eat them. Waiting for month end because the groceries were coming by train from the Co-op, and all the surprises of nummies would be in the boxes. Tessy falling under the trailer we were pulling by hand and rope with no breaks, to go on a picnic, she had no skin left. Living across the road of the world champ wrestler, Staying in the Evelyn Rd and having Molly's 21st birthday party. Selling mango's and tomatoes in the streets to make extra pocket money

Hey let shere of some of your stories from way back then..........................

dedicated to Molly's loyal staff house keeper and friend JOSEPH who passed away recently

CHRISTMAS MESSAGES

CHRISTMAS MESSAGES - FROM ANYBODY TO ANYBODY-

By now you would have received my email about your Xmas messages on the blog and I have received a few replies aswell.

This is for you all whoever you are, if you haven't got skype to skype call me, the skype type it, or even email your message- either way it will appear on the blog. Now this is for you all, send a message to your brother, sister, the whole group, send one to Mom and dad or Grand dad/mom, send one to your kids or grand kid - whoever from to whoever - that's what its all about, send a message of LOVE this Christmas via the blog for your special person, family member or even a whole family, aunt or uncle, brother or sister, just do it. On the last count we were 50, ranging from the eldest to the youngest, from the Wadeys, Care, Whitakers, Burnetts, Ritchies, Stapelburgs, Cowles and cowles, Bechards, Coopers, TheCowles, the Baarts, the Taylors and any bodyelse, just get skypeing or typing, And one more thing, if you have a recent photo of one or two or 3 or 8 of you then email that aswell. Ok the blog is waiting.

email to "8cowles@gmail.com"

here is a taste................................

get skypeing or typing, but do it- from Billy

Tania's moment of truth

Yip we have all had our moments on the BLOG, there was Mitch turning 64, Frank showing us how not to Braai, Tessy on her surf board, Carol as a construction manager, Molly stealing hats with Tori, Kevin(baart) singing Sound of Music, Monica turning 21, Paul jnr getting married, Shaun shooting Father Christmas, Tricia dreaming, Monique catch fish, to name just a few.
Hey, and Liam was born.
Now here is one of my favourites of a TANIA MOMENT.

Tania-first year student at Pretoria University-TUKKIES. Every year, it is tradition that all the residences-hostels- Koshuise 1st year students, must take part in a Drama/variety competition against one another and the winning house takes the floating trophy. Well, Katjieperring the res Tania was in, was due on stage for their turn/show, but they were not quite ready, so someone pushed Tania onto the front curtain stage and said- Keep the audience busy for a couple of minutes until we are ready.

So here she is THINKING ON HER FEET and what a ADLIB JOB she did. enjoy it with me and give plenty applause or if you so feel, a standing ovation - its worth it.


TROTS OP JOU - MY MADAMPIE - OUGROOTE

LETS HIT THE SURF THE HARD WAY

JUST SIT BACK AND CLOSE YOUR EYES FOR A MINUTE.......................AND

Imagine, all the hard work that these dedicated Guys and Dolls from the DSA in Australia put into this event AND EVERY OTHER EVENT THEY PUT ON -- patience and more patience, the unselfish time they give up and the smiles they put into peoples lives and happiness in their hearts.

Imagine, what it feels like riding a wave when you can't even walk on the beach, never mind swim in the sea.

Imagine, the build-up of excitement the weeks and days and hours before the big day for those taking part.

Imagine, TERESA taking the trip down to the beach from home, filled with overflowing expectations and thrills to be experienced, onto her 4X4 and into the see, with
"A LITTLE HELP FROM HER FRIENDS"

IMAGINE - THANKS TO THE DSA

Today 7th December 2008 I had my first wipe-out on the surfboard WOW what a dunking that was. I received a trophy for "THE WIPE-OUT OF THE DAY" As usual the DSA Team lead by Craig Castles, The President of the Gold Coast Branch, were fantastic and I often wonder now if it wasn't for them I may never have gone in the surf again.

Love

Tessy / Teresa (Queen of the Surf)

Member of Disabled Surfers Assoc. Gold Coast

Dreams - thats where EVERYTHING STARTS

Some pictures of our dream property in France - Pat & Allan

To have a vision is putting a dream into action it then leads to reality.

Bill Gates of Microsoft had a dream - the reality is a PC in every home ?????????
The American Dream - JFK and his man on the moon,
Barack has brought the American dream alive, once again.

None of this would happen if it were not for dreams.

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.

************************************************************************************


Hows this property. Looked at it with the view of doing a B&B. Needs lots of work inside. Good place to retire to.
Pat and Allan Cooper

anybody for Bed and Breakfast - bacon and eggs at 06h30 then a walk down the park and coffee at 9am -
visa and american express welcome

Building the memories - the betamax machines

Hi to everyone, great to see you back and looking at the blog once again.

it has been quite an eventful year and I had such a fabulous time building up the memories and reading your comments and emails, we will just have to wait and see next year when Mitch turns "64", now that will be an event. Now all the time spent doing this has been more exciting for me than it has been for you reading and watching them, but below is a video that was extremely exciting and challenging for me. There is a web-site called www.ebay.com and it is basically an electronic auction site where you place a bid on an item, there are literally millions of items from a elephant to a half smoked cigarette. Well over the last year I have been bidding on Betamax video machines and have won quite a few but seem to have lost the good ones, but when I get them, Oh no, they don't work. One will have sound but no picture, and another no sound but picture, others eat up the video tape and so on............

Now I have had 6 of them but not one works, ranging from £10-00 to £60-00. So off with the covers and out with the tools, I test left right and center, this head, that motor, this loading mechanism, and realise that if I put all these parts into one machine it should work. WOW you have seen the results, IT WORKS. Then at the end of the video below, I have given you a peak of the 8COWLES VIDEO STUDIO and store of tapes, so enough waffling, I must get busy to transfer some more tapes from the old beta and VHS tapes to Digital media on my PC, just love it..... cheers

just hope that it works - WOW - YIPPIE

MEMORIES - JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT

The blog has brought laughter and joy, some tears but all happy ones.
and many sleepless nights.
thanks to all YOUR contributions you have sent in over time, now as 2008 draws to a close soon, we can look at some HI-LITES

Looking back over the past year or two since I really got stuck into producing the blog, it made me think, why I did not start it earlier, well one was TIME and the other is technology, In SA I had a dial up 56k modem and then a wireless modem on 3G, down loading cost a fortune and that was that, now fortunately I have fibre optic cable - full HI-speed open ended broadband, so the is no cost or time limit. The beauty of the blog is that we don't all have to send and receive to everybody & from everybody or upload and download - its all in one place.
www8cowles.blogspot.com

Having upgraded my PC to a Hi-end model with a few gadgets that open and shut, with my VHS and BETA video machines, Itunes down loadable music and the wonder of GOOGLE BLOGs and Picaso 3, the result is 8cowles blog and finally to make it all work - the input of pics and news you all send to me.

Here is a quick walk down the last couple of years in photo-movie style- 2008 - the way we were and looking back

sit back and enjoy it and we need all your Christmas photos and stories of the
family get togethers to make the blog even
MORE BEAUTIFUL

DECEMBER 2008 - BIRTHDAYS

As 2008 draws to a close we have two birthdays in the same family to celebrate this month.

James Stapelburg 4th December

and then there is
James and Sandra's Daughter- Sarah 9th December.

The year has had some special birthdays, although all birthdays are special in there own way for each one of us and our direct loved ones.

Here are a few of the high-lights of the year.

There were two guys who turned 50 - Franky and Daryll
Kathrine Baart became a teenager

Kirstyn turned 21
Kaitlyn had her 1st Birthday
Liam was born
Mitch is nearly 64

Happy Birthday to you all from the 8cowles blog

A piece of GOLD TREASURE - never seen before

GALWAY BAY - ACROSS THE SEAS TO IRELAND

This is ONE of the first ever videos I made, it was a hired video camera that I hired for Christmas 1983 @ R 75-00 per day for 3 days, Ria's brother in law -Tom, went halfies with me as I could not afford the whole 3days, it was also the time before video cameras were for sale as it was new technology and not ready for the home user.
Now I could capture the festive season on tape. One the best things I have done in my life

It has a clip in it of a video that none of you have seen, and it is the only piece of video I have of the MAIN STAR, this was shot at 24 Virtop Road, Gerdview, Germiston. Dated 26th December 1983. The Bechards were there, with Mitch's sister Patricia. Our Kevin is in the movie, with our 2 kids and the Bechard kids.

Then of course there was Still Beautiful " DAD" & ....................... get out the Kleenex and watch the movie.

After watching it, I would love to have a penny for your thoughts.


"And I will ask my LORD to lay me neath the heather,
in that dear land across the Irish sea."

One of the best things I have done - you may ask, well this Xmas of '83 I hired this camera, and captured the last Christmas of not only Mom but Ria's Dad as well , little knowing at the time, that they would both pass away during 1984, and we have this to treasure for generations to come.

the menu on the right is updated

I have added a link on the menu to the right.............. just type your email address in this block and you will automatically receive an email when the blog is updated. this will save you looking and there is no update, when you receive an email, then you know there is an update. billsparky - our personal blog has the same so put your email address in both. You only have to do this once.

cheers

Billy

its 1986 and someones 21st

13th August 1986, Molly and Carol arrive as a complete surprise for Monica's 21st, but before we see cuts of that major event, lets just sit back and enjoy one of the few occasions that the 8 of us were together for a HAPPY CELEBRATION., .........
never mind Franky, he was paid to do this stint.........................

Off we all go to Bonero Park - THECOWLES house the next day for a lekker old traditional FAMILY BRAAI.
For starters, its Franky again trying to teach us - HOW NOT TO BRAAI,
and Carol was setting the "hairdo standards"

Now we have a look at the 21st Party and presentation of The Key by DAD. The Party was at the Benoni Country Club and takes us back in time to 1986. Did we really dress like that...........


PARTY TIME

AND WE ALL KNEW THAT DAY THAT SOMEHOW MITCH WAS HIDING HIS BALD HEAD UNDER THAT HAIR .............
SORRY MITCH, COULDN'T RESIST THAT ONE

AND THE BRAAI CONTINUES - PLUS THE CHIT-CHAT
AND
THE WONDER OF BEING TOGETHER

IN THE END, THAT MEAT WAS NOT TOOOOOOOOOOOOO BAD FRANKY

FOLLOWERS OF THIS BLOG

I have just added to the top right hand side of the blog a FOLLOWERS item, click on this add your name and photo, then we can all se who follows the blog, done the sam on our own blog -

cheers. Billy & Ria

A wee bit more Xmas 84 - part 2 & 3 of 5

yip just keep watching, now you will all know the secret - WHAT WAS MITCH SAYING IN
" when I'm 64",
just start - watch and listen........................... and laugh

Part 2 0f 5

Maybe there is someone out there that will truly enjoy this, so this is for YOU....

Part 3 of 5

should this one be for
GRANDPA's COWLE & COOPER

As I said keep watching, next one tomorrow night just below this one.....I've got plenty to come and share with you all.................now this is what makes and keeps a family together-sharing love.
The stars of the show are the 8cowles - Care/Wadey, Whitaker, UKCowles, Bechards, Coopers, TheCowles, Barts & Kcowle and all those kids and grandkids added on over the years - Actually not kids in real life but will always stay kids to us - Why?? because that's what MOM's and DADs are therefore.......................... Lots of Love to you all - Ria & Billy

MAKING MEMORIES IN 1984

Once upon a time................................... in 24 Virtop road, the family got together for XMAS '84, and it was a time to be thankful, to be merry, to enjoy one another and now is the time to look back on those times and be thankful and enjoy them all over again.

....................and then the fun starts outside in the garden and in the pool - keep watching.......
and if you were wondering what Mitch was saying below in "When I'm 64" then definitely keep watching.

Max Bygraves, sang a song once that went......, we had such great big belly laughs - looking at those photographs, remember when we made those memories........... there's more - keep watching.............................. will add tonight

Going to listen to it in about an hours time. I know the song well, and remember – wow I was the same age as the beatles when they made their debut, Billy, you might remember the band called The Young Ones, I went out with the drummer Charlie Charlton, yep there’s a soccer player in UK by that name too, and also Ian Leach belonged to the band, he played the Saxaphone, he had gone over to the UK to see family and came back with their first ever record released and the Young Ones, the local band in Ndola, sang ‘Please Please me’ at a, what we called Disco, the crowd went wild.

I remember the days of stiff petticoats that we starched in sugar water till they stood up on their own!! Oh my word that really dates me, oops sorry ALL OF US!! Ian Leach landed up playing at ‘Smugglers Inn’ in Point Road in Durban, married with two childred. Sir Cliff Richard sang The Young Ones and I stand under correction, but I think that’s where they got the name from to call the band. Then when I moved to South Africa I met up with a band that played at the Youth Club at the Catholic church, NO SNOGGING ALLOWED outside. What a terrible name to kiss someone had…. to snog!! There were two sets of parents to keep an eye on all of us, I too met one of the organizers of the band, a guy called Johnny, and we dated for quite a while and I travelled with them a bit, when I was ‘allowed to’ but never allowed to ‘sleep over’. The singer of the band was a woman, believe it or not she is a Nursing sister in Nelspruit, her husband Stan, who also played in the band, was a QS in Nelspruit, and died many years ago of a brain tumour. Stan’s wife used to sing ‘Georgie’, when she sang Hey Georgie your hair on your arms stood up it was so very beautiful!! Do you remember ………….I can hear the words in my head but for the life of me can’t sing it Billy, did it have the words ‘last summer’ in it? In the song that started Do you remember…………………………oh I could go on all day about the wonderful memories we all had and here we are with you Billy, capturing them again in our 40’s/50’s and some us in our 60/s. No names mentioned. Thank you so much Billy for this wonderful Blog. Can I give you a snog?? Carol x

WHEN I'M 64................. JUST FOR A LAUGH

Thanks Billy & Ria, Carol & Paul and Monica & Kevin for sending Mitch birthday wishes I forwarded them on to his addy. He asked me to say thanks, now he only has to worry about being nearly 64 for a whole year. He spent the whole of last year complaining that he was nearly 63 and it aggravated me no end. 1 day after his birthday and he came out with " I'm nearly 64 " ! ! !
love and god bless
Tessy & Mitch

WATCH FOR THE PART " CANT TAKE MY EYES OF YOU"

MAKING MEMORIES

KEVIN COWLE - HAPPY BIRTHDAY

WHERE EVER YOU ARE BOET - HAPPY BIRTDAY FROM THE FAMILY

Mitch turns 63 - 17th November 2008

17th November 2008

Just wanted to share a few pictures with you of my beloved and precious family, who not only all year round shower me with love and affection but went completely over the top on my birthday today.
What a celebration, 63 years young and the only way to do this is with my family. Forget about the diet and the golf and get stuck into some real good birthday food. We all had a great time and hey you only turn 63 once - THANK GOODNESS.

as WE ALL, march on from the younger generation into the middle ages and then into the SENIOR CITIZENS BRACKET, where we get pensioners discounts and all the added benefits, we can all sit back-ponder & remember that the little poem " The Old Man " DAD used to say on his birthdays

OH, HOW I MISS MY MIND

It's just a line to say I'm living and not amongst the dead

But I get oh! so forgetful and mixed up in my head

I've got used to my arthritis and to my dentures I'm resigned

I can manage my bifocals but oh, I miss my mind!

For sometimes I stand at the foot of the stairs

Must I go up for something, or have I come down from there?

And often before the 'fridge my mind is in great doubt

Am I putting the food away or am I taking it out?

So I fit's my turn to write to you, please don't get sore

I may think I've written and don't want to be a bore.

But remember I love you and wish that you were near

And now it's getting near mail time so I must say bye bye dear

And there before the mail box my face so very red

Instead of posting the letter I opened it instead!

GREAT MEMORIES

JUST SOME NEWS ON UPDATES OF PREVIOUS POST

GO AND HAVE A LOOK, RISKON POSTING BELOW HAS BEEN UPDATED WITH PART 2

IS YOU ARE LAZY, JUST CLICK HERE TO JUMP THERE

WHAT A WONDERFULL AND TALENTED FAMILY WE HAVE WITH ALL THE HUSBANDS-WIVES-KIDS AND GRAND KIDS

THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE TALENT

Tessy goes SURFING with the D.S.A.

I have no video of the event that took place early in November 2008, so we put some photo's together and from all the Sister's and Brother's of Theresa and Mitch, we would like to say a VERY BIG THANK YOU to all the members of the DSA in Australia for the PASSION - DEDICATION and UNSELFISH ATTITUDE you all have in what you are doing DOWN UNDER.
from
MOLLY - CAROL - BILLY - TRICIA - FRANKY - MONICA & KEVIN and all the family

One just has to look on the faces of the stars in the picture not only Theresa but the faces on the REAL STARS - THE D.S.A
to see the enjoyment and thrill of what they are doing.
click here visit the DSA web site at http://www.disabledsurfers.org/

BONJOIR - said by MITCH in 1984

While I was talking to Tessy the other day, she mentioned the Xmas day at dads place when she asked Mitch to say hello to his Mom & Dad in French, well with Mitch's sense of humour it took a few attempts before he eventually said it "IN FRENCH".

Here I was digging through my old BETAMAX tapes of yester-year ( 1984) and low and behold - there it was...............................

Say "Hello" in FRENCH

RISKON - LOWVELD CONSTRUCTION PART 1 & 2

Part 2 of the RISKON PROJECT.

BY-: LOWVELD CONSTRUCTION - PAUL & PAUL
the photos in the video are progress photos and contain the following
Another floor takes shape Riskon
We have lift off - lift shaft Riskon
Underground parking taking shape Riskon
Taking shape, ceilings started
Paint sample for outside Riskon
No, not all 11 official languages
More Paint samples - which one will it be
The sky is the limit - Riskon
Who said building is 'straight' forward
Investec's verandah - Riskon
Are lifts safe - Riskon

one thing is for sure, I see a building as just more as bricks and cement now and even know what a lift shaft looks like. My two men and their team have worked their buts off and may I say - A fishing trip IS THE ORDER OF THE DAY and well deserved ( the words in the VIDEO).
Carol

Before ‘The end of the road’ on our Journey to and through, Riskon, I would like to make the following comments…the photographs will be sent shortly. Paul Jr, as he is known, Paul Christopher Whitaker, took the Riskon site over from the BIG D (Dad), Paul Sr, and together with our staff. it was a journey and a vision for Paul Jr. If there are any accolades for this project…then I have to take my hat off to Paul Jr…and his wife, Corli, for their devotion to this project. We are very proud of both of them. Not forgetting Kaitlyne cutting teeth and sleepless nights! Paul Jr got his teeth into this project and it reminded me of the days when Mommy used to say ‘there is a difference between dirt, and clean dirt. Clean dirt shows you have done a hard days work! Never be ashamed of that’…….the legend lives on, the heritage from both Mom and Dad, Bless their souls!

Carol l

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RISKON PART 1
I'd like to take you on a journey of the building of Riskon Property Developments for Riskon, by Paul C Whitaker and Paul A Whitaker and our staff, who without them we could never have done it...I will be sending a few photographs at a time as you go through this journey with me, and I will make some personal comments when we turn over the last page of our journey
in picture form as we share this journey together!!

I hope all who see this will enjoy the ride!!

Life is a journey remember, not a destination....(anon)

Carol A Whitaker.

3rd November in the year of Our Lord 2008.

Sandra's birthday & Moms visit

Carol had a wonderfull time Down Under, not only spending some precious time with her daughter Sandra and family - with her GRANDIES but also joined in celebrating the birthday.

Tessy and Carol propose a toast to the next visit

30th October - Another USA Citizen

"The COWLES" as they are known on all forms on the WWW are now officially a family of AMERICAN CITIZENS. Today 30th October 2008 Cheane joined the rest of the family in becoming and officially sworn in as a citizen. Last but not least, visit/click on other sites below to see the others obtaining citizenship.Cheane became a US citizen on Thursday 30th October in Milwaukee, & Rozella (her Granny) was here from Canada to celebrate with her.

Dusted Off and out the Archives No.1

Dusted off and out come the archived BETAMAX video tapes, I have finally got a BETAMAX VCR that works so I will be working through the tapes and putting some interesting items on the blog. In between that, I will be compiling files to write to DVD of different members of the family from material I have - then post them out - no date set so just wait and wait then see. So here is the first archive item I came across - , surprisingly we all looked so much younger in those days.

Some guys even had hair on their heads.

THE BECHARDS LEAVE RSA FOR DOWN UNDER

Sorry for the wiggly line/video noise on the bottom of the screen, but tapes are a few years old, I am working on a filter to remove it, so the pictures will be clearer next time round.

November Blog - Birthdays

And as we draw to the end of 2008 with only 8 weeks to Christmass -

here are the

BIRTHDAYS for NOVEMBER.

Adrian Wadey 11 November - 37
Mitch Bechard 17 November - 63
Kevin Cowle 17 November - 42

LETS SEE SOME LOVELY PICTURES OF THESE EVENTS.............

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU ALL.

Hope you all saw Carol's and Tessy's emails regarding the birthday list and fixing of errors, if not email Tessy and she will send you a revised list. joycebechard@bigpond.com

OUT OF THE ARCHIVES - STILL BEAUTIFUL

I remember this occasion like it was yesterday, Dad's boss rang me that morning and invited me to the farewell party. Contelec was a small electronics firm just behind the Airport Star Hotel at Jan Smuts airport. Dad ran the stores there, for a couple of years after retiring from ESCOM

Quite an emotional day for the Old Man but he took it in his stride with his little pet mouse.

This was October 1993

Out of the archives as I go through my 100's of video's on the shelf above my PC........................

hope you enjoy it and it brings back some special happy memories,

Once again, just nice to hear about "THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE" in his life.

lots of LOVE - BILLY

THE VICTORIA FALLS - MOLLY & GORDON

MOLLY AND GORDON PAID A VISIT TO THE FALLS AND CAUGHT IT WHEN THE ZAMBEZI RIVER WAS LOW, JUST BEFORE THE SUMMER RAINS

NOW THAT IS SOMETHING TO SEE, REMINDS ME OF WHEN WERE KIDS, AND GO FOR A SUNDAY WALK DOWN THE RIVER TO THE FALLS, PAST ALL THE ELEPHANTS, CROCS AND HIPPOS IN THE RIVER.

Molly & Tori shopping for a new hat

Tori & Grandma shopping Park City UTHA - JULY 2008

When ever Tori and I go shopping we head for the hats department and take pictures - we get into trouble with the shop assistance - but we have fun!!! I secretly think that I embarrass Tori but that's what Grandmas do!!

One can just picture the two of them, little school girls giggling and almost playing hide and seek in the shops. must be something in the past that was lacking in their lives and now they are re-living that phase of life, the best thing is ENJOYING IT TOGETHER, who better than with GRANDMA MOLLY

Oh my God, I am so tired of this!

Golf anyone! or are we off to the Races

Feeling Blue.

can I take it of now - PLEEEEEEEEZE

quick, lets get out of here because there come that old bag with her big stick to chase us away.....

Dog - a Mans best friend

When GOD was busy with the creation and making the universe with the trees, the sea, the mountains and all the animals, as he made them he thought of a name for each one, but he was very busy and early on he forgot to name one of his creations. While he was busy with this mammoth task he noticed this little animal always walking behind or next to him with his wagging tail. Any way he continued on with the creation and all the way was this animal with him. When he was finished he bent down and picked up the little fellow and said so tell me WHAT is your name. The little fellow just wagged his tail and licked GOD all over his face with LOVE AND JOY. as There was no answer in speech from the question, God had noticed this fellow all the time at his side 24/7. he then said " ok fella- as you were with me all the time and watching over me I WILL NAME YOU AFTER MYSELF but spell it backwards because you are the most amazing animal and are dedicated to showing LOVE - AFFECTION & JOY to all who meet you.

So GOD named him DOG

Dedicated to the loss of their wonder full pet down-under - The Bechards will miss CLOE who sadly passed away the other day.

Carol added ---------- Moni and Duncan and all the Bechard family...so sorry to read about Cloe
so thought I would share Snowy with you. I took these today 02/11/2008 ...Love Carol

Molly's PRIDE & JOY

After many months finally MOLLY gets around to send some photo's of her PRIDE & JOY. Adrian and Lisa on an African Safari and ending of with the pride of the pack - TORI

lets hope there are plenty more to come

Now THOSE WERE THE DAYS

Sandra & James Stapelberg, welcome Carol and Tessy to a fairwell do in their new home - Robina, Gold coast, Queensland Australia

The 2 Sisters spend the last day of Carol's holiday together.

I am now looking forward to your next visit Sis. all my love - TESSY

Can you remember when................................ and they sat for a couple of hours and talked about the old times and finished of with some new plans for the future.

Carol, I remember when you........................................

now when will they stop ?

Oh No, theve gone inside

The YOUNG ONES - Carol & Tessy

Just a few hours ago we were having dinner with Carol, James, Sandra, Jess, Sarah,

Monique and Duncan.

Carols journey Down Under has come to an end far to fast and I have not been able to spend the time with her as I would have liked.

Thanks SIS for a wonderful dinner.

TESSY & MITCH

30-09-2008

September is full of celebrations for the Cowles

Today 30/09/2008, Charnelle & I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary.

Golden anniversary.

Thanks & ciao Frank

On the 22/9 /2008 Billy and Ria also hit a milestone of 35years.

Billy & Franky are suffering from "Hessian flu" as the Old man used to say..... sleeping with the same old bag for so many years, DAD used to say that on every one of his anniversary days.

Dot and Dave go visiting

We have had such a lovely afternoon with Bernadette, Darryl and Jess.

Here is the picture to prove it.

Lots of love Dot, Dave and Helen.

rumour has it that they had a

"BRAAI" and drank "CASTLE BEER"

October Month - Birthdays on the blog

Spread over the year, all the months are busy months excluding October, so Elizma stands alone on this one

Elizma Cowle 1st October 1976 - 32 England, UK
globetrotters@leolizma.com

Happy Birthday Elizma from the 8cowles and the rest of them.

59 going on 21 Billy celebrates his birthday

OR IS THIS ONE....... 60 minus 1............

Billy celebrated in style as well with the family Ria, Tania, Elizma, Leon & LIAM. with having roast shoulder of lamb with all the trimmings and then "present time". WoW. Check me out, LCD flat screen TV, wireless mouse, USB hub ext for my PC and a gorilla grabber tri-pod for my Video Camera. And most of all the family with me to enjoy it and all the messages via the Internet. Thanks one and all. Luv you all - lots - Billy.

Well, the day ended of at 23h30, when I went over to Gatwick Airprt to pick up Leon-Elizma-Liam as they returned from their short break in Italy, this made my Day.

"Dankie - Ria" for that cracker of a supper and a fantastic lovable year

September Birthdays - KIRSTYN 21

Yip, the big one of September was the 21st in the States, The Cowles had a great time celebrating and here are a few pics to see the happy 4some Mom-Dad, Sis and Birthday girl celebrate 21years and the 8cowles blog says we will drink to that- CHEERS and many more to come.
Ladies of style

huffing and puffing - to make a wish
CHEERS EVERYBODY