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

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

Billy & Dave chat about some old times

Yip, I was working in the garden, Sunday lunch time and my Skype phone started ringing, saying to myself, "who the hell is that can't they see I am busy", well i washed of my hands "clicked answer" and there was Dave Taylor, just as he was 30 years ago, beaming from ear to ear coming across the broadband on his web-cam. We chatted for some time about old times and he questioned me by saying What the hell is a DUTCHMAN doing staying in England. We had a few laughs and went down memory lane. The beauty of technology, there Ria & I were and Dave & Dot swapping views on the webcam. Dave will be sending me his sister Shirley and brother John's address and phone numbers, and I will make contact with them.

Dave has threatened to send some photo's for the blog so watch this space.

Isn't it great just to take that old box of photo's and chuck them out on the floor and pick up one by one and browse over them, bringing back those memories of yesteryear, but now we have other methods - a method of sharing, all you do is upload to picaso or 8cowles blog, send them to me and the magic just happens - they appear on the blog for all family members to browse through them and share your memories and events

Happy days are golf days and Fathers day

Now you all are on for the challenge as to who can hit that little white ball the best. Mitch was overcome with emotion when he received his Callaway clubs 'n Bag
JP and Dad can't wait to challenge Paul Jnr to a great game. As to all you other golfers out there come on down for a game.We have some of the finest golf courses ever. Luv Tessy (Not a golfer)

Tricia Your friend is planning to have a golf game soon with Mitch and a few of his mates, I am sure they will all have a great time, chasing little white round thingies.

Sea food & Family go down well DOWN UNDER

Just ask My Sis and she, I am sure, will tell you we do fantastic Prawns, crabs and bugs here in Queensland. We had a fantastic few hours together today. Carol & Tessy get ready to get stuck into the Sea-Food
Out of Africa, you use a knife and fork I see
Now if this doesn't make your mouth water then nothing will

We will be spending lots more time together after next week. More photos to come Luv Tessy.

Now we have seen how they do it in Aussie land, its quite strange how they have taken all the time to cook it and it takes Carol just 2 seconds to finish it all on her own.
Here is wishing we were all there enjoying it with you lot Down under.

Dave & Dot arrive in the blog

NEWS FLASH ****** NEWS FLASH
After many years of searching I rec'd the most unexpected phone call todaySunday 07/09/08 - No one would have imagined who this could be !! I almost fell out of my wheel chair!
***Our cousin DAVE TAYLOR***
I spoke to Dave and Dot for ages. They are both well and still live inAdelaide. We will be chatting on skype and will definitely keep in closecontact. They are at this very moment looking up the Blog Spot.

This is wonderful news

Love Tessy

Carol arrives DOWN UNDER 02/09/2008

Hi one and all,Yes the miracle did happen and my sister Carol travelled an awful long way to see her daughter Sandra, Husband James, and Grandies Paul, Jess and Sarah and of course ME her Sister Tessy. How wonderful it was to open my arms and heart out to Carol on her arrival at Coolangatta Airport at 8.15 pm 2nd Sept 08. We then went on for coffee at their place and later (Much later) left for home which is a good hour and a halfs drive away. J-P took a wonderful video of the airport now we just have to learn how to transfer it to the blog.

Many more photos to come

LoveTessy

7 Years later and 2 sisters chat 02/09/2008

CAROL & TESSY

DOWN UNDER