Franky comes to Nelspruit

Carol & Frank, 2nd August 2008. My eyes are shut because if I keep themshut I can picture Frank when he's sitting in America. A wonderful time was had by all. My brother is my brother!!
These are just to wet your appetites...guess who is in charge of THEoffice...you right 'Kaitlyne is the boss'. Taken on 2nd August 2008. Frank's visit to the Whitaker family. Frank also 'visited' the Stapelberg family on Skype
Frank looks as though he wants a grandy too...BUT he did say not for awhile yet!!

.Did you hear about the one................

A real English Breakfast in London

Franky and Tricia meet up for breakfast, bacon and eggs all round, Friday 18th July, just before Franky jets of back to Texas and the Coopers move on to Southern France for the rest of their well earned break. Looking forward to some lovely photo's of France.

Who needs Shopping Mall Boutiques.

With determination and skill, we can all do things that we want to achieve in life, some are a bit harder and some take a bit longer, but where there is a will there is a way. Now these two pictures epitomise what I have just said, so, set yourselves realistic - achievable goals and let the blog know about them. Well done TESSY, you have started something new on the blog.

Tessy on her new sewing machine


Tessy wrote- "What the feet can not do - the hands must!"

ONCE UPON A TIME................

Yes, it was once upon a time............this is the last time we were all together, the first time in a long time, at Mark & Angela's House. Enjoy it as much as I did, when I came across the video whilst copying all my old video's to DVD............ TO DREAM THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM.

A FAMILY PHOTO SHOOT & A BIT OF CHIT-CHAT

The COOPERS come to London

The Coops arrive, Tricia and Allan, they pick up the ever so young Mrs Cooper and sit back and relax until Billy and Tania arrive and then young Sean. We all got together at the PLAZA PARK VICTORIA Hotel where they were staying in London. We caught up on some news and views and spent a lovely Saturday afternoon together. Billy left when he heard they were all going to NANDO's for some supper, and would rather have a plastic Mac. They will be in the UK for a week and then over to the South of France for a well deserved break. Who knows, Franky arrives for the International Farnborough Air Show this week-end, and maybe we can all get together before the Coopers toddle of to France.

50 - IT WAS A VERY GOOD YEAR

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FRANKY from the 8COWLES BLOG and all those in it, may you have many, many more and one day look back at these 50years and say "IT WAS A VERY GOOD YEAR". Cheers and all the BEST...............

"AND SO SAY ALL OF US"

Project manager or QS ?????

The Whitakers start a new building project - this time for themselves........................
Yip, its all started, every project requires a Project Manager and a Quantity Surveyor, so somebody has to to do it. Then of course the project will actually call on the GUYS who do the "WORK" The Whitakers start their new house project and planning for the future.

The foundations of 13 Balalaika St which we hope to move into towards end of March next year. Very exciting, and though not a double story it will be split level to go with the slope of the land. Forgot my hard hat at home!!
On site instruction under Health and Safety regulations will now issue a warning. If the PM or QS come on site again without the proper issued safety gear then they will be banned from site.
This will include, Hard hat, High Visibility vest, Safety Glasses and hard capped shoes and on a Friday afternoon a ice cold 6pack or two must be brought to site.

Party time @ the UK Cowles - Leon's Birthday

Yip, June was a busy month for the Cowles and all the extensions there-of, but non so busy as the Cowles in UK, especially the young Cowles by name of Leon and Elizma. They have added a new member to the June list, but this instance he (Liam) must take second place, just for a day. Leon also celebrated his birthday this month and had Mom & Dad Cowle, Mom and Dad Retief ( on a baby visit from sunny SA) ,Tania and of course Elizma and Liam to sing him Happy Birthday.

Now many a time we have all wrapped up a present for someone and used a box just lying around in the shed or garage. ie an electric frying pan box to put in a set of fishing reels or something like that. Now this example can be seen at its extreme in the video below, as Leon opens the first unlabeled box to see another box inside with something written on it and a picture - look and listen to his verbal and facial expressions ( no under 18's please ).

Yes it was a Sony Play-Station box and inside the box was.........you guessed it.......... just look at his face.

Happy Birthday - LEON

from the whole family

and many many more.

PARTY TIME @ THE BART'S - KEVIN'S BIRTHDAY

Well there is no getting away from it - by that we mean "OLD FATHER TIME" he ticks away second by second and changes our pitch black hair to a faded colour of grey, but with this comes the benefits that we are richer and wiser. Richer in the way that our loved ones have time to celebrate birthdays with us, and wiser for the fact that they are our loved ones. Even if they were not there/here on the day, They manged to take the time to say

" HAPPY BIRTHDAY " KEVIN Monica and Kevin say "Thanks" for all the good wishes,

be it in person, on the phone or via E-mail.
Kevin celebrates his birthday with family and friends at a great lunch at home.
Now back to the grey hair story..... no better not... just leave it be. Monica-Molly and Franky

for a few more pics - click here

It's almost time for those JULY BIRTHDAYS

Well June 2008 is almost gone and if we sleep late tomorrow it will be over and gone before we know it.

Now with July just around the corner, here are the family birthdays to remember.

The blog says to the June babies, hope you all had a cracker of a birthday and lets see what The month ahead holds for all the

JULY Birthdays

Cooper Megan 2 July 1985 - 23
Cowle Franky 4 July 1958 - 50

( this is a big one)
Cowle Charnelle 6 July 1959 - 49
Wadey Tori 29 July 1994 - 14

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FROM THE BLOG

Can a "OUPA" MULTI-TASK

I could not resist posting this on the blog and wish to dedicate it to all the "OUPA'S in the family.

Carol - " The Birds & the Bees" in her garden

Thought I would sent some nature photographs this time...We don't have to travel far to see a Loerie bird. We have a pair of them that live in my garden this time of the year, they even feed on the window cill. In photo you will note how close the Kiaat tree is to the dining room window as you can see the wooden window frame, the Kiaat tree is about 6 inches away from the window cill. One photo of the Loerie's drinking out of my not so clean bird bath. I don't clean it on purpose as they don't drink from it when I clean it. In a few of the photographs the Loerie is just behind or above the Kiaat tree branch. We also have a Quail that lives in the garden, a porcupine too and then the odd snake or two! Can you believe that these trees are the view we have from our dining room window. All indigenous and named too. The houses that surround us, and that we can see in front of us have maybe one or two trees left in their gardens, the rest were bulldozed out before building started. More garden/bird pictures here - just click The Lowveld is surely God's own country. Proudly South African! Carol

They do it "THEIR WAY" down under

You may all say we have seen it all but you have not seen it all until you see Biltong being made Down Under. Yes every winter we make the best biltong !!!Love Tessy
Jean-Pierre all decked out and ready to do a tower clean (I might have that a bit wrong but that's what I think it is called) then along came the weekend and him and a few of his mates went for a relaxing weekend camping and fishing fresh water. The first fish caught was undersize so back it went to grow a few more inches. All up they had a great time and caught a few really good sized Bass.
For more fishing photos just CLICK HERE. Now that we have SEEN IT ALL, the Bechards down Under have shown us that the can Water Ski, fish, play golf, cook, farm in the garden, make biltong, have weddings, relax, have parties and many other things, ALL THEY HAVE TO DO NOW IS TRY TO MAKE SOME DECENT RUGBY UNION AND CRICKET PLAYERS.

Fathers Day at the UK Cowles - THE MANS DAY

Now this is what one might call " An Occasion to Celebrate", 15th June 2008 Fathers day. This was a very special day in Billy & Ria's life as Leon of which we are so proud of, had the honour to celebrate his FIRST FATHERS DAY. Just looking at the photo would make any parent proud. Now that we have our first grandson, Leon & Elizma have given us LIAM, there are no words available to explain how we feel, the pride and joy just keeps coming and coming.

Oupa Danie and Oupa Billy, only just fit into the photo, considering the broadness of those shoulders. Now this is what I call celebrating fathers day, Both Oupa's and Dad with the magical miracle LIAM. Can you be the judge as to who has got the biggest smile????????? or the broadest shoulders. Sorry to the Mom and the Ouma's ( no photo) but this is a MANS DAY, but thanks for the lovely food and all the hard work you put into the braai - it was great.

HAPPY FATHERS DAY TO ALL THE DADDY'S IN THE FAMILY

FROM THE 8COWLES BLOG

Raise your glass - and say CHEERS

When I received these photo's of Mitch and Tessy, I could only say one thing and that was RAISE YOUR GLASS and say Cheers!, Then a thought crossed my mind, as things come our way or cross our lives and we have obstacles to move, it lead me to think of "Defining" a family - one way or another in each of the brothers and sisters their lives, their partners and their off spring, WHAT COMES TO MIND is a commonality and a bond, and this is defined by "STILL BEAUTIFUL", if any one of you can come up with a better way and in so few words then I'll be dammed. Now back to the pictures, Tessy added this quote to her photo's......... Hello All, a few photos of our lunch out for Patricias birthday (Mitch's sister) turned 61 on the 9th June. love to all, Tessy

Carol wrote the other day, prior to this...........

I decided to take a look at The Blog today having not seen it since Liam's first appearance. After scrolling through the Blog from the start I reached a 'destination'...'Life is a journey, not a destination' (Anon). I added ...enjoy the ride! I reached this very important conclusion, it's taken me 61 years to say it in writing...Molly, Billy, Tessy, Tricia,Franky, Monica and Kevin, I am very proud to be your sister, and a part of the wonderful 'Cowle' family. This has to include all the 'out-laws' too...Gordon, Paul, Ria, Mitch, Allan, Charnelle and Kevin. Thank you all for making me enjoy the ride. Carol. Ok now time for world war 3 or is it 8 we are on now??

Leon & Elizma- greetings to the whole family

Elizma and I would just like to say a big thank you to all the well wishes, (e)cards and other emails we've received from the extended Cowle family regarding little Liam's birth. He's doing very well and looks forward to, over time, maybe getting to meet a great many of you.
Thanks again, we really do appreciate it. Things are obviously just a bit hectic right now, so we've not had time to thank everyone in person, but thought this blog is the perfect place to do so.
Leon, Elizma & Liam

The Whitaker/Cowle blood line shines through

I got these from Debbie the other day. Photo's taken recently of Tamryn and Kayla. Tamryn got her learners licence last Tuesday, both of my grandies are growing into lovely young ladies and I am so proud of them.
Carol wrote.........

I thought you could maybe slip these two photographs in between flooding us with photographs of Liam. Debbie is going to Angela and Mark's the long weekend so will take some of Catherine and Nicholas and I will send them on to also insert in between photographs of Liam...You can see I am concerned that Liam is going to take over the Blog with grandparents like he has got that are bursting with pride, joy and most of all love.

Billy adds...........

Well last but not least, that's Liam, but with grand adults like this, no wonder Carol is so proud. Hey, can you just close your eyes for one moment in time and picture Debbie as a grandie one day, with this pedigree and beauty, its is going to be something to see......................................

I suggest "SMARTIES" ALL ROUND FOR EVERYBODY

WHEN A CHILD IS BORN - LIAM 1/6/2008

MIRACLES

do still happen, here is the living proof.

This bundle of joy has entered our lives for ever, and will change the way we go to bed, the way we get up, every breath we take, the way we will spend our leisure time and this time will be irrelevant from now on. Liam is a blessing and for us, Billy & Ria - Danie & Lizette our lives have changed from this day on.

Leon and Elizma we are so proud of you!

WILLIAM DANIEL COWLE

"LIAM"

Welcome to the world Liam, I love that name too.

Did you know it is an Irish name?

Did you know your great great gran, Nana Allcock, was of Irish descent.

You will have to kiss the blarney stone!!

Liam is a baby boy,

Whose come into the world to bring his parents joy.

His Ouma's and Oupa's have waited a longtime for this,

Now their grandy has arrived...what bliss.

The Blog will be filled with your family of three,

Plus the rest of the family that make up your family tree!

I can see your great grandfather Cowle having a pint and a smile,

Saying Liam is 'still beautiful' more than once in a while....

Dedicated to William John Cowle Snr.

its ME "William Daniel Cowle"

I made my very first appearance today 1st June 2008 @ 02h10. Mom is doing fine and I am looking after her until we get home from the hospital, then I will have to take care of Dad aswell.

Well here I am , you can call me LIAM as my Mom and Dad luv this name - suits me with my looks and personality though, hey its summer in the UK so we will be getting upto all kinds of things. Ouma Ria and Oupa Bill are speechless at the moment so they have nothing to say, and my Ouma & Oupa Retief are flying over next week from South Africa to see me.

Watch this space, I imagine there will be a lot more photo's where this one came from, till later then CIAO

WOW-WOW-WOW

Holiday "ON THE ROCKS" - UMHLANGHA - North Coast

Yes time to celebrate, baby is all grown up and off they went for a well deserved break to the North Coast resort of UMHLANGA ROCKS. Before they know it, it will be time to organise the 21st birthday party of Miss Kaitlyne Whitaker. Paul and Corli had a cracker with all the sea, sun and sand and shared some precious moments with Kaitlyne caught on camera.

The Wedding DOWN-UNDER

A picture of LOVE & HAPPINESS - " Mr & Mrs Conlon"

Now that Mr Daryll Grant Conlon & Miss Mary Teresa Bernadette Bechard have finally tied the knot and got married. The Cowles and all extensions there-of Wish them everything of the best. Mitch and Tessy and all the Family must be very proud of these two.

For more fantastic phoddies of the wedding just click here and enter into the day in a life of the Conlons.

By the way it was also Daryll celebrating his 50th Birthday, what better present could he have wished for than his bride at his side to finish off the day.

"2nd" issue of Golf is for those who dont "WORK"

A while ago there was a golfer from Down-under somewhere chasing that little white ball and looking all over for it, must be a very naughty ball, because when they find it they just give it another whack and the process starts all over again. Now there is another family member somewhere in the Low-veld of Southern Africa who is also looking in the rough for those little white balls, he has even got his wife involved and with a bit of perseverance seems to be trying his hand a coaching the young one - what next..........

Carol submits to peer pressure and wrote..............Paul has given up motocross and taken up golf again. Corli has also started playing golf. In one photograph please note the Cap all the way from America sent by a friend of mine after much searching for this elusive cap as they are not made like that anymore. Oh and check out the'Shades'...Kaitlyne (8th Grandy not counting Kirstyn Ritchie). Corli and Kaitlyne waiting for Paul to drive the golf cart. Corli fell in love with the lonesome tree, some of the scenery. Paul played in a golf competition that day at White River Gold Estate. He has become a member there again.

for the rest of the photo,s click here........................................(loading tomorrow night.....)

WEDDINGS AND BIRTHDAYS MAY-JUNE 2008

WATCH THIS SPACE...... THERE IS A WEDDING TAKING PLACE TODAY 24TH MAY 2008 DOWN UNDER. THE ENTIRE COWLE FAMILY AND ALL THEIR OTHER BITS AND PIECES ALL OVER THE WORLD, WISH THE BRIDE AND GROOM EVERY THING OF THE BEST AND HAVE A CRACKER OF A DAY. Tessy will be responsible for sending in the photos and the story behind the photo's.

THE OTHER EVENTS TAKING PLACE THIS MONTH ARE BIRTHDAYS OF THE FOLLOWING, LETS HAVE SOME PHOTO'S PLEASE

Bechard Tessy / Teresa 1 May
Ritchie Angela 13 May
Burnett Tamryn 19 May
Conlon Daryll (Bernadette) 27 May

THEN THE BIRTHDAY PLANS FOR JUNE 2008 ARE AS FOLLOWS

Cooper Allan 5 June
Baart Kevin 8 June
Cowle Leon 22 June
Cooper Shaun 26 June
Cooper Tricia 26 June
Whitaker Paul Jnr 27 June
Wadey Gordon 30 June

Frank for President of USA

Franky makes the grade and is sworn in as the newest USA citizen 14/05/2008. When one looks at these photo's of the newest USA CITIZEN with all the grey hair distinguished looks and intelligence then Hillary Clinton and the rest of the Presidential hopefulls better watch out.

For the earlier swearing in of the rest of the family look at a posting in the archives or click here to go directly there, AND click here to see more of Franks big day

Tessy's Birthday and Mothers Day Down Under

1st May 2008 and Tessy celebrates here birthday, never to be sweet sixteen again. The family comes around and they celebrate in style, a great time had by all , relaxing and chatting.
Greate to see Mitch & all the kids celebrating with her. Roll on next year and another party.

Then then there was Mothers day on 11/5/2008. Mitch celebrates this in style. Click here to see all the Birthday and Mothers Day photo's down under

SURPRISE STORK PARTY - ELIZMA SAYS "THANKS"

Surprise! As you may know, Tania and Mom Ria threw me a surprise baby shower last Sunday. It was a wonderful day - I felt utterly spoilt!I just wanted to thank everyone who sent us a beautiful message wishing us the best with our little one. We really appreciate it. Dad Bill went through a lot of trouble to create wonderful cards which we will share with him/her when they're old enough to understand what family is all about...

(Dad - please insert a few examples from the Cowle family cards you created with this entry - just two or three will do. Thanks Peanut!) Lekker slapies! Elizma

CLICK HERE FOR THE EXAMPLES OF MESSAGES

Hayley in Hong Kong, has a surprise visit from Texas

Tracey - Charnelle - Hayley

Just short of 24hours after a Winters holiday in the UK, Charnelle flew back home to the States, just to get a change of clothes and wizzed off to the other side of the world with her sister Tracey. A Working holiday of sorts, to go over and babysit Kyra & Carys, while Hubby- Steve took Hayley, the third Sister, on a surprise - to Spain to celebrate her 40th birthday. A good time was had by all.

Click Here > Just a couple of photo's from our trip to Hong Kong.
Ciao
Charnelle

The Legend Lives on - by: Nicholas Bart

Nick is now a real cub. He was invested on the 14th March. I attempted to sew on the numerous badges, ok so I am pathetic, Kev had a good laugh at my attempt and took over - he was after all a Springbok scout and I was not ever into sewing. He did a fabulous job. Nicholas will hopefully follow in his dad's footsteps and not mine..Love Mon click here for more pics

Hi Bill, looking great. Thanks so much Nick says thanks too he loved looking at himself on the computer.Love Mon

for more on Boy Scouts goto ---- http://books.google.co.uk/books?hl=en&id=LdtVxcFpWFQC&dq=boy+scouts&printsec=frontcover&source=web&ots=j2MFnTcAik&sig=4K0Bkh_gvD52im7opotwUJMzajA#PPP1,M1

"Dad" verses "LEON" .. click here to view

click on the title above "Dad" verses "LEON" to check out the uncanny likeness . Tessy picked this up and sent in the photo of dad..... Billy I find this pic of Daddy and one of Leon taken on Mothers day this year so alike.Daddy aprox 39 yrs old 1956

WHO SAID - " MAKE MY DAY !" ??

With all that goes around, some say it comes around, sounds like a boomerang. Today I was siting on the train on the way to work, about a 1/2hour trip. Looking at all the serious Londoners in their black suits and noses in their newspapers. Other than the noise of the train going clickity-clack, you can hear a pin drop and the train is packed. Now where was I, Oh yes......... going or coming around, brings the thought of Old Bill Cowle - DAD saying... "was I going in or coming out" - Oh how I miss my mind........ never mind, back to my original story. Make My Day is the heading........... To have a great day is a wonderful experience and we all get up in the morning with that expectation of hope that Today will better than Yesterday. Now to have this great day is great and by building this blog REALLY MAKES MY DAY, but while this wonderful miracle happens, and I am having a great day, while I create and MAKE SOMEONE ELSE'S DAY GREAT, now thats something to get happy about. I sincerely hope that me building this blog MAKES YOUR DAY - "CARPE DIEM" all my love to the family and the readers / visitors to THE 8COWLES BLOG....... I have, just this minute "had a GOOD ONE" - BILLY