America here we come 27/06/2009

Tania is on her way - with her camera and sure thing THECOWLES will also have the clickers out and batteries fully charged - that is camera and body batteries. It will never be the same again.

enjoy the trip Tania and hope you have good weather- Wine & Dine with
Frank-Charnelle-Kirstyn and Cheane

Henri Bechard is almost 90 years old - 29th June

Henri (TO) Bechard

Father to Michel, Patricia, Gilbert, Genevieve, Jean-Mark and Caroline

Father - in- law of Teresa, Christine, Jean-Jacque, Joelle and Barry

Grand father of Monique, Bernadette, Jean-Pierre, Melissa,Claudine, Christopher, Frederic, Evelyne, Dylan, Jake, Simon, Luke, Tara and Megan

Great Grand Father of Telysha, Shanae , Hayley, Jessica, Marcus and another one on the way.

Turns 90 this month

29th June 2009 Everyone is invited to celebrate this wonderful day so please send your e-mails to either me or better still to Genevieve Audibert at gaudibert@optusnet.com.au but please send me a copy just incase she doesn't print her copy.

We will celebrate his birthday at his daughters, just family with a few close Mauritian friends. BBQ on Sunday the 28th June 2009. Please be there in thought and Prayer.

All my love

Tessy

Still Beautiful - BUCKLE UP CUZZIES

Now "Still Beautiful" lives on and two of the Cowles kept apart by the big pond and many years are joining hands. Below is a copy of two emails that were sent today. Yes , Tania is of to a visit to THECOWLES in the states and flies out on Saturday morning via Canada. The 4th of July 2009 will never be the same again = what a party that is going to be, would love to be a fly on the wall.

Its Frank's Birthday 4/7, Charnelle's birthday6/7 ( the big 50) and American Independence day 4/7, all thrown into one big bash with Cheane & Tania as the leaders of the party pack.

If you care to page back in the blog to have a look at some of the photos when THECOWLES were in London in 2008 then just click here.

Here are the two emails that exchanged hands today between Cheane and Tania

Tania's comment ( see comments) says it all - Buckle Up Cuzzies

----- Original Message -----

From: Cheane Cowle To: Tania Cowle
Sent: Saturday, June 20, 2009 6:03 AM

Subject: Re: Adress

Seriously. 7 days. One week. I can not wait!!! I can't wait for u to see where I live, hang out with my peepsn enjoy milwaukee!!!!!! Just wanted to share that little tidbit!!!!!! :) so excited!
Did you ever think, after all these years we would be friends! Grandpa would be sooooo happy to know we are closer! :)
Send me your flight and bus info so I can make sure I'm on time to pick you up!

Sent on the Now Network� from my Sprint® BlackBerry

----- Original Message -----

From: Tania Cowle To:Cheane Cowle

Sent: Monday, June 22, 2009 8:42 PM

Subject: Re:

I'll send my flight details, but the bus I just bought a ticket, Can't prebook for a specific service, so I'll take the first one that I can.

Yes, I know Grandpa is smiling down on us! Still beautiful!
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Now that is something else - dont you all think so............................ WOW

1 year old today - I love you Mama

One day not so long ago a child was born and our lives changed forever - William Daniel Cowle arrived 1-06-2008. Leon & Elizma were blessed with a son "LIAM"

Today we celebrate his 1st year - unbelievable how time fly's when you are having fun, and fun it was. It is just amazing how this little fella has changed our lives - all of us,
Leon-Elizma, Ouma Ria & Lezette and Oupa Bill & Danie.

I want to take you down through Liam's tunnel of the last 12 months with a few photo's. The background music I have chosen is with a thought in the back of my mind, to sketch a futuristic picture, not of the year behind us but a few years ahead, lets say when he is off to university or a trip overseas and he writes a email and sends it back home.

Enjoy the year gone by with me and turn up the volume and listen to the words.

Vir my Mama en Papa - Dankie van Liam

For more photo's and video's of Liam's first birthday party, pop over to Leolizma's blog and Bill & Ria's blog - Wow what a awesome day we had celebrating.

Face Book - the new version

Just when you thought you were looking at the 8COWLES Blog you find your self on
FACE BOOK - the new version

Its 8 O'clock again - NEWS TIME

Yip its actually now 5 past 8, never mind better late than never....................

Wow, how times flies when you having fun, It is very hard to get to grips that it is the end of may already and we move into the second half of 2009.
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Now here is some good news from our reporters/detectives in Nelspruit

Debbie contacted the Department of home affairs and gave them Kevin’s full date of birth and full name. She told them we just want to find out if he is still alive and that we are trying, as a family, to contact him. They told Debbie he is alive, he is in South Africa but they are not permitted to use the voters roll to inform family or anybody of any ones whereabouts. What they did say they would do is contact Kevin, in writing I presume, and give him our details and also that we just want to know if he is ok. Debbie received a letter from Home affairs confirming that they will do this and then it is up to him.

Billy, Debbie will be sending you a scanned copy of the letter she received from Home Affairs. They were indeed very helpful.

At least we now know he is still alive and if he wants to contact any of us it’s over to him.

Your friendly detective agency,

Debbie and Carol

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

Next up, Molly and family had a good trip to Europe, popped in to London and then a week in France, so we all look forward to some amazing pictures of the adventure.
**************************************************************
Carol took some pics from her lounge window of her new house and this is what came out once she had the film developed at the chemist, - wow have not heard that done in 20years............ just a laugh, is it not amazing this digital camera era we live in. Remember how we all looked in awe, when some rich person pulled out his instant Polaroid camera........... Carol says this photo is the benefit of staying on an estate that is stocked with game animals, we cant wait to see the Rhino or elephant on her pati0

And this is what it would look like if the Elephants popped in for a sun downer

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As stated above the year is flying, just yesterday when the cowltjies were around to help celebrate the Bulls win in the semi-finals S14, it is just inconceivable to think 1 week to go and LIAM will be 1 year old, Elizma was saying... he is growing up much tooooooo fast and wishes to stall it and slow the growth down because he is so gorgeous and full of tricks.

go check out Leolizma.com and Bill & Ria's blog for some more fantastic pictures of Liam.
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Talking of birthdays, this coming month of June has another big one, IT IS PARTY TIME
ALLAN COOPER IS 60 on the 5th June
buy your plane tickets, drive there swim or walk because you are all invited, just give Trish a ring if you are going.
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Last Saturday Billy-Ria-Tania went to the theator to see Singing in the rain. Now that was worth every penny spent on the tickets. One of the best live shows we have seen, throughly enjoyed it.

Of all the shows we have seen so far, Mama Mia, Cats, Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, South Pacific, "Singing in the Rain" rates as one of the top shows so far.

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Now, a very special thanks
TO ALL YOU AWESOME PEOPLE
BROTHERS-SISTERS-FRIENDS-FAMILY

For all your thoughts and Prayers, the amazing words of support and extreme love in all your messages, emails and sms's during Leon's 2 months of illness, he has made an amazing recovery and is once again his old cheeky self - My hero is back - WOW.

What I loved about the whole thing, was those little things, the bond of unconditional love and friendship - it has made me richer - a very richer man.

I LOVE YOU ALL
you BEAUTIFUL AWESOME PEOPLE
- BILLY -

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A wet & windy get together in London

Two of the finest- maturing with beauty, elegance, looks and grey hair

Molly - Lisa - Gordon - Adrian - Shaun

Typical, spring going on summer, Molly, Gordon, Lisa and Adrian arrive in London on-route to their holiday in France and the weather turns sour, rain more bloody rain and a chilly wind. So we all - that's Shaun, Billy, Ria and Tania met up with the tourists for a lovely Sunday afternoon.

Three of the younger or is it Not so young any more
Adrian - Shaun - Tania

Unfortunately the younger Cowles, Leon,Elizma and Liam were held back home with a bad dose of the" common Cold", The little fella was not to well at all. Shame that Tori was stuck back at home, as it was still School time.

We all got together at a lovely casual restaurant just a small walk from Waterloo Station, three of us had 41, two had 44 and the other two had 46. Actually not to bad, one could call it classy Chinese food, very well presented over 4 courses, some strange dishes with the pork and prawns not in a traditional crispy batter but in a jelly type dumpling - very very tasty at the same time as being something very out of the norm.

It was great catching up and chatting and as the afternoon drew to a close, they went back to their hotel and we all caught the train back to Woking about 40minutes away.

Bon-voyage Molly, Gordon, Adrian & Lisa, enjoy your trip to Paris and we look forward to some photo's and news in two weeks time. Oh, almost forgot, Ria also wishes "Sally" a good trip and fantastic holiday in France.

Dedidcated to Molly - two weeks ago, she said to me.........
"You make Me laugh, You make me cry"

Mothers day in the UK and SA

This one is for ELIZMA - OUMA ZET - OUMA RIA

Well, what is a family without a mother, I am sure you all know that answer only to well, need I go into the detail - NO.

It is strange that the day set aside for this special person in all our lives, differs around the world, but it still stays special - so here is wishing all the MOMS a very happy MOTHERS DAY 2009.

Here in the UK in April we had a special mothers day this year as someone could celebrate it for the first time - ELIZMA, and where was she - in South Africa having a holiday. Well last Sunday it was mothers day in SA, so with Elizma's folks here we all decided to celebrate - as you can see on Leon and Elizma's Blog, we had a Sunday roast at their house and went out for cream tea at Saville Gardens. What a great day, and of course a further celebration because Leon was out of hospital and was with us, Family complete.

1st Mothers day, last month we ( Tania, Ria & I) had a cheese and wine in our back garden.

2nd Mothers day - Then of course we went out for cream tea and a walk in the park.



Happy Mothers day - 2009

A Special Birthday request for the 1st of May 2009

Happy Birthday "TESSY" from the 8cowles blog

It was the summer of 2001

1st MAY 2009 - 58 today

The best way I can think of to show you all how much a birthday means to me
is to ask Bb to post a photo taken in 2001 of me and my 3 brothers and 4
sisters. What a great way to celebrate my 58th birthday.
Thank you all for the support you have shown over the last few years.
Luvyallotsa
Your Sister, Tessy

29th March - 8 O'clock news

Its spring time in the UK, so we start of the happy season off, with the news on the pavement, under a tree next to the editors house. Sun is shinning and all the trees and shrubs are in full bloom, it is tooooooooooooo beautiful, Ok then, back to the 8 O'clock newsWell as you can all see the EDITOR is back from the fantastic break he had with Ria in WALES, it was just amazing with wall 2 wall sunshine and awesome scenery. So now I am all rested up and ready to fire on all 6 cylinders, here is the latest 8 O'clock news.

All the photos in this news bulletin have been added to 1 common album, so you can see all the event in one go. The link is at the bottom of the bulletin.
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Tessy has been busy again with the DSA and just loves this event and as if I haven't said it before..... Hello to the DSA and all those fantastic Guys & Dolls - WOW you just amaze us with your dedication and of course your love for the sport you enjoy so much, sharing it with these special people. Thanks from all the Cowles world wide.

Then Tessy received a package in the post from our news corespondent in Nelspruit - Sunny South Africa and this is what she had to say about it - Magic or something like that......

Today I received a parcel and it contained 4 angels. 2 were Germolene tubes(Miracle cream)and the other a very special set of worry beads which I will treasure for the rest of my life. The last was a HUGE amount of love. My Sis - Carol sent me these gifts and I will always thank her for her love and dedication to me. I love you Sis with all my heart – Tessy

The story of the germolene started when Carol came to Australia last October James asked her to bring some for them as he believed that there was nothing to match it here, So Carol brought them some and gave me a tube. I had not seen or used germolene in over 20 years. Now it just happened that I had a bed sore for over 3 weeks and that was stubborn in healing. We had tried all sorts, Mitch applied the germolene and hey presto 3 days later the bed sore was fully healed. Now we gave it to our chemist who analysed it and said there was no cream to match it.here in Australia and he was unable to copy it (rules etc.)The germolene has since cleared up burns, mozzie bites and cuts.I then asked my Sis to send me more. Which she did She is sending me more and when Debbie comes she will bring more with her. So that's why Mitch calls it miracle cream Although I think My Sis - Carol sent lots of love with the cream and every time we use it her love is there to help with the healing

Now that's something to think about, it is like Mrs Balls Chutney in the UK, the locals cant get enough of the stuff - they call it magic food. With the good spring weather we are having, the is a SA butcher in our local village and on a Saturday he gets the braais out on the pavement of his butcher shop, and makes trillions of BOEREWORS HOTDOGS, and of course decorates them with the chutney, needless to say he sell a hell of a lot of bottles of Mrs Balls Chutney as well.




Here is me having one of the spring braais in my own back yard, before the rugby Irish - Wales rugby match, last Saturday. Needless to say the Irish got the Six nations and the grand slam as well - the first time in 61 years.




Now we are off to Barra in Mozambique - FISHING

Now earlier the Birthday man of the month Paul, well actually Paul x2 ( snr & jnr) went on a deep sea fishing trip down to the neighbouring country of Mozambique, taking along Paul's pride and joy "THE GAFFER", I remember the day Paul took this brand new boat for its " SEA WORTHY CERTIFICATE TEST" it was the day the Bulls played the Free state to a draw in the curry cup final. The boat inspector wrote with a blue felt tip board marker the words "OP DIE BULLE" all over Paul's brand new boat. You guessed it - Paul did not buy him a beer in the pub. And when we got back home ( Pauls house) we had to rub down the boat with rubbing compound to get the blue writing stain out the paint work.

Well, looking at the photos, its looks like they had a cracker of a time, and due to the short duration of the video I received I have replayed it 5 times otherwise you will miss the adventure of pulling in a MARLIN.

These are two camera videos taken from The Gaffer. Tickey, you may
remember him Billy, he was Paul's best man at his wedding. Well Tickey
hooked a Marlin, if you concentrate on the two video shots you can see the
Marlin jumping out of the water clearly in the first video and then slightly
in the second one. Tickey brought it up to the boat after fighting it for
an hour and then they tagged and released it into the big deep blue.

*******************************************************
Monica spent a few minutes to send in these two beautiful photos of her and Kevin's
PRIDE AND JOY
My beautiful daughter Kathryn, now a teenager....She is managing High School and really settled into Grade 8 and so happy. She is still horse riding and is now on horses and not ponies.

The Editor just wants to know one thing " How is Kevin going to handle all those eligible young men knocking on the front door" ????????????

Nick did a speech at school. It was on a magic potion (no not a potion to grow his two front teeth!) He did a time potion so he could go into the future to see if he gets to see Liverpool play a match in real life. Nick is an absolute Liverpool fan. Frank you will remember Nicks speech on the police especially the
'I am flippen finished' !!!








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Debbie returns from AMERICA - BOISE - IDAHO
fortunately all in one piece

Herewith long awaited photo's from my trip to Boise, Idaho at the beginning
of February 2009. I was invited by Special Olympics International as a guest
to watch our South African team play floor hockey - we won and came home
with gold. Even though the trip was short - I got to spend 5 magnificent
days in Boise.
We stayed at the Grove Hotel which had a breath taking view of the snow
capped mountains - being the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
We took a day trip out to Bogus Basin Ski Resort, about an hours drive from
Boise, situated in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. It was absolutely
beautiful. Ventured out on the ski slope, got concussed and was brought down the slope on a medic sled (still don't remember what happened). Was rushed off to hospital where I spent the afternoon under observation.
The opening ceremony was awesome.



I was invited to walk into the stadium alongside our SA Athletes. Felt very important and very honoured.Before long we were on our way back to Boise Airport to catch our looooong
flight home.
Lots of love, Deb's

****************************************************
Leon, Elizma and Liam went to South Africa to visit Elizma folks, share little Liam with them and spent 2 weeks catching some sun on the beaches of the south coast.
I am sure we will have plenty of photos & videos to watch on their blog next week. when Elizma & Liam arrive back in the UK.

While out on a walk on the beach front in Margate with Liam in his pram, there they were walking along and taking in the fresh sea air. An elderly couple walking in the opposite direction stopped to admire Liam, talk to him, tickle under the chin and pass a comment what a beautiful little baby boy. That's it and off they go........ when the are about 2o meters past, Leon Turns around and shouts "Oom Mieg - Tannie Jane", all of a sudden he thinks ( a bit apprehensive) I am sure its them. Its me Leon. The eldery man says "WHO" Leon replies I am Ria's son. WoW they are all so surprised, get back together again and have a long chat about the family, who's who in the zoo and all that jazz. They part with best wishes for the family on both sides.

Well, the elderly couple was by pure chance Ria's only brother and his wife, also on holiday in Margate - from Alberton.

How many of us would be in the same boat, walking down the street and not recognising a close or even a very close family member.

Now this is where the blog comes in - get your news and photos in so we can all see what you look like and what is happening in your world.

Don't forget to send in a new picture of yourself for the
BIRTHDAY BLOCK

FOR ALL THE PHOTOS CLICK HERE

Editors Note: I for one would walk past a few of you lot - so do something about it.
We would all love to see your news and a photo or two.

editor is off to Wales for a week

Yip we are off, no internet. no computer no nothing, just me and the old girl off for a weeks break to Wales, so catch up with all the news on the blog after the 23rd March. just keep those emails and pics coming they wont get lost and will all be waiting in my inbox when we get back and hey the big fella will also be back soon as well.

SEE YOU LATER - just CLICK HERE TO VISIT WALES WITH US


The EDITOR

THE BECHARDS CELEBRATE

An engagement in the Bechard Family of Evelyne Audibert to Scot and a great reason to get the camera out and to take a few pics of her Grandmother and Grandfather
together with all their children etc.
Below is a short video summary of the family photos.

to see the still photos - click here

With lots of love TERESA & MITCH -

Je'teim toi mon ange

for Jessica who will be 15 in April

1st March - time for the 8 O'clock news

Can you believe it, the 1st of March already. There are a few who celebrate their birthdays this month and we wish them all the best - get your photo in for the birthday block.

Bernadette Conlon 7th March
Monique Bechard 21st March
Paul ( snr) Whitaker 28th March

March is eventful--- with Leon-Elizma & Liam flying out on Monday the 2nd for a well deserved break, they are off to sunny South Africa to visit her Mom & Dad, catch up with all the family and also a 2 week visit to the sunny beach in Margate, sure Liam will have a ball in the sea, sand and waves. There will be plenty photos and videos of this trip.
Ouma Zet and Oupa Danie - hope you enjoy the short visit immensely.

There was a movie called "BREAKFAST AT ST. TIFFANY'S" so who knows we might do a remake on this one with Breakfast in Abu Dhabi. Tricia & Franky will be chatting over a cup of cuppachino and toast on Tuesday morning.

Billy and Ria are off in mid March to Northern Wales for a small restful break- 7 days, a couple of nice mountain walks, some fly fishing in the mountain streams, a good book and a glass of good wine. No TV, No Internet, no laptop - just chill-out.

About a 5hour drive and we will be there.

Peacefully located on the rivers edge near the village of Caeathro, 2ml from the historic town of Caernarfon. Cosily furnished to a high standard it is ideal for young families and couples wanting to come and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the prestigious Glan Gwna holiday retreat in Snowdonia. The cabin is situated with others only a short walk to Glan Gwna Hall and restaurant which overlooks the outdoor swimming pool and playground. In peak season, live entertainment is available. Close by is Snowdon (6ml) and the lakeside village of Llanberis, where there are plenty of walks, pony trekking at Waunfawr (3ml), steam train rides up Snowdon and through the valleys. Caernarfon is a majestic town with a grand castle and walled town with small shops within. Award winning sandy beach at Dinas Dinlle is also only a short drive (8ml).

Cant wait, so watch this space for photo's and videos when we get back


Balalaika - Nelspruit is almost finished

Carol and Paul are getting all excited as moving into their new house draws closer and closer. This has been a family affair -, what with design, survey, project leader, builder, etc etc etc all done within family members, I am sure our reporter from Nelspruit will put a long editorial together for the next news bulletin. Nearly completed, the kitchen is done with Oregon pine, the grains and knots have come out beautifully. You will see I have a 4 plate gas hob with two electrical plates in the middle...thank you Eskom!! The pool is just to get cool in and just the right size for me to swim lengths!! The house will be completed on 8th March 2009.

The house is looking so great - check out more photos by clicking here

The way to braai has changed down under.......
Tessy shows how it is done

Down under they all get together for a Barbeque, that's a braai done with electricity. Seems that it was enjoyed by all and the chef did her part as well.


Now for Ouma & Oupa to brag a bit................
1st March and little Liam is 9months old and Ouma Ria & Oupa Billy helped celebrate the day and were witness to him starting to crawl for the first time, which he started doing on Friday 27th Feb. He is now mobile - as the saying goes. Mom and Dad couldn't wait to show us.
That's now lekker, ridding horsie-horsie on Oupa's foot

His tee-shirt has a message for his mom - Be nice to me or I am off to Grandmas ........
just click here to jump over to leolizma.com - blog to see him crawl and........ well see for yourself

That's it for now, from the news desk - now over to the weather desk- it will be bright skies - no rain - uv levels not to bad - and that's for Margate SA - plenty of warm sea water and loads of sea-sand.

a Sisters get together 21-02-2009

Molly, Carol, Tricia and of course Monica all got together for a good chat and some good wine at Monica's house on the week-end - here is some of their memories of the week-end. I am sure there will be some more photos to follow, so keep watching. Angela and Debbie joined them with their girls and Monica's two as well.

Sorry I did say Sunday night I would send the blog the photos and it's now Tuesday morning - gimme a break LOL - What an awesome time we had. Lots of laughs, and more laughs. Can you see the resemblance between Tricia and Angela? Uncanny as Mom would say.
I can only describe the weekend when it was all over and I was back home as
'leaving me with a warm feeling'!
What more can I say!! Am sure with 4 cameras going you will get many many more pics.
Love Carol

then Monica sent her pictures and they were added to the video

to see all the photos - JUST CLICK HERE

Tessy was there in spirit, I am sure with her 4 sisters..........

Sorry 4 out of 5 just ain't good enough for me it should have been 5 out of 5. Kleenex. BUT I am always thankful for Mitch sending me to SA in 2001 when 8 out of 8 was FANTASTIC. That will always remain foremost for me that's the last time, I believe, that the 8 cowles were together and will never be together again. In photos that is. We I do know are always in each others thoughts and prayers - love you lots - TESSY -

For she's a jolly good fella & so say all of us

HAPPY BIRTHDAY - TANIA

Tania and all of us had a cracker of a night out, celebrating her 30th, Italian cuisine at its best with couple of bottles of red wine to go with it. Thoroughly enjoyed by all until late into the night.

Ouboet and little sister share a joke in her birthday card they gave her

Pity someone had to take the photo otherwise we would have been all 5 of us.

now here is a picture that will one day hang in the HALL OF FAME

Just after we told him that he cant have any more ice cream,
and then we said OK if he pays the whole bill

Present time - then we all sadly went home after a great night out
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TANIA