BILL & RIA COWLE - 2011 the Year of a Wedding - Tania and Andy 11th March 2011

panorama's of our GARDEN

2011-06-05T16:39:00.002+01:00

OUR Back Garden- with your mouse you can scroll left-right-up-down to look at the panoramic views, hold in the left click and move oyur mouse across the pictures. - have fun, this is all done on my IPHONE using the "photosynth app"

Our Front Garden

TANIA BIRTHDAY 7-2-2011 - MY MADAMPIE

2011-02-07T21:11:00.005Z

A question I ask myself as a DAD is -- "What is a Daughter"???

the answer is actually pretty simple.............

A Daughter is ..... a little girl, that comes into her Dads life 32 years ago,

she grows up to become his

BEST FRIEND EVER

Yip - Tania is just that - nothing more and nothing less, and looking around her family and friends, this question or should I say the answer, can be verified by one & all.

Not only is it her Birthday celebration today 7th Feb 2011, but this year - in a few weeks time she will be walking down the Isle with me - for me to give her away to her

Newest and Dearest BEST FRIEND - ANDY

May 2011 bring you sooooooooooooo much Happiness and Love

Tania - my Madampie - from Ougroote

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

We got together saturday to wish Tania happy birthday at Leon-Elizma's house, Liam had to say HIP HIP HOORAY and help Tanas open her presents. With the singing and the toast with champagne all done,

we all went out for dinner.

Happy birthday from us all - LEON - ELIZMA - LIAM - RIA - BILLY - ANDY

TANIA 7-2-2011

and then - there is

"A Day in the life of TANIA"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TANIA
32 YEARS OLD TODAY

FAMILY DAY OUT AT CENTRE PARCS RESORT

2011-01-23T19:45:00.000Z

Leon-Elizma-Liam took a week off and travelled down to Centre Parcs, a family holiday resort about 2hrs from home. I took the day off from work- Tuesday 18th January, Tania and Andy did the same and we went down for the day. it has been cloudy, rainy and cold for a couple of weeks, but today we all woke up to a lovely sunny, windless day, a little bit chilly but bright sunshine.

We had a walk about , play in the park, and ended up for lunch at the Pancake House, mmmmmmmmm savoury pancakes. Back to the flat, and got ready for a swimming session in the indoor heated pool, super slides, water fall rapids and a wave pool - enjoyed by all. Exhausted we returned to the flat where OUBILL cooked up a mammoth supper - A MIXED GORILLA as it is known amongst the kids, Steak ( rib eye supplied by Tandy) - Awesome, mushrooms, fired tomato, fried onions, Bacon, eggs, fried banana, baked beans, chips and of course washed down with some nice wine. At the end of the day we left Leon/Elizma/liam to enjoy the rest of the week in peace at 9pm, with a full belly and some happy memories - 2 hours to home - Quality Family time.

A DAY IN THE PARK

Flags showing where all the visitors to the blog come from & counting, If you click on the flag counter you will see some amazing statistics and information - happy clicking

2011-01-11T20:18:00.000Z

Its 2010 Christmas with Liam - Oh what a night - Oh what a pleasure

2010-12-27T22:31:00.000Z

Yes 2years 6months old and we are into our 2nd Christmas - Wow, This year he was a bit bigger and understood a wee bit as to what father Christmas is all about, Mom and Dad did a good job of the build up over the last week or so and the creche where he goes also played a big part as well when you listen to his redemption of FATHER CHRISTMAS GOT STUCK - pop over to www.leolizma.com if you have not seen it yet - just AWESOME.

Well the big night came and we were all at Leon & Elizma's House - that's OuBill-OumaRia-Tania-Andy for the big moment that father Christmas arrives, not to talk about the supper that was waiting after opening the presents.

Well I put together a video of some, and please note some of the hi-lites of Liam, for those that want to see the un-edited version you are more than welcome to pop over anytime to watch it or order a DVD by post.

Edited down to the last cut, no spot lights - 18minutes of pure happiness - sit back and enjoy it with us. had to start it of with a bit of fun and mocking of OUBILL - but it is my I-MOVIE, so here goes - the best 16 minute movie you have seen.......................... it Christmas with LIAM

ONE COLD WINTER NIGHT IN DECEMBER 2010

2010-12-11T22:17:00.000Z

It all started long long ago, picture this - 1942, one cold winters night, there was a competition as to who had the biggest BACKSIDE, well in the end it was no question.

Leon & Elizma decide that its time to re-decorate the fire place and have it done before Christmas, so Leon and I climb in, head first - hence the backside view. We chop up the existing tiles ( which were cracked anyway), clear the rubbish and proceed to prepare and lay the new SLATE HEARTH.

L & E had carefully measured, pr-ordered and took delivery of the new slate fire place - lets hope it fits.

Well here are some photo's of the project - right through to completion

needless to say BUT, they used a computer techie's tape measure to order the slate to size, they should have used a electrician's tape measure,

I had to chop a massive 1mm from the plaster to get it to fit in the fire place hole.

The tiles have been chopped out, carpet was masked off to protect against the mess and future cement stains

Then came the front piece, leveling and get it into the right position, excuse the BUTT's

Hey its in and it fits perfect - blood-sweat and no tears

and - YIP its level - at last

The finished product - finally - JOB DONE AND DUSTED

Now next week end, when the cement is all dry and set - we can put the fire place unit back in place and have a nice warm Christmas Eve family night

CAN't WAIT

Franky has a good saying - " TEAM WORK MAKE THE DREAMS WORK"

From Zero to Hero or is that minus 8deg C

2010-11-30T19:00:00.000Z

Well, it has been said from the MET OFFICE - Weather Bureau, that this is the coldest November week in 17 years and the earliest snow in 29years here. The pictures of the snow across the country are toooo beautiful - when you watch the BBC News and weather forecast.

Every time it has snowed here, and it has every winter, ever since we arrived, Leon told us Surrey does not get much snow, HA HA HA. I put same old photo's on the blog, but just for the record - here are our first SNOW PICS this year of 2010/11 winter, taken early this morning in our front garden.

FROM THIS - I must say - when we were down at the coast a few weeks ago in Cornwall

to This surprise today 30-11-2010

ROLL ON A "WHITE CHRISTMAS"

We are off to MURRAYFIELD the home of Scottish Rugby

2010-10-18T23:13:00.000+01:00

Yip it is all confirmed, booked & paid for. We are off to watch the Sprinkboks play Scotland at Murrayfield.

The travelling party consists of ( in no particular order ) BILLY, LEON, ANDY & TANIA, Andy's dad JOHN and Andy's brother DUNCAN.

We drive up to Edinburgh on Friday, book into the hotel, SATURDAY have a full ENGLISH breakfast ( in Scotland), do some sight seeing and off to the game at Murrayfield, kick-off at 14h30. Weather conditions expected to be "Bloody Freezing",Back to the hotel after celebrating a S/bokke win and painting the city red and drive home on sunday.

So we have been to Twickenham last year, now it's Murrayfield and then it will be Cardiff in Wales next.

Watch this space for photo's and video's of the week-ends adventure for sure

20th NOVEMBER 2010 - SCOTLAND - here we come - Boots & All ( as Naas would say)

Hier kom die BOKKE.

As the English 2010 Summer draws to an end

2010-10-03T17:14:00.000+01:00

Yip, its that time of the year, it starts to get darker early afternoon and when you get up in the morning to go to work it is still dark. Well this year we really cant complain, it has been a bumper summer with plenty of sunshine. I have even been able to catch a bit of a tan while working in the garden.

Here is a couple of pictures of our garden, as the summer sun starts to set and the beautiful autumn colours move us towards winter.

Liam goes camping in The New Forest - July 2010

2010-09-05T13:32:00.001+01:00

Leon, Elizma & Liam, braved the oncoming winter and went camping in The New Forest.

It is a National Park in the South West of England about 2hours from home.

OuBill and OumaRia decided to visit them for a braai and a walk around one of the local Villages - Liamington. What an awesome day-out it was for us and we left much later than planned for the drive home. If only they had a bigger tent.

It reminded us so much of when Leon and Tania were small, when we camped, to see Liam running around freely with not a care in the world

JULY 2010

Billy & Leon tell the MUD & DECK story

2010-06-14T21:55:00.002+01:00

Mud, what mud, just look at that beautiful deck in THE YOUNG COWLE's back garden and YOU would ask the question - WHAT MUD.

Well that mud was almost the end of Leon as he had this vision of what the back garden should look like by the 1st of June 2010 and at times could not see the end. This job started on the 3rd April, through Easter weekend and ended on the 31st May 2010. Every week-end and a couple of days in between - 2 months of solid hard labour.

A job to be proud of if you sit back and look at the VISION and the end product.

there are some more pictures on Leolizma.com - just click here OUR NEW DECK

Episode 1 - THE MUD

This video project is 25 minutes long so I have broken it down into 4 video segments, episodes 2-4 to follow in the week.

LIAM - 2 years old - WOW 1/6/2010

2010-06-06T22:28:00.004+01:00

OumaHia and OuBill

were there to celebrate this very very special day

LIAM's 2nd BIRTHDAY

1-June -2010

There was plenty of preparations going on, then the friends arrived at Leon & Elizma's home to the joyful singing of

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIAM.

A special video for OumaZET en OupaDanie, far far away in South Africa on this special day.

"Ons het Julle gemis"

pop over to www.Leolizma.com for lots of photos of the Birthday Boy

The Hole in the Wall & a Scottish Braai

2010-05-30T09:27:00.005+01:00

It all started with

- LETS HAVE A BRAAI -

and while you are here, can we fix the

HOLE IN THE WALL.

Not really, we were all going away for a weeks holiday, Andy and Tania invited us over to their house in Andover. It is halfway between our house and the holiday resort. We would have a braai on the Sunday afternoon and leave for the holiday on the Monday about and hours drive from Andover. Some time ago Andy made a hole behind his wall mounted TV to install wires for his surround sound system. Now, when he takes the Tv down there is this big hole in the hollow plasterboard walling. Well together we fixed it before the braai, Funny thing is, it was the hottest day of 2010 in England, and we mixed the plaster outside in a bucket and by the time we took it inside it was hard already. We had three attempts before we got the timing and the heat right.

OF course Yes, we had to taste the braai cooked on his new WEBBER

The King of the Barbeque shows off his skills, while the judge looks on with beady eyes.

I must say he passed the test with flying colours

Mothers Day in the UK

2010-03-15T21:37:00.006Z

14th March 2010 - Mothers Day in the UK

I took Ria out for Cream Tea on Sunday to a wine farm "DENBIES" about 20miles from home, a lovely drive into the Surrey countryside.

We walked around a bit and then enjoyed Cream tea, with Scones and Clotted Cream

Liam is visiting OUMA and OUPA in South Africa at the moment, so Leon sent the video

To make her day.

WOOMYS _ OUMA

LIAM............ alias Michael Jackson

2010-03-12T21:36:00.004Z

The Video says it all

While Leon-Elizma - Liam are visiting SA with Ouma Zet and Oupa Danie who are "GEORGEOUS AND SLIM" in Liam's words, soaking up the good old Sand Sea and Sun at MARGATE - he has performed the dance of the year.

This is what Leon sent us on email tonight

Not for the faint hearted

Liam does Motor Cross Racing

2010-02-21T12:47:00.004Z

A WALK IN THE PARK
One cold and rainy Sunday, conditions were perfect for Motor cross racing and Liam did us proud. They popped in for a visit and we went outside in the cold for a bit of fun and warm-up.

Liam on his BIKE

Liam Visits Ouma

2010-02-14T17:20:00.007Z

I think the video says it all, I don't know which one of the two enjoys it the most.

LIAM & OUMA RIA.

Tania - 07-02-2010 Happy Birthday

2010-02-08T21:57:00.007Z

The Video has been added

The editor just could not resist the temptation and the shortage of time to start this blog input. It is the 7-2-2010 and Tania's 31st - WOW - so here is a taste of the birthday girl and see the video below. She makes us proud is an understatement.

Mr Andy Mitchell is a wonderful asset and adds SO MUCH to that smile of hers.

We all went out for dinner on Saturday night, Ria & I, Leon & Elizma, then the surprise for Tania, Andy brought her a wee bit later and there we were. She was totally surprised and bewildered, but the evening got off to a good start.........

stop panicking, there was a trustworthy baby sitter for LIAM

Sunday 7/2/2010 it was braai time at our place and Rugby on the TV, you guessed it, Scotland against France. Sadly for one - Scotland lost..........

The editor - alias OUGROOTTE is behind the camera - sorry

The FIRST of MANY - YIPPIE

2010-02-04T20:20:00.006Z

BED TIME STORIES

Which one is Thomas the train and/or the car or the skippie

Tonight we make history in the life of LIAM, he is sleeping over for the very FIRST TIME at Oumie & OuBill. we were and still so exited with this new adventure. Leon and Elizma are going out to dine and we baby sit the whole night through. There is one problem with this, I have to get up and go to work at 6;30, most likely before the big man wakes up. Then its over to Ouma, wake up call, and breakfast time, get him ready for school and drive him there.

Wow what an adventure.

Now as this is a first, the organising and organising was all part of the adventure. Elizma almost in tears, "THIS IS THE FIRST TIME he does not sleep in his own bed where I can give him a kiss or just stand at his bedside and admire him, it is going to be so strange and a little bit frightening.

thats the cow or is it the buffalo

Leon popped over to give him a bath, not to overdo the strange and first time environment away from the normal rituals. When Papa eventually tore him self away and closed the front door after high five and low fives it was all beginning for OUMA and OuBILL.

AN ADVENTURE into the future.

Now it is time for Thomas the train to go to sleep.

So after a bit of play and eating some nummies from Ouma, it was off to bed.

Oubill was reading a story while Ouma got his bottle ready.

Just for a minute close your eyes and picture the three of us - blissful happiness and pure enjoyment - What a honour and a pleasure to have a grandson like LIAM and his Mom and Dad that entrust us with their precious son.

WOW - WOW - WOW - WOW - WOW

Whats this Liam, and he answers - a TEDDY

NIGHTY - MAMMA en PAPPA - love you , NIGHTY

"LIAM"

I have to add this,,,,,He went to be at 7pm, its now 9:15pm and we both just opened the door a wee bit to admire

"THE SLEEPING BEAUTY"

A Birthday message for "MY MADAMPIE"

2010-02-02T23:19:00.003Z

The day My life changed forever
07-02 -1979
Don't cry my Madampie, don't cry my little Madampie.

Our love will guide you wherever you roam, you won't ever/never be alone.
You don't know how we met, little lady, and I wonder if you really care,
For I am always close by and around you, You are part of this life that we share.
At the time when you were still a baby. You'd wake up every night and you'd cry,
I’d get up just to comfort you, Madampie, and sing you a sweet lullaby.

Don't cry my Madampie, don't cry my little Madampie

You are growing incredibly fast, dear, and one day you'll be larger than life
You will just spread your wings and you'll fly, dear,
And I guess you'll become some mans wife.
While you' re raising your own little baby, you will realise there's no love as strong,
as the love you will sing to your child, dear, it's the same love we sing in our song.

Don't cry my Madampie , don't cry my little Madampie

Now I won't be around for always, but I'll stay for as long as I can,
I am hoping to see you get happy, if it fits into life’s master plan
You know somehow I'll always be with you,
For it's my blood that flows through your veins
and the thoughts that you think might be mine,
and the memory of true love remains.

Don't cry my Madampie , don't cry my little Madampie

"OUGROOTE"

07-02-2010

It has not and will never change....... it only grows - forever

REG-UIT

The camera NEVER lies

2010-01-30T18:38:00.007Z

There is always weather for a braai - barbeque.

with a Sprinkbok Jersey.

This item is for anybody planning a trip to the UK - best thing is to listen the the words of the song and ignore the video

Summer - come on Summer

January to December

Liam with OuBill's Hat

2010-01-24T22:12:00.005Z

We popped over to the 3Cowles for Sunday lunch today - roast shoulder of lamb with all the trimmings.
mmmmmmmmm.

While we were waiting for the chef to complete the task we were entertained by the big fella.

Where do we put "OuBills" hat

A walk in the common

2010-01-24T15:33:00.003Z

Here in England, there are miles and miles of pathways through local forests, along the winding canals and in the protected commons. Going out for a casual walk hand in hand, or taking your dog out, or even for some exercise is a favourite pass time over week-ends. You down your wellington boots and off you go, so what if its raining - take your brollie with.

Just a while back Tania, Ria and I took Murphy for a walk along the river behind Tania's house. Through the dense bush and winding paths - just pure relaxation, nothing else, after a week stuck at work, time to unwind.

You don't have to be in the mood - you just do it

Murphy meets Roxy - what a match 23/01/2010

2010-01-23T18:22:00.005Z

This is what you would call " love at first sight".
Andy and Tania have been planning this event for months. They travelled 3 hours down the road from Reading to Andover. Then took the M25 down to Dover to pick up the new addition to the family. Yip Murphy , who has been pretty lonely, has now got an eternal mate, her name is ROXY.

The video, which was taped using the most amazing technology at out disposal. Andy skyped us using his 3rd rate Mac PC. My PC recorded this and enhanced the video content and this is the end result - un edited and recoreded as it happened.
As a passing comment - look and listen - Andy says " HI, to all the Cowles"
He does not know what he is letting himself into!

AWESOME, just AWESOME.

MURPHY & ROXY

A Day out to Corfe Castle with Tania & Andy

2009-12-13T08:30:00.006Z

What a lovely day out, our first visit out to Dorset, Andy and Tania took us on a scenic drive spending the whole day out, pity the weather was a bit offish but still a great day out.

We went down to the beach and gave the dogs a run on the sand. Ria had a dog called Bob and of course there was Murphy, Tania little sausage dog.

Andy gave Murphy a good run for his money in a field behind Corfe Castle.

On a ferry we crossed the sea to an island which took 8 minutes for £3-00 just for the fun of it.

We then drove through a picturesque stone built village.

After a wonderful day out, we went back to Andy's house where Tania had a smashing pork stew and veggies cooking all day in her slow cooker - mmmmmmmm it was delicious. Just what the doctor ordered after a day out in the cold.

Oh,by the way, Yes - Billy was there, only he was on the wrong side of the camera.

Liam comes to visit - on his bicycle

2009-12-12T16:56:00.013Z

The other day OuBill and OumaRia got a surprise visit

His first ride on a bicycle, Leon and Elizma saddled up their bikes and after fitting the chair for the GROOT MAN, off they went for a joy ride from Knaphill to Horsell.

Note: Liam and Elizma have safety helmets on their heads, Leon does not need one,

as his head is hard enough

now lets watch "LIAM" in action

And now I think I have had enough of this "Dad"

You aint seen nothing yet

2009-12-06T22:58:00.004Z

Tania & Andy, have climbed Snowdon mountain, they have sailed the seas in a yacht and done an obstacle course, just refer to Tania's blog. Now they are going camping......

Andy say's, the Scottish come to England for a holiday to get lilly white skins because in Scotland they are BLUE ( from the cold).

We wish them bright sunny skies and no rain on their new venture.

Don't forget to pack the "BRAAI, WORS and BILTONG" Andy

Looking Back - 60years and further - 23/9/1949

2009-11-30T22:07:00.007Z

Well, you all saw the item on the 8cowles blog, about my 60th ( click here to go there). Now that was Awesome, edited & done by Leon. Now this is even more BLOODY AWESOME, just sit back and enjoy yesteryear and where we come from. THE COWLES - STILL BEAUTIFUL.

I was presented with something out of this world, some irreplaceable memories and heritage to live forever in our children and their children. I have sat for hours on end looking at this.

I have shared some of it via emails and whatever with you but not this - a 3 part movie, get a long cold one - sit back and enjoy it with me.

That night on a cold and wet 23 of September 2009 night you were all here with me, looking back over my shoulder, all your phone calls and sms's and texts and emails were just overwhelming and plain

AWESOME.

WOW - WOW - WOW

Sharing that night at home was Ria, Tania, Leon, Elizma, Liam and Elizma's folks.
23-09-1949 to 2009 - 60 years

William John - Bill Cowle

Still Beautiful

I LOVE YOU ALL

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Part 1 - The beginning.........

Part 2.........My Book of Life

some pictures out of the Family Tree, titles to be added later, plus 3 video

Oh What a Night 15/08/2009 - 67 years young

2009-08-16T19:41:00.015+01:00

THE CLOCHE HAT RESTAURANT - CHOBHAM - SURREY

It was not late December '63 but middle August 2009, Oh what a night!. Ria's Birthday and Leon pulls out all the stops to make the evening special and spoils us real proper.

Leon and the Birthday Girl

click here for a peek into the restaurant we went to

No drinking and driving is very much part of the culture here in the UK, so when you go out you either take a taxi, or get someone to take you and pick you up, - this affords you to relax and have a glass or two or even three maybe four. Its all arranged, I am taking Ria out for supper on her birthday to a restaurant recommended by Leon & Elizma. So we powder our noses and paint our faces, put on our best dress and wait for Leon to pick us up and take us to the restaurant.

WOW, 7pm sharp he knocks on the door, dressed in black, white shirt and dickie tie. Our own personal chauffeur. We walk outside and here he opens a door for Ria - its a shiny - pitch black AUDI. Totally in style Ria gets in, then the other door is opened for Billy and off we go. On route the driver says, in a very professional manor and tone of voice. " MAAM/SIR may I make some suggestions for dinner tonight from the menu.......... We listen with intent and surprise of what and how Leon is doing this - Totally amazed...... Firstly for starters, the Warm griddled goats cheese salad (v) Red pepper chutney, apple & chive dressing is amazing and has a very light taste to the palate, and the Sautéed tiger prawns, Garlic & chilli butter come highly recommended. For main course I would strongly recommend the Chateaubriand (serves two) Heart of the fillet roasted, carved at the table, Béarnaise sauce, and for deserts please refer to the menu according to your fancy. For some side dishes, the cauliflower, buttered carrots, saute potatoes and green beans will only compliment your meal.

With this all said and done he drops us off at the restaurant, like special VIP's we get out the car, feeling like a Queen and a King we go in doors. The rest is history. OH WHAT A NIGHT, the recommendations made by the chauffeur were perfect and mouth watering, before we knew it the night was over, the belt around the waste was pushed to it limits and our personal chauffeur arrived to pick us up and take us home -

OH WHAT A NIGHT......... What a lady - what a night

Have a look at the bar (click here), where we had drinks and looked at the menu before we were taken to our table and click here for a look at the formal lounge

The pictures are copyright and taken from the web site of the restuarant, so you can goto http://www.clochehat.co.uk/index.html to see the complete insight to a beautifull evening.

but sit back and enjoy the short video with me of Ria's 67th birthday

15th August 2009 - plus?

What not to do on a Sunday Night at 10pm

2009-06-28T23:24:00.006+01:00

Leon and Elizma are building an extension on at the back of their house - an enlarged dinning room/TV room and a much bigger kitchen. Leon sends me this skype message on Sunday night.

Three stories up is the Main bedroom and a 2 seater sofa can not fit through the staircase corners 3 floors up. The new extension roof is going to be installed Monday morning.

here is the skype message and after that the photo's

COOL You there?
[21:25:19] Skype Leon and Elizma: Still awake?
[21:25:35] Skype Leon and Elizma: Can I come fetch the rope that I asked about to lift the sofa into the loft.
[21:27:19] Oupa Bill and Ouma Ria: yip if you want to, but I think I must bring some more from work tomorrow night
[21:28:49] Skype Leon and Elizma: I need to lift it NOW as the roof is going on tomorrow!
[21:29:24] Oupa Bill and Ouma Ria: you will never do it on your own
[21:29:32] Skype Leon and Elizma: I've got a strong woman! :D
[21:29:48] Oupa Bill and Ouma Ria: not enough, I will come help
[21:30:02] Skype Leon and Elizma: (Dis EK wat heeltemal vergeet het, Elizma het my 100000 keer herinner!)
[21:30:19] Oupa Bill and Ouma Ria: ok let me convince mom
[21:30:31] Skype Leon and Elizma: I wasn't ASKING for help, really!!!!!!!
[21:30:42] Skype Leon and Elizma: (I mean I wasn't hinting for you to volunteer!!)
(I REALLY DON'T EXPECT YOU TO JUMP WHEN I CALL!!!)
[21:31:20] Skype Leon and Elizma: (Please tell Mommy this too!!!)
[21:31:22] Oupa Bill and Ouma Ria: I am on my way with the rope see you in 5 minutes

it is now 22h00 Sunday evening, thank goodness it is still just light enough - sun is finally setting.

almost ready to hoist it up

lets just make sure that this extension ( thats the rope) is tight. Ask an electrician to bring rope and he brings an extension lead - what else !

lets get this sofa up there NOW

Elizma - you take the pictures while we pull it up

this is going to be fun

well it is almost up - 3 floors up and on the balcony

Pull the bloddy thing leon, its getting heavy - and its in the bedroom

Job Done and dusted - GOOD NIGHT

Summer time is braai time 24th May 2009

2009-05-26T11:40:00.005+01:00

The sun sets on a day in the garden with Billy-Ria and Tania,
oh yes Murphy ( Tania's little dog) was here as well.

The summer is here and we are having some of the most amazing sunny days and the forecast for the rest of the English summer looks very promising.

Tania popped over for the day and out came the braai, Ria and Tania put some mouth watering dishes together and we had a ball.

Summer time is great - When the sun shines!, and the garden is coming to life with all the colours of the rainbow

Its show time in the garden and my seedlings start flowering

"mmmmmmmmmmmm" Looks good, Chicken, sosaties, wors and fresh asparagus

and they say its a dogs life, NOT

Freshly braaied prawns - now that was mouthwatering "MORE PLEASE"

BLUE MONDAY - DIE BLOU BULLETJIE

2009-05-26T10:06:00.003+01:00

Oupa Bull-alias Bill had to get the grass cut and ready.

Monday was a holiday in the UK, and Liam came to visit, the sun was shining and he dressed for the occasion. The rest of them tagged along, Leon, Elizma, Ouma Zet and Oupa Danie.

We had a smashing afternoon, rolling around on the grass and watching the little fella get up to all sorts of tricks.

I just could not resist the temptation of the background music, considering that the Bulls beat the Hurricanes at Loftus in the semi-finals and are now in the finals against the Crusaders next Saturday.

OP DIE BULLE, en maak dir Bulle almal Bokke.

MY OWN LITTLE BLOU BULLETJIE

A small task in the garden - Liam's play area

2009-05-12T22:22:00.004+01:00

Well with all the stress of the last month behind us and Leon well on the road to recovery, we had to get stuck in and do some garden work. While Leon was relaxing in Hospital, Elizma spent Sunday 26th April with us for a braai and Liam helped me with the garden work. Tania did the braai work and Ria made the salads, and mommy had to feed somebody in between.

The garden project I had started when it was rudely interrupted with a hernia, can now be completed. Build up the steps, do some rock-plaster, lift some slabs and plant the grass seeds, Takes 10days to germinate, so you can hear it grow. We are heading for summer and the spring air is wonderful, all the shrubs are shooting and the colours are amazing. The front garden is really looking good, once the petunia's and the other seedlings planted go into bloom, I am sure you will agree - paradise, all it needs is TLC and sunshine. Come-on Summer.

A Garden project - smashing - a lawn in the back yard for Liam

Wales - March 2009 - its Spring Time

2009-03-23T22:46:00.009Z

Nothing goes well if its not planned properly, this was Ria's task and here she is in her element.

Where to go and how long for, well the choice was easy after looking at the web-sites of beautiful WALES.

After much soul searching it was over and done, bags were packed and we were on our way.

We had picked a lovely cottage overlooking a small river with a lake, viewed from our wooden
deck.
.

We are off to SNOWDONIA - NORTH WALES

To see the photos just CLICK HERE, The Welsh countryside is to beautiful and the stone work is awesome, with all the walls in the roads and fields, with sheep dotted all over the place.
But first we had to get a good nights sleep, hopefully with pleasant dreams of what was to come.

Now there are plenty of videos as well to be added, so keep watching.
And Ria will type in a shortened version of her holiday diary.

I am sailing - Tjonkie

2009-03-12T20:01:00.005Z

Well who would believe it, its me again, but here I am in Sunny South Africa with mom and dad visiting Ouma Zet & Oupa Danie Retief. We are all spending 2 weeks soaking up some sea, sand and sun. We don't get much in the UK. Wow but Margate and the south coast is a great place to be. Mom & Dad bought me this sailing car to have fun in and sail the world. Check me out and watch me sailing.

Pity Ouma and Oupa Cowle are going to Wales for the whole of next week because I wanted to send some more pictures of our holiday, but I suppose it can wait till they get back.

Ouma Ria and Oupa Peanut, Enjoy your trip to Wales and see you when we get back from SA

Come on Summer

2009-03-01T21:45:00.013Z

Yip its spring in the air, time to start getting the garden ready for the summer of 2009.
It's amazing how weeds don't need fertilizer or water to grow in abundance and flourish.

We moved in to our house in August 2008, and I had to start the garden as there was not much time left before the winter set in. So it was lifting the slab paving blocks and the base concrete - whoops overdid it and gave myself a hernia.

Well that's all done and dusted now and time to get back to work. The days are getting longer every day and soon we will be setting the clocks back by one hour. So here is a preview of what the garden looked like and where it is today. Can't wait to get back from our outing in Wales to get the seedlings and shrubs planted.

video to be added here

It's ME again - Un-Happy Chappy - Blou Bulletjie

2009-02-18T18:00:00.014Z

Hi to all the Cowles and all my cousins, Ouma came and visited me the other day while Mom and Dad went to town, pity Oupa was working. Ouma and I had stacks of fun and in between I had to entertain her, looks like she enjoyed it, So when Mom and Dad got back, they had to catch me on camera showing how much we had enjoyed ourselves while they were out.

now let me see how this Mobile phone works!

Oh, by the way, don't get confused with my shirt I am wearing, I have no choice at the moment, but there will come a time when I am going to put my foot down and refuse to wear this WP rugby coloured shirt - Oupa says it must be Pure BLUE and no shirt should have white stripes in it never mind blue or even red stripes.

Parents these days have no dress sense, but thank goodness I did not go out today into the public eye, just stayed home with Ouma. Now that was a stroke of luck.

Now lets think about this one, No, I am not happy at all with this, hence the "Bad look" on my face. Oupa will have to sort this out with Mom and Dad as soon as possible. never mind that orange "H" on my blue bib, that's just another error on my folks behalf.

Tania of to Dubai for her Birthday

2009-02-08T12:09:00.005Z

Tania in Dubai on her birthday

We went to Terminal 5 at Heathrow to see her off. Tania drove straight from Reading ( her house ) to the airport, as none of us knew what impact the snow would have on the roads. Leon picked us up at 6:15 pm and dropped us off in front of departures. We met Tania inside and had a Hot Chocolate and then she went through - off to Dubai. We then drove her car back to our house, ready to pick her up in a week's time. See her blog for details and fun in the sun - just click here.

She will enjoy 7 days of sunshine before she returns to the London winter.Having a cup of hot chocolate at terminal five, just before she leaves for Dubai in the departure lounge of Terminal 5

Bye Mom and bye Dad - see you in a week - with a lovely tan.
off she flies to Dubai - happy birthday " Madampie - Meis"

The thirty best years of my life

2009-02-03T21:39:00.007Z

There are no words to explain how the last 30 years have been and what they have meant to us - Ria & I. As a Dad, I am lost for words, the only thing I can do is re-type words of a song right here on our blog which I typed and framed many years ago, and if my memory serves me right I gave it to her when she turned 16. That was a big day in her life, then off to matric in high school . That behind her, she went off to TUKKIES - Pretoria University where she graduated with her degree in Marketing. Today many years later she does us proud, as she has done from the day she was born. With her outlook on life, her school days and achievements, her family bond, unconditional & enduring love for us, her brother Leon with Elizma and little Liam. She had a very soft spot for her Grand-dad, but sadly can hardly remember my Mom - She has very fond memories for her Oupa & Ouma Jonker - Ria's mom and dad.

Today she stands tall amongst many and we stand even taller,
towering above the rest.

Below is a few videos that I have taken snips of and compiled a collage of the years gone by. Enjoy it with us - as we have over the years.

Happy Birthday
" TANIA "
my
" MADAMPIE "
and
Mom's
" MEIS "
30 years old today
07-02-2009

"" DON'T CRY MY LITTLE CHILD - DON'T CRY ""

Don't cry my little child, Don't cry
My love will guide you where ever you roam, You won't ever be alone.

You don't know how we met my little lady
and I wonder if you really care
for I am always close by and around you
YOU are part of this life that we share.
At the time when you were still a baby
you'd wake up at night and you'd cry
I would get up just to comfort you lady
and sing you some sweet lullaby.

Don't cry my little child, Don't cry
My love will guide you where ever you roam, You won't ever be alone.

You are growing up incredibly fast dear
and one day you'll be larger than life
You will spread your wings and you'll fly dear
and i guess you'll become someones wife.
While you are raising your own little baby
You'll realize there is no other love as strong
as the love you sing to your baby
is the same love you hear in our song.

Don't cry my little child, Don't cry
My love will guide you where ever you roam, You won't ever be alone.

Now I won't be around for always
but I'll stay as long as I can
I am hoping to see you get happy
if it fits into GOD's master plan.
You know somehow, I'll always be with you
for its my blood that flows in your veins
and the thoughts that you are thinking may be mine
and the memories of true love remains.

Don't cry my little child, Don't cry
My love will guide you where ever you roam, You won't ever be alone.

Don't cry my little "MADAMPIE" Don't cry

OUGROOTE - BILLY - DAD

07-02-2009

School days and other

Thank heavens for little girls
for without them, what would Dads do?

The one that got away

still to come: Dance Ballerina Dance

Let it snow - let it snow - let it snow

2009-02-02T07:38:00.012Z

Wow, we are having the worst snow in 18-25years here, it is just amazing.

There will be plenty news on this one with lots of photos.RIA TAKES A STROLL IN THE SNOW

IN OUR FRONT GARDEN

Tania got this little Duck for Ria just two weeks ago, and all it was waiting for was some snow - well he got his wish today
here are some video's of the snow

OUR BACK YARD

FROLICK IN THE SNOW

for more photos of the snow CLICK HERE

It's me again

2009-01-29T06:36:00.002Z

Hi, everybody. Just to let you know I am eating three meals a day now and I have my daily bath in the big bath, the same one that my dad uses. My 2 teeth are big now and Oupa says I can eat biltong soon.

PATO - PRESENTS - " MAME "

2009-01-17T18:52:00.005Z

******* P-A-T-O *******

PRESENTS AN ALL STAR CAST VARIETY SHOW

***MAME***

Staring - The Patonaires
Produced by: Marinus
Music by: Marlene
Directed by: Jack
Stage production: Dennis
Lighting by: Bennie & Billy
Sound by: John
and starring in the show- the talented cast of
Mandy, Doris, Ockie, Ronnie, Frans, Jacques, Al, The Monarchs Band, Dolores, Hettie, Pam, Ria, Amanda, Groep Twee , Jane, Hennie, Neville, Frank, and many more

****** MAME ******

at Marlene's house - 1995
catching up on some old times

DIXIELAND-COTTON BLOSSOM- COME ON LETS GET HAPPY

Now there was Happy Days, all in our prime of youth, we would just get together around a piano and Marinus's house and sing the night or week-end away.
Practice every Monday night at President Primary school hall, putting the magic of song and dance together. PATO, as it was known was formed many many years ago before television was in South Africa, and this group got together and entertained people around the country.
Primrose Amateur Talent Organisation.

here are some of the programs and newspaper cuttings.
to be added soon.

and a slide show of photos

Sit back and enjoy it as much as Billy and Ria did because this is where we met.
On stage doing the musical show MAME in 1969

RIA IS A MEMBER OF THE RSPCA - UK

2009-01-17T12:17:00.002Z

Ria has become a proud member of the RSPCA in the Uk and proudly presents her CERTIFICATE of Membership here under.

Then here is a loving message to all my freinds - Love U-Lots

Snow 5th January 2009 in Surrey UK

2009-01-05T23:07:00.004Z

just a few days to late for a white Christmas
-4 deg outside so its 2 pairs of socks on today

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

2009-01-04T23:42:00.005Z

ONCE UPON A TIME, LONG LONG AGO......................................

Leon and Billy had a difference of opinion and it had to be settled the mans way. You decide who was the victor and who had to bow to pressure and strength.

Shoooooooooooo don't speak to loud as someone might call for a rematch...........

Na, I am not to worried I have a label on my back "FRAGILE" and here in the UK the law and enforcement there-of is very good when it comes to ABUSING DADS.

The yesteryears - Ria's 50th dinner party 1992

2009-01-02T08:43:00.005Z

Ria's sister Sarah invites Ria's family over for a awesome dinner to celebrate her 50th. The was Mammie, Sarah and her children, Santie, Renette & Ken, Albert & Leonie, Linda and of course the Birthday Girl with Billy, Leon & Tania.
It was a day to remember and well worth its place on the blog.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RIA - TO THE NEXT 50

Part 1 - the welcome and warm up to dinner

Part 2 - eat up and be merry - Dankie Sessie

APOLOGIES FROM THE EDITOR FOR ALBERT & LEON,
but they are family and I could not edit them out.

Auld Lang Syne

2008-12-30T22:36:00.003Z

OLD PHOTOS, just to give you an idea of what I am looking for here is a peak preview of some old photos of Ria's Mom and Dad - Sannie en Koos Jonker, and others, plus a few of Leon when he was a baby or is it when LIAM was a bit older - now you see what I am getting at. Let the younger ones see what we used to look like and I bet a few comparisons will be made and a few of the tears of joy will also be shed - LETS GO SCANNING

lets get the new year of to a cracking start by looking back

It turns out that "Auld Lang Syne" is an extremely old Scottish song that was first written down in the 1700s. Robert Burns is the person whose transcription got the most attention, so the song is associated with him.

A good translation of the words "auld lang syne" is "times gone by." So (incorporating a couple of other translations) when we sing this song, we are saying,

"We'll drink a cup of kindness yet for TIMES GONE BY."

LOOKING BACK OVER MY LIFE

CHRISTMAS EVE AND THEN LUNCH & AN OUTING

2008-12-30T17:07:00.004Z

Christmas Eve at Leon & Elizma's with us, Tania & Willie and LIAM, started of on a nice crisp and cold night with a glass of muscadel. Then the excitement of Liam opening his presents on his first , then we opened ours and ended the night with a smashing Cheese and wine with snacks and a white chocolate mousse pudding made by Tania - mmmmmmmmmmmmm

Christmas day was lunch at our house. Everybody chipped in with the preparations. Elizma made a succulent roast leg of lamb and roast potatoes, Tania the Hors d'ouvres, Ria the rice/veggies/yorkshire puddings and Willie made the sago/tapiaco pudding. Billy poured the wine and Leon ate the food. What a lovely and memorable day it was. Christmas in the UK is just like the movies. Freezing cold with scarfs and overcoats being the order of the day with family get-togethers.

The food had a strong "RETIEF" flavour, the veggies and roast patatoes from Elizma's mom and the sago pudding from Willie's mom. Cheers to them.

Then on Saturday night Tania, Ria & Billy got on a train, then the London tube and went to Shepperd's Bush - The Westfield Centre for a site-seeing trip and a bite to eat, lovely and cold but very enjoyable. The lights and the lighting effects are outstanding, well worth a visit if you are in the area.

WESTFIELD CENTER

Its me again - LIAM'S 1st Christmas 2008

2008-12-25T22:37:00.009Z

The first of many more to come, now this was something to experience. To be blessed with someone like this is just beyond the wildest dream.

Merry Christmas - 2008
Mamma en Pappa, Ouma Zet en Oupa Danie, Tania and Ouma Ria en Oupa Billy
from Liam

its me again - my 1st Xmas
************************************************************************************
see you later on Christmas day video

XMAS '97 - SOETDORING TOWN HOUSE

2008-12-20T23:08:00.009Z

T'was the year of '97, both kids spent Christmas with us from Varsity koshuis and friends.
Ria & Tania cooked up a lovely Roast Lamb dinner and then we opened our presents,
Billy gave his famous speech, Ria amazingly, did not fold up the present paper and
Tania got a PIZZA.
Well Leon, he just wanted to eat as he was hungry - AGAIN,
at least he admired the table decorations.

The build up to a cracker of a dinner

The opening of presents

2008 Will once again be a SPECIAL OCCASION, the 1st one with Liam

UP - UP and away, what goes up must come down

2008-12-12T16:55:00.005Z

One Saturday morning, the 17th June 1995,

Leon came home for the week-end from varsity, he was abnormally home before 7am, he normally slept till 11am but was home already. He said he wanted to take us out for the day, that's why he is early. Well, into the car and off we go, 1hour later we arrive at Wonderboom Airport, Leon says- for something to eat and drink. Then he comes out with it. We are here to see him parachuting, he has completed the training course, done 3 jumps already and today he is jumping for the first time on his own, the previous jumps were assisted rip chord jumps. Wow we were totally flabbergasted and speechless, anyway, we are here now lets see what happens.

With all his adrenalin activities which include - this sky diving, riding the rapids of the Zambesi River at the Victoria Falls, deep sea diving with the sharks of the Natal coast, chasing girls, studying hard, and mowing the lawn, Sky diving is the only one I caught on video.

IT'S ME AGAIN

2008-12-11T16:33:00.003Z

Hey this is great, visiting Ouma and Oupa, they came to visit me this morning but I was having my morning nap, so they turned around disgusted and went home. Never mind, when I woke up Mommy had everything ready, she gave me food ( yummy food), changed my nappy and got me all dressed up and of we went to Ouma & Oupa's house, WOW did we have fun, and Oupa had this funny black thing pointing at me the whole time, one day he will explain to me what it is, and maybe I can also play with it, anyway I enjoyed myself and by the looks of things
Ouma & Oupa aswell.

11/12/2008 visiting Ouma en Oupa

WOW but its great to be a OUMA & OUPA

You raise me up- to walk on stormy seas

2008-12-06T18:14:00.005Z

I just loved this when I saw it, while busy this afternoon transferring video's to my PC, I could not resist the temptation to put it on the blog with the back ground music - it came to me in a flash while watching and so I must share it NOW, opportunities come ago and this flash of genius had to be taken and preserved.

Leon-Tania and Billy @ Die OOG - HOLIDAY RESORT- Nylstroom SA

Please note: Billy did it in one go but Leon had to have two goes,,,,, mmmmmmmmmmmmmm

1983 and it was Xmas with Ria's Mom and Dad

2008-12-04T22:31:00.008Z

Yip, just as it is on the 8cowles blog, that Christmas of 1983 was the first time I used a video camera, a hired one. I filmed both our parents that Xmas and we can not say how treasured that special video tape on betamax is. Now transfered onto digital format on DVD and here on both blogs to share with you all.

My Mom and Ria's Dad both passed away during 1984 and this was an event captured on tape that could never be repeated.

Dedicated to both our parents, especially with Christmas coming up and when all the family gets together.

We will be making some time this winter to huddle up in front of the TV and watch some
"DAYS GONE BY"
video tapes.

OUPA KOOS EN OUMA SANNIE JONKER
with Leon 10 and Tania 4 years old

Ria and Billy were...... lets just say "YOUNGER"

For the movie of My Mom ( the only time I caught her on tape) just "CLICK HERE" to jump over to the 8COWLES BLOG

As time allows, I will be adding numerous video clips of the our family with the Jonkers, Pretorius and our two kids Leon and Tania, growing up - and of course Ria and I.
Any movies of the 8cowles and their respective families will be on the 8cowles blog

So, just sit back and enjoy
A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE
with us

plus any present day adventures we have

Babysitting 30th November & Wisley Gardens

2008-12-01T13:48:00.013Z

Just a peak into the "DAY IN THE LIFE" of Ouma & Oupa baby sitting while Mom & Dad go to the movies and sadly say a bite to eat at NANDO's, why would someone do that for pleasure. It was a great afternoon and we spent hours playing "Housie Housie"
and can't wait for the next time

YOU'VE GOT THE CUTEST LITTLE BABY FACE

Liam with his play station 3.1

He went to sleep 5 minutes after we got there and we had a boring 1 hour wait, flipping through TV channels trying to pass the time, waiting for the inevitable cry/moan of
HEY I AM AWAKE, COME AND GET ME
then it happened and we started baby-sitting

Ouma en Oupa with LIAM part 1 of 2

Ouma en Oupa with LIAM part 2 of 2

Having a couple of days of from work, we will be doing a couple of outings, one was going out to Wisley Gardens today, about 20minutes from home. We all braved the cold weather and downed our wollies. This being one of Elizma's favourite places to visit in the area, to which she takes all her Friends and Family, she has some beautiful pictures on their blog of the gardens in the Summer & Autumn.
Liam was so wrapped up - warm and cuddly that you can hardly see him. We went into the heated Glass-House as it was bitter cold outside. Such a beautiful site with all the tropical plants and amazing colours.
We can't wait for the summer when the gardens come to life again for our next visit.

come on Summer, come on

until the next time - for sure

a new item to the menu on the right

2008-11-30T20:20:00.002Z

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. 8cowles has the same so put your email address in both. You only have to do this once.

And just below it I have added a followers block, so dont forget to click on that aswell on both blogs. again you only have to doo that once.

cheers

Billy

My first Email with Liam

2008-11-28T20:50:00.004Z

Allow me to put this on record...... LIAM'S FIRST EMAIL, via his moms email address because he does not qualify yet, for his own personal email address, but, be sure it's comming soon.

The two emails went as follows - a direct copy from billsparky@gmail.com in-box and out-box

Friday 28th November 2008 ( 3 days before his 6month-old birthday)

To Liam (VIA- leoncowle@gmail.com)

Hello big fella, Last night when I got home, well actually when Ouma picked me up at the station, she was overjoyed and couldn't wait to tell me about her day out with you and your mom. She didn't know where to begin or in what order to talk, she was so excited. So I heard a very long and detailed story of the outing to Long Acres. This is just to say thanks for the invitation and taking Ouma along, she really enjoyed that. Now, I have got some catching up to do, and just to let you know, I am on leave Monday and Tuesday and then the whole of the next week 8 - 12 Dec, and also the week 22-26 Dec, so we can spend time together, Ouma did mention that Mom said, subject to the weather we all might go out on a little trip to Weasley gardens or something like that, so great you had better make sure we have some good weather, then the outing is on, Ok then, I don't think I am working this week end, maybe we could squeeze in something over the week-end as well.

Cheers

Oupa Billy.

ps, when do you get you own email address

Then, his reply a few hours later went like this.............................
****************************************************************
Hallo Oupa!

Ja, dit was lekker om Ouma saam met ons te he. Dit was vreeslik lekker om met haar in die coffee shop te speel en sy het my al die liggies gewys. Sjoe! So baie liggies!

In elk geval, Mamma het voorgestel dat ons 4 Wisley Gardens toe gaan so kom ons hou duimvas vir die weer. Anders doen ons net iets anders! Sal 'n bietjie moet dink, maar ek is seker ons sal met iets opkom.

Ek het more-oggend weer 'n swemles en dan gaan ons Reading toe om vir my doeke by Costco te koop en ook saam met Tannas te gaan middagete eet. So dalk maak ons Sondag 'n plan? Anders is daar darem nog Maandag en Dinsdag ook ;-)

Hoop Oupa voel nie te sleg nie en dat Oupa 'n lekker Vrydag het.

Liam

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

So now that this has been recorded and made public, who can beat that one with one of your grand or should may I say GRAND KID, isn't he just great, a typical and proud bearer of the "Cowle" name, into the future generations.

"STILL BEAUTIFUL" - THE LEGEND LIVES ON

"THANKS MOM" - Elizma, for helping him with the typing - Oupa Billy-Peanut

Another day in the life of Billy at work

2008-11-26T20:06:00.005Z

Once again I just want to share some interesting items of ............ The day in the life of ................

Turn the dial and the fan runs faster - if it works -that is

We have some 1958 variable speed starters/controllers for the air extract fans of our building and they work just like a food mixer or drilling machine - controlling the speed of the motor. Well one of them packed up, no drawings available and the tendency is to scrap this old age technology and replace it with some nice new plastic expensive rubbish. These old 1958 models are built solid with cast iron boxes and are as heavy as hell. Me and myself strip it down-out with the old multi-meter and test, draw a diagram and sort the problem out.

now- do some fault finding and head scratching - mmmm, what was I taught in 1966

Done and dusted and repaired for about £ 15-00, this comes from my very young days as a appy, having served my time and a journeyman/artisan who taught me the finer things of the job. it is just like the top of an old ladies kitchen cupboard - full homemade canned fruit and jam in glass twist top bottles - a sadly dying trade. In my line of business fixing is also on its way out - condemn and replace is the order of the day, today.

The skills have gone and so have the teachers.
never mind it is up and running again - for the next fifty years

then its someone else's problem

and some pics of some of the modern plant and machines / boilers

OK that's me - now back to work...................................

LIAM COMES TO VISIT 23/11/2008

2008-11-23T16:26:00.007Z

ROLL OVER BEETHOVEN.

The 3Cowle's came to visit Ouma & Oupa today and Liam was up to all kinds of tricks so out popped the video camera for you all to share in our very blessed grandson and need I mention the proud Mom & Dad.

If anybody reading this blog could please send out invitations to Leon and Elizma to come across to your place for Supper or Sunday Afternoon tea, We will gladly baby-sit,
SO get those invitations out fast and furious..........................

3 cooked meals a day, plenty of rest, sleeps through the night since birth and in a weeks time he will be 6months old - something to celebrate I would say. So Leon and Elizma can go out and have the celebration, we will painfully sit back, babysit and miss out on all the fun - ANYTIME

Any day now he will be running down the road to visit all on his own.

LIAM IS BACK - me again

2008-10-31T12:44:00.005Z

HI ONE AND ALL, Well back in circulation and best of all LIAM is back from his holiday visiting Ouma & OUPA Retief in South Africa, so we will be posting a few photo's or videos of him soon. Or if you want to beat the system and Billy then go to Leon & Elizma's blog - click here- there you will see plenty

watch this space

Snowing 28th Oct @ 22h30

2008-10-28T23:55:00.004Z

Yip, just had an Eskimo Pie ice cream and went outside at 22H30 - its snowing, I skype Leon and tell him, suspiciously he replies REALLY!, he looks outside and skypes me back "WOW" he says, its all white outside. Well the last time it snowed here was 6th April 2008, at the end of last winter, now it snows at the beginning of winter, brrrrrrrrrrrrrr its going to be a cold one.

who knows - A WHITE CHRISTMAS ??????????

When we woke up this morning everything was " as white as snow" but freezing cold, then at around 11am after the clear skies and sun shinning, i wondered outside to video the wonderful Autumn garden with the left-over snow on the plants, was a beautiful site to see in the bright sunshine.

The BBC has a website where you can send in a news item, they check it out and if ok and good they use it. Well my video above was on the 8 O'clock BBC World news, so that makes me a famous celebrity and YOU KNOW ME, isn't that great.

TOUR DE FRANCE - OCTOBER 2008

2008-10-23T13:53:00.019+01:00

A Holiday in the Countryside of Northern France, near a small village called Willencourt.

Up at 4am 11th October 2008 and travelled from Woking to Dover, just under 2 hours to catch the ferry over to Calais in France. Tania was joining us just for the week-end and Leon-Elizma & Liam joined us from Saturday -Tuesday. We all met at Dover in the car park, Tania parked her car and went on the ferry by foot, Leon & I drove our cars on. Wow, what a size of a ferry, then the amazing view of the White cliffs as we pulled out of the docks into the English Channel, ( a better view of the cliffs is on our way back).

Bonjour - Bonsoir - Merci (beaucoup)

Ferry from Dover to Calais - France

Then arriving at Calais, the fun/holiday gets off to a big bang, Driving on the wrong side of the road. I must say, this time I was in our own car and the only thing to adapt to was the wrong side of the road, last time we were in Italy and we hired a car. Everything is on the wrong side, the steering wheel, the rear view mirror, the gear lever, the hand break, the indicator switch and even the wife was on the wrong side. This time I was much more comfortable and relaxed and adapted very quickly. Off we went, first stop a Supermarket to get some supplies and then onto the motorway and small country roads to the cottage - about an hour and a half away. Arriving there we were greeted by this quaint little wooden cottage. A nice bowl of fresh flowers on the table and a cold bottle of French wine in the fridge (yummy).

ARRIVE AT COTTAGE

We arrive at the cottage in the French Countryside, pack out the baggage and get off to a cracking start with a Braai .( barbeque) . We sit around with a good bottle of wine, a wide variety of cheese & biscuits and talk the evening away. The next day (Sunday 12th Oct) we are off to ARRAS a town about an hour away, Mr White ( the village caretaker, what a nice guy) told us about an Annual market that takes place and it is worth a visit, they close the town square down for this. We arrive but NO MARKET - wrong date, we walk around and then find a smashing sea-food restaurant for lunch - MUSSELS and SNAILS a speciality. We all tuck in and enjoy it immensely, then sadly Tania must bid her farewells and I take her back to Calais to catch the ferry as she must work on Monday morning. "Au revoir" Tania and Bon Voyage.

SUNDAY LUNCH in "ARRAS"

Then Monday off we went to a sea-side holiday resort " Le Touquet" a very picturesque town with plenty of pretty boutiques, not to mention the 1000's of restaurants and cafe's. the most important being " CREPES " yip Ria had a field day with this. Although the weather was not on our side we all enjoyed the outing. A high-lite of the trip was OUPA playing with Liam on the back seat, for the one hour trip. While Mom and Dad upfront were moaning and groaning the he must go to sleep. Oupa & Liam won that round SIX-LOVE.

Walk around Le Touquet and of course eat "Crepes"

in the video there is a picture I got from Carol of a "Rainbow on fire" - amazing

Leon & Elizma left on Tuesday lunchtime and sadly taking Liam with them. Now we were on our own and Billy got down to some serious cooking, the video says it all.

YUMMY YUMMY - ESCARGOT _ SNAILS

to come

at the cottage

travelling around the French countryside

eating French "Crepes" , "Mussels" and "Escargot snails" mmmmmmmm ,with some more wine

back to Dover on the ferry

Baby sitting the BIG FELLA

2008-10-03T20:07:00.004+01:00

On Wednesday 1/10/2008 it was Elizma's Birthday so to enable Leon to spoil her and eat-out, so we did some baby sitting, Now I have always wanted to to this for a very-very long time and the expectations were overwhelming and exciting to say the least.

WHAT A LET DOWN - WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT

Elizma and Leon are to organised to be "a new Mom & Dad", the little bugger was all bathed, wrapped up and fast asleep when we got there, one last check by Elizma in his room where he lay fast asleep in his cot, and off they went for a night out.

The little bugger did not make a sound NOT A PEEP, we just sat and watched TV, with ears pierced- we listened for that inevitable expected cry - or even a whimper - but NOTHING, when they got back at about 11h30, he did not even move then.

Off we went home, miserable OUMA & OUPA, tails between our legs and disappointed that baby-sitting this guy is a waste of time, could have stayed home and watched TV for what it was worth.

WOW - WHAT A PRIVILEGE THIS IS -

TO BABYSIT YOUR GRANDCHILD - WOW

Below is a collage of photo's, "LIAM @ 4 Months old", to view them in all their glory just

click here to jump over to Leon & Elizma's Blog - amazing and beautiful.

Oh by the way HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIAM'S MOMMY-ELIZMA

click here to go to LeoLizma's Blog

LIAM COMES TO VISIT OUMA AND OUPA

2008-09-25T21:08:00.005+01:00

WELL, THE VIDEO SAYS IT ALL

AND THEN OF COURSE - THE GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE

Billy in the garden after a long hard week-end

2008-09-14T22:10:00.006+01:00

Now that was, as they say A Task & A Half, lifting all the 450 x 450 concrete slabs, lifting the base concrete, and wheel-barrowing it away. Then I cut the shape of the front path with an angle grinder with dust everywhere. Levelled off the ground and put in 30 x 25l bags of topsoil, planted the lawn seed and gave it water & fertilizer.

Tania arrived for a vist, she light the barbecue fire and cooked the meat. All washed up, we sat down to a good glass of wine, cracker of a braai with salads and finished of with home made waffles-syrup and cream. All in between watching the Monza F1 GP. Ria is glad the week-end has come and gone, as I was just full of mud and dust and kept on calling for coffee and coke to drink, she had no peace all day long.

It was an amazing week-end of fantastic weather-lots of sun shine and even caught a bit of a tan.

Just happened this way while I was in the garden, two planes flew bye in the sky ( now here else would they fly bye??). Here in the UK with the cold air at high altitude, all the planes leave a white tail trail and these two made a cross in the heavens and sentimental me had to take a photo and say

Now that cross is a symbol of the 8cowles family love for one another.

Ria takes a shower

2008-09-07T21:46:00.005+01:00

England has a strange water supply system, but Leon spent some time with me to explain it. The street water mains do not have a lot of pressure in them, due to the fact that the infrastructure was installed hundreds of years ago, so each house has a water tank in the ceiling, and this fills up just like a cistern of your toilet, when you use water the ball valve opens and fills the tank again. So you have no real pressure only a gravity feed from your tank in the ceiling. There are modern ways of improving this system at a great cost, so we will leave this one to another date. But what I did was install an approved dual hot/cold water pressure pump after the tank. not allowed on the mains supply before the tank. The result is Fantastic pressure in the shower and water flows much better and faster at the taps aswell installation complete and the pump is in.
so now the pressure is 2 Bar throughout the house , up from a 1/2 bar.

Pity Ria had the curtains closed when she was showering or you could have seen the water flow pressure.

Ria goes to a French Market in Woking

2008-09-07T21:37:00.004+01:00

Last Saturday and Sunday we had a continental market in our Village Mall, during the year there are different themes and cultures, this week-end was FRENCH, we ate a Crepe with sugar on while we browsed through the picturesque stalls, very colourful and Oh so appetising.

WOW, so many varieties of Olives to choose from
Not to mention the SWEETIES, Ria said she has never seen so many sweets in one place and al so tempting, she had to buy some

Armed with her bag of nummies of we go home - broke

Liam kom kuir by OUMA

2008-09-07T21:32:00.002+01:00

I am just checking if Mom and dad are not to far away

Ria with her pride and joy in her arms

Pictures of Liam August 2008 summary

2008-09-03T11:00:00.004+01:00

Well here are some outstanding pictures of Liam, not to duplicate I have put a link to Leon & Elizma's blog so just click here and let Google do the rest of the magic.

THE CLEAN UP BEGINS

2008-08-25T10:40:00.003+01:00

The move has been completed and the interior with the furniture is now 80% in place and we can find our bed at night. So now starts the garden work.

Lifting the paving blocks and removing the weeds, as the place stood empty for almost a year without any TLC. Now it's going to get it in an overdose.

Cleaned up, weeds gone and ready for a long cold one and a braai

We have moved in

2008-08-22T07:53:00.010+01:00

18 TRESTA WALK - HORSELL - WOKING
Yip we got the keys and moved in. Starting Saturday morning 9am, Leon and I picked up a hired van and the party started.
Ria and Tania were loading the little boxes in the cars, while Leon and I did the big stuff ( two young strong lads)
While we were all busy between the two houses, Elizma was cooking up the "PAD-KOS" someone had to do the dirty work, Liam was to occupied to help us as he was watching mom make the lunch.

So after a week of moving, re-arranging and re-arranging we are all settled, and today 1 week on I started on the garden. The previous owners were elderly and they had the whole place paved with concrete blocks 400 x 400 bedded in brick motar, so I have quite a task ahead of me.

Ria has gone about the decorating, picture hanging and getting the heart of the house organised and stocked - her kitchen.

One of our new neighbors knocked on the door Wednesday night and gave us a welcome card and a nice cold bottle of welcome wine.

What a nice surprise

The sellers Tom & Judy on behalf of their Mom ( who passed away 1 year ago) sent us this card in the post.......

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RIA

2008-08-20T12:22:00.007+01:00

RIA's Birthday 15/08/2008

It just so happened that the transfer of our new house and the hand-over of the keys happened on the same day, so what better birthday present could she get.

HER OWN HOUSE IN THE UK

It's a dogs life - MURPHY

2008-08-13T22:11:00.003+01:00

This was a day out, for MURPHY, yip believe it or not. Tania's little sausage Dachshund dog took the three of us to a DOGGY SHOW. The WAG & BONE SHOW in the gardens of the WINDSOR GREAT PARK. It is an annual affair and attracts Dogs from all over that bring their owners out for the day. There was every conceivable dog there from a wet rat breed to massive great Danes. Stalls, exhibitors, sales, demo's, shows, dog tricks, races etc etc.

We had a great day out and MURPHY got his MICRO CHIP implant, now he cant get lost.

MURPHY'S DAY OUT

"WHEN I GROW UP I WANT TO BE TANIA'S DOG OR BE IT RE-INCARNATION"

its me again @ 10 weeks old

2008-08-10T22:11:00.004+01:00

Now apart from his Grandfather where would you find or see a more happier face than this. The little fella is growing by the minute. He swings in arms around in excitement & desperation as his little brain tries to get words out his mouth, if you don't watch out he will knock your head off.

NOW LET ME THINK ABOUT THAT, AND CHECK WITH MOM & DAD, BEFORE I COMMIT MYSELF TO AN ANSWER

LIVERPOOL - a walk down memory lane

2008-07-25T20:42:00.012+01:00

MY FATHERS DAY GIFT FROM TANIA HAS ARRIVED.

We are off to Liverpool to go on the BEATLES TOUR on 27-28 JULY 2008

Now I have been and seen Liverpool - The Home of the BEATLES something I have wanted to do since I was 16 years old...........................................

We arrive around lunch time Saturday, after leaving home at 7am. The start of A MAGICAL TOUR. this video is the arrival and walk-about the new Waterfront at the docks- amazing CITY OF LIVERPOOL at 2:30 we get on the tour bus and the fun starts.

The tour on the BUS, and We walk down Penny lane, visit all the houses of the birth places of John, Paul, George & Ringo. We wander around Strawberry Fields, spend a Penny on the corner of Penny Lane. Back in The center of Liverpool, off we go to the original club and pub in Mathew Street. We walk around gasping at the 1960's, have a pint in the pub, and look at all the places where the Beatles have been, and seen it it all we have -Together, Now it goes back to where it belongs "Yesterday". Off we go to supper at the Docks Water Front and then get ready for the drive through to "ANFIELD" the football home of LIVERPOOL.

Yip this place just echoes out with YOU WILL NEVER WALK ALONE and then the sun sets on a wonderfull week-end, built of so many dreams and memories.

THANKS "MY MADAMPIE" - LUV JA LOTS

Cant buy me love, down penny lane, in strawberry fields forever. YEAH-YEAY-YEAH..... get back, get back, get back to where you belong and I send ALL MY LOVING - FROM ME TO YOU...... Dedicated to " MY MADAMPIE " you will never walk alone "

CREDITS -: background music to all my video's purchased on-line from ITUNES and from my own personal collection

Like Father - like Son

2008-07-25T18:59:00.005+01:00

The APPLE does not fall far from the TREE, take a peak and see what I mean.

7 WEEKS OLD 20/7/2008 - Its ME AGAIN

2008-07-20T21:37:00.004+01:00

Yip can you believe it, little Liam 7 weeks old already, I am sure and have told Leon & Elizma, where do they go - To trade him in for a bigger one every day. The answer I get is " Love and mothers milk" Here is a peak as to how he has grown from day 1 to day 49, special day because Oupa Billy was born in '49. so that makes us birthday pals. Sounds good to me anyway- Think what you like. Ouma Ria just can not stop looking at the Video on Leon & Elizma's Blog (click here) of him smiling from ear to ear.

LIAM - 7 weeks old TODAY- 20th JULY 2008

A CASE FOR "SHIRLOCK HOLMES"

2008-07-13T22:21:00.003+01:00

Ria and I popped over to Tania's place in Reading about 40minutes away, she wanted Dad to build her some picture frames for the posters that she had just bought. On arrival, we did some measuring and went around to the local hard-ware shop " HOME BASE" an d bought the required Wood, glue screws and a mitre box. Back at her place it was cutting and fitting and then assembling. when all was "done and dusted" we then opened the beer and settled ourselves into a lovely summer afternoons braai. Tania made the most fabulous salad that Ihave ever had at a braai, this is a trade secret so don't even ask for the recipe.

A practice run - Have'nt lost my touch in 34 years

2008-07-06T22:19:00.007+01:00

Well, the last time I did this was with Tania 29years ago and with Leon 34years ago, This was a dry run under the watchful eyes of Leon & Elizma. The big question is, Has the "OUTOPPIE" lost his touch???? The proof of the pudding is in the bottle and the look on his face,,,,,,,,,, If I must say so myself I passed the test "cum-laude"...... Now I have my licence to BABY SIT. Wow, can't wait for the night that MOM & DAD want to go out to paint the town red. Then its ME - RIA and the little fella. Maybe I should buy them tickets for GONE WITH THE WIND, that was a very long movie, then treat them to a supper somewhere.........................................

CATCH YOU LATER, HE HAS JUST WOKEN UP AND TIME FOR HIS NEXT BOTTLE
also to avoid duplication, for the latest updates on little LIAM you can click here to go to Leon & Elizma's blog, they have a whole lot more...................

DIT is 'n ROTS waar op ONS HUISIE STAAN

2008-06-29T21:43:00.004+01:00

Many things happen along the way in our lives, and unfortunately a lot of them we take for granted, but when we look back and really think about these things we realize that they are meant to be and they are some form of DESTINY in one way or another. Just over a year ago we made that all important decision to move, and move we did. To the UK. Now many things have happen in our lives, as the old wedding vow goes " FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE" & " FOR RICHER OR FOR POORER" well what could be BETTER or what could be RICHER than what we have got now. It is almost impossible to put it into words. There is also the Worse and POORER, Your age counts against you and according to the powers that be in a new country this age is documented as just over 1 year old, with no history and no credit rating, no matter what you have done or achieved in your past life. Now comes the SECOND most wonderful thing that has happened since arriving in the UK is that we have bought a new house, I am not even going to mention what the FIRST most fantastic thing is, YOU GUESS. Now back to the richer/poorer/better/worse. There is a hidden factor in these wise words and that is our three wonderful children, the support and motivation - LOVE and dedication can not be described. Tania in her special ways has been an inspiration, Leon and Elizma have far exceeded expectations and the way they have helped with this major decision ..... now lost for words............. Never mind we have signed up for a mortgage, and that "WE" is a team of the kids and us. Now we set about on a new venture in our lives and if all goes well we move into our NEW HOUSE at the end of AUGUST. This is when the RICHER and the BETTER shine through when one looks back over your shoulder and you see your kids in the background....... WONDERFUL to be a Mom & Dad and then of course there is that FIRST MOST WONDERFUL THING and that's "LIAM". He is going to spend many a happy hour or two and of course that baby sitting over night and long week-ends for a LEOLIZMA getaway. Join us in the celebration of our NEW HOUSE. Listen to the words of the back round music and mentally change the words of Sea, wind, ocean & waves to Leon-Elizma & Tania, and the ROTS to LIAM.

music from "FORTUKSIMO- CD" 4 students from TUKKIES - Pretoria University SA

WHO SAID " YOU CAN'T WIN THEM ALL" I DID

2008-06-16T21:46:00.004+01:00

To win them all is no secret, but just in-case any of you have forgotten how, here is a quick reminder. All you need to do, is to look at your kids and then you can say with PRIDE - "I HAVE WON THEM ALL" When we look and see what our kids have achieved and what joy they bring back to us, for all our moans and groans when they were growing up and the time we had to use TUV-LOVE.

Today I realized once again how proud it is to be a DAD. Not withstanding the fact that we now have little Liam in our midst but we also have a New FATHER who celebrated his first fathers day today with Elizma in the background for the day

Then there is Madampie - alias Tania, who helped me celebrate a fantastic Fathers day. This card had a wonderful message of devoted and endless love and to end it all, also had a written present that was in the inner side of the card.it states ------ Join me for an overnight road trip on Saturday 26th July 2008. Pack comfortable clothes. We leave your house at 7am sharp. Its a FATHER-DAUGHTER BONDING SESSION.

After I opened and read the card, she gave me a few guesses what its all about _ I was miles and miles away, down some LONG AND WINDING ROAD from the event, she then let the cat out the bag. We are driving upto to LIVERPOOL, staying in a hotel and going on the Life of THE BEATLES TOUR. well with all the songs that come to mind I must mention a few... Cant buy me love and Love me do, so please please me. YEAH YEAH YEAH -- GET BACK TO WHERE YOU BELONG and I wanna hold your HAND. etc etc etc.

Ria must stay behind at home and baby-sit Tania's doggy for the week-end, so she is making a major impact on the success of the TOUR and adding VALUE to the BONDING of "OU GROOTE & MADAMPIE"

Now if that wasn't enough, I got the card from Leon & Elizma with a loving memorable little message from both of them and a ...YES! A PACKET OF SMASHING BILTONG.

That made the OUTOPPIE'S DAY and once again made my shoulders that little much broader to be able to say, That's my 3 kids we are talking about + Liam + Ria.

THE WILLIAM DANIEL HALL OF FAME

2008-06-03T21:58:00.003+01:00

WILLIAM JOHN COWLE, born in Gateshead-Newcastle Upon Tyne in the north east of England on the 26th July 1917.

Then along came junior, William John Cowle, born in Germiston -South Africa on the 23rd September 1949.

Adding to this, Daddy Leon William Cowle was also born in Germiston - South Africa on the 22nd June 1974

and then to round the whole thing off, William Daniel Cowle "Liam" was born in Woking- Surrey, England on the 1st June 2008

from England to Africa and back again to England

it's ME AGAIN - here are my BIRTHDAY PICTURES

2008-06-01T14:41:00.002+01:00

just click here and see me with my Mommy and Daddy

Oupa Billy will be putting a whole story together toninght if he does not have to much CHAMPAGNE

Cheers and talk to you later

LIAM COWLE

LIAM - William Daniel Cowle - its me again!

2008-06-01T02:10:00.001+01:00

Let it be known to the world that the registration of the birth of the first born, a son, of Leon and Elizma will be taking place. The witnesses to this historic occasion will be the proud Grand-Parents - Billy & Ria. Now, if my calculations are correct and the XL spread sheet of the whole families birthdays are correct, with some minor mathematics and we add up all the living family members, from Molly through to Kevin with all their partners, kids and grand kids - LIAM is NUMBER 50.

LIAM made his appearance at around 02h10 on the 1st of June 2008

Leon-Elizma-and the bundle of joy-Liam

MaRia and PaBilly are so proud of you

WOW-WOW-WOW-WOW

It's "A DOGS LIFE"

2008-05-28T18:53:00.003+01:00

I just had to share this with you all. Tania is away on work business and we had to DOG-SIT her little dog "MURPHY. it is 11pm and I want to goto sleep, BUT, the dog is in my bed. I call Ria who is still up to come and fetch him and put him in his bed - not mine............ the video says it all.

Cream Tea 25/05/2008

2008-05-25T21:25:00.009+01:00

While Billy and Leon were watching the F1 Grand Prix @ Manaco on Tv, Elizma and Ria were discussing their body masses in kgs, the GP was more interesting, but the side line comments lead us to the decision that CREAM TEA of clotted cream, strawberry jam and freshly baked scones would make the day worth while. So off we went when the race finished to Saville Gardens about an 1/2hr away. As soon as we were settled in at the table, Ria was stupid enough to be the camera man and the three of us got stuck in.......................

if you snooze you loose...........................

and as a reminder......... the due date is 26th May 2008 ..... thats tomorrow

OFF TO ITALY - SARDINIA ISLAND

2008-05-03T03:16:00.009+01:00

LEON picks us up at 4am Saturday morning and off we go to LUTON airport just outside London, book in and the flight takes off at 07h30 and we landed at 11h30 on the island city of CAGLIARI. Then we drive on the wrong side of the road for just over an hour to the resort town TORRE DELLE STELLE, where we stayed for the 8 days. 3-10 May 2008
We drove approx 1320miles around the island visiting the most beautiful villages and ports, along winding-hairpin bendy roads through the mountains and sea front cliffs. We crossed the sea on a ferry to two beautiful Islands. click here for more maps of our travels.
More pictures and video to be loaded later in the week.

THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD

You can click here to see some of our photos or click here to see Tania's blog and photos

SURPRISE - THANKS FROM ELIZMA

2008-04-23T16:22:00.006+01:00

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...
SEE POST BELOW FOR THE MESSAGES or click HERE

IT'S ME AGAIN - MY MOMMY HAS A STORK PARTY

2008-04-21T18:25:00.005+01:00

Yippie party time, and guese who gets all the presents, hey this can only get better! Tania, that's my Aunt, hey one of many, but today she was special for me. She organised a few of my Mom's closest friends around for a Stork Party, just another excuse for the ladies to break-away on OFFICIAL BUSINESS, forget the DIET and without all the Dads around.
Wow, WE, that's Mom and Me got some lovely gifts and there were some very SPECIAL messages from Loved-ones, family and friends very close to MOM'S HEART and she missed them very much today,
I could tell deep down from within herself- Thanks for all those lovely thoughts and prayers from each one of you.
Here are just a few, if I publish every one then the blog would overflow or something like that, anyhow.

But I know Mom put them all away to show me them one day. Hey, just to remind you all, ETA for me is in 5 weeks, so get ready.

Braai time - its summer in The UK

2008-04-13T10:53:00.011+01:00

Well, we are having the first signs of summer, so what better way to celebrate than with a BRAAI. Tania, Leon & Elizma came around, Leon was going back a few years and preparing himself for childhood the second time around with his YO-YO. Then we played some rugby with the expected LITTLE ONE courtesy of Elizma. Food was great, braai was great, but the family as a unit was the BEST. Check Leon out - "rocking the cradle" and have a peak at the Mother to be..................click on the > BELOW to play video

Ria and Billy in "Wonderland"

2008-04-06T09:52:00.011+01:00

No it is not CHRISTMAS but Sunday - 6th April 2008, woke up this morning and thought it was . What a beautiful sight to wake up to, amazing and the whole place looks like a FAIRY TALE STORY. There's Billy building a snowman and Ria walking about in the fairy-land right outside our front door. We wish you were all here with us, can you imagine the snow-ball fight we could have had - an amazing thought and wishful thinking - BUT VERY SINCERE, lots of love - Ria & Billy.................. click on the little > to play the video

My poor Blue-Bulls Rugby team - BILLY

2008-04-04T18:22:00.003+01:00

This is a tragic day for me to post something like this, I could have changed it to suit - the lions or WP and even the Sharks, the Cheetah's are not worth mentioning. Maybe it should have read "ALL BLACKS or WALLABIES, who knows, I wonder who holds the SUPER 14 CUP ?????????

Cheers - OP DIE BLOUBULLE, billy'S blood is blue.

IS IT Mayonnaise OR Yogurt for lunch

2008-04-03T21:02:00.005+01:00

LUNCH TIME IN "NOTTING HILL", WITH FRIENDS.............. Tania was in London today at a Hotel conference/faire, so she phoned me to join her for lunch, hopped on the tube from Tottenham Court Road, 6 stops down the Central line and there I was - IN NOTTING HIIL ROAD. We sat in the middle of the road with a coke and sandwich, chatting away as if we owned the place. Then unfortunately all good things must come to an end and it was back to work for the both of us. What made the day was being in Notting Hill, one of my favourite movies. the picture above is a snap shot of the movie's web site, click here to check it out further, I just love it. http://www.notting-hill.com/

JUST LOVED IT,,, THAT MAYONNAISE

Billy at work - into 2010 with ENEL

2008-03-13T19:51:00.005Z

ENEL, the Italian Energy company had a EU Conference in the building where I work. This is how they decorated the conference room.

They brought in an over-night crew and built new soft walls right around inside the existing conference room, put in a massive Video screen and installed lights and effects that left your mouth gaping open in AWE.

What an experience. The seating as you can see was awesome, the atmosphere that was created was something out of this world, when I walked in this morning. WOW, I thought -"wrong building"

Just another day, Well, we had to keep the place cool, which was a battle, as the heat-build-up was way past the capacity of the air-con system. But yes OBJECTIVE ACHIEVED..

And who said a Maintenance Electricians life is boring ?????????????????????????????

Ria doing her thing

2008-03-10T21:29:00.002Z

A cold winters night in the UK, snowing outside,,,,..... well in Scotland anyhow, freezing cold, windy and rain here in Surrey - Woking. Ria prepares a good warm supper for Billy after a hard days work in London. This is Ria in her element, she just loves her little English house, nice and compact, with her little kitchen, everything at arms reach. Ok, supper time Cheers, but click here to see the chef at work

Knitted Present from SA

2008-03-09T10:19:00.003Z

Sarah, Ria's sister in SA, did some knitting for the new addition to the family and posted them to the UK. Leon was keen to try them on but had some difficulty. Smiles all around and the excitement is mounting day by day. Elizma just loves hand knitted baby stuff. Roll on 26th May

Me Again 3/3/2008.

2008-03-03T22:10:00.004Z

Hey - its me again, yip had another photo-shoot today, got real close upto the camera, and put my nose against the lens. Not long to go now and then its PARTY time, round-about the 26th May.
My Mommy is suffering so I will stop putting things on the menu that makes her crave, she is clever otherwise she would have been a Daddy, her craving for Champagne is not good for me, but she knows this. Dad, Oupa & Ouma can have some when I am born and if Mom feels like it she can join them. But I watching you lot............
PS..... Don't tell Mom, but just when she sits down or goes for a lie-down, I do my daily exercises and get some "kicks" out of life in my cosy little house, I just have a good laugh when she tells Dad-- then I do it again, just for him. Ok, all of you out there in that big crazy world, see you all soon............. ME

Mothers Day in the UK

2008-03-03T20:59:00.007Z

Mothers day, or should we say Ouma and Mother to be DAY, but I think it is more appropriate to say FAMILY DAY and a good reason to celebrate this was Mothers day, What a fantastic day it was, Ria as the centre of attraction, with her whole family around her just made the day. It was enhanced with the special effort made by Tania, she organised the whole thing at her Hotel- CROWN PLAZA, READING. Food was delicious. Leon and Elizma tried to trick Mom, and did not go the normal way we travel to Tania's house ( not far from the hotel) but go a small detour, normal takes 40minutes but instead their plan back-fired and it took just over an Hour & a half, with a traffic jam,,,,, never mind the day was a massive success.

The "organiser"

02-03-2008

Billy @ work in London

2008-02-24T19:25:00.005Z

This is an insight in what I do with myself while at work. Maintaining a 21 storey building in the West-End of London is no joke. With 20 floors of Top dollar paying clients who can brag with Offices in the West End, I can brag that I keep them happy and comfortable. The central heating is not like conventional Air-Cons, but done with boilers and hot air ducts and the cooling is done with Chillers and chilled water at 4deg pumped all over the building. I get off the tube at Oxford Circus, walk 1 block and am at work. In the morning I am the only person on the street, but at 4-15pm that has changed drastically and there is hardly space for me on the pavement and you almost have to fight your way through the crowds, literally millions of them. As for work it is great and going well, I move work places at the end of Feb down to Totenham Court Road to a Congress/convention Center which I take over and run, this in its self will be a new challenge, as the building has been badly negleted when it comes to maintenance, so I will be in my element getting it back into ship shape condition. Here are some pics to browse through

Application for Italy Visa's

2008-02-10T17:06:00.001Z

Tania and Ria had to go to London, to the Italian Consulate to apply and get a Visa for our pending holiday in May. Me being British, I do not need any visa's for Europe travels, While they were in London, I took 3 hours off work, we met up and did some sight seeing, me always on the wrong side of the camera, never mind, we walked over Tower Bridge and paid a visit to the London Dungeons, Then I went back to work, Tania & Ria then went onto Camden Town, just to look around and do some shopping.

Ria enjoyed the day out, with catching busses, overland trains and of course the tube trains. I picked the Visa's up the next week, Now tania and Ria can go to Europe for 6 months with no hassels, they expire 2nd November 2008. Click here for more pics.