Liam with OuBill's Hat

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

more video to follow tommorow night

What not to do on a Sunday Night at 10pm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

The thirty best years of my life

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

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

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 "

******* 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

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

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..............................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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