Friends & Family –

Thank you all for your kind condolences and support. This is the hardest thing for me. To share my sadness and grief on the passing of my best friend and faithful family companion, Echo. For obvious reasons, I have not been able to put my feelings into words, but know that I need to start by sharing her life, the joy she brought to me and our family with all of you in my zesty life. Echo shared 14 beautiful years with us (that would be 98 dogs years!) She was a sweet soul, such love and kindness in her brown eyes. I could always count on her, my shadow, her presence nearby – she would go to the ends of the earth to be with her family. I am so thankful and honored for the time that we shared. Thank you Echo.

Here are my reflections of her life with us over the years.

My Shadow

Some of the hardest times in life happen in loss, they Echo across the heart, skipping sadness like a rock skims across the surface of still water.
I have lost my best friend, my shadow, my dear comforting companion. Always by my side.
My puppy, you were always near. A part of our family through the years. Moments I will never forget. Moments like these that make me laugh and make me cry.
You are missed, you are loved, I will never forget you. Your sweetness, your worries, your pains. These times with you Echo, shared in living and our journey echos on. I hear you, my little one. My silent shadow comforts me while I weep. Every drop of peace you are to me. Many years worth, you are priceless. My shadow. A space for us both to linger, safety. You are still close by as I whisper, our journey ending, just as it was in the beginning. You make me smile remembering, love.

Echo through the years.

In the beginning – Echo, Chance & Me and Blue catching this moment.

Always by our side

A playful puppy

From Easter Egg Hunts

to Birthdays

You make us smile.

Footprints in the sand and my shadow Echo.

From family trips and ocean bliss

to Fourth of July river swims.

The ever changing tides, a little boy grows up with you by his side.

A blond moment and California Dreams.

Moments like these stop my heart.

A happy Echo in our new Texas home.

And this. Your favorite boy, now a young man,

and two cuddly friends meet.

Moments like these. Good times shared.  Just coolin’ off and chillin’  in the hot Texas heat with your buddy Chance by your side.

From family camp outs with furry friends

to restful days in bed.  You have been by my side.

You are love,

your smile brings joy.

Echo, such a constant comfort

and constant friend.

Your time here with us has brought us together. Peaceful and gentle…

kind.

Time we will never forget.

Echo.

My best friend.

My sweet

faithful

dog.

A spa experience before the long rest.

May you journey in peace

and know that we love you. Always. The Clark Family

Fall is my all time favorite time of year. Not just because the weather is perfect, and the cool evenings have allowed open windows and soft breezes. Not just because Fall is so darn beautiful, and so much is blossoming in the garden. Not just because Halloween inspires goblins, ghouls and big, yummy, evil, candy bowls. Not just because Thanksgiving is on its way, as well as zesty cooking, z best feasting, full bellies, spending time with family AND giving Thanks. If these aren’t enough ways to share why Fall is my favorite time of year then maybe this will.

Happy Carrot Cake w/Lemon Zing Frosting.

Because it just so happens that Blue’s Birthday is celebrated in Fall,

and poor me has to not only bake this creation,

but also is forced into the birthday celebrations by eating a slice of Happy Carrot Cake with the Birthday dude. Whaa. Okay not whaa. Perhaps just one more little slice… Ahh. I am so thankful that I was forced into celebrating.

Let me give my thanks.

Thank you

thanks

gracias

danka

YUM!

The above cake request was brought to you by the cake naming genius, man of the hour,

Blue the Birthday Dude.

Also starring in Where the Wild Things Are.
Blue is wearing a Yabbles Hat, a present that his cuz made – check ‘em out here!

Happy Birthday Blue!

The arrival of Fall has also brought excitement about the garden harvest.

Here is a quick peek

These beauties will be in my mouth soon!

To my surprise, I also found this growing wild in the yard.

In case you aren’t a botanist or gardener – this here is the result of a cross between a pumpkin and Izzy.

The genus “Plumpkin”, ripe for the picking.

Plumpkin is a loyal variety, and is most noted for companionship and kinship. The Plumpkin variety is easy to grow, but flourishes with regular care and attention. You will see that it is happy growing all year and is suitable for both the indoors and out. Experienced Plumpkin growers know when cared for properly and given optimal growing conditions, “Plumpkin” will provide life long rich harvests; in hot summer months be sure to shower with lots of water, fresh air, and love. Warning! Overfeeding will result in an invasive variety – genus Plump.

Beware! Monitor for signs of the invasive genus Plump. Below you will see the most common sign, known as the “Trick or Treat”

This has “Treat PULEAZE” written all over it.

Plumpkin of love.

Boo!