June 2020

THE ADVENTURES OF PERIWINKLE & STINKY: PART XXXVIII

A Trip to the Zoo – Part 2

If you missed Part 1 of the tabbies trip to the zoo, click here.

“Good morning, Periwinkle. How are you?”

“Hi, Stinky. I’m great, how about you?”

“Purrfect! Thanks for asking. Would you like to remind our readers about what is happening on today’s adventure?”

“Sure. We are continuing our tour of Mill Mountain Zoo, located in your hometown of Roanoke, Virginia.”

“That’s right. Should we get started?”

“Okay, Stinky. Our next stop is the Eurasian Lynx enclosure.”

“I think he is trying to talk to us, Periwinkle.”

 

 

“Do you think he wants us to come in and play?”

“Maybe. But if the zoo people don’t get mad, I know my mom will. We better just stay here and visit.”

“Stinky, did you see the size of his paws?”

“Those really are some whoppers. It says here that in the winter the lynx’s paws are covered with long hair so that his paws act like snowshoes, and he doesn’t sink into the snow when he walks.”

“I guess I don’t have big paws, as it doesn’t snow in Florida,” says Periwinkle, a giggle escaping from her lips.

“Where should we go next Periwinkle?”

Periwinkle takes Stinky’s paw and says, “Let’s check out the wolves.”

 


 

“Stinky, do you think that guy looks hungry? He is pretty skinny.”

“Yeah, let’s not get too close. I don’t want to be his breakfast. It says on the sign that red wolves are endangered, and the zoo participates in the Red Wolf Species Survival Program. I think it’s nice how this zoo does things to help the animals and doesn’t just keep them here to entertain humans.”

“I agree, Stinky. Let’s leave this fellow alone and see who is in this next huge area.”

“Okay. Hey, it says it is a new habitat for bears.”

“Wow, do you think we can come back after the bears arrive?”

“Sure, Periwinkle. We already know we want to come back to ride the Zoo Choo when it is running again.”

“Yeah! So, what’s next, Stinky?”

“Wow I think it is that eagle!”

 

 

“He is huge and really majestic, but he’s probably another resident we should observe from afar. He looks intense, and I bet he also thinks we came for breakfast, and I mean his!”

“Periwinkle, there are a lot of other birds and some owls in this area. Check out this one. It’s called a White-Crested Laughing Thrush. I know we don’t get those at our bird feeders; though, we get laughed at a lot by the squirrels.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“The sign says the males and females are strongly bonded. Just like us, Stinky.”

Blushing, Stinky says, “The sign also says they are inquisitive and nosy. That’s also like cats. I never expected to find out I have anything in common with birds.”

Suddenly, Periwinkle is rushing ahead and pulling Stinky behind her. “Come on, Stinky, one of the very best animals is next.”

 

 

Seeing the red panda, Periwinkle starts jumping up and down and clapping her paws.”Oh my gosh, look how cute it is, Stinky. It’s name is Nova. Do you think it speaks cat?”

 

 

“Probably not, but it sure has a cute face, and I could stay and watch it for a long time.”

Taking the hint, Periwinkle spots a place for the tabbies to sit down. They watch the little red panda and rest. Stinky’s mom notices the two resting and brings them water and Temptations for a snack. She sits with them for a while to make certain Stinky is okay. Seeing that he is fine, Stinky’s mom leaves them to finish their adventure.

Stinky and Periwinkle take each other’s paws and walk to the exhibit they have been anticipating all day — the zoo’s main attraction: the Snow Leopard.

 

 

He is sleeping but senses the tabbies are there and turns to look at them.

 

 

“Holly moley, he’s huge,“ says Stinky.

“And beautiful,” replies Periwinkle.

Watching from a distance, Mom Janet and Dad Tom are in as much awe as Periwinkle and Stinky. The leopard is truly magnificent. After watching for about half an hour, Dad Tom tells the tabbies it is time to head home before the zoo gets crowded and the temperature gets too high.

Periwinkle whispers to Stinky, “Don’t forget, we have one more thing we want to do before we leave.”

Stinky whispers back, “I haven’t forgotten. I’ll race you there.”

“Don’t you think your mom and dad might be upset if we race ahead?”

“Probably, but we will ask forgiveness when they catch up,” says Stinky, as he begins running.

Periwinkle follows and quickly catches up. Breathlessly she says to Stinky, “Did you know that you look like a bunny when you run?”

“Yep. It’s because I am a Manx cat and our back legs are longer than our front!”

“Just another thing that makes you special!”

Running down the hill that Stinky’s parents carried them up, the tabbies quickly arrive at their destination. By the time Mom Janet and Dad Tom arrive, the tabbies are sitting atop the sculptures at the entrance to Mill Mountain. They wave to Stinky’s dad and holler at him to take their photo.

 

 

As soon as he does so, they climb down and follow Stinky’s parents back to the car where Mom Janet helps them into the back seat and buckles their seat belts.

It is a short ride back to Stinky’s house, where the tabbies eat lunch and have a nice long nap.

When they wake, the duo spend lots of time hugging and giving each other whisker kisses. Then with tears in their eyes, they say their good-byes, and Periwinkle reluctantly enters her tunnel for the trip home.

The End

Periwinkle and Stinky are joining the Happy Tuesday blog hop hosted by Sandee at Comedy Plus.

 

Tomorrow is National Zoo Day as well as Sawyer’s third birthday. Please join us for a zoo-themed birthday party! There also will be a giveaway.

EMPHASIZE THE POSITIVE

Sparks

It seems as if this is going to be a Sawyer heavy week when it comes to The Cat on My Head.

He was here yesterday with his selfie, and he is back today for our Spark and the Awww Mondays blog hop. His alter ego will return tomorrow for The Adventures of Stinky and Periwinkle. Finally, we will celebrate his birthday on Wednesday.

 

 

I chose the Spark for today for myself; though, I am certain many of you are having some difficulty coping with the current situation in the U.S. and the rest of the world. But if anyone represents resilience it is Sawyer. To paraphrase the old Timex commercials: “He takes a lickin’ and keeps on tickin’.”

I know our friend, Pam (Two Spoiled Cats), believes in and always keeps a positive attitude, and I admire her for that. I think I always demonstrate a positive attitude on the outside, even when I feel defeated on the inside. There is an aphorism, “Fake it ‘til you make it,” and I intend to do just that.

If you are unfamiliar with Jean Chatzky, she is an American journalist, personal finance columnist, financial editor of NBC’s TODAY show, AARP’s personal finance ambassador and the founder and CEO of the multimedia company HerMoney.

Sparks began as a blog hop, created by our friend, Annie (McGuffy’s Reader). Annie is taking a “break” from blogging, so there is no hop. Many of us still continue to post a Spark on Monday, as we believe in Annie’s vision: “I believe we are meant to be lights in this world. If we allow our light to shine, we can see where we are going. It is then that we can begin to truly see each other clearly. Together, we can light up the entire world!

Awww Mondays

Sawyer also is participating in the Awww Mondays blog hop at Comedy Plus. To join him there, click on the badge below.

 

As I mentioned above, Stinky and Periwinkle will be here tomorrow. They will be sharing part two of their adventure at the Mill Mountain Zoo. They have some pretty adorable animals to share, and I know they would be delighted if you join them.

And then, don’t forget to return on Wednesday for Sawyer’s birthday.

 

SAWYER’S SUMMER SUNDAY SELFIE

Sunday Selfies: Week #307

 

Sunday Selfies

 

Most of my furmily do not enjoy taking selfies. They normally will turn away so that their selfie is a profile or get up and just walk away. Not me. I am handsome and beloved by many, so why would I not want to show you my face? Though many may love me, my heart belongs to a certain young lady cat. Her initials are NS. I have my paws crossed that she likes this photo.

This Wednesday, July 1, is my birthday, and I am getting excited. I will be three years old. Mom and Dad never expected me to still be here due to the severe, unstoppable seizures I had when I was younger. As you know, I still have really bad seizures fairly often. Now, however, they stop in a reasonable amount of time. I haven’t needed to be taken to the emergency vet in 15 months!

Anyhoo, I really hope you will come by on Wednesday for my birthday party. And please stop in on Tuesday for part two of Stinky and Periwinkle’s adventure at the zoo. The animals you will meet are terrific; though, maybe not as cute as I am. MOL.

Hopping Time

So, now it is your turn to dazzle us with your fabulous selfie. And, did you know, it’s not necessary to post on Sunday to join in the fun? Our hop is open through Thursday. If you want to link back to The Cat on My Head and/or display our badge, that would be okey-dokey with us.

Thanks for joining us. We love and appreciate all our hoppers.

See you again on Tuesday and Wednesday. Mom will have a Spark for you tomorrow.

Purrs and paw-pats, Sawyer (with whisker kisses for NS)

 



ELECTRIFIED HEART ART WITH COOPER MURPHY

Caturday Art

 

 

Cooper Murphy was practicing his yoga while bathing on the catio. He looked so cute, but the photo came out muddy and blurry due to the back lighting. That’s my favorite type of photo to use for art.

To artify Cooper’s photo I used the Gnocchied filter with analog coloring from Painnt. I added the electrified heart and butterfly sticker (to cover the Painnt logo) with Ribbet.

Cooper will be hopping over to Athena Cat Goddess Wise Kitty’s blog for her Caturday Art blog hop. To join him, click on Athena’s badge.


Sunday Selfies Reminder

Tomorrow is the day when we all take a selfie of our adorable selves to share with our friends.  Kitties Blue and I are certain you no longer need a reminder. But we fear if we don’t send one, you will be wondering if we decided not to have the hop.

So…here is your early warning to get those selfies snapped. Once you’ve done that and posted it, you will have the entire day to enjoy your easy.

Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.

 

THREAT FROM LISBETH & FILL-INS

Friendly Fill-Ins: Week #214

Friendly Fill-Ins is hosted by Ellen (15 And Meowing) and Lorianne (Four-Legged Furballs). Each select two sentences for participants to complete. If you’d like to play along, click on the badge at the left. That will take you to Lorianne’s blog, where you can enter the link to your post.

You can find the sentences to be completed each Thursday on both blogs.

I had to get a little help this week from Sawyer. We both have used teal italics for our fill-ins. Any explanatory info is in parentheses.

Sawyer: 1. I almost never finish my breakfast in one sitting. (I get two bowls of stinky goodness in the morning. One bowl has tuna-flavored liquid phenobarbital and one has grape-flavored Keppra. It’s a lot for a little guy like me to eat at one time, so I usually stretch it out through the morning. I am supposed to finish before treat time at 11 a.m., but that doesn’t always happen. Don’t worry, I always get my treats!)

2. I finally have decided that kale tastes okay. (We have started preparing many more vegetarian meals, and a majority of them include kale.)

3. I find any information regarding cat behavior very interesting.

4. I have my doubts about this pandemic ending anytime soon.

Feline Friday

Lisbeth is joining the Feline Friday blog hop at Comedy Plus.

 

 

If you’d like to participate in the blog hop, click on the badge below.

 

KITTIES BLUE SHARE IN THIS WEEK’S THANKFULS

Thankful Thursday

Kitties Blue asked to be first to share their thankfuls with you today. Here is Astrid with her thankful.

Tuesday was my fourth wedding anniversary. Sampson (Sampy) from Kitty Cat Chronicles and I were married at the Blog Paws Conference in 2016. Here’s a photo from back then as well as a photo of the card Sampy sent me.

 

 

 

I also sent Sampy a card, but that would be his choice to share it at Kitty Cat Chronicles if he wishes.

Purrs & paw-pats, Astrid

Our Adventurous tabbies, Periwinkle and Stinky are next with a thankful for this week.

Mom Janet got this cool certificate from the Cat Writers’ Association. We told you a couple of week’s ago about the award, but the certificate just recently arrived.

 

This may have my mom’s name on it, but Periwinkle and I know that it is really ours.

If you missed our last adventure, it is part one of a two-part post about our trip to the Mill Mountain Zoo in Roanoke, Virginia. That’s where I live. Anyhoo, here’s the link to “A Trip to the Zoo: Part I.”

Purrs and paw-pats, Periwinkle & Stinky

Personally, I am thankful for receiving a Three Year badge from Peloton for working out every week for the past 156 weeks.

Dad Tom and I are thankful we both are virus free as are our friends and families. We are grateful, as well, that Virginia is not one of the states experiencing a surge in cases. Dad Tom and I remain vigilant and continue to follow our state’s and the CDC guidelines. We pray you all are doing the same.

Thankful Thursday is a blog hop hosted by our friend, Brian. If you would like to participate, post on your blog for what you are thankful. then click on Brian’s badge to go to his blog and enter your link.

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

I must apologize to Two Spoiled Cats’, Angel Sammy and Teddy, for not having a poem today. The inspiration photo this week is amazing, but my brain just refuses to go into poetry mode. If it is more cooperative today, I will post a poem tomorrow along with the Friendly Fill-Ins.

See y’all tomorrow.

 

WE DOMINATE THE CATIO & THE WORLD

Wordless Wednesday: Cat World Domination Day

 

Cat World Domination Day

Calista Jo, Mau, Misty May & Sawyer

 

Cat World Domination Day

Calista Jo, Mau, Misty May & Cooper Murphy (on his back under chair)

 

Cat World Domination Day

Cooper Murphy, Mau, Astrid and Calista Jo with catnip

 

Cat World Domination Day

 

Kitties Blue are joining our furiend, Summer, in celebrating Cat World Domination Day. Purrsonally, we know cats dominate the world efurryday, but if the world wants to give them a special day of recognition, I will help them celebrate and purrmote it.

If you are unfamiliar with this holiday, here’s a little history. It began in 2012 on the tenth birthday of Sparkle (Summer’s predecessor at SparkleCat). It was the idea of Sparkle’s human, Janiss, to create a holiday befitting Sparkle’s personality. Sparkle was known for providing advice on how cats could dominate the humans in their lives. And with that, Cat World Domination Day was born. You can see the blog post for the very first Cat World Domination Day at SparkleCat by clicking here. And don’t forget to check out today’s post to see what fun Janiss has cooked up for this year’s celebration.

 

 

 

THE ADVENTURES OF PERIWINKLE & STINKY: PART XXXVII

A Trip to the Zoo: Part 1

Stinky bounced from paw to paw in excitement waiting for Periwinkle to arrive. Finally he heard that familiar whoosh, and Periwinkle tumbled out of the teleportation tunnel. Before she could even catch her breath, Stinky grabbed her paw and began running toward his mom’s car. Mom Janet helped them into the backseat and buckled their seatbelts.

Dad Tom started the car, and they were off on their latest adventure. Periwinkle finally had the opportunity to speak. “Stinky, what’s with the big hurry? I didn’t even get to give you a hug or whisker kiss.”

Stinky, replied, “I’m sorry Periwinkle, but we have a reservation, and you were a tad late arriving.”

Periwinkle looked at him quizzically and said, “That sounds strange to have a reservation for an adventure. Where are we going?”

Stinky wouldn’t tell her, as it was to be a surprise. But as they drove, Periwinkle had the sense they’d been to this same place before. She finally spoke up and said, “I recognize this road. Are we going back to the Mill Mountain Star?”

Stinky just shook his head, no. Periwinkle thought he was being very rude and decided if he wasn’t going to talk, neither was she.

In a short time, however, they arrived in a parking lot. Mom Janet and Dad Tom put on their personal protection masks and helped the tabbies out of the car. It was then that Periwinkle saw the sign: Mill Mountain Zoo, and she squealed with delight. Dad Tom picked up Stinky and put him on his shoulders, and Mom Janet did the same with Periwinkle. They explained it was a very long, up hill walk to the entrance, and they didn’t want the duo to use all their energy getting there.

While the the humans walked, Stinky explained that they were going to have breakfast with the animals and then tour the zoo, which is why they had a reservation.

 

 

After taking a photo and checking in, the tabbies had some time to wander around before breakfast. The first thing they saw was a huge black creature with white and black spiky things. “What the heck is that?” asked Periwinkle.

Mouth open in awe, Stinky just shook his head and looked to his mom. She told them that the creature was a rodent called a porcupine and related to squirrels and chipmunks. The spikes she explained were quills and that he had approximately 30,0o0 of them. After Mom Janet told them he had a very bad odor, they were happy he was in a glass enclosure for more than just his quills. They watched him eat a banana for a while before moving on.

 

 

As they walked to the next exhibit, Periwinkle said, “I think he had a cute face with those long whiskers.”

Stinky replied, “Maybe, but I sure wouldn’t want to meet him in a dark alley!”

Next to the porcupine’s enclosure was another large, glass one. On the outside was a sign that read, “Porkchop.” A zookeeper lady told them they were looking at Asian Small-Clawed Otters, and that the male was Porkchop and the female was named Laura. She also pointed to a sign with information about the otters. Stinky called his dad over to read the sign to them.

While he read, the tabbies were mesmerized watching the otters. Laura was lying on her back playing with a rock in her front paws while Porkchop watched.

Periwinkle remarked, “They are smaller than we are, Stinky!”

 

As they watched, Laura lost interest in her rock and the two otters curled up together to nap. “Awww,” said Periwinkle as she put her paw in Stinky’s. She continued, “They look just like we do when we curl up together.” While the tabbies watched the otters nap, they were called to breakfast.

 

 

Breakfast Time

Stinky’s parents fixed plates for each of them with items from the buffet, while Stinky and Periwinkle approached a zookeeper holding a perch with a very big bird. She told them the bird’s name was Rita and asked if they would like a closer look. She then helped the tabbies onto her shoulders. They tried to talk to Rita, but she just looked at them with disinterest. They thanked the zoo lady for the up-close visit with the bird, climbed down and went to eat.

 

 

As they were eating, Periwinkle noticed a large statue of a bengal tiger and asked Stinky’s mom about it. Mom Janet explained that the statue was of Ruby, one of the zoo’s long-time (18 years) residents that had passed away several years ago. She told the tabbies to stand by Ruby so she could take their photo.

 

 

Official Tour

When they finished breakfast, they were guided to an enclosure with two adorable raccoons. They were being fed breakfast, and the tabbies watched as they searched for their food. The female’s name was Katya and the male was Ivan. They were told the raccoons were there as they had both received injuries in the wild and would no longer be able to fend for themselves. Ivan and Katya would now be cared for and live out their lives at the zoo. The tabbies learned that many of the animals were there for this same reason.

Katya

Ivan

 

Periwinkle commented as the tabbies headed to the next exhibit, “Stinky, I had no idea raccoons are so small. Ivan only weighs about 14 pounds.”

Stinky replied, “I didn’t know that either. The raccoon that visits our house is much larger. It is hard to believe that my fursib, Cooper Murphy, is way bigger than these raccoons.”

The tabbies next viewed some red foxes. They didn’t look particularly red, and the tabbies discovered foxes can have three different coat colors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the way to the next exhibit the tabbies passed two sunbathing turtles and some koi fish.

 

The final animals presented as part of their tour were two opossums. They had no idea opossums had super short lives…at best three years. The two at the zoo both have a bone disease, and like the raccoons would not be able to live in the wild. The zookeeper told the tabbies that opossums are crepuscular. The tabbies both looked to Dad Tom for an explanation. He told them it meant that opossums were active at dawn and dusk and hunted then for their food.

 

 

As the tabbies watched the opossum known as Jack, Stinky whispered to Periwinkle, “That breakfast looks yummy. Do you think he’d share?”

Periwinkle just giggled and squeezed Stinky’s paw. She knew he was just fooling with her.

This ended the official tour, and the tabbies were now free to explore on their own with Dad Tom and Mom Janet. They had no idea where to begin so just set out. And that is where they leave you today.

Next week Periwinkle and Stinky will take you along with them on the remainder of their zoo visit. And the best animals are yet to come. You won’t want to miss meeting Nova, the red panda, a lynx and the star of the show, a snow leopard.

To be continued.

Note: Enlarge the signs posted with the animals to read more about them.

 

 

KINDNESS COUNTS

Sparks

 

I was unfamiliar with the author of today’s Spark and suspect you may be as well. Here’s a little info from Wikipedia. Father Lawrence G. Lovasik was an ordained missionary priest of the Society of the Divine Word. He founded the Sisters of the Divine Spirit, a missionary congregation of religious women, and the Family Service Corps, a secular institute devoted to charitable work for the sick, elderly and needy. Father Lovasik published more than 30 books and over 75 pamphlets, including prayer books, Bible stories for children, lives of the saints and catechisms.

The photo is one of Dad Tom’s He is growing a patch of sunflowers behind our back fence. This one is peeking over the fence.

Sparks began as a blog hop, created by our friend, Annie (McGuffy’s Reader). Annie is taking a “break” from blogging, so there is no hop. Many of us still continue to post a Spark on Monday, as we believe in Annie’s vision: “I believe we are meant to be lights in this world. If we allow our light to shine, we can see where we are going. It is then that we can begin to truly see each other clearly. Together, we can light up the entire world!

Awww Mondays

 

Astrid adores her big brofur, Mau. I know he would rather be snuggling with his beautiful wife Allie, but Dad Tom and I appreciate that he indulges Astrid and she has his support and protection. They are joining the Awww Mondays blog hop hosted by Sandee at Comedy Plus. You can participate by clicking the badge below.

The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky

Tomorrow these two terrific tabbies will be right here to share one of their most exciting adventures yet. They are hoping, as they always do, that you will join them. In addition to telling you about their adventure, they have some incredible photos to share. Please don’t disappoint them by missing out. See you tomorrow!

 

 

DAD’S DAY 2020

Sunday Selfies: Week #306

 


We have a super incredible Dad, and we feel privileged to let him know that on our blog. He takes amazingly good care of us and does everything to make certain we are healthy, happy and well fed.

 

💖 Thank you Dad. We love you! 💖

 

We know all of you who have dads, have terrific ones. If you would like to honor him here today with a selfie of just him or one with you, we’d love to see it.

And if you would include our badge on your post or link back to The Cat on My Head, that would be pawsome.

Remembering Zoe

It is with heavy hearts that we say good-bye today to a beautiful and special lady. Zoe from Brian’s Home. Zoe received her wings on Thursday and flew off to join several fursibs already at the Rainbow Bridge. We loved seeing Zoe’s sweet face and mesmerizing eyes and will truly miss her.

 

 

We are certain most of you have already left your condolences for Dad Terry, Mom Celeste, Brian, Dolly, Seal and Simon. If not, here is the link to Zoe’s memorial post, “Sister Saturday: Remembering Our Dear Zoe.” Run free and healthy, darling girl.

Thank you for joining us today whether hopping or not. Each human and anipal is important to us, and we love you all.

Purrs and paw-pats. Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo, Cooper Murphy and Sawyer