March 2022

PANNING FOR GOLD WITH ASTRID

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

Thursday is poetry day over at Two Spoiled Cats. Angel Sammy and Teddy provide an inspiration photo, and those who participate write a poem based on that photo. As I have done for the past few weeks, I have added a cat to the photo. Today Astrid joins the miner panning for gold.

 

Astrid panning for gold: a tortoise shell cat joins a photo of a 49er panning for gold

 

Panning for Gold with Homer & Astrid

 

Homer said to stay put, and
I mostly do what I’m told.
I want to see if this geezer finds some gold.
We’ve been here for months with nothing to show,
But dirty hands, paws; Homer’s worn out clothes.
I want to go home to my warm bed,
But Homer just keeps panning instead.
Sometimes I wander away, follow a bug
Or rodent, looking for a quick snack.
But when Homer calls I rush right back,
Hoping he might have found a nugget of gold
And he’ll buy us a nice steak dinner.
At panning for gold, Homer is never a winner,
And we trudge to our tent for cornmeal mush
Until tomorrow when we return to the gold rush.

© Janet Buickerood Blue – 03/30/2022

Gold Miners actually did have cats as pets. Here’s an interesting short article about it: “The Pets of Gold Miners.” These were ring-tailed cats (often referred to as miner’s cats). They are actually a member of the raccoon family.

If you’d like to write some poetry, click on Angel Sammy’s poetry badge. You’ll be whisked over to Two Spoiled Cats where you will find Angel Sammy’s poem for this week and next week’s inspiration photo. And please read Sammy’s poem when you visit. He’s truly an excellent wordsmith.

Thankful Thursday

Thursday is also when we share our thankfuls and participate in the blog hop hosted by Brian.

Cooper Murphy is up first this week. He is thankful that he earned another Cat Scout Merit Badge. It was for learning about Nature’s Construction Workers and passing his quiz with a score of 100%.

Stinky & Periwinkle are thankful that Teddy (Two Spoiled Cats) was able to join them on their adventure yesterday to the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. If you missed it, click here. Stinky guarantees you’ll have fun, see some beautiful blossoms and learn a lot. He and Periwinkle also are thankful for those who joined them yesterday.

Kitties Blue and I thank everyone who visits, comments and supports us. We value your friendship and wouldn’t be doing this without you.

If you’d like to participate in Thankful Thursday, enter the url printed on Brian’s badge in your browser.

Thanks for joining us today.

 

 

THE ADVENTURES OF PERIWINKLE & STINKY: PART CXXVIII

A Third Adventurer

With a whoosh, Periwinkle comes tumbling out of the teleportation tunnel. Stinky gives her a quick whisker kiss, grabs her paw and leads her back into the tunnel.  Periwinkle asks, “Why are we in such a hurry.”

Stinky explains they are meeting someone, and he doesn’t want to be late.

Periwinkle is, of course, curious as to who they are meeting but doesn’t have time to ask. She follows Stinky back into the tunnel, and before she can even blink they are at their destination. 

When Periwinkle disembarks from the tunnel and sees who is waiting for them, she runs and throws her paws around his ginger neck.

 

Two cartoon cats and a ginger tabby cat look at cherry blossoms.

 

She gushes, “Oh, Teddy, this is so exciting. Stinky wouldn’t tell me who we were meeting. I am so happy it is you. But, this is Tuesday. How are you here? Don’t you have to teach class for Tuesday Teaser at Ding Dong Fish School on your blog at Two Spoiled Cats?” 

Teddy chuckles and tells Periwinkle that he got the day off to spend it with her and Stinky. Angel Sammy is handling class by himself. 

“So where are we?” asks Periwinkle. “It sure is cold. It looks like spring, but it doesn’t feel like it.“

D.C. Cherry Blossom Festival

Teddy tells Periwinkle that they are in Washington D.C. to see the famous cherry blossoms. He explains how the weather can be quite unpredictable in spring.

Periwinkle tells Stinky and Teddy, “I’m certain you two man cats can keep me warm if we stick close together!” Both boys promise to do just that, and the three tabbies set out to look at the beautiful blossoms. They begin “oohing and ahhing” as they go.

 

Two cartoon cats and a ginger tabby cat look at cherry blossoms and the Washington Monument.

 

“Look, there’s the Washington Monument,” Teddy tells Stinky and Periwinkle.

“That’s cool, but I want to know about these pretty blossoms. Stinky, you usually research any information about our destinations, what can you tell me about the cherry trees?” asks Periwinkle. 

Stinky replies, “Actually, Teddy has done the research this week. Being a professor of geography and familiar with locales all around the world, it seems fitting for him to fill us in. To top it off, he lives quite close to here.”

Teddy takes his cue from Stinky and begins to tell him and Periwinkle about the origin of the cherry trees and the Festival.

“The National Cherry Blossom Festival pays tribute to the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city of Washington, D.C. It commemorates the long-lasting friendship between the people of the United States and Japan. In Japan, the flowering cherry tree, or “Sakura,” is an important flowering plant. The beauty of the cherry blossom is a symbol with rich meaning in Japanese culture.

Teddy explains that these were not, however,  the first cherry trees planted in Washington D.C. He then gives his companions the website for the National Park Service, which has a wonderful article about the entire history of the cherry trees: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/history-of-the-cherry-trees.htm

Stinky tells Periwinkle and Teddy that he wants to get a closer look at the flowers, and starts to climb one of the trees. Periwinkle isn’t surprised, but Teddy is. Nonetheless, he and Periwinkle follow Stinky up the tree.

 

Two cartoon cats and a ginger tabby cat climb a cherry blossom tree.

 

“Wow, Teddy, you really got up there high,” says Periwinkle.

“I know. I think I am a little nervous,” Teddy replies.

“You’re fine, Teddy. Just don’t look down. Scoot along that branch and come down to us. We will all get down together,” Stinky tells him.

Teddy does as instructed and soon all three are on the ground again, and they continue their trip around the Tidal Basin.

 

Two cartoon cats and a ginger tabby cat look at cherry blossoms and the Jefferson Memorial.

 

Teddy points out the Jefferson Memorial to Stinky and Periwinkle. They are both impressed, but Periwinkle tells Teddy that she is enjoying the flowers more than the buildings.

After Periwinkle’s comment Stinky and Teddy are surprised when she makes a request. She asks, “Can we visit the Lincoln Memorial after we finish our trip around the Tidal Basin?” Stinky asks why, and Periwinkle explains to him how she read what Cooper Murphy had written about President Lincoln and cats at Cat Scouts. She tells the boys that she wants to sit on Lincoln’s lap.

Lincoln Memorial Visit

Teddy chimes in, “I remember what Cooper wrote: It said that Abraham Lincoln was a “crazy cat lady.” He regularly took in strays at the White House. He also was gifted two kittens, Tabby and Dixie, by a cabinet member. President Lincoln was so in love with the duo that he fed Tabby under the table at a state dinner. He was heard exclaiming, ‘Dixie is smarter than my whole cabinet! And furthermore she doesn’t talk back!'”

Stinky replies, “Cooper Murphy did not share that with me. What a stinker!” He explains to Periwinkle that it is quite a long walk. The Lincoln Memorial is not at the Tidal Basin but rather at the end of the Reflecting Pool. Periwinkle thinks about this for a moment and then strikes a deal with Teddy and Stinky. They will start out walking, but if Periwinkle gets too tired, Teddy and Stinky will take turns giving her “piggy-back” rides. If they all get too tired, they will call an Uber.

Shortly after beginning their trek, however, all three tabbies start giggling in unison, as they each realize they only need to pop back into the teleportation tunnel for a quick trip to the memorial.

When they arrive, Periwinkle scampers up the steps. Before climbing up to Lincoln’s lap, she tells Stinky and Teddy, “I will need you two to keep a look out, as I am sure climbing on the statue could get me arrested.”

They tabby boys both scoff and follow Periwinkle up to Lincoln’s lap, telling her they’re certain they all can run faster than the cops. The three settle in for a quick nap.

 

Two cartoon cats and a ginger tabby cat sit on the lap of the President Lincoln statue at the Lincoln Memorial.

 

Awakened by giggles from onlookers, Teddy, Stinky and Periwinkle, hop down. They realize it’s time to head home and walk back to the teleportation tunnel. After paw hugs all around and lots of whisker kisses between Periwinkle and Stinky, the three head off to their own homes with final waves of their paws.

The End

 

Periwinkle & Stinky are joining the Happy Tuesday blog hop at Comedy Plus.

A SUPPORTIVE SPARK WORTH REPEATING

Sparks

With the last two days being dedicated to Blog4Peace Ukraine, I wanted to find a Spark about supporting each other. I actually did use this quote back in August for the post,”Strong, Fearless, Beautiful,” as I thanked those who had supported us while Sawyer was missing. The photo I used for that post was of Misty May. Today, I selected some Caturday Art of Lisbeth, which she made as a gift for her boyfriend Charles in 2016 and shared in the post, “Happy Birthday from Lisbeth to Charles.”

 

An art enhanced photo of tuxedo cat with the following supportive spark from Misty Copeland: Be strong, be fearless, be beautiful. And believe that anything is possible when you have the right people there to support you.

 

I think I want to make this quote my motto. It is so powerful, and I believe can be shared often, as a reminder to each of us not only to be strong, fearless and beautiful but also as a reminder that we are those things.

Sparks is the creation of Annie from McGuffy’s Reader. Sparks began as a blog hop, created by our friend. Annie stated when she began Sparks, “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

Lovely, arty Lisbeth is participating in the Awww Mondays blog hop at Comedy Plus. You can go there by clicking on the badge.

The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky

Our two fun loving tabbies, Periwinkle and Stinky, will be enjoying their next adventure tomorrow from right here. It’s a special adventure, as a dear friend will be joining in the fun. I promised them I wouldn’t hint at who it will be.  They want you to come see for yourselves and enjoy the adventure with the three of them. So please join Periwinkle, Stinky and their special friend tomorrow!

 

C.J.’S SQUINTY-EYED SELFIE

Sunday Selfies: Week #397

 

SQUINTY-EYED SELFIE of a dilute tortoise shell cat

 

I am a little miffed. It has been two months since I was featured with a selfie. Sheesh! And then I get this less than satisfactory one. I was enjoying a lovely sunpuddle nap on the humans’ bed when I was rudely awakened. That’s why I am squinty eyed and look a bit grumpy. But I am here, and that’s what counts.

And I absolutely cannot wait for you to join me. I know you’ll have a nicer expression on your face.

I did convince Mom to make a puzzle for you, as we did not have one yesterday.

preview132pieceDilute Tortie Cat Selfie

Blog4Peace Ukraine

 

 

The Blog4Peace for Ukraine continues today. We will support and pray for all the citizens and animals of Ukraine until this horrific and unprovoked war comes to an end.

Thanks for joining us today. All the Kitties Blue appreciate your friendship and support.

Purrs and paw-pats, Calista Jo

 



BLOG4PEACE UKRAINE

Caturday Art

Our art is different today. It does not include a cat. We are participating in a special Blog4Peace to show our support for the people, pets and all animals of Ukraine. The United Nation reports that as of March 22, 3.6 million people have left their homes in Ukraine. I cannot imagine being in the situation in which these individuals have been placed. They are and will remain in my prayers.

This special event is being sponsored by Mimi Lenox, who sponsors the annual Blog4Peace each November. You can find more information on the Blog4Peace website. You can enter the link to your Peace post here.

 

Blog4Peace Ukraine: Graphic including Ukrainian flag, peace sign, heart and Ukranian national flower, the sunflower and quote from Pope Benedict XVI.

 

If you are participating today, please share the message across all your social media accounts.

This is our art for Athena’s Caturday Art blog hop. You can participate in the hop by clicking on her badge.

 

Thanks for visiting today and offering your support to the citizens of Ukraine.

We will be having our weekly blog hop tomorrow, and Kitties Blue hope you’ll join them here.

 

 

 

KITTIES BLUE COMPLETE ALL FILL-INS

Friendly Fill-Ins: Week #304

Last week I indicated how much I would like it if Kitties Blue could do all the fill-ins each week. And this week, they did just that. I was delighted when I didn’t have to strain my brain to fill-in. As always, the gang used teal italics for their completions.

1. Sawyer: I have never been able to turn down treats when they are handed out.

2. Kizmet: I enjoy some smacky paws competition.

3. Cooper Murphy: l like getting extra catio time when spring has sprung.

 

Kitties Blue Fill-Ins: Ginger cat and tortoise shell cat are napping on the catio.

 

4. Sawyer: I would like everyone to know how much I appreciate those who pray for me to have fewer seizures.

Friendly Fill-Ins is a blog hop hosted by Ellen (15 And Meowing) and Lorianne (Four-Legged Furballs). Each Thursday they provide the four sentences with blanks for your responses.  To participate, click on the Fill-Ins badge.

 

Feline/Friendship Friday

Cooper Murphy and Astrid are joining the blog hops at Comedy Place (Feline Friday) and Create With Joy (Friendship Friday).

 

 

Tomorrow we will be participating in Blog4Peace Ukraine. We hope you will join in then and/or on Sunday.

 

 

SCOOTING WITH COOPER MURPHY

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

I had a blast “doctoring” this week’s inspiration photo provided by Angel Sammy and Teddy from Two Spoiled Cats. As I’ve been doing for the past few weeks, I added one of the Kitties Blue.

 

ginger cat rides scooter with little blond girl

 

I hope this photo makes you smile as much as it does me. I honestly can imagine Cooper Murphy doing this if he was capable.

So here’s my poem for this week.

Cat & Kid at Play

 

I love scooting with my sister Nell;
Though, last week Nell fell!
She skinned both her knees,
And I went flying toward the trees.
But being a cat, I landed on my feet;
My knees never meeting the street.
Bandaged and finally healing,
Nell and I are again freewheeling,
Loving the feel of wind on our faces
And racing off to discover new places.
I’m just a cat who likes to have fun,
Scooting all day with Nell in the sun!

© Janet Buickerood Blue – 03/23/2022

If you’d like to try writing some poetry, check out Two Spoiled Cats on Thursdays for the following week’s inspiration photo. And while you’re visiting, please read Angel Sammy’s poem. He transmits it to Teddy from the Bridge, and he is a masterful poet. You can click on the poetry badge to go there now.

Thankful Thursday

Besides writing and presenting a poem on Thursdays, Kitties Blue and I also share the things for which we are thankful. My thankful is for Astrid and Sawyer. They curled up for a nice snuggle with me yesterday when it was cold and rainy. What more could a cat mom ask for? Cooper Murphy decided he was happy to nap nearby.

 

 

Sawyer, Dad Tom and I are thankful Sawyer went 11 days between his last two seizures. That is the longest interim in many, many weeks.

As always, Kitties Blue and I are thankful for your support and friendship.

Thankful Thursday is hosted by Brain. If you’d like to take part in the blog hop, post on your blog for what you are thankful, then link up at the URL posted on the Thankful badge.

Thanks for joining us today.

 

SPARK OF PERSEVERANCE

Sparks

 

spark perseverance - ginger cat simultaneously plays with two toys on elastic strings

 

Cooper Murphy is definitely displaying perseverance with a toy in each paw and his mouth around the elastic cord from which the mouse hangs. He’s a true multitasker when he isn’t snoozing. For a cat, being gifted at playing (and napping) is of great importance.

I am not a gifted writer, but I am a persistent one and always persevere. That’s all any of us can do.

I don’t think anyone needs an introduction to Madame Curie.

Sparks is the creation of Annie from McGuffy’s Reader. Sparks began as a blog hop, created by our friend. Annie stated when she began Sparks, “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

Even when Cooper Murphy isn’t showing off his belly, he is awww-adorable. If you missed his recent Reel (including his belly) on Instagram, you can check it out here. You can also find him joining the Awww Mondays blog hop at Comedy Plus. You can go there by clicking on the badge.

The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky

Our two fun loving tabbies, Periwinkle and Stinky, will be enjoying their next adventure tomorrow over at Friends Furever. These two youngsters have lots of fun when they are together and love taking you along with them. So please join them tomorrow!

TORTIE SPRINGTIME SELFIE

Sunday Selfies: Week #396

Are you ready for a surprise? Look who is back today to share a selfie.

 

tortie cat, Astrid's, springtime selfie

 

Unbelievably, this is Astrid’s second consecutive selfie, and she was here on Thursday as well. Lately, she has been spending lots and lots and lots of time on my lap. She can’t get away from taking a selfie when she does that, especially as she prevents me from doing anything other than petting and talking to her.

As usual she got her face so close to the iPad screen, I had difficulty adding anything to her photo. I had promised yesterday that we’d have a springtime theme for the first day of spring, and I was able to sneak some flowers in the corners of the photo.

It’s Time to Hop

So it’s your turn to share your selfie with us and all your friends. You know you are adorable, and we know you are adorable, so flaunt your cuteness here. If you’d like to do something special for spring, that would be super cool, but, of course, unnecessary.

We look forward to seeing you today, but you can link up anytime between now and Thursday.

Astrid, all the Kitties Blue and I appreciate your support and participation.

Have a great first day of spring.