August 2023

WEDDING DAY BLUES SANS FELINES

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

If it is Thursday, I am going to be writing poetry based on an inspiration photo provided by Angel Sammy and Teddy from Two Spoiled Cats. Here’s this week’s photo.

Wedding Day Blues Felines: Bride looking under the hood of a vintage car while groom sits on sidelines.

I really wanted to load up this car with some of Kitties Blue staring out the windows! Unfortunately coming up with a poem to match that scenario proved exceedingly difficult. So here’s my poem sans felines.

Wedding Day Blues

The ceremony was magical.
The reception beautiful and perfect.
Now we are left in this predicament−
stranded on the side of the road.
Renting this fancy, vintage auto
was my groom’s lame-brained idea.
He knows nothing about cars and sits
miserably moping and mumbling, no help
at all. My high school auto mechanics class
helped me identify the problem, but I have
no tools to make the repair. Cell phone
service is non-existent. Our only hope
is another car passing along this
deserted stretch of road. I’m not holding
my breath. So much for the honeymoon.

If you’d like to join in the fun of writing poetry, click on Angel Sammy’s poetry badge. That will take you over to Two Spoiled Cats where you can find next week’s inspiration photo. You’ll also be able to check out Angel Sammy’s poem for this week. He always writes a great one!

Thankful Thursday

Kitties Blue and I like to share our thankfuls each week and participate in Brian’s Thankful Thursday blog hop. Here’s our thankfuls for this week.

To me it appears that after eight days of treatment, the cyst in Misty May’s eye has shrunk some. Dad Tom and I are very thankful for this. I will be calling the vet tomorrow to see if we can get another week’s worth of serum to treat it in the hopes it will shrink even more.

We are always thankful that we live in an area that is rarely effected by devastating storms and other natural disasters. We are praying for everyone in Lahaina, where fires are burning again, and all those who were and continue to be in the path of hurricane Idalia.

Kitties Blue and I are always thankful to everyone who follows, visits and comments on our posts. We are grateful for your friendship and support.

If you’d like to participate in Brian’s Thankful Thursday blog hop, post on your blog the things for which you are thankful, then click on the badge below to go to Brian’s Home and link up.

OUR BURROWING, UNDERCOVER CAT

Wordless Wednesday

burrowing undercover cat: a pile of afghans and a bedspread covering up a cat that burrowed underneath.

The unseen Kizmet will be participating in the Wordless Wednesday blog hop at Comedy Plus. You can do the same by clicking on the WW badge.

August 30, 2023 by Janet Blue Wordless Wednesday 15

RAINBOW BRIDGE REMEMBRANCE DAY 2023

Kitties Blue Angels + Two

Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day was created in 2015 by Deb Barnes from The Chronicles of Zee & Zoey in honor and remembrance of her cat, Mr. Jazz. On this day, bloggers remember their pets that have become angels and flown off to the Rainbow Bridge. I am thankful that no Kitties Blue left us in the past year.

I am, however, remembering the 13 Kitties Blue who watch over us as well as Mau’s wife, Allie, and Lisbeth’s boyfriend, Charles. They were all deeply loved and will never be forgotten. I also remember all those angel kitties, woofies and other pets of our friends and fellow bloggers.

Kitties Blue angels A collage with 15 cats which have become angels and gone to the Rainbow Bridge along with a sign for Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day.

Top Row L to R: Skooter, Steamer, Daphne, Thelma; Row 2 L to R: Louise, Chloe, Twinkle, Lily Olivia, Row 3 L to R: Madison, MacKenzie, Fiona; Row 4 L to R: Mau(ricio), Giulietta, Allie, Charles

Awww Mondays

All these beautiful cats will be popping over to Comedy Plus for the Awww Mondays blog hop. If you’d like to join them there, click on the badge below.

Sparks

In keeping with the theme of today’s post, I have two Sparks about angels, as I could not decide which I liked best.

A Rainbow background with two quotes about angels, one from NLE Choppa and one from Anton Chekhov

I like to believe that those diamonds are all our angel loved ones, including our pets, looking down and watching over us. That’s why I think these two quotes are the perfect companions.

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.”

The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky

It’s time again for our two fun-loving tabbies, Periwinkle & Stinky, to take-off on another adventure. Periwinkle is responsible for planning their adventure this week. So, in order to join in the excitement, you’ll need to stop in at her blog, Friends Furever tomorrow. Adventures are always more fun with lots of friends coming along, which means they’ll be looking for you. Please don’t let them down.

Thanks for joining us today and remembering our angels with us.

Kitties Blue angels border

August 28, 2023 by Janet Blue Angel Cat Awww Mondays Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day Sparks 16

PEEK-A-BOO SELFIE

Sunday Selfies: Week #471

peek-a-boo selfie: A pale ginger tabby cat peeks out of a hole in a cover over a cat tree.

Rain or shine Kitties Blue like their catio. We try to cover the cat tree when we know it’s going to rain. That doesn’t stop them from burrowing under the cover and getting in the tree. They have made a few additional ways to enter and exit with the help of their claws. Raleigh’s playing peek-a-boo with his head poking through one of those holes.

Raleigh would love it if you’d join him today on the blog hop. Everything is more fun when friends join in. If you don’t post on Sundays, that is never a problem. Our hop is always open through Thursday.

Looking forward to seeing you. And please do not forget to have an easy Sunday.

August 27, 2023 by Janet Blue Sunday Selfies 20

CATNIP COMA

Caturday Art

Two cats are in a catnip coma atop a table in an "artified" photo in colors of aqua, blue, pink, purple and yellow.

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A few weeks ago I shared some Caturday Art of Calista Jo passed out on the catio table, after imbibing in some homegrown nip. It was in the post, “Nip-Induced Nap.” Today, I have both Kizmet (on the left) and C.J. (again) on the right. I guess our homegrown nip is pretty good stuff!

I used Painnt to create my art. This is the Desigual effect, which I tinkered with to the point that I am unable to tell you exactly what I did. To that I added the Flower Power filter from piZap as well as a frame from the favpng app.

And, of course, there is a puzzle. I hope you enjoy it!

112 Catnip Coma Cats

The girls will be participating in the Caturday Art blog hop hosted by the lovely Athena Cat Goddess Wise Kitty. You can join them there by clicking on Athena’s badge.

Sunday Selfies Reminder

I cannot believe tomorrow is the last Sunday of the month. Two-thirds of 2023 is nearly behind us. I absolutely do not know where the minutes, hours, days, weeks, months and years go. Though, whenever I look in the mirror, I see every one of those moments in time on my face and body. So what does that have to do with Sunday Selfies? Absolutely nothing! It’s just how I’m feeling as I finish this post. Hope it’s okay I shared that with all of you.

As far as Sunday Selfies go, your host has been identified and the selfie already snapped. I won’t have to chase any of the Kitties Blue down today. That’s always a relief. But I am not giving any hints as to which of the Kitties Blue it is. You will have to stop in to find out.

Thanks so much for joining us today. See you mañana.

August 26, 2023 by Janet Blue Caturday Art Blog Hop Doozy of a Snoozy Jigsaw Puzzle Nipheads 12

THREE CATIO CATS

Feline Friday

Three cats are on the catio with a cat tree in the foreground: two ginger tabbies and one torbie actually in the tree.

Dad Tom got this terrific photo of Audrey, Cooper Murphy and Raleigh enjoying the catio on Wednesday. I think they were just hanging out, but they might have been plotting a coup.

They’ll be joining the Feline Friday blog hop hosted by messy mimi’s meanderings. If you’d like to do the same, click on the badge below.

Friendly Fill-Ins

The Friendly Fill-Ins blog hop is hosted each Friday by Ellen (15 And Meowing) and Lorianne (Four-Legged Furballs). The sentences to be filled in can be found on their blogs each Thursday. To join the hop, click on the badge at the left.

The Fill-Ins are always easier to complete when I get help from one or more of the Kitties Blue. My most faithful assistant is Sawyer, and he is back today with a fill-in for #4. We both used teal italics for our completions.

I apologize for not completing Fill-Ins #1 and #2. I absolutely could not think of a fill-in for either.

1. A word I have trouble pronouncing is ?. (A few decades ago, I had a problem with the word potpourri. I am certain words exist that I cannot pronounce, but that would be because I do not know the word.)
2. A word I usually spell wrong is ?. (For years I could not spell occasion, but I finally figured it out.)
3. If I had not followed Tom from California to Missouri, my life would be very different.
4. Sawyer: Continuing to look at Mom or Dad with an expectant expression and smacking my lips is the best way to get treats.

So that’s it for today. Kitties Blue and I appreciate you for joining us. We will return tomorrow with some Caturday Art.

August 25, 2023 by Janet Blue Feline Friday Friendly Friday Fill-Ins Kitties Blue 11

THE ART SHOW WITH KITTIES BLUE & THANKFULS

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

And art show at Montmartre with the addition of four cats (Kitties Blue) and cat art.

Here we go again—another Thursday means another poem based on an inspiration photo provided by Angel Sammy and Teddy from Two Spoiled Cats. As I tend to do when possible, I have added four of the Kitties Blue crew to the photo. They are fairly small, so you may have to hunt for them. If you enlarge the photo a bit, you may also see some of the current and past Kitties Blue in the art.

Now here’s my poem along with an apology. I do not consider this poem finished. I think it needs another stanza, but I just cannot come up with one at this time. Back in the 80s, I participated in a two-week-long poetry workshop at Redford University. The instructor was a well-known southern poet, Jeff Daniel Marion*. Something he said in that workshop has stuck with me all these years. He said that most poems are never completed but just abandoned. That’s how I feel about this one.

As you read the poem, imagine Calista Jo, Sawyer, Astrid and Lisbeth having a conversation.

The Art Show With Kitties Blue

What a wonderful place for a stroll,
as long as we watch our toes!
When humans are distracted looking at art,
they may trip on us, and that would smart.

I like all the colors and patterns in the art,
but mostly I like that some cats are included as part
of the exhibition and sale—and not just any felines.
Some Kitties Blue are included in the designs.

I see some of our angels as well.
Mau and Madison and Daphne prevail.
But I also observe Cooper Murphy and Calista Jo
displayed in this sale and colorful show.

What an honor is this inclusion of Kitties Blue.
I wish we had money so we could purchase a few
to take home as gifts for Mom and Dad.
They might feel sad at seeing their angels but also glad.

∗ Numerous web-sites about Marion and his poetry exist. To find out more about him or read his works, search him by name on Google.

Thankful Thursday

Kitties Blue and I like to share our thankfuls each week and participate in Brian’s Thankful Thursday blog hop. Here’s what we are thankful for this week.

♥ Misty May is thankful for the prayers and POTP, as we treat her for the corneal ulcer on her left eye.
♥ All of us are thankful that Dad Tom found a new hummingbird feeder that ants cannot infiltrate.
♥ Dad Tom and I are thankful we did not contract COVID at the funeral we attended, as some others did.
♥ Periwinkle & Stinky are thankful that so many of you joined their sunflower adventure at Beaver Dam Farm. If you missed it, here’s the link: “THE ADVENTURES OF PERIWINKLE & STINKY: PART CXCVIII.”
♥ Kitties Blue and I are thankful for all of you who visit, read our posts and comment. And we thank you for joining us today.

If you’d like to participate in Brian’s Thankful Thursday blog hop, post on your blog the things for which you are thankful, then click on the badge below to go to Brian’s Home and link up.

August 24, 2023 by Janet Blue Kitties Blue Paris Poetry Thankful Thursday Thoroughly Poetic Thursday 11

A REPORT FROM MISTY MAY

Take Your Cat to the Vet Day

Take Your Cat to the Vet Day badge I honestly didn’t take Stinky and Periwinkle seriously when they posted yesterday that I’d be going to the vet on Take Your Cat to the Vet Day. But, they were right, and I am not too pleased about it. I caterwauled all the way there and most of the way home. Of course, I was the purrfect angel while there. This does, however, show my displeasure at being kept waiting to see Dr. McBane. I have always been impatient, but I have grown worse with my advanced age.

: Tuxedo Cat with an eye ulcer sitting on the exam table at the vet.

The vet tech, Monet, was very nice. She said that I am older than she is, which made Mom laugh. She also weighed me, and Mom and I were both pleased that I weigh about three-and-a-half pounds, which is more than we thought.

My Eye Problem

If you look closely at the corner of my left eye, you will see an ulcer. On Monday, it was just a little blister, which is when Mom made the appointment for me to see Dr. McBane. By yesterday morning it had grown so big that I could no longer totally close my eye.

Dr. McBane told us that I have an ulcer on my cornea. This is not a good thing. If I was younger, I would go to a veterinary ophthalmologist and have surgery. But both Mom and Dr. McBane agree that is not a very good idea at my age. So I am getting two different drops in my eye. One I get every four hours and the other every six hours. I also am supposed to be getting a liquid antibiotic, but it is on backorder from the manufacturer, and none of the pharmacies in town have it. We hope to get an alternate prescription from Dr. McBane today.

Dr. McBane could not give us a prognosis at this time, but I will no longer have vision in my left eye. I’ve been deaf for a few years, and that hasn’t bothered me, so I know I will adapt to this as well.

Otherwise, I am doing quite well. Mom and Dad feed me whenever I ask, and I continue to enjoy sunpuddles on the catio.

Prayers & POTP Please

I could use a little help, however, from all my friends. Mom and Dad and I would really appreciate it if you could send some prayers and POTP my way. We have no idea what the outcome of my treatment will be, but I promise to keep you all informed.

Finally, this is what I thought of the whole experience.

Take Your Cat to the Vet Day: Tuxedo cat sitting on the exam table at the vet with her back to the camera.

Purrs and paw-pats, Misty May

Wordless Wednesday

Though, Misty may has been quite wordy today, I told her it would be okay to participate in the Wordless Wednesday blog hop at Comedy Plus. You can join her there by clicking on the WW badge.

August 23, 2023 by Janet Blue Health Take Your Cat to the Vet Day Wordless Wednesday 21

🌻 THE ADVENTURES OF PERIWINKLE & STINKY: PART CXCVIII 🌻

Take Your Cat to the Vet Day

Stinky has planned a nice quiet adventure for today and is looking forward to Periwinkle’s arrival. When he hears the familiar whoosh from the tunnel, he sprints to its opening and is ready to catch Periwinkle when she comes tumbling out. They spend several minutes whisker kissing, paw hugging and catching up on the occurrences of the past week.

Stinky is ready when Periwinkle asks what the plan is for the day, but he doesn’t tell her immediately. First he tells her that they have a PSA. “Today is National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day. Actually Misty May is going to the vet today, as she has some kind of growth on her left eye. Mom says that she’ll keep everyone posted after she is seen,” Stinky tells Periwinkle.

“I am so sorry to hear about Misty May,” Periwinkle says.

“Thanks, Periwinkle. I am certain not every cat will be going to the vet today, but it is a good reminder for people with cats needing check-ups to call and get an appointment. You and I are definitely lucky that we never have to see a vet.”

Be An Angel Day

Stinky continues, “It is also Be an Angel Day. My mom thought we could have an adventure where you and I shared all the angels from both our homes with our readers. I thought that was a great idea, but with the huge gathering of cats we had two weeks ago, I thought that would just be too much. So I planned something for just the two of us.”

“Stinky, I like the way you think! So, what’s the plan?”

“Let’s hop back into the teleportation tunnel. We are not going too far, so it will be a quick trip, and you can see what I have planned.” The tabbies do just that, and moments later arrive at their destination.

Beaver Dam Farm – Buchanan, VA

Periwinkle Stinky sunflowers: field of sunflowers

When Periwinkle sees what is stretching out in front of them, she is unable to speak, which rarely happens. She finally regains her voice and says, “Stinky, I have never seen so many sunflowers. This is beautiful! Where are we?”

“This is Beaver Dam Farm in Buchanan, Virginia. Every year they have a Sunflower Festival. It was started in 2016 to help diversify the Beaver Dam Farm dairy income. This year’s festival is from September 8 to 18. I asked if we could come early, so we wouldn’t be trampled on by all the people who come to the festival every year.”

Periwinkle Stinky sunflowers: field of sunflowers with two cartoon tabby cats

“It’s really cloudy, Stinky. Do you think it’s going to rain?” asks Periwinkle.

“No, it’s supposed to clear up,” Stinky tells her. “I see you have found a sunflower for your furs. You look lovely. ”

“Thanks,” says Periwinkle and gives Stinky a kiss on the cheek.

Stinky takes her paw and leads her into the flower field.

Periwinkle Stinky sunflowers: A large sunflower in the foreground of aa field of sunflowers.

“Stinky, look, they have corn planted among the sunflowers. I wonder why they do that?”

Periwinkle Stinky sunflowers: Sunflower and a corn stalk with two ears of corn

Planting Corn and Sunflowers Together

Stinky tells Periwinkle, “I noticed that in some of the photos my dad has taken here in past years, and looked up the reason: Sunflowers attract ladybugs, which eat aphids, fruit flies, mites and other insects that plague corn. Both the corn and sunflowers produce chemicals that increase corn production and enhance the taste. In addition, the roots of the corn plants can go after and utilize nutrients and water deeper in the soil than any other crop. The sunflowers take advantage of these root channels and follow them to extend further into the soil to find even more nutrients and water.”

“Thanks, Stinky, that is very interesting, and I can always depend on you to do the research for our adventures,” Periwinkle tells him.

Getting Up Close

“Look, Periwinkle, I’m almost as tall as this sunflower.”

Periwinkle Stinky sunflowers: Field of sunflowers with male cartoon tabby. cat in the foreground

“Stinky, you climbed the stalk didn’t you? You better be careful. I am not certain that stalk can support you.” Stinky jumps down before the sunflower bends over and dumps him on the ground.

“Stinky will you boost me up so I can get close to the flowers like you did?” Stinky helps periwinkle climb up on his shoulders.

Periwinkle Stinky sunflowers; Field of sunflowers with female cartoon tabby cat standing on the shoulders of male cartoon tabby cat.

“Thank you, Stinky. My head is almost as big as this sunflower.”

Periwinkle Stinky sunflowers: Closeup of a sunflower with head of female cartoon tabby cat

“Stinky, this really is wonderful to get to enjoy these happy flowers out in the fields and fresh air.”

“I totally agree, Periwinkle. We always have sunflowers in our yard every summer, as the birds drop the seeds everywhere. Unfortunately, unless they are in the window box or the containers where Dad grows herbs and his peppers, the groundhogs eat them.”

“That is too bad, Stinky.”

Periwinkle Stinky sunflowers: large sunflower in foreground with field of sunflowers behind.

“Stinky, it sure would be nice if we could each take a flower home to our moms.”

“We can, Periwinkle. The owners of the farm have one for each of us.”

Periwinkle Stinky sunflowers: Two cartoon tabby cats in front of a field of sunflowers and each holding a sunflower

“It looks as if the fog and clouds are returning, so I guess it is time to return to my house, Periwinkle. I don’t know about you, but I could use a snack.”

“Me too, Stinky!” Periwinkle and Stinky reenter their tunnel for the trip to Stinky’s house.

At Home

When they return to Stinky’s house, he gives his mom the sunflower, and she fixes a snack for the two tabbies. When they finish, they go out to the catio to visit with Stinky’s fursibs. While on the catio, Periwinkle notices not only a sunflower in the yard but also a bunny. Can we visit with the bunny?” Periwinkle asks.

Stinky tells her, “of course,” and leads Periwinkle to the yard. The two cats spend a few minutes visiting with the bunny.

Periwinkle Stinky sunflowers: Two cartoon tabby cats, a live bunny and a live sunflower.

Then it is time for Periwinkle to head home with her sunflower for Mom Sharon. Stinky leads her to the tunnel. They share whisker kisses and paw hugs, and with a wave and a blown kiss, Periwinkle is gone in a whoosh.

Stinky returns to the catio for a nap with the other Kitties Blue as well as dreams of Periwinkle.

The End

Periwinkle & Stinky will be joining the Happy Tuesday blog hop at Comedy Plus. Please join them there by clicking on the badge below.

August 22, 2023 by Janet Blue Happy Tuesday The Adventures of Stinky & Periwinkle 14

LAUGH AT LIFE & LOOK FOR HAPPINESS

Sparks

I have been feeling particularly sad lately with the fires, floods, storms, mass shootings, dying sea coral and so many other disasters. One of the best ways, I have found, to deal with sadness is through laughter. When I found this quote from Red Skelton, it seemed perfect.

laugh life happiness: A sad looking dilute tortoise shell cat with her head resting on a grey stuffed cat.

I think Calista Jo needs to laugh a little, as she is is looking pretty sad in her photo. Nevertheless, I think the photo works well with the Spark.

Awww Mondays

Calista Jo will be popping over to Comedy Plus to join the Awww Mondays blog hop. If you would like to participate, click on the badge below.

The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky

It’s time again for our fun-loving tabbies, Periwinkle & Stinky, to take-off on another adventure. It’s Stinky’s turn to plan their adventure. He has not confided in me his plans. So, I’ll be right here tomorrow to check out what they get up to. And, I know, Periwinkle and Stinky will be looking for you as well. Adventures are always more fun with lots of friends coming along.

Thanks for joining us today.

August 21, 2023 by Janet Blue Awww Mondays Sparks 17

YOU
For Fiona

It seems like only yesterday…
You were just a kitten.
When I saw your pleading look,
I was completely smitten.

Now at only six years old,
You are getting ready to leave,
Soon you will have your wings.
I’ve already started to grieve.

You’ve fought hard for the past year,
And I’m not ready to say good-bye.
I can’t imagine you not in my life
I am so sad…today I had to cry.

I am grateful and blessed
For my six years with you.
You’ll live in my heart forever.
You’re one of the best ever Kitties Blue.

YESTERDAY

Many yesterdays have passed since
You gained your angel wings. Today
Is six months since you left us behind
To remember and mourn. Our hearts
Continue to hurt, and we miss
You as much as the day you left.
Giulietta whined from the catio
Yesterday as I worked in the yard.
I know you put her up to it. That
Was your way of getting me to,
Allow you to join me as I
Gardened. You were there with me
In spirit. With every meow
I thought of you and how much I miss
Your sweet face and disposition.
In these past few months, many friends
Have traveled your same path in your
paw-steps. I am certain you were
Waiting to greet them with purrs and hugs.
I pray you and your friends are laughing,
Frolicking and having fun together.
Picturing that makes me smile, but
Does not lessen my sadness at your
No longer being here to snuggle
And receive our love, care and kisses.
Fiona, please do not ever forget
You are still and always will be loved.

ONE YEAR MISSING YOU

One year has passed since you flew away,
And I still think of you everyday.
I see your sweet face in my mind’s eye
And wish we’d never had to say good-bye.
It’s nice you’ve sent us kitties needing a family,
But my dearest love, we are now at capacity.
You thought it would take more than one cat
To take your place in our habitat.
We love Cooper Murphy and baby Sawyer dearly
But thinking either could replace you makes me teary.
You were one-of-a-kind and will stay in my heart
Until the day I join you and we’re no longer apart.
When once again I can hold you in my arms
And revel in all your love and feline charms.
Together with you and all who have passed.
I will spend eternity contemplating how blessed
I was to share my life with my furry children,
Each and every one of you one-in-a billion.

UNTIL

I miss you each day.
Until we meet in heaven,
The pain will remain.

ONE OF A KIND

I don’t know how to say good-bye.
I thought you were invincible; though,
You used up many of your nine lives.
You ruled us all with an iron paw;
Never took “no” for an answer
And always got your way.
If not, you’d bark to signal your
Displeasure and sometimes raise a paw.
I always joked that you were bi-polar.
When I told people you were a calico
They immediately understood what I meant.
Today was unnaturally quiet in the house.
Can a home seem empty with eight cats?
I will miss waking up at night to find you
Sitting next to me and staring at me.
I will miss you yelling at us as you did
When you wanted breakfast and dinner.
I will miss watching you lounging and snoozing
On the porch settee on a warm afternoon.
But most of all I will miss your kisses!
When kitten Sawyer befriended you,
We suspect you were imparting your
Wisdom and secrets for controlling us.
Time will tell if he was a good listener.
But whatever he may have learned,
Neither Sawyer nor any other cat
Can or will replace you in our hearts.
Lily Olivia, you were one-of-a-kind.