Dad Tom’s Photography

THE BIRD OBSERVER

Wordless Wednesday

 

A collage with two birds and a torbie cat.

 

Audrey and her birdie friends will be participating in the Wordless Wednesday blog hop at Comedy Plus. To do the same, click on the WW badge.

Wordless Wednesday badge

Looking Back

Today’s Looking Back post is also a Wordless Wednesday post. It is from October 24, 2012 and features two adorable kittens, Mau and Misty May. You can visit it by clicking on the title, “Kittens’ Paws Never Touch the Ground.” If you enjoy seeing this photo from 2004, Kitties Blue and I hope you’ll leave us a comment that post.

Thanks for joining us today.

 

THE ADVENTURES OF PERIWINKLE & STINKY: PART CXC

Periwinkle is quite curious about today’s adventure. Stinky asked her to get to his house before the sun comes up. Not being a fan of missing out on her beauty sleep, she groaned when she got his text. But not wanting to miss out on spending the day with Stinky, she does as he asked.

Stinky is waiting with open paws when she comes tumbling from the teleportation tunnel with the usual whoosh. After a brief whisker kiss and paw hug, Stinky leads her back into the tunnel. Moments later, they arrive at their destination.

 

two cartoon tabby cats standing on a rock cliff beneath and cable-hung swinging bridge.

Sunrise

Immediately Periwinkle sees why Stinky wanted her to arrive so early at his house. The sun is just coming up over the mountain.

 

The sun coming up behind a mountain with a swinging bridge in the foreground.

 

“Stinky, this is breathtaking. Where are we?”

“That is Grandfather Mountain in the distance. It is 5,946 feet above northwest North Carolina and is part of the United Nations’ Southern Appalachian Biosphere Reserve. The mountain is estimated to be 300 million years old, and certain rock formations date back 1.2 billion years.”

Mile High Swinging Bridge

“Wow,” is all Periwinkle can say. Stinky asks her is she would like to go across the Mile High Swinging Bridge, as it will give them a 360-degree panoramic view. She declines but asks Stinky to tell her about it.

“Well, it is America’s highest suspension bridge. It is more than one mile in elevation, in other words 5,280 feet above sea level, and is 228-feet long. The chasm below is 80 feet.”

“Yep, I definitely don’t want to go out on it,” says Periwinkle.

Stinky takes Periwinkle’s paw as if to drag her toward the Bridge. She swats him away, and he grabs her in a big hug. He whispers to her that he’d never force her to do anything.

Stinky continues to tell Periwinkle about the bridge. “The original bridge cost $15,000 to construct and was fabricated in Greensboro. It was erected atop the mountain, which took three weeks. It was dedicated in 1952 and rebuilt in 1999. The rebuild used its original towers. Galvanized steel was used to replace the flooring, cables and side rails. The cost to rebuild it was $300,000. Unlike the original bridge, this one swings very little due to its improved construction. It does, however, sing—somewhat like a harmonica.”

The thought of that makes Periwinkle giggle.

Exploring Grandfather Mountain

The tabbies spend the next few hours exploring the area.

 

Two cartoon tabby cats among trees and foliage with a mountain in the background.

 

Stinky has to do a little climbing, and Periwinkle, as usual, admonishes him to be careful.

 

Purple rhododendron plants in foreground with mountains in the clouds in the background.

 

“Stinky, look how gorgeous these rhododendrons are. I wish we could pick some to take home to our moms.” 

“That would definitely get us in trouble. We have some blooming at my house. They aren’t as colorful, but if you like, you can take some of those home to Mom Sharon.”

“Thanks, Stinky.”

 

Two cartoon tabby cats wearing hats and having a picnic at the foot of a mountain.

 

“Oh boy, thanks for planning a picnic, Stinky. I am famished from all this hiking.”

“Me too.”

After lunch and a short nap, Periwinkle asks Stinky, “What’s next?”

“We are going to see Mildred the Bear.”

Periwinkle gives Stinky a quizzical look, as he takes her paw.

Wilson Center for Nature Discovery

 

Statue of a mother back bear standing on her hind legs with three cubs at her feet and two cartoon tabby cats.

 

Outside the Center, Stinky and Periwinkle find Mildred the Bear.  Stinky immediately climbs up on her front leg. Periwinkle decides not to say anything and jumps on the back of one of the cubs. “Oh Stinky, I thought Mildred was going to be a real bear,” exclaims Periwinkle.

“She was at one time. Mildred was born in 1966 at the the Atlanta Zoo. Two years later, Mildred needed a home in the wilderness and was brought to Grandfather Mountain to help increase the black bear population. She came with a male bear, but the moment he was released he disappeared. Mildred lived to age 26 and during that time birthed her own cubs as well as cared for orphaned cubs.”

“That is very cool, Stinky.”

“There is a lot more to the story. If our readers would like to read about Mildred, they can check out the website, Only in Our State, or read the book, Mildred the Bear, by Hugh Morton.

“Let’s go inside, Stinky.”

“Good idea. There is loads to see here, but it’s about time for us to head home. My dad, however, who has been here before, told me about something we should see. This is part of the Fauna Wall, which shows the diversity of species in the area with bird sculptures and animal imagery.

 

Collage with four different types of birds.

Clockwise from upper left corner: Rose Breasted Grosbeak, Wood Thrush, Eastern Screech Owl and Downy Woodpecker.

 

“These are really beautiful, Stinky. I don’t know if we have these birds in Florida, as I have never seen them around my house.”

“I have seen woodpeckers at my house, but I don’t know about the others, As I said, there is lots to see here. Our readers can find a list at Grandfather/Wilson Center.

Heading Home

“So, Periwinkle, it does seem to be time to head home,” says Stinky, as he takes her paw and leads her to the teleportation tunnel. Moments later they arrive at Stinky’s house. After a quick visit with Stinky’s fursibs and parents, Stinky and Periwinkle head to the yard to collect some rhododendron flowers for Mom Sharon. Finally, it is time for Periwinkle to head back to her house. She and Stinky spend several minutes paw hugging and whisker kissing before Periwinkle enters the tunnel. And then with a wave and a whoosh she is gone.

Stinky heads to the catio to nap and dream of Periwinkle.

The End

Periwinkle and Stinky will be participating in the Happy Tuesday blog hop at Comedy Plus. You can join them there by clicking on the badge below.

 

 

 

KIZMET’S DISAPPROVING STARE & A SPARK

Awww Mondays

 

Grey cat sitting on a wrapped gift.

 

Kizmet parked herself on top of her dad’s Father’s Day gift and did not want to move, as you can see by the expression on her face. I suspect she knew that his gift was wrapped in a Cat Lady box, and she could smell the catnip toys that had once been inside.

Even if Kizmet appears disapproving, I still think she is awwwdorable enough to join the Awww Mondays blog hop at Comedy Plus. If you would like to meet her there, click on the Awww badge.

 

Kizmet is also participating in International Box Day

International Box day badge

 

Sparks

 

Purple Asian clematis with the following quote porinted on the photo, "I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge. That myth is more potent than history. That dreams are more powerful than facts. That hope always triumphs over experience. That laughter is the only cure for grief. And I believe that love is stronger than death." by Robert Fulghum

 

I found this Spark after our friend, Raz (Friends Furever), got his wings. I think you can intuit why it spoke to me.

The author of today’s Spark, Robert Lee Fulghum, is an 86-year-old, American author and Unitarian Universalist minister. Fulghum is best known for his first collection of writings, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.

The photograph is one of Dad Tom’s.

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 fun-loving tabbies, Periwinkle & Stinky, to take-off on another adventure. You can catch up with them tomorrow over at Friends Furever. It is Periwinkle’s turn to select what they are going to do. Whatever it is, you know the two have more fun when you join them. So, they’ll be looking for you tomorrow.

Thanks for joining us today.

THE ADVENTURES OF PERIWINKLE & STINKY: PART CLXXXIX

Periwinkle’s Arrival

Stinky is super excited for today’s adventure, especially as he and Periwinkle didn’t have one last week. He’s bouncing around the foyer waiting for Periwinkle’s arrival when she comes tumbling out of the teleportation tunnel. Before she can say a word, Stinky grabs her paw and leads her back into the tunnel for a quick trip to downtown Roanoke. When they arrive, Periwinkle is breathless from the quick turn-around. She is finally able to ask Stinky, “Where are we?”

The Virginia Museum of Transportation

“This is The Virginia Museum of Transportation, and we are going to visit the Queen of Steam,” Stinky replies.

Periwinkle gives him a quizzical look, to which Stinky does not respond. He just takes her paw and leads her through the building to the railroad tracks behind. That is when Periwinkle sees what he is referring to, and her mouth falls open in awe. ”Holy cow, Stinky, I think that is the biggest thing I have ever seen.”

The Queen of Steam

“That is the Norfolk & Western (N&W) Class J 611 Steam Locomotive, which was built here in the N&Ws East End Shops 73 years ago. It originally carried passenger cars between Norfolk, Virginia, and Cincinnati, Ohio, and also ferried the Southern Railway’s (SOU) passenger trains between Lynchburg, Virginia, and Bristol, Tennessee. The 611 has been in Pennsylvania for the past four years. It arrived back in Roanoke just 10 days ago,” Stinky explains.

 

Two cartoon tabby cats standing in front of a Class J #611 stream locomotive.

 

A Tour & a Few Facts

As they walk toward the locomotive, Stinky tells Periwinkle that of the 14 J Class locomotives built between 1940 and 1950, the 611 is the only one still in existence. It was first retired from service in 1959. All the others were taken out of service in 1958 and 1959, as the railroad began to experiment with diesel-fueled locomotives. Upon retirement, the 611 was donated to the Museum.

In 1982, J611 was restored to operation by the Norfolk Southern Railway (NS), N&W’s successor. It became the main line star of the NS steam program. It pulled excursion trains throughout the eastern United States.

 

Two cartoon tabby cats standing by the wheels of the Class J #611 locomotive.

 

“Wow, Stinky,  these wheels are huge. How much do you think the locomotive weighs? It must be a lot if it needs such huge wheels.”

“Just the locomotive weighs 494,000 pounds which is equivalent to 224.1 tons,” Stinky tells Periwinkle.

“That number is so big, I find it incomprehensible,” replies Periwinkle

“Come on, Periwinkle, let’s check out the front.”

 

Two tabby cats sitting on the front of the Class J #611 locomotive

 

“Stinky,  do you really think it is okay for us to climb up here?”

“These are actually steps behind us, and I don’t see any signs telling us we can’t,” Stinky tells Periwinkle. He also tells here that the streamlined appearance was designed by N&W Tool Supervisor, Franklin C. Noel.

The tabbies hop down after a few minutes to check out the inside of the locomotive.

 

Two tabby cats inside the engine room of the Class J #611 locomotive.

 

Periwinkle starts to get nervous when she sees Stinky eyeing the controls. “Don’t you dare touch those. You do not know how to drive a train, and I am certain that would get us in trouble,” Periwinkle admonishes Stinky. She then asks him how fast the locomotive can go? Stinky tells her that the maximum speed is 80 to 110 miles per hour.

Restoration & Excursions

Stinky explains that the 611 was retired again in late 1994, when NS ended its steam program. But, in early 2013, the Museum helped raise $3.5 million from 3,000 donors to once again restore J611 to operating condition. After a year of restoration work at the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, North Carolina, the locomotive returned to excursion service in mid-2015.

In 2017, the Virginia General Assembly designated the 611, also known as the Spirit of Virginia, as the official state steam locomotive. In 2019 and 2021-2023, No. 611 visited the Strasburg Rail Road (SRC) in Strasburg, Pennsylvania, running short tourist excursion trains in the Pennsylvania Dutch countryside.

“I don’t know if the 611 is now back in Roanoke permanently, but the plan is to begin offering excursions again later this summer. If that happens, I know my parents would want to take one,” Stinky tells Periwinkle.

“Oh, so would I,” replies Periwinkle.

“Okay, I promise to watch for news of any scheduled trips,” Stinky tells her.

Other Railway Cars at the Museum

“Stinky, can we check out a few of these other train cars?” asks Periwinkle.

“Sure, where do you want to start?”

Periwinkle points to a green passenger car.

 

Two cartoon tabby cats sitting on the back step of a vintage, green railway passenger car.

 

“Periwinkle, did you know that politicians used to take trains when they were campaigning. These trips were called ‘whistle stop tours.’ The politician would make a series of quick appearances or speeches at small town railway stations over a short period of time. They would stand on the platform above us and give their campaign speech.”

“That is super interesting, Stinky. Let’s go check out that caboose next,” suggests Periwinkle.

 

Two cartoon tabby cats standing in the doorway of a caboose.

 

“Stinky, why don’t most trains have cabooses anymore?”

“There are a few reasons. Trains became really long and the conductor could no longer see the entire train from the caboose. Also, ends of freight trains now are monitored by remote radio equipment called ‘End of Train’ devices, or EOTs. The small boxes fit over the rear coupler and are coupled into the train’s air brake line.”

“That sounds very technical, but I think I understand,” replies Periwinkle.

A Final Memory Photo

“Periwinkle, I am not exactly sure what this sign means, but I think it would be a fun place for a memory photo.”

“That sounds cool. Let’s do it.”

 

Two cartoon tabby cats in front of a sign painted on the Class J #611 locomotive, which reads, "Stocker Slides Removed from This Tender Be Careful of exposed and Black Smoke is Waste Be Careful"

 

After their photo, the tabbies hop down and head to the teleportation tunnel for the return trip to Stinky’s house.

At Stinky’s House

When Periwinkle and Stinky arrive at his house, they tell his parents and fursibs all about their adventure. Then, Stinky’s mom fixes them a snack, which they enjoy on the front porch. Finally it is time for Periwinkle. to return home. The tabbies share lots of whisker kisses and paw hugs before Periwinkle enters the teleportation tunnel. Finally, with one last wave, she enters and is gone in a whoosh.

Stinky heads to the catio for a nap and dreams of Periwinkle.

The End

 

 

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

 

DON’T GIVE IN!

Sparks

 

Photo fo a squirrel on his hind legs with front paws folded in from of him with the quote, "Remembering what you've been through and how that has strengthened your mindset can lift you out of a negative brain loop and help you bypass those weak, one-second impulses to give in. Even if you're feeling low and beat down by life right now, I guarantee you can think of a time or two when you overcame odds and tasted success," by David Goggins.

 

You are probably wondering why I chose this photo of a squirrel taken by Dad Tom for today’s Spark. To me it looks as if he is pleading with us to take the advice of David Goggins. I think it is a message all of us need to take to heart.

I was unfamiliar with David Goggins, so suspect you may be as well. He is a 48-year-old retired United States Navy SEAL who served in the Iraq War. He’s also an ultramarathoner, ultra-distance cyclist, triathlete, public speaker and author. His first memoir, Can’t Hurt Me, was released in 2018. A sequel, Never Finished, was published in 2022.

Sparks badgeSparks 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

I think you’ll agree that our squirrel friend is awwwdorable and deserves to participate in the Awww Mondays blog hop at Comedy Plus. If you’d like to join him on the hop, click on the Awww badge below.

 

The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky

Those two fun-loving tabbies, Periwinkle & Stinky, skipped their adventure last week to be with Mom Sharon (Friends Furever) following the passing of Raz, Periwinkle’s real cat brofur. So, after a week’s hiatus, they’ll be adventuring tomorrow. Stinky has not shared what he has planned, so you’ll definitely need to return here tomorrow to see what they get up to and into. They always have more fun when you join them.

 

WHERE’S THE NIP? & A SPARK

Awww Mondays

 

Ginger tabby with his tongue out tasting a basil plant.

 

Cooper Murphy was disappointed to find this was not catnip but basil.  Kitties Blue do have a live catnip plant, so life is still good.

Coop is joining the Awww Mondays blog hop at Comedy Plus. You can do the same by clicking on the Awww badge.

 

Sparks

 

Speckled petunias in purple and white and red and white with the following quote: "We must welcome the future, remembering that soon it will be the past; and we must respect the past, remembering that it was once all that was humanly possible," by George Santayana.

 

Being sad over the loss of another kitty friend, I was looking for a Spark to represent how I am feeling. I didn’t find anything that expressed that, but this quote did speak to me. I have used one of Dad Tom’s photos from our anniversary trip to Hope and Glory Inn to display it.

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

Normally, I would be reminding you that Periwinkle & Stinky would be having a new adventure tomorrow and that you could find them right here enjoying it. However, our two fun-loving tabbies, along with myself, think that an adventure tomorrow would not be appropriate, and none of us feel we would enjoy it much. With Periwinkle’s real cat brofur, Raz, recently flying off to the Bridge, Periwinkle and Stinky have decided to take the day off to spend some extra time with Friends Furever‘s Mom Sharon, Noelle and Reesie. You can find them back here next Tuesday, most likely getting into some mischief and definitely having fun.

Thanks for understanding.

 

 

 

GINGER AWWW & MEMORIAL DAY SPARK

Awww Mondays

I honestly believe there is nothing more awwwdorable than a ginger cat.

 

Large ginger cat sleeping on his face.

 

Cooper Murphy is proving my point as well as joining the Awww Mondays blog hop at Comedy Plus. You can do the same by clicking on the Awww badge.

Memorial Day Spark

 

Photograph of the American cemetery in Normandy, France, with a quote from Barack Obama: We, the People, recognize that we have responsibilities as well as rights; that our destinies are bound together; that a freedom which only asks what's in it for me, a freedom without a commitment to others, a freedom without love or charity or duty or patriotism, is unworthy of our founding ideals, and those who died in their defense.

 

Today we remember all those, including service animals. who gave their lives for our freedom!

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

Your favorite, fun-loving tabbies, Periwinkle & Stinky, will be setting off on a new adventure tomorrow. You’ll be able to find them on Periwinkle’s blog, Friends Furever. I know whatever Periwinkle has planned will be loads of fun, and you’ll definitely want to join them. Adventures are always more exciting when you come along, so they’ll be waiting for you.

 

THE ADVENTURES OF PERIWINKLE & STINKY: PART CLXXXVIII

Stinky is excited for Periwinkle’s and his adventure today. He is waiting with open paws when Periwinkle arrives with a whoosh from the teleportation tunnel. They spend several minutes whisker kissing and paw hugging. Then, before Periwinkle can say anything, Stinky leads her back into the tunnel.

Irvington, Virginia

Moments later they arrive outside a huge yellow house. Immediately Periwinkle recognizes where they are and says, ”Stinky, this is where your mom and dad spent their 50th wedding anniversary just a couple days ago.”

“Very good spotting, Periwinkle. My parents told me how beautiful this place is, so I knew we should come and check it out. Today we are only going to visit the Hope and Glory Inn and its beautiful gardens. We will come back another time to see some of the other local sites. The Inn is in Irvington, Virginia. The town sits on the shore of Carter’s Creek, a tributary to the Rappahannock River. It was formerly known as Carter’s Creek Wharf from from 1873 to 1891 and thrived as a steamboat port at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century. The town could only be reached by boat.​” 

If our readers would like to know more about the history of Irvington, this is a great site to explore: Welcome to the Town of Irvington, Virginia.

The Hope & Glory Inn

 

Hope and Glory Inn exterior

 

Stinky tells Periwinkle, “The Inn was originally an elite boarding school called the Chesapeake Male and Female Academy. It existed from 1889 to 1907. The Inn consists of six guest rooms upstairs, but my parents stayed in one of the cottages located among the gardens. They are original buildings to the school as well.”

“Stinky, let’s go check out those gardens,” Periwinkle suggests.

 

Brick path surrounded by a garden and with two cartoon tabbies on the path.

 

“Periwinkle, the path behind us leads to the pool, but it isn’t open yet.”

 

Two cartoon tabbies on a brick path through a garden.

 

“This is the path looking toward the Inn. There are cool signs throughout the garden with what our moms would call Sparks written on them. Unfortunately, some flowers like the peonies have finished blooming and others, like the hydrangeas, haven’t started yet. But there are lots of pots of flowers and other cool plants.”

 

Collage of four different plants.

 

“What are these plants?” asks Periwinkle.

“Starting in the upper left corner and going clockwise, they are: Rose campion, Chinese holly, Asian clematis and Japanese spindletree,” Stinky replies and then takes off toward an object in the yard.

The Mini Inn

 

Birdhouse replica of the Inn with a cartoon tabby cat standing on it.

 

“Stinky, please come down. You are going to scare the birds living in that house.”

“No I won’t. I promise not to stick my paws inside, but I just had to get up here at check out this cool replica of the Inn.”

“If you come down, I see something we can both climb on,” Periwinkle tells Stinky.

The Ballerina

“Wow, Periwinkle, this statue is perfect for us to climb on together.”

“And it offers a great view of the garden,” says Periwinkle.

 

Sculpture of a ballerina with two cartoon tabby cats standing on her tutu.

 

After the tabbies climb down, Stinky takes Periwinkle’s paw and tells her there is someone they need to meet. He leads her into the Inn’s dining room. That is where they find the person his mom and dad said is very special to the Inn.

 

Dining room at Hope and Glory in with two cartoon tabby cats.

 

Executive Chef Meseret Crockett

When Meseret sees the tabbies she hurries to meet them and give them big hugs. She is a cat person, and Stinky’s mom told her he and Periwinkle would be visiting. She invites them out to the garden to take a photo with her.

 

Photo of Chef Meseret Crockett in a garden with two cartoon tabby cats at her feet.

 

Chef Meseret is a native of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She was educated in French schools and graduated from the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. Our readers can learn much more about Chef Meseret under the Dining section on the Hope and Glory Inn’s website. After a nice visit, Chef Meseret tells Periwinkle & Stinky that she would like to fix them one of her specialities for their lunch. She suggests they sit at the bistro table outside Cottage One, which is where Stinky’s parents had their breakfast every morning. The tabbies are happy to oblige.

A Gourmet Lunch

Soon after they settle into their seats, Meseret brings them lunch—her famous crab cakes, which are made with no fillers, just crab and aioli.

 

Two cartoon tabby cats sitting at a bistro table outside a cottage and eating crab cakes.

 

Periwinkle and Stinky immediately dive into their lunch. They can be heard oohing and ahhing as they eat. Stinky tells Periwinkle that the crab cakes are every bit as good as his parents said they were. Periwinkle agrees that they are exceptionally nommy delicious.

After lunch, the tabbies thank Meseret for the extraordinary lunch and promise to return, just as Stinky’s mom and dad had done. It is then time to enter the teleportation tunnel for the return trip to Stinky’s house.

When they arrive, Periwinkle spends some time visiting with Stinky’s parents as well as his fursibs. But, finally, it is time for her to return home. After several minutes of whisker kissing and paw hugs, Periwinkle enters the tunnel and is gone in a whoosh.

Stinky heads to the catio to nap and dream of Periwinkle and delicious crab cakes.

The End

Periwinkle & Stinky will be participating in the Happy Tuesday blog hop at Comedy Plus. If you’d like to do the same, click on the badge below.

GRATITUDE, OPTIMISM & TOE BEANS

Sparks

A field of poppies with a quote from Michael J. Fox: "With gratitude optimism is sustainable."

 

On April 30, 2023, Michael J. Fox appeared on CBS’s Sunday Morning. Jane Pauley interviewed him. During the interview he made this statement. It struck me as so true and profound. Fox has been dealing with worsening Parkinson’s disease since 1991, yet he remains upbeat and considers himself a Lucky Man, which is the title of his 2002 memoir.

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 photo is one of Dad Tom’s.

Awww Mondays

 

Orange, tabby cat showing off rear foot toe beans.

 

Cooper Murphy’s been showing off his toe beans a lot lately. He just graced you with them on Friday in “Double Dangle With Toe Beans & Fill-Ins.”

Cooper Murphy will be joining the Awww Mondays blog hop at Comedy Plus. You can do the same by clicking on the Awww badge.

The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky

Your favorite, fun-loving tabbies, Periwinkle & Stinky, will be setting off on a new adventure tomorrow. You’ll be able to find them on Periwinkle’s blog, Friends Furever. I know whatever Periwinkle has planned will be loads of fun, and you’ll definitely want to join them. Adventures are always more exciting when you come along, so they’ll be waiting for you.

 

 

BREAKFAST IS LATE!

Sunday Selfies:Week #456

Today’s guest host is one of our resident squirrels. This is the look he gave Dad Tom when he was late filling the bird feeders.

 

Closeup selfie of a squirrel's face.

 

He’s sharing a second photo today showing off his acrobatic prowess once the feeders were full.

 

Squirrel being acrobatic while getting sunflower seeds from the bird feeder.

 

Mr. Squirrel had a demand prior to agreeing to share his photos. He ordered me to create a puzzle of him showing off his acrobatics. Hope you enjoy completing it.

preview128pieceSquirrel acrobat

Hopping Time

Kitties Blue are hopping with happiness, as they dodged, for the second week in a row, having to take any selfies. They hope those of you who visit will not be too disappointed that they are taking another week off. One of them will be here tomorrow for Awww Mondays.

Since today is Mother’s Day, we know many of you will be busy celebrating your moms by giving them extra love, cuddles and purrs. So, we’ll understand if you can’t get here today. The hop remains open through Thursday.

Thank you for being our followers and friends.

 

🌸 Happy Mother’s Day 🌸