Though both Periwinkle and Noelle stopped in yesterday when Stinky and Sawyer were celebrating the anniversary of their return home after their walkabout four years ago, Stinky is excited to go on an adventure with Periwinkle today. They stayed at his house the last two times he was in charge of the planning. So, he promised Periwinkle something special for today.
Stinky does not have to wait long until he sees the teleportation tunnel start to vibrate. With a whoosh Periwinkle tumbles out right into his waiting paws. After several minutes of whisker kissing and paw hugging, Stinky takes Periwinkle’s paw and leads her back into the tunnel. Moments later they arrive at their destination: a huge, bright yellow house. “Oh, Stinky, I recognize this. It is the Lemon Hotel where your parents spent their anniversary,” gushes Periwinkle.
Lemon Hotel – Paint Bank, Virginia
“That’s right, Periwinkle, this is the Lemon Hotel in Paint Bank, Virginia. My mom and dad said there are some fun things we can explore and then spend the night here. Let’s get checked in, so we can get started.”
When they enter, both tabbies “ooh” and “ahh” at how pretty the hotel is. Everywhere they look they see unique features and gorgeous antiques. The bright yellow color is so welcoming and happy; though, lemons can represent the challenges and difficulties one experiences in life.
After checking in, Stinky and Periwinkle head to the Blueberry Suite, which is where Stinky’s mom and dad stayed.
“Stinky this is absolutely gorgeous. I cannot believe we get to stay here. Let’s check out the bedroom.”
“This bed looks really comfy too,” states Periwinkle. She then asks Stinky what he can tell her about the hotel.
Stinky explains that the property was originally a hotel and built in 1909 by a Mr. Lemon. It has undergone several different transformations and has been a halfway house, a private residence and a hospital. After falling into disuse and disrepair, it was purchased by John and Nancy Mulvern, who already owned a lodge and the general store in town. It was Mr. Mulvern’s dream to turn the building into a boutique hotel. Unfortunately he passed away prior to accomplishing this. His widow decided to continue the renovation project, which took several years. The Lemon Hotel officially opened in July 2021 and contains six rooms/suites each named for a different fruit grown on the property.
Exploring Paint Bank
After checking out their suite, Stinky takes Periwinkle’s paw and leads her back outside. “There are a couple of things we need to investigate out in the countryside. It isn’t really that far, but I think we should take the teleportation tunnel so we don’t wear out our paw pads.” Moments later, they find themselves further out in the country. Periwinkle squeals when she sees two large bison behind a fence. “Wow, Stinky, look how huge they are.”
“Come on, Periwinkle, let’s go check them out.” Periwinkle looks skeptical about getting any closer. Stinky, however, assures her that he is a bison whisperer, and they will be entirely safe. Once inside the fence, Stinky encourages her to hop up on one of the bison.
“Stinky, please don’t say anything like, ‘giddy-up,'” admonishes Periwinkle. Stinky giggles but minds what she says.
After checking out the bison, Stinky leads Periwinkle to something else he wants to check out. When they arrive, he immediately climbs aboard.
“Stinky, I guess it is okay for us to be on here, as it does seem to be out of commission,” exclaims Periwinkle.
“I sure wish I had one of these,” Stinky tells Periwinkle. “It would be so much fun to ride around town in.”
Periwinkle just giggles. After the tabbies investigate the fire engine a bit more, Stinky suggests they head back to the hotel for a snack.
Back at The Lemon Hotel
“Oh goody, Stinky, lemon bars and lemonade. What could be better or more appropriate.”
“It is perfect, Periwinkle. We’ll be having dinner and breakfast here as well. When we finish our snack, would you like to sit on the porch for a little while?”
“Yes, that sounds lovely.”
“Stinky, this is so peaceful. The only place better is our cottage, don’t you agree?”
“I do, Periwinkle, as it is our special place!”
After some time rocking on the porch and snoozing a little bit, Stinky tells Periwinkle that they have another place to visit.
The General Store
“Are we going to do some shopping, Stinky?”
“No, there are lots of things to buy here as well as a restaurant, but we are going to check out some of the cool decor,” Stinky replies. “Let’s go in.”
When they get inside, the first thing the tabbies do is check out a diorama with deer, a turkey, a beaver and a fox.
“This is so realistic, Stinky. Thank you for not climbing all over everything.” Stinky decides not to say anything. He just takes Periwinkle’s paw and leads her upstairs.
“This is the Swinging Bridge, for which the restaurant below is named,” Stinky explains.
“Stinky, please mind the sign and do not run.” Stinky pouts but heeds Periwinkle’s wish. From the bridge, the tabbies search out the next attraction and discover a cow wearing shoes. Of course, Stinky hops right up. Periwinkle decides that she might as well join him, as she does not see anyone around to chastise them.
“This is certainly a funny looking cow but probably a bit safer than those bison in the pasture,” states Periwinkle. “What’s next, Stinky?”
“I think you will really like this, Periwinkle.”
“Oh my cat, Stinky, do you think this was once a live bobcat?”
“It sure looks like it, Periwinkle. At least that is something you and I will never have to worry about happening to us!”
“Whew, I am certainly happy about that. What is on the agenda now?”
“Back to the hotel for a nap, then dinner, relaxing on the porch and bed. There is a mill here. It is called Tingler’s Mill, and has a long and interesting history, but we are going to save that for another adventure. I hope that is okay with you.”
“The plan for the evening sounds perfect. And I would love to come back here again.”
Stinky takes Periwinkle’s paw and leads her back to the hotel.
The End
To learn more about The Lemon Hotel, click on the link in the paragraph above the heading, Exploring Paint Bank.
Periwinkle & Stinky will be participating in the Happy Tuesday blog hop hosted by Sandee at Comedy Plus. You can do the same by clicking on the Happy badge.
Giveaway
If you missed yesterday’s post, “Two Ameowzing Anniversaries,” then you do not know that we are having a giveaway for three surprise prizes. To have the opportunity to win one, leave a comment on that post by clicking on the link in the previous sentence. You have until Thursday at noon to do so.
Thanks for joining Periwinkle & Stinky on their adventure. Kitties Blue hope to see you tomorrow.
Tomorrow, Kitties Blue and I will announce the two winners of the anthology, Purrseverance. Readers had the opportunity to leave a comment prior to midnight on our blogoversary post from Tuesday for the opportunity to win. So, we’ll be able to use Random.org today to select the winners and then announce them on our Selfies post.
Can you believe another week has slipped by? I cannot, but it has, which means it is time tomorrow to snap a selfie and join our hop any time through Thursday. We have another one of our rarely seen gang lined up to be your host. They have taken an exceptional selfie and really hope you will stop by to check it out. All the Kitties Blue are looking forward to seeing your adorable faces as well.
In remembrance of our precious Angel Sawyer and celebration of our 14th Blogoversary, Kitties Blue and I are giving away two copies of Purrseverance. You can read Angel Sawyer’s story in the book as well as those of several of your other kitty friends.
Kitties Blue and I would like to thank those of you who commented on our “Two Ameowzing Anniversaries” post. We had 21 comments and used Random.org to select the three winners of surprise prizes. The winners are Chuck Huss from Bad Cat Chris, Mimi from messymimi’s meanderings and Amy Sandy from Lexi, the Schnauzer.
Finally, we are all thankful that Raleigh decided to come back in the house after about 36 hours in the yard. This was his third escape, and like the last time, he was out in off-and-on, very heavy rain, which amounted to 2 1/2 inches. He never leaves the property, but it still causes me so much stress. I cannot get him to keep a collar on and his microchip doesn’t do anything to help me locate him. He needs an AirTag, like Sawyer, Kizmet and Audrey wear, and he also needs to quit escaping. The screen door from the catio to the stairs leading to the backyard now has a heavy duty bolt out of the reach of prying paws.
Sometimes events in our universe align themselves purrfectly, and that is what happened on July 21, 2021, when I brought Sawyer home after his three-and-a-half week walkabout. Sawyer found an opportunity to escape from the house on June 26. During the time he was missing, he managed to travel .9 miles from home and end up at the exact house from where Dad Tom and I adopted our very first cat, Skooter, in the mid-80s. So, we now celebrate two anniversaries every July 21st.
