Read Across America Day

READ ACROSS AMERICA WITH THANKS & POETRY

Read Across America Day

Today is one we always like to celebrate.  It’s Read Across America Day, aka Dr. Seuss’s birthday.

 

Thankful Thursday

As kittens, Maxwell and Macy from Brian’s Home, are hosting today’s Thankful Thursday blog hop in conjunction with Seuss’s birthday, Kitties Blue and I are starting with our thankfuls today.

  • I am thankful that reading is one of my favorite pastimes.
  • All of us here are thankful for our wonderful weather. Most days have been warm, and we still haven’t had any snow.
  • Of course, Kitties Blue and I are thankful for having such wonderful friends and followers.
  • Stinky & Periwinkle are thankful they had the opportunity to celebrate Dr.Seuss’s birthday twice. Last year, they visited the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden in Springfield, Massachusetts. In 2020 they enjoyed some time at Seuss Landing at Universal Orlando. If you missed those adventures, you can check them out by clicking on the links.

We hope you have some things you are thankful for this week and share them with your friends. You can do that by clicking on Brian’s badge.

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

Thursdays are also for writing poetry and participating in Teddy and Angel Sammy’s (Two Spoiled Cats) poetry challenge. This week’s inspiration photo actually is of an adorable cat, and so it wasn’t necessary for me to add one of the Kitties Blue.

 

A tabby/calico cat sitting in a high chair.

 

I did decide to combine the photo with our celebration of Dr. Seuss’s birthday for my poem. It’s pretty silly, which seems appropriate.

A Cat’s Seussical Meal

My humans said they are serving green eggs and ham.
I said to skip the eggs and bring me the ham and some lamb,
Or if they don’t have lamb, they could bring me a red fish and a blue fish.
I believe they would make for a very tasty dish.
I am fortunate to have this prime seat for meals,
As my humans can easily hear my squeals.
When I demand seconds and sometimes even thirds,
I know I will always be served
Some tasty noms with a side of treats.
That’s why at mealtime, I’m always first in my seat!

© Janet Buickerood Blue – 03/01/2023

If you’d like to try writing some poetry, check out Two Spoiled Cats (by clicking on the poetry badge) for next week’s inspiration photo. And please read Angel Sammy’s poem when you visit. He sends it to Teddy each week from the Rainbow Bridge, and it’s always terrific.

Our final thankful is to thank all of you for stopping by and reading our blog. Kitties Blue and I are sincerely grateful.

 

KITTIES BLUE READ ACROSS AMERICA

Wordy Wednesday

We cannot be wordless on Read Across America Day, celebrated each March 2nd. This also marks the birthday of Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel), born on this day in 1904.

Schools and libraries all across America observe National Read Across America Day. The National Education Association established the day in 1997 with the purpose of encouraging children to read. Research shows that children who are motivated and spend more time reading do better in school.

 

Kitties Blue Read Across America

 

Kitties Blue made this special graphic in honor of the day. They invite you to read to your cat (or other anipal) if you don’t have a child.

To commemorate Read Across America Day, you can join the daily blog hop on the Catblogosphere and/or the Wordless Wednesday hop at Comedy Plus. The link addresses are on the badge.

 

 

We have posted about Read Across America/Dr. Seuss’s birthday numerous times. In both 2021 and 2020, however, Periwinkle & Stinky took over. Last year they visited the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden in Springfield, Massachusetts. In 2020 the tabbies visited Seuss Landing in Orlando. If you missed either of the adventures and would like to know more about these locales, you can read about them now by clicking on these links.

Happy Reading from Kitties Blue!

 

THE ADVENTURES OF PERIWINKLE & STINKY: PART LXXIII

Read Across America Day

Once again, Stinky has e-mailed Periwinkle the coordinates to set on her teleportation tunnel. They will be meeting at the locale for their adventure.

Stinky arrives early to make certain he is there to greet his steady girl. This is a special day, so he has planed a special adventure. They will be touring the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden in Springfield, Massachusetts, as this is Dr. Seuss’s birthday. Last year he had taken Periwinkle to Seuss Landing in Orlando, so he definitely wanted to do something different this year.

Periwinkle comes tumbling out of her teleportation tunnel and stifles a giggle when she sees Stinky. He pretends to pout, as she looks him over. “I didn’t know we’d be having a costume party,” says Periwinkle. That’s when Stinky whips out a costume for her from behind his back. As she dresses, Periwinkle asks Stinky where they are? He tells her they are in Springfield, Massachusetts, and shows her a sign. “Cool,” she replies and gives him a little whisker kiss.

 

 

Seuss Sculpture Garden and Trivia

 

 

Stinky tells Periwinkle they are going to tour the sculpture garden and asks her if she’d like to play a little Seuss trivia. “That sounds like fun,” says Periwinkle.

 

 

“Okay, here’s your first question: What is Dr. Seuss’s given name?”

Periwinkle answers immediately, “Theodor Seuss Geisel.” She continues, “That’s too easy Stinky. Ask me another.”

“Okay. How many Dr. Seuss books have been sold?”

“Wow, I have no idea. He was writing for a long time, and his books still are being sold. I think three bazillion.”

Stinky starts laughing and then snorting uncontrollably. Before he is able to answer, Stinky notices Periwinkle is pouting. She hits him on the head with her Cat in the Hat hat and tells him he isn’t being very nice.

With head bowed, Stinky tells Periwinkle how sorry he is, but her guess was a bit high.

“So how many is it, Mr. Smarty Pants?”

Stinky replies, “200 million.”

“Well, that’s still a lot,” says Periwinkle and then tells Stinky it is her turn to ask him a question. “What animals were convinced by Sam to try green eggs and ham?”

“I know that one,” says Stinky. “It’s a fox, goat and mouse.”

“That’s right,” says Periwinkle.

As they take a selfie with the Lorax statue, Periwinkle asks Stinky, “What is the Lorax about?”

 

 

Stinky tells her trees and explains how his brofur, Cooper Murphy, always dresses as the Lorax for Dr. Seuss’s birthday.

“I bet he looks really cute,” says Periwinkle.

“Let’s just do a few more questions, Periwinkle. We don’t want to bore our readers.”

“That’s a good idea, but I want to ask you another one.” Periwinkle asks as she climbs up on Horton’s head, “What was the name of the bird that convinced Horton to sit on the egg?”

 

 

“Wow, I have no idea, Periwinkle, what is it?”

Periwinkle giggles with delight as she tells him, “Mayzie.” While clapping and jumping up and down she continues, “I stumped you!”

Stinky giggles along with her, as he enjoys seeing Periwinkle happy. Stinky then asks, “Where did the fish end up after the cat in the hat fell?”

“I know that one,” squeals, Periwinkle, “the teapot. And I get to ask you the last question: What birds from the Sleep Book build their nests every night?”

“Wowzers, Periwinkle, I have absolutely no idea. I’ve not read that book”

Periwinkle starts giggling again. “They have the funniest name, Stinky. They’re called Biffer Baum Birds. Isn’t that silly?”

“Really weird name for sure, Periwinkle!”

“I sure wish we could show our friends all the statues and tell them everything about this cool place,” Periwinkle tells Stinky.

“How about we give them a link to the Sculpture Garden’s web-site so they can find out more if they’d like to?” Stinky asks Periwinkle.

“What a great idea, Stinky. They can click on this: Sculpture Garden.”

Blog Hop

“Periwinkle, why don’t you tell our readers about today’s special blog hop.”

“Sure, Stinky. Timmy, Ranger and Emmy are hosting this year’s event. The blog hop is at Comedy Plus. Anyone who wants to join can click on the badge.”

 

 

“Stinky this has been a first rate adventure. I have really had gobs of fun.”

“So have I, Periwinkle. I wish we didn’t have to say, ‘good-bye.'” Stinky takes Periwinkle in his arms and gives her oodles of hugs and whisker kisses. “I’ll be counting every second until we see each other again next week.”

“Me too, Stinky, and dreaming about you as well!”

With one last hug and tears in their eyes, the tabbies enter their individual tunnels and with loud whooshes are gone.

The End

 

Periwinkle & Stinky

THE ADVENTURES OF STINKY & PERIWINKLE PART XXI

Seuss Landing Adventure

Periwinkle was super excited that Stinky was returning to Florida for their next adventure, as she really didn’t want to go some place cold.

When Stinky emerged with that familiar wooosh from his teleportation tunnel, Periwinkle was ready with a huge paw hug and whisker kisses. Before Stinky could even catch his breath, she grabbed his paw, and they jumped back into the tunnel. She didn’t know where Stinky was taking her, but she couldn’t wait to start their adventure.

Moments later they arrived at their destination…Seuss Landing at Universal Orlando. Stinky selected this for their adventure to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday, which was the previous day.

 

 

Periwinkle was delighted to see where they would be spending the day.

The first thing the tabbies did was find a shop to buy some headwear to get them in the mood…a Cat in the Hat hat for Stinky and the Lorax for Periwinkle.

 

 

“Wow, Periwinkle, you look pawsome,” said Stinky. “But then you always do,” he added.

Periwinkle just giggled when she looked at Stinky. Holding paws they scampered out of the store ready for the day’s adventure!

“Periwinkle, Seuss Landing has four rides and an interactive play area. Where do you want to start?”

Periwinkle pointed straight ahead and said, “Let’s ride the fishy one. Maybe they’ll serve us tuna.”

Stinky took her paw and chuckled at the thought of getting fed tuna on the One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish ride.

 

 

“That was super fun, Periwinkle, but I am a little dizzy. I had a seizure yesterday afternoon, and I don’t want another today. Let’s get a snack and rest a bit.”

 

 

“Let’s eat here, Stinky. They have fried chick-hen.”

“Sounds good to me, Periwinkle,” replied Stinky.

“That was really yummy, Stinky. I think you have a little chicky on your whiskers. Let me clean those for you,” said Periwinkle.

“Thanks, Periwinkle. Let’s check out the If I Ran the Zoo interactive play area.”

 

 

“That was fun meeting those characters, Stinky. What’s next?”

“Let’s ride The Caro-Seuss-el merry-go-round. The guidebook says the creatures can turn their heads, blink, and wiggle their ears!” Sawyer giggled as he answered thinking about how funny that would look.

 

 

“Wheee…Stinky this is so much fun. I hope you don’t get dizzy again.”

“I’m good. Want to go around again?” asked Stinky.

“Yes please,” replied Periwinkle.

After the ride the tabbies visited The Once-ler’s house from the Lorax book and had another memory photo taken.

 

 

“Periwinkle, I think we have time for one more ride before I need to get you home. Let’s ride the High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train so we can see all of Seuss Landing,” suggested Stinky as he took Periwinkle’s paw.

 

 

“Stinky, I love seeing everything from up here. It is all so colorful,” said Periwinkle as they rode 20 feet above the park on the trolley. Of course, they held paws the entire time.

When the ride was finished, the two tabbies got catnip ice cream cones.

 

 

After they finished their cones, Stinky asked Periwinkle if she was ready to head home. Periwinkle said, “no,” but took Stinky’s paw and led him back to their tunnel.

It was a quick trip back to Periwinkle’s house. Stinky took a few minutes to say,”hi,” to Periwinkle’s mom and fursibs. He then gave Periwinkle several whisker kisses and a hug and wiped a tear from her eye. Entering his tunnel, Stinky waved good-bye and wiped a tear from his eye.

The End

Periwinkle and Stinky thank you for joining them on their adventures and want to remind you that you will be able to find them at Friends Furever next Tuesday where they will share their next adventure.

SEUSSIAN SPARK

Sparks/Awww Mondays

Today is the birthday of Dr. Seuss, AKA Theodore Geisel. Mau and Cooper Murphy are here to celebrate with a Spark from Dr. Seuss. (And, of course, Mau Baked a cake.)

 

Dr. Seuss Birthday

 

The children’s literature author’s birthday has become the annual date for Read Across America Day created by the National Education Association. March 2 marks the NEA’s annual nationwide reading celebration. Across the country, thousands of schools, libraries and community centers participate by bringing together children, teens and books. Pet bloggers have a long tradition of participating in and supporting this effort to promote reading and do so with posts and blog hops.

This year we are joining the special Awww Mondays blog hop hosted by our friend, Sandee, from Comedy Plus.

 

The saying, “Laughter is the best medicine,” is so true, which is why I selected this Seuss quote for today’s Spark. Our nation is in crisis, and we all need something we can laugh about to bolster our spirits.

Take some time today to read a book that will make you laugh!

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!”

 

The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky


Tomorrow, our favorite tabbies, Periwinkle & Stinky, will be off on another adventure. We will be posting the adventure tomorrow, and they have their paws crossed you will join them.

 

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. SEUSS

Friendly Fill-Ins: Week #146

Due to Sawyer’s post yesterday, I didn’t compete the fill-ins, so I am doing that today. My completions are in teal italics.

1. My favorite kind of music is classic rock, mostly from the 50s, 60s and early 70s.

2. I don’t believe we should take kindness for granted. It is important to say, “thank you,” at all times.

3. My ideal day would be one when I could spend all 24 hours snuggling with Kitties Blue and Dad Tom.

4. Don’t let fear of failure stop you from trying new things.

Friendly Fill-Ins is a blog hop hosted by Ellen (15 And Meowing) and Lorianne (Four-Legged Furballs). Each Thursday they post four sentences with blanks to be filled in. On Friday, the blog hop can be found at Four-Legged Furballs. To participate, click on the badge above.

Caturday Art

Our Caturday Art today is in celebration of Read Across America Day (Dr. Seuss’ birthday). I used Cooper Murphy and piZap to create it.

 

 

NEA’s Read Across America Day is a nationwide reading celebration that takes place annually on March 2. Across the country, thousands of schools, libraries and community centers participate by bringing together children, teens and books. Pet bloggers have a long tradition of participating in and supporting this effort to promote reading and do so with posts and a blog hop.

Dr. Seuss blog hop

 

Hosts for this year’s celebration are Chimera (Alasandra, The Cats and Dogs) and Molly (Molly the Aire Girl). Jackey will be holding the blog hop at Living and Loving in Our Backyard. To go there, click on the badge above.

Cooper Murphy also is joining Athena Cat Goddess Wise Kitty’s Caturday Art blog hop. You can join him by clicking on Athena’s badge below.

 

Please don’t forget to join us tomorrow for our Sunday Selfies blog hop.

 

FRIENDLY DR. SEUSS FILL-INS

Friendly Fill-Ins: Week #95

Friendly Fill-Ins is a blog hop hosted each Friday by Ellen (15 And Meowing) and Annie (McGuffy’s Reader). It gives each of us the opportunity to get to know our fellow bloggers a bit better. Each Thursday, they both post the sentences to be completed and posted the following day. To participate, fill-in the blanks in each sentence and then post on Annie’s blog. To hop over there, click on the Fill-Ins badge.

Hare are my completions for this week. They are in teal italics.

1. Dad Tom: My favorite Dr. Seuss book is McElligot’s Pool. I had to ask Dad Tom to do this fill-in, as I never read Dr. Seuss as a child. Some of the books I remember from my childhood are The Little Engine That Could, The Secret Garden, Black Beauty and Grimm’s Fairy Tales.

Mau and Cooper Murphy are here in their favorite Seussical costumes, Blue Fish and the Lorax. This is little brother Sawyer’s first time celebrating Dr. Seuss’ birthday, and he wanted to be included. He decided he wanted to be Horton from Horton Hears a Who. The elephant costume he selected is a bit unconventional, but he’s a kitten, and we tend to indulge him.

 

Dr. Seuss characters: Blue Fish, the Lorax, Horton

 

2. The most interesting person I have ever met is Jackson Galaxy. Though I actually haven’t met Galaxy in person, I have interviewed him by phone. I also have read all his books, and he truly has had an interesting life.

3. Besides books by Dr. Seuss (see #1), my favourite book as a child was A Child’s Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson.

4. Lately, I have been working on compiling and producing the memory book from my 50th High School Reunion.

Read Across America Day

Read Across America Day is celebrated each year on March 2—the birthday of writer, Theodor Seuss Geisel, more commonly known as Dr. Seuss. Dr. Seuss’ birthday and National Read Across America Day is celebrated in schools and libraries all across America! Today would have been the 113th birthday of this beloved author.

In honor of Dr. Seuss and Read Across America Day the blogosphere is having a blog hop. To join in the fun, click on the badge below.

 

 

Read Across America Day was established in 1997 by the National Education Association. Its purpose is to encourage children to read. Research has shown that children who are motivated and spend more time reading do better in school.

In conclusion, we leave you with this quote from Dr. Seuss.

You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child.

At the very least, pick up a book today and read to yourself.

COOPER MURPHY AS THE LORAX

Thoroughly Poetic & Thankful Thursday

Unfortunately, the petretary is taking a really long time to get better. Because of that, Cooper Murphy has taken over the first part of this post for Read Across America Day. He’s even written another poem.

 

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The Lorax

Today is a day to celebrate reading.
It’s not something I do, but I hear it is pleasing.
It is known as Read Across American Day
And celebrates author, Dr. Seuss’, birthday.
I never met him but heard he wrote good books.
I think one was maybe something for cooks.
That book was called, Green Eggs and Ham,
And features a character named, Sam-I-Am.
He even wrote about a cat wearing a hat.
Can you imagine something as silly as that?
Today I am a dressed as a guy called a Lorax.
He seems to be a well-known environmentalist.
“I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees.”
Is a famous quote by this guy and now me.
For this reading day, the Lorax I’ll be
Instead of ginger tabby, Cooper Murphy.
If you can, go read a book and hug a tree.
You’ll feel great mentally and physically!

© Cooper Murphy Blue 03/01/2017

This is my poem for Angel Sammy’s and Teddy’s Thoroughly Poetic Thursday. Our prompt letter for his week is “L.” If you’d like to read some other “L” poems you can find the poems or links to them at Two Spoiled Cats.

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Now that I have taken care of my responsibilities, I am heading to a party at the Tabby Cat Club.

Cooper Murphy as The Lorax

Thankful Thursday

Lily Olivia is our thankful kitty this week. She was overwhelmed by all the comments and kind words and wishes she received for her birthday. She’d especially like to thank all those who mentioned that she doesn’t look her age. She said that it was a terrific day, and she plans to be around for next year’s birthday. We are entering Brian’s Home Thankful Thursday blog hop. You can do the same by clicking on his badge.

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PetSafe FroliCat Fox Den Winner

Finally, we are so excited to announce the winner of our giveaway. It is Annabelle and her fursibs at Manx Mnews. If you didn’t win this time, don’t be too disappointed. Tomorrow Kitties Blue will be reviewing the FroliCat DART DUO Interactive Laser Light and giving away one of those as well. So make certain you leave a comment here prior to Thursday, March 9, at 5 p.m. EST.

Purrs and paw-pats, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Angel Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo and Cooper Murphy

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