Stinky & Periwinkle

THANKFULS & BUMMER OF A SUMMER

 Thankful Thursday

It is important to be thankful each and everyday, and sharing those Thankfuls on Thursday is a great reminder to always look for the good in every situation. Like I always say, “Believe in Silver Linings.”

This week Audrey is sharing the Kitties Blue thankful.

 

thankfuls bummer summer: Tabby Cat in a grey tent with a plaid base.

 

Dad Tom put together the new tent I gave the kitties for Christmas to replace the one Cooper Murphy won years ago at Cat Scouts.  Most of the gang have tried it out. Audrey is a huge fan. Raleigh squeezed in with her at one point and forced her out. Wish I had gotten of photo of them in it together. As kittens, I transferred them to Cooper’s tent when I cleaned out their enclosure. You can see Raleigh and Audrey as adorable little kittens in the old tent on the post, “Spark of Compassion.”

I am thankful our temperature has warmed up after being dreadfully cold day after day. That and the rain we are having is melting what is left of our snow. Yippee! Unfortunately that does mean the sun disappeared, but I always like the warmer weather!

Kitties Blue and I are thankful for all our followers, supporters and friends.

Periwinkle & Stinky are thankful I answered their questions on Tuesday; though, they didn’t love all the answers. If you missed their Adventure this week, click here.

Thankful Thursday is a blog hop hosted by Angel Brian. To join the hop, click on the Thankful badge.

 

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

Thursday is also poetry day. Teddy and Angel Sammy from Two Spoiled Cats provided the most hysterical, inspiration photo for this week’s poetry challenge. I had loads of fun writing this one.

 

Man on a beach covered in bandages and sipping a tropical drink through a straw.

 

Bummer of a Summer

Summer vacation is supposed to be fun—
the ocean, the beach and the glorious sun!
But when snorkeling, a jellyfish stung my face,
and I crashed my jet ski when I tried to race.
My son kicked me in the groin with his swim fin,
and the sun has fried my winter-white, delicate skin.
So, now I lounge here sipping this rum punch
long before it’s even time for some lunch.
Vacation has definitely turned out to be a bummer!
I think I will have a staycation next summer.

© Janet Buickerood Blue – 01/24/2024

Each week Angel Sammy transmits his poem from the Rainbow Bridge to Teddy for publication. Sammy always writes a terrific poem. Please stop over to Two Spoiled Cats, by clicking on the poetry badge, to check out Sammy’s poem and get the photo for next week’s challenge.

Thanks for joining us today. We plan to be right back here tomorrow. So, we’ll hope to see you again then.

 

 

CHANGE A PET’S LIFE DAY

Wordy Wednesday

Change a Pet’s Life Day

 

Periwinkle and Stinky had planned to cover Change a Pet’s Life Day yesterday, but after asking so many questions of me, they decided it would be too much for one post.

Periwinkle and Stinky actually came up with the following suggestions of things you can do today to Change a Pet’s Life.

Spend More Time with Your Pet

🐱 playing 🐱 
cuddling 
🐱 grooming
 🐱 going for a walk 🐱 clicker training

Help Shelter Pets

🐱 adopt (don’t forget about the seniors awaiting adoption) 🐱 foster
 🐱 sponsor
 🐱 volunteer

Donate to Rescues/Charities

🐱 goods (food, litter, towels, toys, etc.)  🐱 money 🐱 time/services

Periwinkle and Stinky know each of you can think of even more ways to change the lives of pets. They also know that pet bloggers are some of the most thoughtful, generous and kind people on the planet and want to thank everyone for all you already do to make the lives of pets better.

We cannot leave you without a photo, so here are Cooper Murphy, Audrey, Calista Jo, Raleigh and Sawyer enjoying an afternoon snooze on a cold and snowy day.

 

Change a Pet’s Life Day: five cats napping on a bed.

 

The nappers will be joining the Wordless Wednesday blog hop hosted by Sandee at Comedy Plus.

 

As Periwinkle, Stinky and I have bombarded you with words today, I am not sharing a “Looking Back” post.

Thanks for joining us today. Have a wonderful Wednesday.

 

THE ADVENTURES OF PERIWINKLE & STINKY: PART CCVI

Stinky had asked Periwinkle to arrive a little early at his house, and he’s hoping she doesn’t mind. Like two weeks ago, they’ll be traveling to a locale with a six-hour time difference. Stinky is waiting next to the teleportation tunnel at the appointed time, and with the familiar whoosh Periwinkle comes tumbling out into his waiting paws. He doesn’t allow her to say or ask anything, but does give her a quick whisker kisse before taking her paw and leading her back into the tunnel.

Moments later they arrive in a beautiful medieval square. “Stinky, this is beautiful. Where are we and what is that yummy aroma?” Periwinkle asks.

Perugia, Italy

 

 

“We are in the Piazza IV Novembre in the old town of the fortified, medieval village of Perugia, Italy. This is the Fontana Maggiore. The building behind it is the Palazzo dei Priori, which was constructed in the 1300s. It’s a little different than most palaces, as it was constructed in the style of a fortress. It once was the seat of the Municipality of Perugia. Now, it houses the main art gallery for the region of Umbria.

Eurochocolate 2023

“What are those things on the steps of the palace?”

 

 

“Those are dark and milk chocolate eggs, and that is what you smell. We are at Eurochocolate 2023. I found out about it when we were in Italy two weeks ago,” Stinky replies. He continues, “Italy is well known for its place in the history of chocolate. The first chocolate in solid form was created in Italy in the 1700s, and Perugia is known as the City Of Chocolate.”

Periwinkle replies, “Well, it’s a good thing we are cartoon kitties, as real cats cannot have chocolate. It could kill them.”

“It is terrific that we can do lots of things real cats cannot.”

Before she can stop him, Stinky scales the wall of the palace.

 

 

“Stinky, is there any place we can go where you won’t feel the need to climb? You always worry me.”

Stinky hops down and apologizes. He then hands Periwinkle her ticket for the festival, and cautions her that the area is crowded with lots and lots of humans, as the event attracts some 900,000 to one million visitors annually. Though, the festival lasts for ten days and is most crowded on the weekends; Stinky knows they need to be careful so no one steps on their paws or tails. He tells Periwinkle, “My mom wanted to come with us and bring the cat stroller, so we would be protected. I know she really just wanted to come for the chocolate, but she’ll have to do that on her own time.”

Periwinkle replies, “I like your mom, but I am happy neither she nor the stroller could fit in the teleportation tunnel. I don’t want a chaperone on our adventures.”

“I’ll second that,” says Stinky.

Chocolate Sculptures

“Let’s check out some of the sculptures, Periwinkle. We won’t be able to see them being created, as that was done two days ago, on the first Sunday of the festival.”

“That’s okay, Stinky, just seeing them will be fun.”

 

 

“Stinky, this giant piano is so cool,” Periwinkle gushes excitedly.

“Yes, it is, but let’s check out that one across the way.” After saying that, Stinky runs off in front of Periwinkle and jumps up on the sculpture. Periwinkle is totally exasperated but follows after Stinky. When she gets to the sculpture, Stinky helps her up on it with him.

 

 

“I’ll admit this is a good vantage point to view the other sculptures, Stinky, but I know we’ll be kicked out of the festival if we are caught.” Stinky begrudgingly agrees and takes Periwinkle’s paw so they can jump down together.

“Stinky, what else can you tell me about the festival?”

Festival History

“This is the 29th year of Eurochocolate. It began in 1994, and is the creation of Eugenio Guarducc, an architect.”

Well, that seems very odd, Stinky, for an architect to start a festival about chocolate!”

“I agree, but that’s what I read. Anyhoo,  it seems he wanted to celebrate all things related to chocolate, as Perugia is home to a wide variety of both chocolate makers and factories. They all focus on the details and production process for creating superb chocolates.

“The Eurochocolate adventure offers tastings and cooking workshops, as well as demonstrations by renowned chefs. There also are  performances and shows related to chocolate.”

Periwinkle points to a huge display from one of the chocolate manufacturers and asks, “Do you mean like the one over there?” Stinky sees where she is pointing and grabs her paw so they can check out the display more closely.

 

 

And, as she expected, Periwinkle could not stop Stinky from climbing atop one of the balloons. When Stinky comes down, she grabs his paw, drags him away and scolds him, saying, “I love you dearly, but you are incorrigible. Do you realize you could have punctured that balloon with your claws and been terribly injured?”

Stinky hangs his head and tells Periwinkle, “I’m sorry. I don’t know what comes over me. When I see things I think would be fun to climb, I can’t help myself.”

Time for Chocolate

The tabbies spend some time wandering through the festival and picking up a few samples from the participating chocolatiers from around the world.

Periwinkle spies some particularly luscious chocolates and tells Stinky they need to buy some for their moms. Stinky agrees and tells Periwinkle they need to get some extra special ones for Periwinkle’s mom, as she celebrated her birthday the day before.

 

 

Once the tabbies select the chocolates for their moms,  Stinky tells Periwinkle there is one more thing they need to do before leaving Perugia. He takes her paw again and leads he toward some stairs.

“That looks like a long hike, Stinky, and my paws are already tired.”

“Jump on my back, and I will give you a ride,” Stinky tells Periwinkle.

 

 

Periwinkle hops of Stinky’s back and asks, “So where are we headed?”

“Well, this is the Via dell’Acquedotto di Perugia. The ancient aqueduct was built by the Romans to bring clean, fresh water to the village, and we are making this hike so we can see the gorgeous view.”

 

 

“Stinky this is really a beautiful view. Thanks for helping me get here.”

Stinky replies, “We are only 11 miles from Assisi, where we visited two weeks ago. I don’t know if we can see that far or which direction we should look, but I thought you’d like to know that.”

“Thanks, Stinky, that is a fun fact.”

“I also want to give our readers a website to check out: 13 Facts About the Perugia Chocolate Festival. And, if they missed our visit to Assisi, they can check it out by clicking here.”

“So, are we heading home now?” asks Periwinkle. Stinky tells her they are going to make a tiny side trip first, so they head back down the hill to the teleportation tunnel.

Foligno, Italy

When they arrive at their destination, Stinky tells Periwinkle that they are in the ancient town of Foligno. It is also in Umbria and just 24 miles from Perugia.

“Why are we here? I am really tired,” Periwinkle tells Stinky. He explains that they are there to visit a friend of his Dad’s, Massimo Menghini. Periwinkle just gives Stinky a quizzical look, as Stinky leads her into a garden. Periwinkle squeals and claps her paws together when she sees what is there.

 

 

Oh, Stinky, kittens. I love kittens. Are we here to take them home with us? I want to take one to my mom as a birthday gift.”

“Periwinkle, you know we can’t do that without permission. And I think there is a lot of red tape involved.”

“But couldn’t we just sneak them into the teleportation tunnel with us?”

“Yes, I suppose we could, but that’s not why we came. I know you love kittens, and I wanted you to meet them. They just showed up in Mr. Menghini’s yard, and he is unable to keep them. So, I thought we could meet them and share their photos with all our friends just in case someone might have a friend in Italy who would like to adopt them.”

“Well, fiddle faddle. I know, you and I should stay in Italy and adopt them,” exclaims Periwinkle, though, she knows they can’t do that. Stinky does tell her they can stay a while and visit, but then it is time to head home. Finally, Stinky is able to corral Periwinkle and get her back to the tunnel.

The End of Another Adventure

When the tabbies get to Stinky’s house, it is already quite late in the evening, so Periwinkle says a quick, “hello,” to Stinky’s mom, dad and fursibs before hopping back into the teleportation tunnel. With a wave and a blown kiss she is gone in a whoosh.

Stinky gets his dinner and meds and then is off to bed to dream of his beautiful girlfriend.

The End

Periwinkle and stinky will be joining the Happy Tuesday blog hop at comedy Plus. To do the same, click on the badge.

 

🎂HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY, MOM SHARON!🎂

🎈WE LOVE YOU, JANET, TOM AND KITTIES BLUE🎈

❣️🎁❣️

 

THE ALMOST UNTOLD, NEVER-ENDING STORY

With Apologies

Sometimes life throws us a curve ball, and other times it throws us two. I’d written my poem, but before I could write the post to accompany it, Sawyer had a seizure. I was somewhat expecting it, as he’s been having one just about every eight days, and it was the evening of day eight.

When he’d recovered, I went to retrieve my poem. I blocked it and hit copy and my poem disappeared, only leaving the final period. Maybe the universe was telling me it wasn’t fit to publish. I set about trying to remember what I could and rewrite it. Finally I decided to let it be and go to bed.

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

What I am sharing now is a cobbled together, rewritten version of the original. Is it better or worse, I can no longer adequately judge?

Here’s today’s inspiration photo provided my Angel Sammy and Teddy from two Spoiled Cats (with a couple of furry additions).

 

untold never-ending story: A grey tabby cat lying atop a two-foot tall stack of papers with a white and black cat looking on.

 

The Never-Ending Story

I started to write a short story,
but like “Topsy” it grew and grew.
Chapter after chapter piled up until
I realized I’d written nothing new!
One should write about what they know,
so it’s a long-winded tale about my cats,
who never do anything interesting;
though, they are champions at taking naps.
It’s not an unputdownable, best-selling novel.
There isn’t even any suspense.
I need my cats to do what comes naturally
and shred this unreadable mess.
I’ve surely destroyed an entire tree
to create this self-indulged rubbish,
and I’ll need a wheelbarrow to haul away
something only an idiot would publish!

© Janet Buickerood Blue – 10/05/2023

If you have never written poetry, why not give it a whirl. Hopefully, you’ll have better luck than I did this week. Hop on over to Two Spoiled Cats by clicking on the poetry badge. There, you will find next week’s inspiration photo. While visiting, please read Angel Sammy’s poem. He transmits it from the Rainbow Bridge to Teddy for publication. He is a terrific poet, and his weekly creation is always worth reading.

Thankful Thursday

Thursday is not only poetry day but also thankful day.

Today, I am thankful I was able to somewhat recreate my original poem.

I do have some more meaningful thankfuls as well.

Dad Tom and I received both our flu vaccine and the most recent COVID vaccine. Despite several days with two sore arms, we suffered no ill effects. If you haven’t gotten your injections, please do! We want all our friends to sail healthfully through winter.

I am thankful for planting 85 bulbs and four new irises as well as transplanting several irises and day lilies. Additionally, I am thankful that so far the squirrels have only dug up 18 of those bulbs, which I have had to replant. So I guess I have actually planted 103 bulbs. I have more transplanting to do and about 50 more bulbs to get in the ground. I believe this will be last year for doing this.

Periwinkle and Stinky are thankful they were able to celebrate St. Francis of Assisi on Tuesday and that many friends joined them on their adventure.

This week I have had the opportunity to spend time with two friends, which is always cause to be thankful.

Kitties Blue and I are especially thankful to everyone who reads this blog and for all those who kindly leave comments.

Thankful Thursday is a blog hop hosted by Brian. If you’d like to participate, post on your blog for what you are thankful. Then click on Brian’s badge to transport to his blog where you can enter your link in the hop.

 

With any luck, we’ll be back tomorrow with some fill-ins. Thanks for joining us today.

 

THE ADVENTURES OF PERIWINKLE & STINKY: PART CCIV

A Conundrum

Stinky is nervous about today’s adventure, as he has two good choices and has been unable to decide which would be the best for he and  Periwinkle. As he paces in front of the teleportation tunnel, he decides to tell Periwinkle the options and let her choose which she prefers.

Just as he comes to his decision, Stinky hears the familiar whoosh from the tunnel and Periwinkle tumbles out into his waiting paws. “Good morning, beautiful,” he says, and then the two tabbies spend several minutes whisker kissing and paw hugging. When they stop, Stinky knows the inevitable question is coming next.

“So, what adventure have you planned for today, Stinky?” asks Periwinkle.

“Well,” says Stinky and then takes a long pause. Periwinkle gives him a frown and replies, “Don’t tell me you haven’t planned anything?”

“No, it is just the opposite. There are two adventures to choose from, and I don’t know which we should do. I’d like you to make a choice.”

“I am not sure I like that you don’t have a set plan, but let me know the choices, and I will decide if I like one more than the other,” says Periwinkle with an exasperated tone.

Mickey Mouse Club vs. St. Francis of Assisi

“Okay, first, it is the anniversary of the first broadcast in 1955 of the Mickey Mouse Club on ABC. So we could put on our mouse ears and find out more about the Club. Our second choice would be to celebrate St. Francis of Assisi, who died on this day, October 3, in 1226. And tomorrow is his Feast Day.”

Periwinkle thinks for only a second or two and then tells Stinky, “Well, that’s a no brainer. I think it would be fun to learn about the Mickey Mouse Club, but as St. Francis is so important in the lives of animals, we must celebrate him.”

“Thanks, Periwinkle, I was leaning in that direction. So, we best hop back into the teleportation tunnel, so we can visit Italy.” The two tabbies join paws and enter the teleportation tunnel. 

Assisi, Italy

When they emerge, the tabbies are in the town of Assisi in Umbria, Italy. It is the birth place of St. Francis. He was born there in either 1181 or 1182 and was baptized Giovanni by his mother. His father changed the boy’s name, upon returning from a trip to France, to Francesco. His full name was Francesco di Pietro di Bernardone.

“On the hill above us is the Basilica di San Francesco d’Assisi (Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi),” Stinky tells Periwinkle. 

 

Periwinkle Stinky St. Francis of Assisi: Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Assisi, Italy.

 

“Stinky, it’s huge and beautiful. Are we going to take a closer look?”

“Yes, indeed, but let’s jump back into the tunnel. It’s a very long walk,” says Stinky.

 

Periwinkle Stinky St. Francis of Assisi: Two cartoon tabby cats on the lawn at the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Italy.

 

“The grounds look magnificent, Stinky,” exclaims Periwinkle.

Stinky agrees and tells Periwinkle, “The Basilica consists of an upper and lower church and a crypt where the remains of St. Francis are interred. Construction began in 1928 immediately after the canonization of St. Francis on July 16 of that year by Pope Gregory IX. The Basilica is built into a hill on the west side of Assisi. The hill was known as the Hill of Hell, as it once was the locale where criminals were put to death.”

Periwinkle wrinkles her nose when she hears that. 

Stinky tells her, “The hill is now called the Hill of Paradise.”

“Well, that’s a lot better, as this is definitely an amazingly attractive site,” replies Periwinkle.

“St. Francis was not originally buried here, as the Basilica didn’t exist at the time of his death,” explains Stinky. “He was brought here in a procession from the Church of San Giorgio (St. George) on May 25, 1230. Today the Church of St. George is the Basilica of St. Clare of Assisi, who is the other Patron Saint of Italy. We should go check out the churches and crypt now, Periwinkle.”

 

Periwinkle Stinky St. Francis of Assisi: Two cartoon tabby cats in front of the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Italy.

 

“I think this is one of the most breathtaking sites we have ever visited, Stinky. I saw a sign that said it’s one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites.”

Lower Church and Crypt

Stinky takes Periwinkle’s paw and leads her inside the lower church where the saint’s remains were concealed in order to prevent them from being stolen and dispersed. Stinky explains that the remains were rediscovered in 1818 beneath the floor of the Lower Church, and the crypt was rebuilt so pilgrims could visit it. Unfortunately, two earthquakes and an aftershock in September, 1967 caused the collapse of the vault and destruction of many of its original frescos.

“We are standing in the restored crypt,” Stinky informs Periwinkle.

 

Periwinkle Stinky St. Francis of Assisi: Two cartoon tabby cats in the crypt of St. Francis of Assisi.

 

“I don’t know how this looked before it was restored, but it certainly is stunning now. Don’t you think so, Stinky?”

“Yes, Periwinkle, I do. Let’s go visit the Upper Church now.”

Upper Church

 

Periwinkle Stinky St. Francis of Assisi: Two cartoon tabby cats in the Upper Church of the Basilica of St. Francis.

 

“This is amazing, Stinky.”

“Periwinkle, I cannot possibly tell you and our readers everything about the Basilica, so I suggest they check out the Wikipedia site about the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.”

“Stinky, do you know how St. Francis became the Patron Saint of Animals?” asks Periwinkle.

“St. Francis of Assisi thought that all creatures, including humans, were equal in the eyes of God, and he spent a good portion of his time preaching sermons about animals. Some of his sermons were about fish, birds and rabbits. Then in 1979, Pope John Paul II proclaimed St. Francis the Patron Saint of Ecologists,” Stinky tells Periwinkle. He continues, “Tomorrow on his feast day, the people of Assisi and Christians around the world will conduct Blessings of the Animals.”

“I know all about that, Stinky. Mom Sharon always takes the Friends Furever pets to get blessed.”

“I have another web-site our readers should check out Periwinkle. It is St. Francis of Assisi’s Prayers for Pets. They also can read more about Assisi and St. Francis at Britannica and National Today.”

“I know I will be checking out all those sites, Stinky.”

“I think it’s time for us to head back home, Periwinkle. Are you ready?”

“Yes, my tummy is rumbling!”

The tabbies enter their teleportation tunnel and quickly arrive back at Stinky’s House.

In the Garden

“Periwinkle, I have a great idea. Let’s head out to the garden where Mom has a statue of St. Francis. We can see if any of the critters that live on our property will take a photo with us.”

Periwinkle claps her paws together in delight and replies, “Oh yes, let’s do that. It’s a wonderful idea.”

 

Periwinkle Stinky St. Francis of Assisi: Two cartoon tabby cats in the garden with a statue of St. Francis as well as a chipmunk, rabbit, squirrel, groundhog and finch.

 

“Oh, Stinky, look at all our friends that have joined us, a squirrel, bunny, finch, groundhog and chipmunk. Do you think we could say one of the prayers for the animals.”

“That’s a great idea Periwinkle. Should we say the one for pets. The one for animal friends is really long, and I am afraid I won’t remember all the words.”

Periwinkle agrees with Stinky, and together they recite, “Good St. Francis, you loved all of God’s creatures. To you they were your brothers and sisters. Help us to follow your example of treating every living thing with kindness. St. Francis, Patron Saint of animals, watch over my pet and keep my companion safe and healthy. Amen.”

“That was very nice. Now let’s get a snack,” says Stinky.

The tabbies retire to the catio where they have a snack, and Periwinkle visits with Stinky’s fursibs. Then it is time for Periwinkle to head home. She and Stinky say their good-byes by the tunnel and share paw hugs and whisker kisses. Then Periwinkle enters the tunnel and with a final wave and blown kiss is gone in a whoosh.

As usual, Stinky returns to the catio for a nap and dreams of his lovely Periwinkle.

The End

Happy Tuesday

The two tabbies will be joining the Happy Tuesday blog hop at Comedy Plus. To do the same, click on the badge below.

TOE BEANS & TAILIO TIME

Wordless Wednesday

 

A grey cat is under a turquoise afghan with only one foot, showing off toes beans, and part of her tailio visible.

 

Kizmet will be participating in the Wordless Wednesday blog hop at Comedy Plus. You can join her there by clicking on the WW badge.

Looking Back

I mentioned a few days ago that this week’s Looking Back post would be from when Sawyer was on his walkabout. The post I selected is actually one of Stinky & Periwinkle’s Adventures minus Stinky. It is from July 6, 2021. You can check it out at, “Stinky Please Come Home: Periwinkle Joins in the Search for Stinky.”

Thanks for joining us today. I hope you enjoy the Looking Back post. Please leave us a comment there if you do!

 

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.

 

 

 

THE ADVENTURES OF PERIWINKLE & STINKY: PART CLXVIII

An Arrival Obstacle

Right on time, Periwinkle comes half tumbling and half stumbling out of the new teleportation tunnel that Stinky and his fursibs received for Christmas. Stinky is happy to see that Periwinkle received the correct coordinates for the new tunnel. But it certainly looks as if she’s had a rough trip.

 

Two cartoon tabby cats and a blue and black three-way cat tunnel.

 

When Stinky is finally able to get his paws on her, he can see she is visibly shaken, and he wraps her up in a giant paw hug. When she is calmer, he asks what happened?

Periwinkle replies, “It was a wonderfully comfortable trip until I arrived. There seems to be a huge obstacle inside your new tunnel.” Unaware of anything that would impede her arrival, Stinky sticks his head into the tunnel and immediately sees the problem. His not so little, little brother, Raleigh is camped out inside. He is fast asleep and doesn’t seem to realize he has caused a problem. Stinky gives him a poke. Raleigh wakes up, freaks and takes off out of the tunnel, as Misty May watches from the sidelines! That is the last Periwinkle and Stinky see of him until it is time for Periwinkle to head home.

 

Two cartoon tabby cats, one tuxedo real cat and one orange tabby kitten exiting a three-way blue and black cat tunnel.

 

Once Raleigh has been dislodged, Periwinkle asks Stinky what he has planned for the day. “I hope you don’t mind, but we are staying in again today,” replies Stinky.

“You know I am happy to be with you, Stinky, no matter what we do. I would be happy just to hold paws and chat,” Periwinkle tells him. “We are basically going to do that today,” says Stinky. Periwinkle gives him a quizzical look before he can can tell her his plan.

2023 New Year’s Resolutions

“I thought we could share some New Year’s Resolutions for 2023,” Stinky tells Periwinkle. “Wow, that could be hard. I think we are pretty purrfect just the way we are,” Periwinkle replies.

“Of course, we are, but I bet we could think of a few things. I will go first. I will try to always finish my noms so I get the full doses of my meds,” says Stinky.

“That is a good resolution, Stinky. I hope you can keep it! My first one is that I will try not to catch any Iizards, but just watch them instead. I know that will make my mom happy.”

I will never again try to sneak out for an unauthorized walkabout.”

“Stinky, that is one you better keep, not just for 2023 but forever,” Periwinkle tells him. “With the help of HuggieKitty, your Christmas present to me, I will try not to be afraid of loud noises like fireworks.”

“I am so happy you like you gift, Periwinkle. You know I too get frightened by unexpected noises that occur near me, so I will try not to let those things bother me.”

“Stinky, this is pretty difficult.” “It sure is! Kitties Blue have written resolutions in the past. Their last list was for 2020. Let’s look at it and see if it gives us any ideas,” Stinky tells Periwinkle.” “That’s a really good idea,” Stinky.

Kitties Blue 2020 Mew Year’s Resolutions

1. Get more scritches.
2. Get more belly rubs.
3. Get more treats and nip.
4. Always come when called unless napping, playing, eating, watching bird TV, day dreaming or participating in other cat-approved activities.
5. If in, demand to go out.
6. If out, demand to come in.
7. Don’t wash our butts in front of company unless it is an emergency.
9. Take up as much space in the humans’ bed as possible by sleeping east/west instead of north/south.
10. Clear the kitchen counters of all items whenever possible.
11. Pretend to be deaf whenever a human is speaking to us. (Misty May no longer has to pretend.)
12. Always help Mom with her posts.
13. Don’t be fooled into eating by Mom when she puts her head in my bowl and makes nom-nom sounds. I will only eat when I feel like it. (This is Sawyer’s personal resolution.)
14. When horking, always aim for a rug or shoe.
15. Make certain to always poop in my PTU when being taken to the vet. (Sawyer)

“Well, Stinky, those weren’t much help. Most are like reverse resolutions. You all resolved to be mostly naughty.”

“You’re right, Periwinkle. I guess these were meant to be more in fun; though, I know my fursibs do practice most of these almost everyday. Mom and Dad complain about number nine every morning. I guess we should just resolve to behave better than our fursibs.”

“I like that, Stinky. We’ll cover everything that way!”

Snack Time

“All this thinking has made me hungry. Let’s go get a snack.”

“Now you’re talking!”

“We are having some unseasonably warm weather after that horrible cold snap, so let’s have our snack on the front porch,” suggests Stinky.

 

Two cartoon tabby cats sitting on a bench with cat treats and a poinsettia on a table in front of them.

 

“Stinky, that is a beautiful poinsettia, but you know they are poisonous to cats.”

“Of course, Periwinkle. That is why it is on the porch. The one we have inside is fake! Mom never has live plants of any kind in the house. My sisfur, Lisbeth, is particularly fond of eating plants and flowers.”

“Maybe she should make a resolution not to do that,” replies Periwinkle. Stinky just giggles knowing that Lisbeth is a very stubborn kitty.

Soon it is time for Periwinkle to head home. Stinky tells her that before she goes, he has one final resolution to make. “I promise to do a better job planning our adventures and when it is my turn to plan in two weeks, we will definitely go some place fun.”

“Stinky, though you know I am happy just to spend time together, I do like that resolution,” Periwinkle tells him.

The two tabbies then share some whisker kisses and paw hugs. As they approach the teleportation tunnel, they notice that a certain kitten has returned.

 

Two cartoon tabby cats and a blue and black three-way cat tunnel with an orange tabby kitten's butt and tail sticking out.

 

After shooing him away, Stinky tells Periwinkle, “It’s a good thing Raleigh has not figured out how to use the tunnel. Heaven knows where he’d be right now.”

Periwinkle giggles, gives Stinky a final hug, enters the tunnel and with a wave and the familiar whoosh is gone.

Stinky leaves the tunnel to Raleigh and heads to the bedroom for a nap and dreams of Periwinkle.

The End

Periwinkle & Stinky will be joining Happy Tuesday at Comedy Plus.

 

Periwinkle & Stinky wish everyone

a happy new year!

 

 

KITTEN RALEIGH LOOKS A LITTLE FISHY

Feline/Friendship Friday

 

Buff colored, tabby kitten looks a little fishy in a brightly colored, fish shaped cat bed.

 

Raleigh has discovered the fish bed and spends lots of time snoozing in it. Sometimes Audrey tries to stuff herself in with him.

The fish bed was a gift to Lisbeth from her now angel boyfriend, Charles. She also enjoys napping in it as does Astrid.

Raleigh is participating in the Feline and Friendship Friday blog hops at Comedy Plus and Create With Joy respectively.

Friendly Fill-Ins

Two of the Kitties Blue and I are joining the Friendly Fill-ins blog hop hosted by Ellen (15 And Meowing) and Lorianne (Four-Legged- Furballs). To do the same, check out either of their blogs on Thursday for the sentences to be filled in. You can join the hop by clicking on their badge.

When I started filling in this week, both Sawyer and Stinky volunteered to assist me. They actually help me quite often, but I had all the fill-ins covered this week. I cannot deny Sawyer/Stinky anything, so #3 and #4 each have two completions.

1. When I turned 45 I felt especially sad and a little guilty to be alive, as my mom died when she was 45.

2. My favorite breakfast is a chocolate croissant.

3. Me: I’m so glad I live in a world where there are kind and supportive pet bloggers.

Stinky: I am so glad to live in a world where I can take weekly adventures with Periwinkle.

4. Me: A life is not complete without having at least one pet (preferably a cat) to love.

Sawyer: My day is not complete without sending love, purrs, paw hugs and whisker kisses to Noelle.

I hope you’ll return tomorrow for some Caturday Art.

 

LITTLE HOUSE IN THE WOODS BY PERIWINKLE & STINKY

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

Thursday is one of my favorite days of the week, as writing poetry is what I enjoy most. And the inspiration photos provided by Angel Sammy and Teddy (Two Spoiled Cats) always provide a nice challenge. I have been trying to add one or more of the Kitties Blue to the photos recently, so my poems are in keeping with the theme of this blog.

This week our intrepid adventurers, Stinky and Periwinkle, have found themselves in the photo and have actually written the poem today in the form of a conversation. Their initials precede their individual parts of the conversation.

 

LITTLE HOUSE IN THE WOODS BY PERIWINKLE & STINKY: cartoon tabby cats standing next to a house in the shape of a shoe

 

The Little House in the Woods

S: Periwinkle, look at this cute little house.
It looks just big enough for a mouse.
P: Or maybe a place for you and me
To hide away among these trees.
We should peak in the windows and check
To see if it’s nice or a terrible wreck.
S: I’m not sure that’s a good plan.
It could be home to the bogeyman.
P: Don’t be silly, I’m sure it’s okay.
After all, have I ever lead you astray?
But, if you insist, we could ring the bell
And ask if they might be willing to sell
To two adorable tabby kitties,
Who would always keep it neat and pretty.
S: I guess that would be okay;
Though, I haven’t brought any money today.
P: Well, it seems as if there is no one here.
Do you think we could wait until they appear?
S: How about we come back another day,
And I will bring along some money to pay
In case we can convince the owner to sell
To tabby cats who want to live happy and well.

© Periwinkle & Stinky – 09/07/2022

If you are unfamiliar with Periwinkle and Stinky, you can check out their adventures on alternate Tuesdays here and at Friends Furever. They will be right here next Tuesday.

Poetry is lots of fun to write. If you haven’t tried it, and don’t know where to start, the web-site, Shadow Poetry, is a great resource.

Check out Two Spoiled Cats for next week’s inspiration photo by clicking on the poetry badge. When you visit, please take time to read Angel Sammy’s poem. He transmits it to Teddy from the Bridge, and it is always meowvolous!

Thankful Thursday

Today is also when we share our thankfuls for the week. I am delighted to report that all the Kitties Blue are well. Sawyer has not had a seizure in 15 days, and Audrey and Raleigh are thriving. Misty May is holding her own and looking forward to her 18th birthday in ten days.

I am getting around a bit better, my pain level has dropped some, and I have an appointment with the P.A. in my orthopedist’s office tomorrow.

Finally, Dad Tom and I are thankful we have continued to avoid getting COVID. Being retired definitely has its advantages.

We’d like to thank Brian for hosting Thankful Thursday. It is a blog hop. You can participate by entering the URL from the badge below in your browser.