The Adventures of Stinky & Periwinkle

THE ADVENTURES OF PERIWINKLE & STINKY: PART CLX

Autumn Leaves & Waterfalls

Stinky is more excited than usual to see Periwinkle for their adventure. As he last saw her on Halloween, he’s had to wait eight days for their get together. He’s delighted when he hears the teleportation tunnel rumbling. Moments later, with a whoosh, Periwinkle is ejected right into his waiting paws. They spend a bit more time than usual paw hugging and whisker kissing before Stinky takes her paw and leads Periwinkle back into the tunnel.  

They arrive at their destination in North Carolina. When Periwinkle sees the beautiful colors in front of her, she squeals in delight. “Stinky, this is amazingly beautiful. Where are we?”

 

Two cartoon tabbies and colorful fall leaves at Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina.

 

Pisgah National Forest

“This is Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina. We’ve come to look at the autumn leaves. My mom says the leaves are the prettiest she has ever seen. She’s super old, so they must be spectacular. I know we’ve had similar fall adventures, so I hope this is okay?”

“Yes, absolutely,” replies Periwinkle. “I definitely don’t get to see this at home.”

“That is Looking Glass Rock in the background. It has an elevation of 3,969 feet and is very popular with hikers,” explains Stinky.

“We aren’t going to climb it, are we?” asks Periwinkle in a shaky voice. “I know how much you like to climb things and get up really high.”

“Nope, I think that’s too high for even me,” Stinky tells her.

 

Two cartoon tabbies and colorful fall leaves at Buck Spring Tunnel on Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina.

 

“Wow, Stinky, I can hardly believe how beautiful these leaves are,” exclaims Periwinkle.

“They certainly are. The Blue Ridge Parkway is always a great place to see flowers in the spring and colorful leaves in autumn. That’s the Buck Spring tunnel behind us. Do you want to walk through it?”

“I think I’ll pass. We don’t have a flashlight, and from here it looks pretty dark!”

First Waterfall Stop

Two cartoon tabby cats next to waterfall, called Lower Falls, in North Carolina.

 

“Oh, boy, waterfalls,” exclaims Periwinkle as she claps her paws. “I love them, and we haven’t visited any in ages.”

Stinky tells her these are called Lower Falls. He is surprised that Periwinkle has climbed higher than he has, but doesn’t say anything. He doesn’t want to call her attention to it in case she gets frightened.

 

Two cartoon tabby cats, colorful fall leaves and Looking Glass Rock.

 

“Stinky, this is even a better view of Looking Glass Rock,” says Periwinkle.

“Yes it is,” Stinky replies.

Picnic Time

Two Cartoon tabby cats sitting on a red plaid blanket and having a picnic at Living Waters waterfall below the Blue Ridge Parkway along the north fork of the French Broad River in Balsam Grove.

 

“Oh boy a picnic. Thank you Stinky. You are the most thoughtful boyfriend. I love listening to the water, and this will give us lots of time to do so while we have a snack.”

“This waterfall is called Living Waters. Right now we are below the Parkway along the north fork of the French Broad River in Balsam Grove,” Stinky replies.

“Well, it certainly is a lovely spot.”

After their snack the tabbies fall asleep listening to the falls. They only take a short nap prior to moving on to the final attraction of the day.

Dry Falls

Two cartoon tabby cats and colorful fall leaves at Dry Falls in North Carolina.

 

Before even asking where they are, Periwinkle admonishes Stinky for climbing so high. Secretly he wishes he’d said something to her when she climbed above him at Lower Falls. Stinky is tempted to blow a razzberry at her, but remains the gentleman and refrains. He tells her they are now at Dry Falls.

“That’s a funny name. This waterfall has more water than the others,” Periwinkle tells Stinky.

“The name comes from the fact that a trail lies behind the falls where we can walk without getting wet,” Stinky explains.

“Let’s go do that,” says Periwinkle.

Stinky agrees and tells her that after they go behind the falls, it is time to head back to his house. They join paws and stroll behind the waterfall giggling and enjoying each other’s company. They stop a couple of times to share whisker kisses. Then the two tabbies head to the teleportation tunnel for the speedy trip back to Stinky’s house.

Visiting the Kittens

After arriving at Stinky’s, Periwinkle says, “hi,” to Stinky’s parents. Both tabbies then head to the catio where they find Calista Jo, Audrey, Cooper Murphy and Raleigh. Bird watching seems to be on the day’s agenda, and Periwinkle and Stinky join in.

 

Two cartoon tabby cats on a catio with three other tabbies: a ginger, a brown and a buff colored one as well as a dilute tortie cat.

 

Periwinkle remarks that she is happy they have had a warm fall day for the adventure. Cooper Murphy tells her that the temperature has broken a record. The high was 83 degrees. The old high temperature for the date was 78 degrees.

Finally it’s time for Periwinkle to head home. She says “good-bye,” to all the Kitties Blue. She and Stinky spend several minutes paw hugging and whisker kissing. Then with the familiar whoosh of the teleportation tunnel, Periwinkle is on her way home.

Stinky returns to the catio to hang out in the sun with his fursibs.

The End

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

A PSA from Stinky, Periwinkle & Angel Lily Olivia

 

Calico cat holding a sign telling everyone to get off their computer and go vote.

 

 

 

BE YOUR BEST SELF!

Sparks

Our ginger boys are back today with a Spark.

 

Photo of ginger cat and kitten with the quote: "Be the best version of yourself rather than a bad copy of someone else!" by Conchita Wurst.

 

The author of today’s Spark, Conchita Wurst, is the stage persona of 33-year-old, Austrian singer and drag queen, Thomas Neuwirth.

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.”

Awww Mondays

Raleigh and Cooper Murphy will be popping over to Comedy Plus to join the Awww Mondays blog hop. You can join them by clicking on the Awww badge.

The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky

graphic of cartoon tabby cats wearing a bee and a mouse costume with a pumpkin and Halloween sign

 

Your favorite cartoon tabbies, Periwinkle and Stinky, will be taking their next adventure today (rather than Tuesday) in celebration of Halloween, so please make certain you join them over at Friends Furever. It will be Part 2 of last week’s adventure when they visited their friend Walter, the caretaker of a house for black cats. They’ll be delivering the yearly supplies from Walter’s Wish List.

Wishing everyone a fun and safe Halloween.

 

 

 

THE ADVENTURES OF PERIWINKLE & STINKY: PART CLVIIl

The Bee & the Mouse

Stinky is ready and waiting for Periwinkle with the Halloween costumes their readers selected for them. He doesn’t want to be late for first part of their annual visit to Walter and the black cats in his care. Right on time, Periwinkle comes hurtling from the teleportation tunnel into Stinky’s waiting paws. After several whisker kisses, Periwinkle says, “Stinky, I am so anxious to see what costumes our readers selected for us!”

“I have them right here,” says Stinky, and he reveals the selections. “These two won paws down. Let’s get changed so we can show everybody.”

 

Two cartoon tabby cats, one dressed in a bee costume and one in a mouse costume with a spooky graveyard and house in the background.

 

“Oh, Stinky, I loved all the costumes we tried, but I think these are my favorites,” says Periwinkle.

“They are also my Mom’s favorites,” replies Stinky. “Personally, I sort of wanted to be the lion,” he adds.

“You can still be the lion for Halloween,” Periwinkle tells him. “Now that we’ve got our costumes, let’s get over to Walter’s to get his Wish List for this year,” adds Periwinkle.

Walter & Friends Greet the Tabbies

Periwinkle and Stinky jump back into the teleportation and are whisked away. With the usual whoosh, they arrive in a field near Walter’s house where he and some of his charges are waiting.

 

Outdoor fall scene with four black cats.

 

“Hi, Periwinkle & Stinky, I thought I’d meet you out here among the fall trees, as it is such a gorgeous day. A few of this year’s house inhabitants decided to come along. The kitten is Dusty. The kitty with the big gold eyes is Minnie, and the shy cat in the back is Stanley.”

Periwinkle gives Walter the jack-o-lantern she brought, and Stinky hands over the banner. Walter thanks them.

The tabbies then walk to the other three cats and give each a nose boop in way of greeting. After that Walter suggests they walk back to the house so Stinky and Periwinkle can meet some more of the cats and Walter can give them his Wish List.

The Black Cats’ House

 

Spooky house with eyes blinking in the windows.

 

“Well, Walter, it looks as if you have a full house again this year,” says Periwinkle.

“I always do. You know we have to be careful this time of year and keep all the black cats safe. I really hope when Halloween is over that I can get everyone adopted in time for the holidays. Then I get to have a rest and make any house repairs I need prior to kitten season.”

“We’re going to go meet some of the other kitties and then we will get your Wish List,” Stinky tells Walter.

Walter replies, “That sounds like a great idea. I know many of the cats are anxious to meet you. Oh, I almost forgot to tell you how cute your costumes are this year.”

“I sure hope the other cats don’t think I am a real mouse,” Periwinkle says through giggles. “Or that I am a real bee,” adds Stinky.

The kittens set off to meet all the current residents, and Walter goes to his desk in the house to finish his Wish List. It is extra long this year, and he is afraid he’s asking for too much but will give the tabbies his list nonetheless.

When the tabbies return, Walter presents them with his list as well as some homemade tuna treats. While they are snacking, Walter apologizes for the length of his list and tells Periwinkle and Stinky that he does not expect them to get everything on it.

Stinky takes the list and tucks it into his costume without looking at it. He assures Walter that he and Periwinkle will do their best to get everything.

When the tabbies finish their treats, it is time to say good-bye until next week when they return with the supplies. There are paw hugs and nose boops all around prior to Periwinkle and Stinky heading back to the teleportation tunnel.

Walter’s Wish List

When they arrive at their tunnel, Stinky pulls the Wish List from his costume. He and Periwinkle read through it.

 

A shopping list of food and items for cats.

 

“Oh my gosh,” exclaims Periwinkle. “ This is a huge list. I don’t think we will be able to bring everything by wagons as we usually do. I think I will need to ask my brofur, Raz, if we can load up his plane and fly everything here.”

“Periwinkle, that is an excellent idea. I am certain he will agree to help us.”

“As long as he doesn’t have a Cat Scouts’ trip, I agree,” says Periwinkle. Stinky hands the list to Periwinkle, and she puts it inside her costume.

“Let’s get going, Stinky, I’d like to have a little visit with the kittens before I have to head home.”

The tabbies walk into the teleportation tunnel paw-in-paw, and are back at Stinky’s house in a flash. They both take off their costumes and set off to look for the kittens.

Napping Kittens

 

Cartoon cat with two napping tabby kittens - one buff colored and one black

 

As usual, Audrey and Raleigh are found napping. Audrey opens her eyes briefly, but Raleigh continues to sleep. Periwinkle watches them for a while and then gives them gentle pets on the head before leaving them to continue their nap.

As she and Stinky had stuffed themselves with Walter’s homemade tuna treats, the tabbies decide to skip their usual snack and just hang out with the other Kitties Blue on the catio.

Finally it is time for Periwinkle to head home. She and Stinky share oodles of whisker kisses and paw hugs. With a wave Periwinkle enters her tunnel and is gone in a whoosh.

Stinky returns to the catio for a nice long nap.

The End

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

SUNPUDDLE BATHING & A SPARK

Awww Mondays

 

Grey cat bathing a tabby kitten a bath in a sunpuddle.

 

Kizmet has taken charge of the kittens. She determined that Audrey had not done a good job of washing her face, so Kizmet took over the task, as the two enjoyed a sunpuddle. If you enlarge the photo, you can just see Kizmet’s tongue to the left of Audrey’s right paw. Audrey often returns the favor and helps Kizmet bathe.

I think the way Kizmet takes care of the kittens is pretty darn awww-dorable. That’s why she and Audrey are joining the Awww Mondays blog hop at Comedy Plus. Click on the Awww badge to do the same.

Sparks

 

Photo of colorful fall trees, Looking Glass Mountain and the Blue Ridge in North Carolina with the quote: "Life is a song - sing it. Life is a game - play it. Life is a challenge - meet it. Life is a dream - realize it. Life is a sacrifice - offer it. Life is love - enjoy it." by Sai Baba

 

I have posted this Spark previously, but I do think it is one worth repeating. It basically is telling us to be present in our lives at all times. I often go through my days just doing and not thinking. I have trouble living in the moment. As I continue to grow older, I need constant reminders that our time on earth is fleeting, and I should not just let it slip away.

The author of today’s Spark, Sai Baba of Shirdi was an Indian spiritual master, identified as a saint and a fakir. He was revered by both his Hindu and Muslim devotees during, as well as after, his lifetime. According to accounts from his life, Sai Baba preached the importance of “realization of the self.”

The photo is one of Dad Tom’s, which he took recently. In the background is Looking Glass Mountain, which is located in Transylvania County, North Carolina.

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 cartoon tabbies, Periwinkle and Stinky, will be taking their next adventure tomorrow right here. These two active youngsters have barrels of fun when they’re together. Tomorrow they will be making their annual visit to their friend, Walter, who has a home for black cats, to get his Halloween wish list. Next week, they will deliver the items on his list. Periwinkle and Stinky will be wearing the costumes our readers voted for in the poll from two week’s ago. They really hope you stop by to see how cute they look and accompany them on their visit to Walter.

 

 

KITTIES BLUE CELEBRATE A BELATED TOCK-TOBER

Tock-Tober

We are appalled, outraged and downright ashamed of our ditzy and forgetful mom. So, what’s with all this consternation, you ask? Yesterday was Tock-Tober. Did she remember? NO! We think she needs a brain transplant. If anyone knows where she can get one, please let us know.

She did share an early Tock-Tober shot of Cooper Murphy. If you missed Cooper’s enormous tocks, you can view them at “Tock-Tober Comes Early & Fill-Ins.” We don’t think that is good enough to give her a pass, so here are a few other tocks.

 

 

Purrs & paw-pats, Misty May, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo, Cooper Murphy, Sawyer, Kizmet, Audrey & Raleigh

Now that Kitties Blue have thoroughly chastised me, it’s time for fill-ins as well as the Feline and Friendship Friday blog hops.

Friendly Fill-Ins

Friendly Fill-ins is a blog hop hosted by Ellen (15 And Meowing) and Lorianne (Four-Legged- Furballs). If you’d like to participate, 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.

I can always depend on Sawyer when I need help with the fill-ins, and he did his part this week with #4. We both used teal italics for our fill-ins. Explanatory information is in parentheses.

1. Every October, I try to get photos of at least some of Kitties Blue tocks, even if I don’t get them posted on the correct day.

2. If I were going to a costume party, I would go as a cat (duh). (If you’d like to vote on the costumes Stinky and Periwinkle will wear on their next adventure, you can do so by leaving a comment on their post: “The Adventures of Stinky & Periwinkle: Part CLVI.”)

3. “Little Red Riding Hood” is my favorite scary story. (I am obviously a wimp when it comes to being frightened.)

4. Sawyer: I would find a vault somewhere and lock myself in, making certain I had several wheelbarrows full of treats, if there were a zombie apocalypse.

Feline/Friendship Friday

Our participants in Tock-Tober, Audrey, Raleigh and Sawyer, also will be joining the Feline and Friendship Friday blog hops hosted by Comedy Plus and Create With Joy respectively.

Giveaway

This is your final reminder about our giveaway for the book, How Snowball Stole Christmas, by Kristin McKanagh. If you’d like the opportunity to win it, visit the post, “Christmas Comes Early.” Leave a comment there before 5 p.m. ET today. The winner will be announced on Sunday.

Thanks for coming to visit us. We’ll have some Caturday Art for you tomorrow.

 

KITTY PARADISE

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

Five of the Kitties Blue are enjoying some fun in kitty paradise among the boxes, bags and papers in this inspiration photo provided by Two Spoiled Cats for today’s poetry challenge. 

 

Kitty Paradise, five cats are playing in a shoe store among the boxes bags and papers.

 

Kitty Paradise

Papers, bags and boxes—
We may be acting obnoxious!
Among all these tempting toys,
Our kitty hearts are filled with joy.
This is our idea of paradise—
Second only to catching field mice.
We’re official greeters of this store
With a nighttime security chore
To scare away any robbers
And save the shop from losing dollars.
In exchange we get to romp and play
During the entire, busy workday.

© Janet Buickerood Blue – 10/12/2022

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 he is a terrific poet.

Thankful Thursday

Kitties Blue and I always look forward to participating in Brian’s Thankful Thursday blog hop.

Stinky gets first crack at the Thankfuls this week. He and Periwinkle had more visitors to their adventure on Tuesday than usual, which warmed their little hearts. They asked commenters to vote on their Halloween costumes. If you didn’t read this week’s “The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky”, click on the link so you can vote. They’d both really appreciate it, and I think you’ll enjoy seeing how cute they look.

Sawyer is Thankful that all of you have his back and send him prayers, as he only went one week between seizures again.

Kitties Blue and I are thankful for your comments, support, following and friendship.

To join Brian’s Thankful Thursday blog hop, click on his badge.

THE ADVENTURES OF PERIWINKLE & STINKY: PART CLVl

An At-Home Adventure

Stinky is pacing in front of the teleportation tunnel. Once again, he is worried Periwinkle will be disappointed in their adventure when she finds out they are staying at his house. Before he has time to work himself into a frenzy, however, the teleportation tunnel starts rumbling and ejects Periwinkle with the familiar whoosh. Stinky grabs her before she tumbles head first into the kitten enclosure.

She’s giggling as he wraps her in a huge paw hug. “What’s so funny, Periwinkle?” he asks.

“Oh, the teleportation tunnel was a bit wonky today and it kept tickling me,” she replies with another giggle.

“Well, I am happy you are in such a good mood, as I am afraid we aren’t going any place fun for today’s adventure,” Stinky tells her.

Periwinkle takes Stinky’s paw and replies, “How many times do I have to tell you, I don’t care what we do as long as we are together.”

“I know, but I like to take you to interesting places,” bemoans Stinky.

“I bet you have figured out something fabulous even if we are staying put.”

Miscellaneous October 11 Holidays

“You know I often try to plan something significant for the date of our adventure, but that didn’t work out this week. But I do have a couple of fun things to do before we get to my actual plans, as there are a few ‘miscellaneous’ holidays today.”

Periwinkle claps her paws and bounces up and down. “Oh goody, I love holidays. Will there be presents?”

“Not really that kind of holidays.”

“Phooey,” replies Periwinkle. “Whatever it is, let’s get on with it!”

Pet Peeve Week

“Okay. The first is Pet Peeve Week. Do you have any pet peeves?”

“I sure do, and it actually happens to be a pet. Reesie! Raz and I were doing just fine without her,” replies Periwinkle.

“Well, at least you don’t have eight furblings! What a pain in the tush. It peeves me when they try to take my place on the bed or steal my treats. And Astrid and Misty May really set me off when they go after my food. They are not supposed to have my medicine. But my biggest peeve is when Mom and Dad forget about 11 a.m. treat time. The really gets my dander up!”

“Wow, Stinky, that’s a lot of things to be peeved about.”

“I know, but like I said, try living with eight other cats!

International Face Your Fears Day

So, today is International Face Your Fears Day. What are your fears?”

”I don’t like loud noises or strangers. I usually hide from both of those things. How about you, Stinky, what are your fears?”

“I also don’t like loud noises. I don’t hide, but I always jump.”

“Aren’t you afraid of having seizures?”

“Not really. When they are over, I don’t remember anything about them. However, that is the reason Mom asked me to stay home today. I had another one at 2 a.m. Monday morning. I only made it one week again, which really sucks.”

Periwinkle wraps Stinky in a huge paw hug. “I am so sorry. It really stinks that you have those nasty things. I wish I had a magic potion that would take them away. But then, if you’d eat your noms, I know you’d have fewer of them.”

Take Your Medicine Americans Week

“Nice segue, Periwinkle. This week is Take Your Medicine Americans Week, which definitely pertains to me. And I promise to try to do better with my eating.”

“Thank you, replies Periwinkle.

Veterinary Technicians Week

“Finally, it is Veterinary Technicians Week. Now, I personally don’t care for anybody at the veterinarian’s office, but I know my mom and dad are partial to Tomika. And she does treat all of us very well.”

“Is that it? Are we going to have our at-home adventure now?” Periwinkle asks with a look of exasperation on her face.

Playing Dress-Up for Halloween

“Yep, and it does involve something you like,” Stinky tells her.

“Oh, goody. What is it?”

“Dress-up. We are going to try on several Halloween costumes and let our readers pick which one they like best for each of us. Then when we visit Walter and the black cats in two weeks to get their Halloween Trick or Treat wish list, we can wear what our readers selected.”

“Sounds like it might be fun,” says Periwinkle and gives Stinky a wink. “You do know what I like.” Periwinkle and Stinky get busy trying on several different costumes.

Recycled Mardi Gras Costumes

 
Cartoon tabby cats, Periwinkle and Stinky in a Halloween setting dressed in Mardi Gras costumes.

 

Lion and Flower

 
Cartoon tabby cats, Periwinkle and Stinky in a Halloween setting dressed as a lion and a pink flower.

 

Baby Yoda and Raggedy Ann

 
Cartoon tabby cats, Periwinkle and Stinky in a Halloween setting dressed as Baby Yoda and Raggedy Ann.

 

Bee and Mouse

 
Cartoon tabby cats, Periwinkle and Stinky in a Halloween setting dressed as a bee and a mouse.

 

Pumpkin and Unicorn Princess 

 
Cartoon tabby cats, Periwinkle and Stinky in a Halloween setting dressed as a pumpkin and princess unicorn.

 

“Of course, you might like to wear the ballerina outfit you wore last Thursday for our ‘Modern Dance Misadventure.’ I know you liked that one. I’ve given our readers a link to that post, so they can check you out and vote for that costume if they’d like.”

“Good idea, Stinky. I do like that outfit. I wore it for Halloween one other year, but I bet no one remembers. Stinky, do you have a favorite of the costumes you tried on today?”

“I do, but I am not going to say. I don’t want to influence the voting.”

“Good thinking. I won’t tell my favorite either. Is it time for a snack and a visit with Raleigh and Audrey?”

“You bet. The sun’s out, so let’s have our snack on the catio.”

Cartoon tabby cats, Periwinkle and Stinky sitting on a cat tree with tabby kittens, one buff colored and one grey.The tabbies take their snack out to the catio where they share with all of Stinky’s furblings. When they finish, Periwinkle plays with Raleigh and Audrey for a little while, but soon it is time for her to head home. After many whisker kisses, paw hugs and whispered, “I love yous,” Periwinkle enters the teleportation tunnel and with a whoosh is on her way home.

Stinky heads to his dad’s chair for a nice, long nap.

The End

The tabbies will be hopping over to Comedy Plus for Happy Tuesday. You can join them by clicking on the badge.

 

Please leave a comment and let Stinky and Periwinkle know which costume you like best for each of them. Thank you.

 

MODERN DANCE MISADVENTURE

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

When Stinky heard about this week’s inspiration photo provided by Teddy and Angel Sammy (Two Spoiled Cats) for this week’s poetry challenge, he had the idea that it would make for a fun adventure with Periwinkle. Unfortunately he misjudged the situation, but he did write a poem about it.

 

Cartoon tabby cats, Stinky and Periwinkle go on a misadventure at a modern dance performance.

 

The Misadventure

Oh my heavens, watch your tail
Before it’s stepped on by that female.
What’s with all this jumping around?
Is this a modern dance or a hoedown?
Some guy just stepped on my paw!
If I see who it was, he’ll feel my claw!
I think this adventure was a bad idea.
I should have checked out modern dance on wikipedia.
Let’s skedaddle before we’re permanently crushed.
I declare this adventure a total bust—
Except Periwinkle did get to dress up!

© Stinky Blue – 10/05/2020

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 inspired!

Thankful Thursday

Kitties Blue and I always look forward to participating in Brian’s Thankful Thursday blog hop.

Sawyer is up first this week with a thankful, which goes to his girlfriend Noelle’s mom, Sharon. She recently took her kitty, Reesie, to a blessing of the animals along with photos of brofur, Raz, Noelle and Sawyer. Sawyer only went one week between seizures, and so he needs all the blessings he can get. It was so thoughtful of Mom Sharon to do that for him.

I am thankful for winning a Van Ness Pets Calm Carrier with EZ Load Slide Out Drawer, Hard-Sided Travel Crate for Cats and Small Dogs. It is big enough for two kittens or a cat up to 20 pounds, which means it is big enough for Cooper Murphy. Woohoo! And we now have enough PTUs for all of the Kitties Blue, which gives me peace of mind.

I am thankful that Audrey slept next to me on Tuesday night. That was the first time since the kittens have had their freedom at night that either has spent the night sleeping with Dad Tom and me.

Kitties Blue and I are thankful for your comments, support, following and friendship.

To join Brian’s Thankful Thursday blog hop, click on his badge.

THE ADVENTURES OF PERIWINKLE & STINKY: PART CLIV

Stinky is ready and waiting when the teleportation tunnel shoots Periwinkle right into his paws with that familiar whooshing sound. As they often do, the tabbies begin giggling and then whisker kissing. After a few moments, Periwinkle pulls back and looks Stinky up and down. She asks, “Are you okay? I heard you had a seizure on Sunday!”

Stinky replies, “I am fine. I had all day yesterday to rest, and I am ready to have some fun.”

Periwinkle claps her paws together and says, “Oh goodie, I am too. What’s on the agenda?”

“Do you remember when we visited the caverns in Luray, Virginia?”

“Of course I do. They were so gorgeous!”

“Well, we are returning there to go to the Car and Carriage Caravan Museum. I thought it might be a fun tie-in to an event that occurred on September 27, 1908. That’s when the First Ford Model T was produced.”

“I remember you mentioning we would return to see the cars. Sounds like fun. Let’s go,” says Periwinkle and leads Stinky back into the teleportation tunnel.

They arrive moments later.

Car and Carriage Caravan Museum

 

Cartoon tabby cats, Periwinkle and Stinky, in front of the Car and Carriage Caravan Museum

 

“I know that we won’t be able to see everything today, Periwinkle, as there are more than 140 modes of transportation on display, dating from 1725 to 1941.”

“Well, we better get a move on then, so we can at least see a few,” Periwinkle says as she takes Stinky’s paw and marches into the museum.

Stinky tells Periwinkle that the museum opened in October, 1957, and is one of America’s most exceptional displays of rare, vintage vehicles. H.T.N. Graves, the former president of Luray Caverns Corporation built the museum. In the early 1950’s he and his staff set out to find and purchase a collection of modes of transportation important to the history of travel.

1931 Pierce-Arrow

“Stinky, I never heard of a Pierce-Arrow. Do they still make these somewhere?”

 

Cartoon tabby cats, Periwinkle and Stinky, in front of the Car and Carriage Caravan Museum with a yellow 1931 Pierce-Arrow car.

 

“Not anymore, but they were made in America, in Buffalo, New York, from 1901 to 1938. They were best known for large, luxury cars like this one, but they also made commercial trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, boats, camp trailers and fire trucks.”

“Well, this car definitely looks luxurious, and I really like the color and that it’s a convertible.” says Periwinkle. Then she takes Stinky’s paw and leads him to a really luxurious car.

1927 Mercedes Benz

 

Cartoon tabby cats, Periwinkle and Stinky, in front of the Car and Carriage Caravan Museum with 1927 Mercedes Benz.

 

“Oh, Stinky, look at the vintage bride and groom. I think it is amusing how so many of the cars and displays have these mannequins. But I definitely like the looks of this car.”

“It is supposedly one of the rarest in the collection, Periwinkle. Only eight were ever built!”

“Wow, that sure does make it special,” Periwinkle replies.

1925  Rolls-Royce

 

Cartoon tabby cats, Periwinkle and Stinky, in front of the Car and Carriage Caravan Museum with a 1925 Rolls-Royce.

 

“Stinky, I wonder why this was called the Silver Ghost Town Car?”

“The only info I could find, Periwinkle, said that the name came about because of its ghost-like quietness. I also discovered that production began in England in 1907 but was stopped during World War I. After the war, a second plant was opened in Springfield, Massachusetts, and a total of 7,874 Silver Ghosts were produced from 1907 to 1936, including 1,701 built in the Springfield plant. Supposedly some 1,500 are still around.”

“Can you imagine a car from today lasting that long, Stinky?”

“Not a chance, Periwinkle!”

“Hey, Stinky, look at this,” Periwinkle says while tugging Stinky toward a different type of vehicle.

1914 Ford Model T Milk Truck

 

Cartoon tabby cats, Periwinkle and Stinky, in front of the Car and Carriage Caravan Museum with a 1914 Model T Ford milk truck

 

“Stinky, this is so cool, as we are celebrating the production of the first Model T today. And it operated right here in Virginia.”

“Winchester is less than 40 miles from where Teddy lives. I bet they had trucks just like this delivering there.”

“That’s fun to think about, Stinky; though, he and his parents wouldn’t have been around then.”

Stinky rolls his eyes at Periwinkle. He’s lucky she doesn’t see him.

1935 Hispano-Suiza

“Hey, Periwinkle, look at this one. It makes me think of a gangster’s car.”

 

Cartoon tabby cats, Periwinkle and Stinky, in front of the Car and Carriage Caravan Museum with a 1935 Hispano-Suiza car.

 

“Do you think there are any bullet holes in it?” asks Periwinkle.

“I doubt it. I don’t know if there were gangsters in Spain, which is where the company started in 1904 in Barcelona. The brand is owned by four generations of the Suqué Mateu family. They are still making cars today, and they are super cool looking. If any of our readers want to seem them, they should check out the official website.”

1927 Bugatti Grand Sport

 

Cartoon tabby cats, Periwinkle and Stinky, in front of the Car and Carriage Caravan Museum with a yellow 1927 Bugatti Grand Sport.

“Stinky, I like this one. Do you think we can drive it back to your house?”
“I don’t know how to drive, Periwinkle. Do you? I cannot believe you climbed in there. You are always the one getting after me for climbing on and in things.”
“I just couldn’t help myself. This car is so cute. Do you think it will fit in the teleportation tunnel?”
Stinky just giggles and tells Periwinkle about the Bugatti. “The car you are in could reach 100 mph. The original company was founded in 1909 in the German town of Molsheim. They built race cars and won lots of races. They also built road cars, like this one, and airplane engines. Due to money problems the company was forced to shut down in 1952. In 1987 the company was bought by an Italian who built one supercar. The company shut down again in 1995. It is now owned by Volkswagon.”
“Stinky this has been a really terrific adventure, but I can see we’ve barely seen a fraction of what’s here. My paws are getting tired, however. Do you think we could get a snack and revisit this museum again sometime?”asks Periwinkle.
“Of course, sweetie.”
Periwinkle replies, “Let’s go back to your house, so I can visit with the kittens and the other Kitties Blue. We can get a snack there if that’s okay?”
“Sounds purrfect to me,” Stinky tells her and takes her paw. They head back into the teleportation tunnel and with a whoosh are on their way back to Stinky’s house.
The End

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THE ADVENTURES OF PERIWINKLE & STINKY: PART CLII

What Should We Do Today?

Stinky is more than a little worried about his rather sketchy plans for today’s adventure. He’s really hoping Periwinkle won’t be disappointed. As he paces back and forth in front of the tunnel, Stinky has to continually chase Audrey and Raleigh away as they think the tunnel is a fun place to play. Though, they are pains in his tush; he doesn’t want them whooshing off to parts unknown.

Finally, Periwinkle arrives, and the whoosh from the tunnel scares the kittens away. She and Stinky share many paw hugs and whisker kisses. Then comes the moment Stinky has been dreading when Periwinkle asks, “What fun thing are we doing today, Stinky?”

“Periwinkle, after more than 150 adventures, sometimes it is really difficult to come up with a unique and exciting adventure, especially as I have a big imagination but a very tiny budget. I thought we could do something for Meow Like a Pirate Day, but that is still six days from now.”

“I understand, I often have the same problem coming up with cool ideas,” replies Periwinkle.

“Then I thought we could celebrate my mom’s stepmother Terry’s birthday, but she passed away like nine years ago. She would have been 98 today, and as much as I enjoy a good party, I never did get to meet her.”

Pet Birth Defect Awareness Day

“My next idea was that we could have a PSA about Pet Birth Defect Awareness Day, but that could be a bit of a downer.”

“I don’t know Stinky. That sounds pretty important. Your mom and dad have no idea what causes your seizures, but since they started when you were just a kitten, it could be because of a birth defect. Don’t you think pet parents should know about those things?” asks Periwinkle.

“That’s true. So how about we give our readers the link to a website where they can find more information?”

“I can get behind that.”

“Okay, here it is: Pet Birth Defect Awareness Day,”replies Stinky.

All About Chocolate

Periwinkle & Stinky Cover of the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl.“Finally I settled on a combination of Roald Dahl Day, Milton S. Hershey’s birthday and International Chocolate Day. They are all related, as Hershey is a huge manufacturer of chocolate and Dahl wrote the children’s book, Charlie in the Chocolate Factory.”

“But Stinky, chocolate is poisonous to cats,” says Periwinkle.

Stinky giggles and replies, “That’s where it comes in handy to be cartoon cats. After all, if we were real cats, we wouldn’t have been able to have most of our adventures.”

“I guess that’s true, but I think we should share the website for the Pet Poison Hot Line. And now, what is your actual plan for today?” asks Periwinkle.

“Along with the holidays I already mentioned, it’s also National Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day, so I thought we could do just that and share some yummy recipes made with chocolate.”

“Well I do enjoy a good snack,” replies Periwinkle. I think chocolate covered Temptations would be tasty, and I know by brofur, Raz, would like that.

Fudge

 

Periwinkle & Stinky: Cartoon tabby cats in aprons and chef hats at counter with bowl, spoons, chocolate chips and recipe book.

 

“I think we can do a bit better than that. My dad is a big fan of fudge, so I thought we’d share the easy fudge recipe my mom uses.”

Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Fudge 

 

Dark chocolate, walnut fudge squares.

 

2 1/4 to 3 cups Ghirardelli semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
14 oz condensed milk, sweetened
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

“My mom melts her chocolate chips in the microwave, taking them out frequently to stir, so they don’t dry out or burn. When  melted she stirs in the other ingredients (except nuts). When it is all mixed, she adds the nuts and pours it into a square dish treated with cooking spray. (Butter, margarine or Crisco can be used to prepare dish.) Then it goes in the fridge for a couple hours to set so it can be cut in squares (approximately five dozen pieces) and stored in an airtight container.”

“That does sound yummy, Stinky,” Periwinkle says as she licks her lips. I just hope Mr. Hershey’s fans won’t be upset we didn’t use his chocolate in our recipe.”

“Periwinkle, his chocolate chips do work just as well.”

Agustus Gloop Fudge

“As we are celebrating Roald Dahl’s birthday, I also want to share a second fudge recipe. It is from his book, Charlie in the Chocolate Factory. It is a bit more complicated, and as it requires the stove, all our kitty friends should ask for help from one of their humans when making it.”

 

chocolate fudge squares with white topping

 

4 ½ cups sugar
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
½ cup butter
2 12-oz packages chocolate chips
7 oz marshmallow creme
4 1.5 oz Hershey bars

Boil sugar, milk, and butter for 10 minutes, stirring constantly. In a separate bowl, mix together chocolate chips, marshmallow creme and chocolate bars. Pour milk mixture over chocolate mixture and stir until melted and combined. Pour into 9×13 pan. Store in fridge once cooled.

“So, what’s next, Stinky?”

“Well, Periwinkle, you know our friend Teddy loves bacon, and there are lots of good bacon and chocolate recipes. Let’s invite him over to share one.“

“Excellent idea, Stinky!”

Teddy Joins Periwinkle & Stinky

“Hi, Periwinkle & Stinky. Thanks for inviting me to join you. I’ve got a great recipe I shared on by blog (Two Spoiled Cats) on June 5, 2021. It’s another sweet treat.”

 

Periwinkle & Stinky: Cartoon tabby cats in aprons and chef hats at counter with bowl, spoons, chocolate chips, recipe book and their friend, orange tabby cat, Teddy.

Bacon-Pecan Chocolate Truffles

 

Bacon-Pecan Chocolate Truffles

 

INGREDIENTS:
1 package (12 ounces) dark chocolate chips
6 tablespoons butter, cubed
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
8 bacon strips, cooked and finely chopped
COATING:
1 cup white baking chips
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon maple flavoring
1-3/4 cups chopped pecans, toasted
DIRECTIONS:

Place dark chocolate chips in a small bowl. In a small saucepan, heat butter and cream just to simmering. Pour over chocolate; stir until smooth. Stir in bacon. Cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally. Refrigerate, covered, 1-1/2 hours or until firm enough to shape.

For coating, place baking chips in a small bowl. In a small saucepan, bring cream just to a boil. Pour over baking chips; stir with a whisk until smooth. Stir in maple flavoring. Cool completely, stirring occasionally, about 1-1/2 hours.
Shape dark chocolate mixture into 1-in. balls. Dip truffles in maple mixture; allow excess to drip off. Roll in pecans; place on a waxed paper-lined 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Refrigerate until set. Store between layers of waxed paper in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

“Wow, Teddy, that’s a real winner. Thank you,” say Periwinkle and Stinky in unison as they clap heir paws.

“You’re welcome. I always enjoy joining my friends in the kitchen.” The three tabbies hug each other and Teddy returns to the tunnel for his trip home.

Everything S’Mores

“I know Cooper Murphy shared some really nommy s’mores at Cat Scout’s recently. Let’s share that recipe too. I think everybody knows how to make s’mores, so we can just share a photo and list of ingredients,” Stinky tells Periwinkle.

 

S'mores with marshmallow, banana, strawberries, peanut butter, chocolate squares, graham crackers and chocolate chip cookies

3  toasted marshmallows
2 graham crackers
2 chocolate wafer cookies
1 sliced strawberry
creamy peanut butter
sliced bananas
2 chocolate chip cookies
2 dark chocolate squares (Ghiardelli or Hershey’s are best)

“Stinky, I am not certain I could get my mouth around one of those, but it sure does look scrumptious. All this has been a lot of work. I think we should take a break and have some kitty approved treats. What do you think?”

“I am definitely ready for that, Periwinkle. Let’s go to the front porch so we can have some alone time.”

 

Cartoon tabbies, Periwinkle and Stinky, on front porch with cat treats.

 

“Stinky, I love your front porch. It is so comfy. And I always enjoy our alone time.”

Stinky leans over and gives Periwinkle a whisker kiss. “That’s my favorite time of all, Periwinkle.”

“Do you think our friends will enjoy today’s adventure?” Periwinkle asks Stinky.

“If they like chocolate and decide to make one or more of these treats for themselves and their families, I think they will,” Stinky tells her.

The two tabbies spend the remainder of the afternoon talking, laughing and holding paws until it is time for Periwinkle to head home. After saying her good-byes to all Stinky’s fursibs and his parents, Periwinkle enters the teleportation tunnel. She and Stinky blow each other a final kiss, and she is gone in a whoosh.

The End

 

 

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