Thoroughly Poetic Thursday Archives

THE INTERLOPER & THANKFULS

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

It’s Thursday and time to write some poetry. Angel Sammy and Teddy (Two Spoiled Cats) post an inspiration photo for those who wish to participate in their weekly poetry challenge. Here’s the photo.

A group of obese women and one male interloper playing at the beach.

This is my second attempt at writing something I wasn’t embarrassed to publish. I think in needs another stanza, but I couldn’t come up with one.

The Interloper

Romping in the ocean was a delight
until this random guy came into sight.
We politely asked him to leave,
but he said this was not our private beach.

He announced he was staying right there.
About our feelings he didn’t care.
We thought this guy just might be single—
so, as widows we decided to mingle.

But he never spoke to any of us again.
Wouldn’t even favor us with a grin.
Just kept romping and showing off
until I ran up and kicked him in the duff!

Angel Sammy is the official poet at Two Spoiled Cats. Every Thursday, he transmits his poem from the Rainbow Bridge to brother Teddy for publication. Angel Sammy is a terrific poet, so you can bet his poem will be much better than this one. I definitely recommend you check it out. You can find it by clicking on the poetry badge. While visiting, check out the inspiration photo for next week and join us in writing some poetry. It’s usually not difficult and lots of fun.

Thankful Thursday

Thursday also is our day to share some thankfuls from the past week.

I am grateful that my postponed visit with Oliver and Oscar has been rescheduled for today. Hopefully, I will have some photos and a report on them for tomorrow’s Feline Friday post.

Periwinkle and Stinky are thankful to those who accompanied them on their adventure for World Pet Memorial Day.

Kitties Blue and I are grateful to each of you who visit and comment on our posts and especially for those who join our Sunday Selfies blog hop.

We’ll be joining the Thankful Thursday blog hop hosted by Angel Brian. To do the same, click on the badge below.

We apologize for not posting yesterday, but we do promise to be back tomorrow. Thanks for dropping in today.

MEMORIES & THANKFULS

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

As they do each week, our friends, Angel Sammy and Teddy (Two Spoiled Cats) have provided an inspiration photo to spark our imaginations and help us write a poem.

Here’s today’s image followed by my poem.

Photo of a dilapidated cabin on a river.

Memories

Years of neglect hastened its demise.
Once a peaceful retreat—
now a dilapidated eyesore.
Nothing can be salvaged,
but memories from another time.
Children laughing and splashing,
adults relaxing and reading,
birthday parties, anniversaries.
Photos remind me what was,
but my heart aches for what is lost!

Angel Sammy is the official poet at Two Spoiled Cats. Every Thursday, he transmits his poem from the Rainbow Bridge to brother Teddy for publication. Angel Sammy is one of our favorite poets, and we always recommend you read his poem. You can find it over at Two Spoiled Cats by clicking on the poetry badge. While visiting, check out the inspiration photo for next week and join us in writing some poetry. It’s usually not difficult and lots of fun.

Thankful Thursday

What was going to be my primary thankful this week has been postponed. My friend, Etna, and I were scheduled to visit Oscar and Oliver yesterday, but Etna was not well, and so that visit will be happening at some other time. I did share new photos of them yesterday. If you missed those, the link to yesterday’s post is at the bottom of this one.

I finally added Gibbs and Tali to “The Felines” page here on the blog and updated photos of Audrey, Cooper Murphy and Raleigh.

As usual, I totally procrastinated until the last day, but I did manage to send a few submissions to the Cat Writers’ Association annual contest on Sunday.

Kitties Blue and I are thankful to everyone who follows our blog and comments on our posts. We are particularly grateful for those of you who join our Sunday Selfies blog hop.

We’ll be joining the Thankful Thursday blog hop hosted by Angel Brian. Hope to see you there. Click on the badge below to participate.

Thanks for stopping in to see us today.

MOM’S SECRET & THANKFULS

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

Whenever Thursday rolls around, it is time to write some poetry and join Two Spoiled Cats’ poetry challenge. Angel Sammy and Teddy provide an inspiration photo for participants to use as a starting place for our poems. Here’s this week’s photo followed by my poem.

An antique chest.

Mom’s Secret

This antique chest was stored away
until I found it in Mom’s attic one day.

She never mentioned it when she was alive.
So, I was curious to see what was inside.

It was locked, I had no key
and no idea where one might be.

With a little work, I loosened the hinges
and was able to pry off the lid.

The inside was packed tight with letters—
definitely not the expected treasures.

I didn’t know the return address or sender
but could see it was someone of the male gender.

Was this an old flame my mom had dated
and should I read them—I debated?

When I discovered every envelope remained sealed,
I knew the truth would never be revealed.

If Mom didn’t read them, neither should I.
This secret she kept will also die!

This poem is definitely unfinished. No matter what I tried, I could not bring it to a satisfactory conclusion for which I apologize.

Angel Sammy is the official poet at Two Spoiled Cats. Every Thursday, he transmits his poem from the Rainbow Bridge to brother Teddy for publication. Angel Sammy is one of our favorite poets, and we always recommend you read his poem. You can find it over at Two Spoiled Cats by clicking on the poetry badge. While visiting, check out the inspiration photo for next week and join us in writing some poetry. It’s usually not difficult and lots of fun.

Thankful Thursday

Thursdays are also the day when Kitties Blue and I like to share the things for which we are thankful. Then we join the Thankful Thursday blog hop hosted by Angel Brian.

Periwinkle and Stinky asked to start off the thankfuls this week. They had a special adventure to The National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia, to commemorate Memorial Day. Not only are they thankful they had the opportunity to share this with you but also for those of you who joined them and left comments on the post. They also are thankful to Dad Tom for capturing so many terrific photographs for them to use.

Though, Lisbeth’s ears have not totally healed from her recent infection; she looks so much better and has started coming back downstairs and hanging out in her usual spot at the top of the dining room cat tree. This makes me very happy.

Dad Tom and I are thankful that we have had a somewhat significant amount of rain over the last several days. We still have extreme drought conditions, but I am counting on having some softer ground so I can begin uprooting all the weeds that sprouted during the rain. Yesterday, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to put plants in the six cement pots on our porch steps.

Kitties Blue and I are always thankful to those of you who read and comment on our posts as well as for those who participate in our Sunday Selfies hop.

If you would like to participate in the Thankful Thursday blog hop, click on the badge below.

Thanks for stopping by today.

May 28, 2026 by Janet Blue Poetry Stinky & Periwinkle Thankful Thursday Thoroughly Poetic Thursday 10

ANNIVERSARY THANKFUL & A POEM

Thankful Thursday

On Thursdays, Kitties Blue and I like to share things for which we are thankful from the past week. Then we participate in the Thankful Thursday bl0g hop.

I received another cat kiss from Raleigh. Maybe that boy is softening toward me.

Dad Tom and I celebrated our 53rd wedding anniversary on Tuesday with a nice dinner out. I am so thankful to have such a kind, thoughtful and supportive partner with which to share my life.

May 19, 1973

Kitties Blue and I are always thankful for everyone who visits and comments on our posts and especially for those who participate in our Sunday Selfies blog hop.

The cats and I will be joining Angel Brian’s Thankful Thursday hop. To participate, click on the Thankful badge.

Throughly Poetic Thursday

It also is time for some poetry based on an inspiration photo provided by our friends, Teddy and Angel Sammy, from Two Spoiled Cats.

Here’s the inspiration photo followed by my poem.

Child reading under the covers with a flashlight.

Defiance

“Just one more chapter,” I said.
“Mom said, “No, go to bed.”
If Mom finds me, she’ll be vexed,
but I just have to know what happens next.
Will the bad guys win,
or will the police catch and take them in?
I’m not sure what I would prefer,
but I do know one thing for sure:
I cannot be left in suspense,
or I’ll lie awake wondering what does come next!

Angel Sammy is the official poet at Two Spoiled Cats. Every Thursday, he transmits his poem from the Rainbow Bridge to brother Teddy for publication. Angel Sammy is an exceptionally talented poet, and we always recommend you read his poem. You can find it over at Two Spoiled Cats by clicking on the poetry badge. While visiting, check out the inspiration photo for next week and join us in writing some poetry. It’s not that difficult and lots of fun.

May 21, 2026 by Janet Blue Anniversary Kitties Blue Poetry Thankful Thursday Thoroughly Poetic Thursday 14

FALLING FAST & THANKFULS

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

I skipped writing a poem for Angel Sammy and Teddy’s (Two Spoiled Cats) weekly poetry challenge last week. I am back today, however, with a short poem.

Here’s the inspiration photo they provided, followed by my poem.

Two senior citizens on a scary amusement park ride falling fast for which they are not thankful.

Eight Miles High & Falling Fast*

Up in the air flying high—
if I weren’t screaming, I’d probably cry.
I think my stomach is now in my throat.
I am praying to God I don’t croak.

If I make it through this ordeal,
I’ll have bragging rights no one can steal.
This photo proves my claim is legit.
I’m a tough old gal and proud of it.

∗ A line from the song, “American Pie” by Don Mclean

Angel Sammy is the official poet at Two Spoiled Cats. Every Thursday, he transmits his poem from the Rainbow Bridge to brother Teddy for publication. Angel Sammy is one of our favorite poets, and we always recommend you read his poem. You can find it over at Two Spoiled Cats by clicking on the poetry badge. While visiting, check out the inspiration photo for next week and join us in writing some poetry. It’s fun.

Thankful Thursday

Thursday is also the day when Kitties Blue and I like to share some thankfuls and then join the blog hop hosted by Angel Brian.

Periwinkle and Stinky are thankful to those who joined them on this week’s adventure for National Limerick Day. In case you missed it, here’s the link: Periwinkle & Stinky: Part CCCXL. They especially want to thank Amy Sandy (Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess with Lucy and Chia), Laura and Mackerull (Trout Talkin’ Tabbies) and Chaplin, Charlee and Java Bean (The Oceanside Animals) for their contributions of limericks in the comments.

Dad Tom and I are super thankful for the .65 inches of rain we received on Monday and for some rain again yesterday. Of course, this did nothing to remove our area from D4 Exceptional Draught conditions. (That’s as bad as it gets.)

Gibbs has actually responded to his name a couple of times.

Kitties Blue and I appreciate everyone who visits and comments on our posts and especially all those who join the Sunday Selfies blog hop. Thanks as well for visiting today.

We’ll be joining the Thankful Thursday blog hop at Brian’s Home Forever. If you would like to join, click on the Thankful badge.

May 14, 2026 by Janet Blue Poetry Thankful Thursday Thoroughly Poetic Thursday 13

NATIONAL TABBY CAT DAY THANKFUL & A POEM

Thankful Thursday

We have had several tabby cats through the years. I am thankful for each of them as well as for National Tabby Cat Day to celebrate these special Kitties Blue. Here’s a collage with all of them. Skooter, Steamer and MacKenzie were all Kitties Blue that passed away before I began the blog. And Audrey is a torbie (a combo of tabby and tortoise shell).

Collage of seven tabby cats for National Tabby Cat Day.

Here’s a gorgeous badge from the Cat Blogosphere.

National Tabby Cat Day badge with a tabby dressed as a king.

I do have a few more thankfuls this week as well.

We are particularly thankful for two days of rain, Saturday and again yesterday. We are in a severe drought, and this will help a bit.

Dad Tom and I are both thankful we live where we do. We both grew up in California and then spent four years living in the midwest before moving here to Virginia in 1976. We have had some instances of severe weather in the past 50 years but have never been plagued by wildfires or any truly life-threatening weather.

Periwinkle and Stinky are thankful to everyone who shares their adventures with them both here and at Friends Furever.

And, of course, Kitties Blue and I are grateful to each of you who visit and comment on our posts and especially for those who participate in our Sunday Selfies blog hop.

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

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

On Thursday I also try to write a bit of poetry based on an inspiration photo provided by Angel Sammy and Teddy from Two Spoiled Cats. Here’s this week’s inspiration photo followed by my poem.

All but one person sound asleep at a lecture.

Too Much Coffee for Breakfast

Am I really still awake?
This lecturer is such a bore;
he just drones on and on,
even while some folks snore.
As long as he gets paid,
he must not really care
if his audience is asleep
or have thoughts elsewhere.
When lectures are mandatory,
they often are extremely bad—
just rehashing old subjects
and making participants mad.
It’s a good thing there’s no test
to check that we listened.
Our retaining this info
was never this guy’s mission.
So, just keep on babbling;
I’ve got some earplugs in my pocket.

Again, nothing special!

Angel Sammy is the official poet at Two Spoiled Cats. Every Thursday, he transmits his poem from the Rainbow Bridge to brother Teddy for publication. Angel Sammy is one of our favorite poets, and we always recommend you read his poem. You can find it over at Two Spoiled Cats by clicking on the poetry badge. While visiting, check out the inspiration photo for next week and join us in writing some poetry. It’s fun.

Thanks for visiting today.

April 30, 2026 by Janet Blue Angel Cat Kitties Blue National Tabby Day Poetry Thankful Thursday Thoroughly Poetic Thursday 7

KITTEN & GARDEN THANKFULS

Thankful Thursday

I am beginning today’s post with thankfuls, which include kittens and the garden. Then I’ll be participating in Angel Brian’s Thankful Thursday blog hop.

Here’s a photo of Oscar and Oliver their mom sent me on Tuesday.

Thankful for two seven-month old kittens, from the same litter, one ginger and white and one ginger with just white paws napping & hugging.

I am happy and grateful these two boys have each other and will be spending their lives together. They have gotten so big. It amazes me, as they were the two smallest kittens in the litter. If you have forgotten how tiny and adorable they were, check out these two posts, “Showing Off Selfie” and “A Farewell Selfie.”

I am thankful for a few of my friends sharing iris rhizomes with me. I now have irises spread throughout my flower beds. Most are different varieties in purple, but I now have some yellow ones as well, which I had really been wanting. (I have not included a photo of those, as a recent windy day was not too kind to them.) I previously shared a photo of some in “Thankful for Spring.” Here are a couple photos I took yesterday.

Collage with two photo of purple irises in a garden for which I am thankful.

We had some super hot weather for several days. The last couple have been more seasonable, which gave me the opportunity to spend a couple hours working in the garden yesterday. It is my happy place, and I am always thankful when I can spend time there.

Kitties Blue and I are thankful for each of you who visit, comment and participate in our Sunday Selfies blog hop.

If you would like to join the bog hop at Brian’s Home Forever, click on the Thankful badge.

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

On Thursday, I also enjoy joining the poetry challenge hosted by Angel Sammy and Teddy from Two Spoiled Cats. They provide an inspirational photo, and participants write a poem referencing the photo.

Here’s this week’a photo. It is followed by the haiku I wrote to accompany it.

Polar bear with paw over its face.

I’m so embarrased
I forgot my mom’s birthday
Hope she’ll forgive me

Angel Sammy is the official poet at Two Spoiled Cats. Every Thursday, he transmits his poem from the Rainbow Bridge to brother Teddy for publication. Angel Sammy is a terrific writer, and we always recommend you read his poem. You can find it over at Two Spoiled Cats by clicking on the poetry badge. While visiting, check out the inspiration photo for next week and join us in writing some poetry. It’s fun.

Thanks for visiting today.

April 23, 2026 by Janet Blue Haiku Kittens Poetry Thankful Thursday Thoroughly Poetic Thursday 15

KITTEN & PUPPY COOPERATION & THANKFULS

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

On Thursdays, our friends from Two Spoiled Cats, Teddy and Angel Sammy, offer their followers the opportunity to write some poetry. They provide an inspiration photo as a jumping off place. Today’s photo is a super cute one. My poem is below it.

Cooperation: A puppy holding a kitten's tail in its mouth.

Kitten & Puppy Cooperation

Once upon a time, there was a puppy and a kitten.
Like so many others, the kitten had lost its mittens.
When it set out to look for them on its own,
the puppy grabbed its tail, said, “You cannot go alone.
If you plan to do this, you must take me along.
I may be just a puppy, but I am big and strong.
If some mean bully has stolen your mittens,
you will need me to give them a good lickin’.
No, silly kitty, I won’t do it with my tongue
but with my mighty paws … one by one.”
Luckily, Muffin’s mittens were quickly found
and Peanut had no one on which to pound.
Muffin was happy to have her mittens back,
took Peanut home and treated him to a snack.
Then puppy and kitten went their separate ways
but agreed to get together another time to play.

This was a fun photo, and I hope you enjoyed my poem.

Angel Sammy is the official poet at Two Spoiled Cats. Every Thursday, he transmits his poem from the Rainbow Bridge to brother Teddy for publication. Angel Sammy is a terrific writer, and we always recommend you read his poem. You can find it over at Two Spoiled Cats by clicking on the poetry badge. While visiting, check out the inspiration photo for next week and join us in writing some poetry. It’s fun!

Thankful Thursday

Thursday is also the day when Kitties Blue and I like to share the things for which we are thankful. Then we join Angel Brian’s blog hop.

I am thankful I had the opportunity to get some additional clean-up done in the yard. I have a long way to go, but by getting an earlier start than usual this year, I am making excellent progress.

Periwinkle and Stinky thank those who joined them on their adventure in Paris for Eiffel Tour Day.

Kitties Blue and I are grateful to everyone who visits and comments on our posts as well as those who join our Sunday Selfies blog hop.

To participate to the blog hop, click on the Thankful badge.

And, of course, thanks for joining us today.

April 2, 2026 by Janet Blue Thankful Thursday Thoroughly Poetic Thursday 13

LONG LIST OF THANKFULS & A HAIKU

Thankful Thursday

Another week has sped by, so it is time again to share thankfuls and join Angel Brian’s blog hop.

Since falling on the newest new knee, my Peloton riding has been severely curtailed. My usual minimum of 150 miles per month has been impossible. Some months I haven’t even made 50 miles. I reached 100 miles for March on Tuesday. Though, I won’t make 150 this month; I still have the opportunity to add a few more miles before the end of the month. So, I will get closer than I have been since surgery in September. I am truly grateful for this.

Kitties Blue are thankful for their new house on the catio. Dad Tom was afraid Cooper Murphy wouldn’t be able to fit through the openings, but he didn’t have any trouble. Here’s Tali checking it out.

A white and calico kitten is thankful for a new outdoor abode. and is seen exiting it

I am thankful I have had opportunities to work in the yard recently. Today is supposed to be in the mid-70s, so I am looking forward to getting out again today.

We are particularly thankful that Lisbeth’s face is completely healed. She just needs to grow her fur back.

As always, Kities Blue and I are thankful for those of you who visit, comment and participate in our Sunday Selfies blog hop. Thankfully, Linky Tools worked properly this week.

We will be participating in the Thankful Thursday blog hop hosted by Angel Brian. If you would like to do the same, please click on the Thankful badge.

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

Thursday is also when we share some poetry based on an inspiration photo provided by Angel Sammy and Teddy from Two Spoiled Cats.

Here’s this week’s photo.

Young boy holding is finger to his lips and going, "shhh."

I only managed a haiku this week. It represents this boy talking to his younger sister.

Shhh!

Lily, don’t tell Dad
It is a birthday surprise
I made him a cake!

I can only imagine what that cake might be like. I really hope this young lad had some help from his mom.

Angel Sammy is the official poet at Two Spoiled Cats. Every Thursday, he transmits his poem from the Rainbow Bridge to brother Teddy for publication. Angel Sammy is a terrific writer, and we always recommend you read his poem. You can find it over at Two Spoiled Cats by clicking on the poetry badge. While visiting, check out the inspiration photo for next week and join us in writing some poetry. It’s fun!

Thanks for stopping to see us today. We hope to return tomorrow for Feline Friday and Friendly Fill-ins.

March 26, 2026 by Janet Blue Haiku Kittens Kitties Blue Poetry Thankful Thursday Thoroughly Poetic Thursday 10

KITTIES BLUE ADMIRE THE VIEW & THANKFULS

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

Once again, it is time to write some poetry based on an inspiration photo provided by Teddy and Angel Sammy from Two Spoiled Cats. I admittedly tampered with this week’s photo by adding Tali, Raleigh, Cooper Murphy and Kizmet.

Three cats and a kitten admire the view outside a window while standing on books.

The photo turned out much better than my poem, which is written as if Kizmet is speaking.

Admiring the View

Tali, come look out the window.
Birds, squirrels and chipmunks
are busy nomming and calling
our names. I am chattering
right back at them. The screen
is down, so do not lean out too
far, you might fall on your head.
We big cats may not like you much,
but it’s our job to keep you safe
if we want to get treats later!

Angel Sammy is the official poet at Two Spoiled Cats. Every Thursday, he transmits his poem from the Rainbow Bridge to brother Teddy for publication. Angel Sammy is one of our favorite poets, and we always recommend you read his poem. You can find it over at Two Spoiled Cats by clicking on the poetry badge. While visiting, check out the inspiration photo for next week and join us in writing some poetry. It’s fun!

Thankful Thursday

Today also is the day when Kitties Blue and I share things from this past week for which we are thankful.

Our most significant thankful is that Lisbeth’s wounds have healed significantly, and she has finished almost all her antibiotics. She’s coming downstairs more, which means she is feeling better. And she looks much perkier.

I enjoyed a lunch out with my friend, Mary Jane.

Periwinkle and Stinky are thankful for those of you who joined them on their adventure at the skate park.

Dad Tom and I enjoyed attending the musical 9 to 5 at our regional theater.

Finally, Kitties Blue and I are thankful for those of you who visit the blog and comment and for those who join the Sunday Selfies blog hop.

We will be participating in the Thankful Thursday blog hop hosted by Angel Brian. If you would like to do the same, please click on the Thankful badge.

And, of course, thanks for stopping to see us today. We hope to return tomorrow for Feline Friday and Friendly Fill-ins.

March 19, 2026 by Janet Blue Kitties Blue Poetry Thankful Thursday Thoroughly Poetic Thursday 12

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

The Interloper

Thankful Thursday

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

Memories

Thankful Thursday

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

Mom’s Secret

Thankful Thursday

Thankful Thursday

Throughly Poetic Thursday

Defiance

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

Eight Miles High & Falling Fast*

Thankful Thursday

Thankful Thursday

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

Too Much Coffee for Breakfast

Thankful Thursday

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

Kitten & Puppy Cooperation

Thankful Thursday

Thankful Thursday

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

Shhh!

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

Admiring the View

Thankful Thursday

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