THE ADVENTURES OF PERIWINKLE & STINKY: PART LXIII

Fashions for Evergreens

Stinky, as usual, paces back and forth by the teleportation tunnel waiting for Periwinkle’s arrival. With Christmas so close, he’s worried the teleportation system may be backed up with lots of travelers. But right on time, Periwinkle comes tumbling out of the tunnel straight into his waiting paws. The snuggling and whispering begins immediately followed by hugs and whisker kisses. Stinky could happily make this the entire adventure.

Stinky, however, has been planning this adventure for months never expecting it would turn into a virtual adventure. He never expected the pandemic would mess up so many of Periwinkle’s and his adventures. 

“I wanted to share this adventure other than virtually,” says Stinky, and adds, “but that is all that is available this year. We would have been going to The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center’s Fashions for Evergreens.

Stinky explains the annual tree-decorating competition is being held virtually, in adherence with COVID-19 safety precautions. They will be looking at the trees on-line.

Periwinkle gives Stinky a wink and reminds him that time with him is all she wants.

He thanks her for being so flexible but explains not only is the visit going to be on the computer, but only a fraction of the normal number of trees were entered. With his paws crossed behind his back, Stinky promises Periwinkle they will attend the event in person in 2021. Stinky, however, is not hopeful that the virus will have gone away by then.

Together Stinky and Periwinkle read about the event before looking at the trees. Abby Hamilton, President & CEO of United Way of Roanoke Valley, writes that during the past decade Fashions for Evergreens has raised more than $62,000 for United Way of Roanoke Valley and its nonprofit partners.

He continues by writing that this timeless holiday tradition is especially relevant this year as families and the community work to stay connected and help each other through tough times. Visitors make donations to vote for their favorite tree, which helps the United Way extend a hand to many families throughout the Roanoke Valley who are struggling to keep a roof over their heads and food on their tables.

The Trees

Once they read all the information, the tabbies begin viewing the trees. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“They were all really nice Stinky, but I think your mom’s trees are prettier,” Periwinkle tells Stinky. Stinky asks her to tell his mom that before she goes home. 

“Do you have a favorite one of those we saw on-line?” Stinky asks. 

“Oh yes,” Periwinkle replies and continues, “I like the Sweet Baby Blue Boutique tree. Do you have a favorite?”

“I think I like the tree decorated by the American Legion/Woodmen Life tree, but they are all great” says Stinky. Periwinkle agrees.

Meeting Kizmet

With their viewing finished, the tabbies go looking for Stinky’s new little sisfur, Kizmet, so Periwinkle can meet her.

They find her in the kitchen with Stinky’s mom.

 

 

Periwinkle gives Kizmet a head bonk and says, “Wow, Stinky, she sure is cute.”

“She’s okay, I guess,” he replies as he crinkles up his nose.

Periwinkle giggles and assures Stinky that he and Kizmet will be best pals by the time she visits again in two weeks. Stinky just shrugs. If he had pockets, he would put his paws in them.

By then it is time for a quick snack before Periwinkle must return to her house. They have the usual Fancy Feast and Temptations and share a wee bit of the bounty with Stinky’s brofur and all his sisfurs. The two then head to the teleportation tunnel and through tears, hugs and whisker kisses, they wish each other a Merry Christmas and say their good-byes.

 

 

Periwinkle & Stinky wish you all a Merry Christmas!

The tabbies also are joining the Happy Tuesday blog hop at Comedy Plus.