The Cat On My Head

A MOTHER’S LAMENT WITH KITTIES BLUE

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

Teddy and Angel Sammy from Two Spoiled Cats provided us with another photo of a chaotic family scene for our inspiration photo this week. If the original wasn’t crazy enough, I decided to add some of the Kitties Blue (Sawyer, Lisbeth and Audrey nibbling the Goldfish crackers on the carpet). Unfortunately, they didn’t make it into the poem, which I am not particularly happy with. Here’s the photo followed by my poem.

 

A man and woman asleep on the couch with a male toddler and female baby on the floor amidst a huge mess of food and toys with three cats looking on.

 

A Mother’s Lament

Life as parents can be stressful and tough.
When it comes to sleep, we never get enough.
Two kids were supposed to be easier than one…
they’ll entertain each other, so we can get chores done!
But nothing about this has simplified our lives.
I often feel like one of those desperate housewives.
Hubby comes home from work with energy depleted,
making me feel even more defeated.
We’ll each just take a quick, little nap
and pray there won’t be some horrible mishap.

An hour later:

Oh my heavens, look at this mess the kids have made
I guess I shouldn’t have expected them to behave!

© Janet Buickerood Blue – 03/27/2024

Each week Angel Sammy transmits his poem from the Rainbow Bridge to Teddy for publication. Sammy always writes a terrific poem, so you don’t want to miss reading it. 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.

Thankful Thursday

Kitties Blue and I look forward to sharing our thankfuls with you each week.

two older, smiling ladies outside

Sue & Janet

I am thankful this week for having the opportunity to go to lunch and spend time with one of our past next door neighbors.

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

Thanks for joining us today. We look forward to seeing you again tomorrow.

We will be participating in the Thankful Thursday blog hop hosted by Angel Brian. Click on the badge below to join in the hop.

HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT

Wordless Wednesday

 

A grey cat hiding in plain sight in a play tunnel and on pillows with a stuffed bear.

 

Kizmet will be participating in the Wordless Wednesday blog hop at Comedy Plus. To join her there, click on the WW badge.

 

Thanks for dropping in today. Kitties Blue and I hope to see you again tomorrow.

 

ENDINGS & NEW BEGINNINGS

Sparks

 

Bed with a grey cat under the covers with only its tail showing. Photo contains the quote, "Endings are always tough, but I believe when something ends, there are new beginnings, new opportunities and new things to be excited for, too," by Mike Fisher.

 

My Spark today came about due to my thinking about beloved friends and animals who have recently passed from my life.

That lump and the tell-tale tail belong to Kizmet. She loves being underneath blankets, bedspreads, pillows, comforters and afghans. She can sleep for hours completely covered up. Kizmet is constantly unmaking our bed to create a napping spot, which she did again yesterday. Endings and tails seemed to go together.

Sparks is the creation of Annie from McGuffy’s Reader. It 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

My Spark is atop my photo for the Awww Mondays blog hop at Comedy Plus.

If you’d like to join Kizmet on the hop, click on the Awww badge.

 

The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky

Tomorrow is that special day each week when Periwinkle and Stinky set out on a new adventure. Periwinkle will be planning what they’ll be doing. I am certain she has something fun in mind, and the tabbies will be looking forward to seeing you over at Friends Furever. Please don’t let them down.

Thanks for joining us today. We will be back with a new post on Wednesday.

 

GREEN-EYED BEAUTY SELFIE

Sunday Selfies: Week #501

 

Torbie cat with green-eyes shows off her beautiful selfie.

 

Audrey has some pretty amazing green eyes, but she looks so serious. She has a cute little face but whenever she snaps a selfie, she gets the most earnest expression on her face. I always think it makes her look a wee bid sad. Regardless, she’s hoping you like her selfie.

Hopping Time

Audrey invites you to participate in our selfie hop. There are absolutely tons of adorable animals on social media, and we know you are one of them. So, please put on your best smile and join us. Audrey and the rest of the Kitties Blue, as well as all your other friends, cannot wait to see you. And don’t forget you can join us anytime through Thursday.

Thanks for stopping by today. We appreciate your friendship.

Have a delightful and easy Sunday.

 

 



YAWNING TABBY ART

Caturday Tabby Art

I didn’t have a new photo of any of the kitties that was suitable for art, so the one I have selected is from March 3, 2018. The photo of grey tabby, Sawyer, yawning was taken on the catio and very washed out. However, I did share the original photo at the time. You can find it on the post, “Sawyer’s Sleepy Selfie” if you are interested. (Sawyer was just eight months old at the time.)

 

Grey tabby cat yawning in an art format with a grey wooden frame.

 

To create the art, I used the Stormy Sunset effect with analog coloring from the Painnt app. To that I added the Abstract filter from piZap at 50 percent. The frame is from the favpng app.

I did create a puzzle for all the jigsaw fans.

preview110pieceGrey Tabby Cat Yawning

Sawyer will be popping over to Athena Cat Goddess Wise Kitty’s blog to join her Caturday Art hop. You can do the same by clicking on Athena’s badge.

Sunday Selfies Reminder

Another week has sped by, and it is time to begin thinking about snapping a selfie for tomorrow’s blog hop. Your host tomorrow will be an extremely serious Audrey. I know she’ll be looking for all of our current friends and maybe some new ones as well. If you know any other kitties, woofies, birdies or other pets that might like to join us, please invite them.

We’ll all be looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.

Thanks for dropping by today.

 

CHILD’S PLAY/MOM’S DISMAY & THANKFULS

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

Angel Sammy and Teddy from Two Spoiled Cats provided another hysterical photo for this week’s poetry challenge.

 

Child's Play Mom's Dismay: A little blonde girl and a baby in a bouncy seat. The blonde has drawn all over herself and the baby with permanent black marker.

 

If I was the mom of these two, I wouldn’t even know where to begin to try to clean them up. My poem is a conversation between the little blonde girl and the mom in alternating stanzas. The child is speaking first.

Child’s Play/Mom’s Dismay

Mommy, look I’m an artist!
I’ve decorated my little sis.
I think she looks so beautiful.

Oh no, that ink is unremovable!
What could you have been thinking?
I swear I might start drinking.

What’s wrong, don’t you like my art?
I’m out of ink so I can’t restart!
Do you have another marker I can use?

I’m going to be accused of child abuse
If you don’t go to your room this minute.
I swear you’ve pushed me to my limit!

I don’t understand why you’re mad.
I tried super hard not to be bad.
You told me not to draw on the walls.

So, why didn’t you go play with your dolls
And leave your sister alone to sleep?
I swear I’m going to breakdown and weep!

© Janet Buickerood Blue – 03/20/2024

Each week Angel Sammy transmits his poem from the Rainbow Bridge to Teddy for publication. Sammy is one of our favorite poets, and his poems are always worth reading. 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.

Thankful Thursday

Kitties Blue and I look forward to sharing our thankfuls with you each week. Gratitude is such an important part of living a happy life.

I am thankful for the opportunity to have gotten outside twice since last week to work on weeding my flower beds. Of course, I have lots more to do, but I have made progress and am enjoying seeing the daffodils, hyacinth, muscari and tulips coming up and blooming. Today, I even saw some hostas starting to put up shoots. And my peony plants are already a foot tall.

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

Thanks for joining us today. We look forward to seeing you again tomorrow.

We will be participating in the Thankful Thursday blog hop hosted by Angel Brian. Click on the badge below to join in the hop.

WHAT DO YOU WANT?

Wordless Wednesday

 

Tuxedo cat on kitchen counter staring at the photographer.

 

Lisbeth will be joining the Wordless Wednesday blog hop at Comedy Plus. You can do the same by clicking on the WW badge.

 

Thanks for visiting today. We hope to see you again tomorrow when we will share some poetry and thankfuls.

 

THE ADVENTURES OF PERIWINKLE & STINKY: PART CCXXVIII

Where to Go and What to Do?

Stinky had been wringing his paws for several days trying to come up with an idea for his adventure with Periwinkle. He read that today is National Backyard Day, but he knew he didn’t want to go outside to pull weeds with his mom, and he was pretty certain Periwinkle would not have a good time doing that. They had helped his Mom do some spring planting in Adventure 83,”Playing In the Dirt,” but that was fun!

When Stinky discovered it was the anniversary of the opening on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, he knew that’s what they had to do. His dad had been to Sydney and could give him some pointers. And Periwinkle enjoyed their trip to the Golden Gate Bridge, so his mind was finally made up. They would be teleporting to Australia.

With the decision made, Stinky was able to get a good night’s rest.

Adventure Day in Australia

The following morning Stinky is up early to pack some provisions and give his furs a good grooming. He heads to the teleportation tunnel to wait for Periwinkle and is delighted when she arrives right on time. The tunnel delivers her right into Stinky’s waiting paws with the usual whoosh. He gives her a quick whisker kiss, tells her that they’re burning daylight, takes her paw and leads her right back into the tunnel.

Moments later they arrive at their destination. Periwinkle takes a few minutes to catch her breath and then looks around. She asks Stinky, “Where are we?”

“Sydney, Australia,” Stinky tells her.

“That’s cool, but why did you select here for our adventure?”

Stinky explains that it is the anniversary of the 1932 opening of the Harbour Bridge, and that his dad said it would be a good place to visit.

“Sounds good to me. Are you going to tell me a bit more about the bridge?”

Francis Howard Greenway

“Of course! The idea for the bridge originally came from a convict and noted architect, Francis Howard Greenway. In 1814, he proposed to Governor Lachlan Macquarie that a bridge be built from the northern to the southern shore of the harbour.”

“Wait a minute, Stinky. A convict proposed that! Was he trying to escape?”

“Stinky chuckles. No, but between 1788 and 1868 the British penal system transported about 162,000 convicts from Great Britain and Ireland to various penal colonies in Australia.

Greenway had been convicted of forgery after pleading guilty. He was sentenced to death but later his sentence was commuted to 14 years in prison. Greenway arrived in Australia to serve his time and designed and constructed several projects while still a convict. He eventually became the first official government architect and worked for the governor. (Our readers can read more about Greenway on Wikitree.)

That bridge, however, was not built. It was redesigned several times but no bridge was constructed for more than 100 years for a variety of reasons.”

“Very interesting, Stinky. So let’s go check out what was finally built as you tell me about it.”

Sydney Harbour Bridge

 

View of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 2000 with the Olympic rings.

 

Stinky explains, “The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a through-arch bridge constructed of steel. It spans the harbour from the central business district to the North Shore. The bridge is nicknamed ‘The Coathanger’ because of its arch-based design. It carries rail, vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic. The bridge was designed and built by a British firm, Dorman Long, under the direction of John Bradfield of the New South Wales Department of Public Works.

“That’s a funny name for a bridge. I guess it sort of looks like a hanger,” replies Periwinkle. She continues, “Are we going to get to actually walk on the Bridge.”

“Yes, you bet. There’s a boat waiting to take us around the harbour.” says Stinky.

 

Two cartoon tabby cats in life jackets on a boat in Sydney Harbour with the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the background.

 

“This is wonderful. What else can you tell me about the bridge, Stinky?”

Additional Bridge Details

Stinky explains that the piers are made of concrete and faced with granite. The total length is 3, 770 feet with a width of 160 feet. The height is 440 feet, and the clearance beneath at mid-span is 161 feet. It is the tenth longest spanning-arch bridge in the world and the tallest steel arch bridge. It took from July 1923 to January 1932 for the bridge to be built.

 

Girl cartoon tabby cat with the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House in the background.

 

“Oh goodie, Stinky, we are getting closer. What’s that cool looking building in the background?”

“That’s the Sydney Opera House. We’ll visit the outside a bit later.”

Cimbing the Bridge

 

Two cartoon tabby cats on the Sydney Harbour bridge.

 

“Stinky, please get down. I am always afraid you will have a seizure and fall, but you continue to climb on everything!”

“Don’t worry, Periwinkle, I am fine. Besides, look at all the people on the very top of the bridge. My dad did that, but I promise not to go any further.”

“Sheesh, like that makes me feel any better,” Periwinkle says under her breath.

Though, Stinky has not heard Periwinkle; he comes down to join her. “Let’s head toward the Opera House, Periwinkle. I promise to stay on the ground,” Stinky says and takes her paw.

Sydney Opera House

 

Sydney Opera House

 

“That sure is impressive, Stinky. I can’t wait to get a closer look.”

 

Close-up of the Sydney Opera House with the heads of two cartoon tabby cats in the lower right corner.

 

“Stinky, what can you tell me about the Opera House?” asks Periwinkle.

“The original cost to build the Sydney Opera House was estimated at $7 million. The final cost, however, was $102 million. A State Lottery largely funded it. There was an international design competition in 1956, and 233 designs were submitted. Jørn Utzon from Denmark had the winning design and received a prize of ₤5000. Work began in 1959 and was expected to take four years, but it took 14 years. The Opera House was opened by Queen Elizabeth II on October 20, 1973,” Stinky informs Periwinkle.

“Stinky, maybe we can come back in October to actually check out the Opera House,” suggests Periwinkle.

“Good idea. Now I have a surprise for us!”

 

Sydney Opera House with two cartoon tabby cats in the left foreground with a picnic basket.

 

“Yippee, a picnic. Thank you, Stinky,” says Periwinkle and gives him a whisker kiss.

The tabbies enjoy their picnic, and then it is time to head home. They take a ferry back to where they left the teleportation tunnel, talking and giggling the entire way.

 

Ferry in the Sydney Harbour with the bridge in the background.

 

“It sure was a beautiful day for this trip, Stinky,” Periwinkle exclaims.

Stinky gives her hug and tells her he’s happy she enjoyed herself.

Home Again

When the ferry docks, they hop into the teleportation tunnel and are back at Stinky’s house in the blink of an eye. It’s been a long day, and both tabbies are quite tired. Periwinkle says a quick, “hello” to Stinky’s parents and fursibs before heading back to the tunnel. The tabbies share a few more paw hugs and whisker kisses. Then with the usual blown kisses and waves, Periwinkle enters the tunnel and is gone in a whoosh.

Stinky heads to the kitchen for a quick snack with his meds and then heads to bed to dream of Periwinkle.

The End

Note: Periwinkle and Stinky would like to thank Dad Tom for the use of his photographs from 2000 when he spent three weeks in Sydney to officiate indoor volleyball at the Olympics. That is the reason for the Olympic rings on the bridge.

The tabbies will be joining the Happy Tuesday blog hop at Comedy Plus. If you would like to do the same, click on the badge below.

 

Thanks for joining our two adventurers today. They deeply appreciate it.

AN AWWWDORABLE ANGEL WITTH A SPARK

Awww Monday/Sparks

I have combined these two Monday posts by using a photo from May 31, 2016, of Lily Olivia for my Spark. I believe you will see why I selected her for the Spark. If not, it is because she’s one of our angels and my Spark is about angels. With the loss of ao many kitties lately, our friend Jean and one of Dad Tom’s cousins as well as the wife of a friend who passed in August, I have had angels on my mind.

 

awwwdorable angel spark: a calico cat lying on her side with an orange crocheted fish toy and the following quote from Jaclyn Smith, "Angels are like diamonds. They can't be made, you have to find them. Each one is unique."

 

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.”

Lily Olivia may be an angel, but she’ll always be awwwdorable. So, she’ll be participating in the Awww Mondays blog hop hosted by Sandee at Comedy Plus. You can join her there by clicking on the Awww badge.

 

You may have noticed some small crocheted toys next to Lily Olivia. Those were from Ellen at 15 and Meowing, who is always so generous with the kitties, especially by playing the Tooth Fairy to felines.

The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky

Tomorrow is that special day each week when Periwinkle and Stinky set out on a new adventure. It is Stinky’s turn to make a plan. He’s confided in me that he’s been going nutty trying to come up with an adventure for tomorrow. He has his paws crossed that he has an epiphany soon. I am confident he won’t let Periwinkle or our readers down. And I know both the tabbies will be looking forward to seeing you here tomorrow. So, please don’t let them down.

Thanks for joining us today.

 

 

 

REMEMBERING OUR FRIEND JEAN & SELFIES WEEK #500

Sunday Selfies: Week #500

 

Sunday Selfies #500: Ginger tabby cat with eyes closed and framed by shamrocks.

 

Hi Friends,

I am here as your host today for a special post. The reason being is that it is Saint Patrick’s Day, and my name is Cooper Murphy. One cannot get more Irish than that.

It is also a special Sunday as this is the 500th Sunday Selfies blog hop.

But mainly I am here as this a  tribute post to our dear friend, Jean Neilson, and I have a special connection to her. Her kitty, Tyebe, is my girl friend.

I do apologize for my eyes being closed. I was, of course, dreaming about Tyebe.

Jean Neilson – 1950 to 2024

Bill, Jean’s amazing husband of more than 50 years, telephoned my mom last Sunday to tell her Jean had passed away. He also sent Tyebe’s selfie and asked Mom to add it to our Sunday Selfies hop. He also asked Mom not to share the information of Jean’s passing, as he was not ready to do that. Unfortunately, as Bill put it, someone “let the cat of the bag,” when the information appeared on the Cat Blogosphere. Trust me, it was not my mom!

In the past week, Bill and my mom have been communicating regularly. He shared an article written about he and Jean on their 50th wedding anniversary and said she could share it here. The article has the most precious photo of the two of them. This is the link: Jean & Bill – 50th Anniversary.

Bill also sent this photo to use here. It is the same one he selected for Jean’s obituary, which you can find here.

 

Smiling lady with a blue flower in her hair with a peach floral frame.

 

Our History

My mom first got to know Jean in 2014 before I became a Kitties Blue. That’s when her kitties, Kali and Shoko, began joining our Sunday Selfies blog hop. Then Shoko joined Cat Scouts and got to know my brother, Mau. In 2017, my sisfur, Lily Olivia, joined the Crotchety Cougars Club, a group Kali started for lady kitties who were 15 years old and older.

I followed Mau into Cat Scouts, and then Shoko’s new kitten sisfur, Tyebe, joined Cat Scouts. And it was love at first sight for me. Jean let us attend the 2019 Super Bowl party and Valentine’s Day party at Cat Scouts as friends, and eventually allowed me to ask Tyebe to become my girl friend.

During this time, Jean and my mom were becoming friends. They both liked the Beach Boys and were disappointed when they each saw Bob Dylan in concert. Jean came to my mom with computer- and linking-related issues and my mom went to Jean with questions regarding Sawyer’s seizures.

My mom is one who saves special e-mails, and there are so many regarding dates between Tyebe and me and Tyebe’s wardrobe.

When Jean had her stroke in May, 2022, and developed aphasia, we (as well as so many of you reading this) lost a good friend, whose wit, sense of humor and friendship were so treasured.

Jean’s last blog post was on April 14, 2023. Bill posted a brief message the following month letting everyone know that Jean would not be blogging but that the blog would remain available. You can still find it at The Canadian Cats. Rereading some of the posts is a delightful way to reconnect with Jean, Shoko, Tyebe and Angels Kali and Bud. But be prepared to shed some tears for the loss of a very special lady!

Bill will be having one or more Celebrations of Life to remember Jean later in the spring.

A Final Share

I think it would be okay with Tyebe and her dad if I share this with you. It’s from a Sunday Selfies post on February 26, 2022, especially with this being our 500th Selfie post.

Gee, Coop and his family have had Selfie Sunday for a very long time. It’s practically an institution. We must thank the whole family for being such sports and hosting the Sunday Selfies.

                                                                           

This is my selfie. The button to the camera is in the bag. I just felt around for it and voila! So I pressed my paw on it as hard as I could. How do you like it?

Personally, I love it! Isn’t Tyebe gorgeous? I think you can see why I fell in love with her!

Thank you for joining us today.

Purrs and paw-pats, Cooper Murphy (with special whisker kisses for Tyebe)

Hopping Time

Cooper Murphy, the other Kitties Blue and I really hope you will join us today for the 500th week of our hop. It is a pretty monumental accomplishment, and you do not want to miss out. If you get the opportunity, ask a few of your friends to hop along with us. As always, the hop remains open through Thursday.

Enjoy an easy Sunday!