Wordless Wednesday

 

The Adventures of Periwinkle and Stinky

 

Tuesdays were always special for Periwinkle because she knew she would see her special guy, Stinky.  She groomed her furs and kept her eyes on the Teleportation Tunnel, anticipating his arrival. Soon, the Tunnel began to shake, and with a loud WOOSH, Stinky tumbled out and landed in her paws, and they both tumbled over.  Giggling and whisker kissing, they spent some time catching up on the previous week. Periwinkle asked Stinky if there were photos from his Mom's visit with Oliver and Oscar, and he was happy to share.  Periwinkle oooh'd and ahhh'd at how cute they were. Click HERE to read about the visit.

After more whisker kisses and paw pats, Stinky asked what the plan was for the day. "Remember when we saw the baby turtles hatch on the beach?  Today is World Sea Turtle Day, and I thought we could explore more about turtles."  Stinky thought that was a great idea and laughed at the fact that turtles have their own day!

“World Sea Turtle Day honors Dr. Archie Carr, who was born on June 16, 1909. He helped people understand how amazing sea turtles are and is often called the "Father of Sea Turtle Biology,” said Periwinkle. Thanks to him, people learned how important it is to protect sea turtles! Today also helps raise awareness because most sea turtle species are endangered or critically endangered due to pollution, poaching, climate change, and getting accidentally caught in fishing gear.

Stinky looked down and said, “That's sad. Sea turtles need our help. ” Periwinkle gave him a hug and said, “Unlike freshwater turtles, sea turtles can't pull their heads and flippers into their shells. They traded that protection for powerful swimming abilities, which helps them travel thousands of miles through the ocean. That also means things like plastic bags and fishing line can be especially dangerous for them.  If they survive to adulthood, many can live 50 to 100 years!” Both tabbies said, “Wow! That's a lot of birthdays.”

As they arrived at the beach, Periwinkle shared more information about turtles. "They help keep our oceans healthy. Green sea turtles maintain seagrass meadows, hawksbill turtles help coral reefs by eating sponges that can overgrow corals, and sea turtles move nutrients between land and sea.  Of course, Stinky had to jump on the railing to show Periwinkle the Fragile Plant sign.  She rolled her eyes but was happy that he didn't step on the dune or go any higher.

Stinky asked, "What kind of sea turtles do you have here in Satellite Beach, Periwinkle?"

Periwinkle told him, " We are very lucky because loggerhead sea turtles nest right here along Florida's Space Coast beaches, including Satellite Beach!" Stinky mentioned that they have seen the nests marked off during nesting season. 

Stinky got excited when he saw the beach.  "What is that brown stuff?" he asked.  Periwinkle told him it was sargassum. Sargassum is a type of floating seaweed that acts like a tiny, moving jungle in the ocean. Instead of growing on the ocean floor, it drifts on the surface in large mats, using tiny gas-filled bubbles to float.  Baby animals use it to hide from bigger fish.  Sea Turtles and fish use it as a safe nursery to grow up.

They spotted two burds in the sargassum, probably enjoying a snack. (Sorry Tabbies)

Periwinkle went on to say, "That's because loggerheads need our protection. Female loggerheads come ashore at night between about May and October to lay their eggs in the sand. Then the babies hatch later in the summer.  Remember, we saw babies hatch on one of our Adventures." Stinky said, “That's right! Tiny hatchlings emerged from their nests and made an exciting dash to the ocean.  They often use the moonlight reflecting on the water to help guide them, don't they?  Let's look at the video again."  They got Periwinkle's Mom's phone and watched squeeing as they saw the babies run to the water.

Periwinkle was impurressed that he remembered so much and said, “Exactly! That's why keeping our beaches dark at night is so impawtant. Bright lights can confuse hatchlings and send them in the wrong direction.”

Stinky then asked, “What makes loggerhead turtles special?” Periwinkle told him, “Loggerheads are named for their large heads and powerful jaws. They use those strong jaws to crush crabs, conchs, and other hard-shelled prey. Adult loggerheads can weigh between 200 and 400 pounds, and some grow even larger.” Amazed, Stinky said, “Wow! That's a lot of turtle.”

Periwinkle went on to say, “Loggerheads are also impawtant to our coastal ecosystem. Their nesting activity helps move nutrients from the ocean to the beach, supporting plants and wildlife along the shore. So when we protect loggerheads, we're helping the whole beach ecosystem. Every protected nest helps give these amazing turtles a better chance for the future.  They spotted tracks that led to a nest and were impurressed that the Mommy turtle went all the way up to the dune.  (You can see the track where she went up and then came down after laying her eggs)

Stinky added, "I think that's something every beach visitor should know." Periwinkle agreed, “Me too! Here in Satellite Beach, we're proud to share our shoreline with these incredible sea turtles.  How can we celebrate World Sea Turtle Day? There are lots of ways!” Stinky quickly said, Let's make a list!

1 First, help with beach or neighborhood cleanups. Pick up small plastics, fishing line, and litter.
2. And if you're on a nesting beach, flatten sandcastles and fill in holes so baby turtles can safely reach the ocean
3. Use turtle-friendly lighting near beaches. Hatchlings use the moon's reflection on the water to find the ocean, and bright lights can confuse them.
4. Reduce single-use plastics and choose reusable items whenever possible.

Stinky added, "and fifth, always respect wild turtles. Give them plenty of space and never buy products made from tortoiseshell. Periwinkle smiled and said, “That’s excellent advice. Sea turtles have survived for millions of years. We should do everything we can to help them continue their incredible journey.  Both tabbies exclaimed,” Whether you're picking up trash, reducing plastic use, or simply sharing information, every small action can help protect these amazing ocean travelers.”

Periwinkle & Stinky both said, "Happy World Sea Turtle Day! Let's help keep our oceans and beaches safe for sea turtles today and every day!"

Periwinkle said, "I had my Mom make a picnic lunch for us to have on the beach. Are you ready to eat?"  "I sure am," he replied.

After lunch, they went back to Periwinkle's house. Periwinkle told Stinky that they used to have a turtle scratcher.  She showed him photos of

 Angel Ellie...

and Angel Raz...

They spent some time whisker kissing and paw patting.  Periwinkle told Stinky she hoped he wasn't bored with their Adventure and how proud she was of him for not climbing on anything that was dangerous.   He blushed and thanked her.  Soon it was time for him to leave.  He gave her one more whisker kiss and jumped into the Tunnel and headed home.  Periwinkle watched the turtle video again and smiled at the memory of that day.

Monday Sparks

 Even though McGuffy's reader is taking a break, we are continuing our Monday Sparks posts!  From the original Sparks posts:

Welcome to Sparks. Many years ago, it was my intent to post an inspirational thought each Monday. It would be my weekly meditation, and perhaps feed other people's spirit as well. Life got busy, and this fell by the wayside. Now, I feel a strong need to bring this feature back. 
The negative energy in the world has become thick and oppressive. Social media has become a part of this dark, negative storm. There is an obvious universal need for more positive energy and peace. And, we can all be part of this affirmative change. 
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!
I hope you will join us. Please link up a positive quote, thought, poem, or verse. The badge and code can be found in my sidebar. Add the badge to your post to invite others. The more, the merrier. I welcome your thoughts. Peace.

Sunday Selfies

Mom spotted this burd (sorry Tabbies) in the tree.  Since she/he was posing so nicely, we offered him/her the opportunity to do a Selfie.  After taking the Selfie, she/he went on their way.

We're pawticipating in The Cat on My Head's Sunday Selfies today.

Caturday Cat Art

 Today's art is another video Mom's phone made of Angel Raz and Noelle.  We sure miss him.

We're joining Athena's Caturday Art Blog Hop

See more Caturday Cat Art HERE.

Friendly Fill-ins and Flashback Friday

 We're pawticipating in Friendly Fill-ins sponsored by Four Legged Furballs and 15 and Meowing.

We took turns.  Mom, Reesie, Periwinkle and Noelle

1. I’d like to learn how to play __the piano (I took lessons as a child)______

2. Something I tried to make that was an epic fail was _fail?  I'm PURRFECT_.

3. I want to design _cool outfits_ for Stinky and I to wear on Adventures___.

4. _A Churu_ is a special treat I get _every day___.

Today is also Flashback Friday hosted by  Fivesibes

A Flashback from WAYYY back.  Angel Auntie El holding Angel Ellie on her birthday!

Poetic Thankful Thursday

 Today is Poetic Thursday hosted by our pals Teddy and Angel Sammy at Two Spoiled Cats

Today's photo prompt is

A Day at the Beach

Splashing through the sunny tide,

Laugh lines deep, arms open wide.

Silver hair dancing in the breeze,

Hearts still young with playful ease.

Every giggle, every cheer,

Echoes of youth they hold so dear.

Age is just a number, true,

In this water, life feels new.

They sure look like they're having fun, don't they?

Today is also Angel Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!

                                   

We're THANKFUL for all the great Blog Hop Hosts who keep the Cat Blogosphere fun.  We're especially THANKFUL for the Cat Blogosphere and all the people who keep it running smoothly.

Wordless Wednesday

 

Meezer Colors Day and Toon Tuesday

 

  I am not a Meezer, but I do have similar colors.  I am a chocolate lynx point (also called tabby) Birman.  Mom says I have AMAZING whiskers, too.

From the CFA Birman Breed Standards 

 CHOCOLATE TABBY POINT: body ivory with little shading. Pale body coat is desirable, preferably free from body markings; however, body shading of light ghost striping toning with the points is acceptable. Points, except for gloves, milk chocolate markings on a light bronze agouti background. Solid markings on the back of the hind legs should be a milk chocolate color, warm in tone. Tail color, with the exception of the rings, should be milk chocolate in color. Nose leather: pink to brick colored outlined in chocolate to tone with the points. A solid color nose leather to tone with the point color is acceptable.

There should be a clearly defined “M” marking on the forehead, light-colored “spectacle” markings around the eyes with spotted whisker pads. Ears are solid with no stripes. “Thumb marks,” which are less apparent in dilute colors and kittens, should be visible on the back of the ears. Ear furnishings in front of the ears should be off-white in color. The legs should have clearly defined, varied-sized broken stripes and/or rings. There should be solid markings on the back of the hind legs above the laces. A tail showing lighter and darker rings is preferred, but such markings may only occur on the underside and should not then be faulted. The tail may be ticked. The chin may be light-colored but not white. A light-colored “bow tie” should be evident just below the nose.

Today is also Toon Tuesday.  We couldn't find a Meezer toon so we hope you like this one!

  Remember to visit The Cat On My Head to see what Stinky has planned for today's Adventure!  

Monday Sparks

 Even though McGuffy's reader is taking a break, we are continuing our Monday Sparks posts!  From the original Sparks posts:

 

Welcome to Sparks. Many years ago, it was my intent to post an inspirational thought each Monday. It would be my weekly meditation, and perhaps feed other people's spirit as well. Life got busy, and this fell by the wayside. Now, I feel a strong need to bring this feature back. 
The negative energy in the world has become thick and oppressive. Social media has become a part of this dark, negative storm. There is an obvious universal need for more positive energy and peace. And, we can all be part of this affirmative change. 
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!
I hope you will join us. Please link up a positive quote, thought, poem, or verse. The badge and code can be found in my sidebar. Add the badge to your post to invite others. The more, the merrier. I welcome your thoughts. Peace.