August 25, 2026

The Adventures of Periwinkle and Stinky

 


It was a hot August day, and Periwinkle was waiting patiently by the Teleportation Tunnel for the arrival of her fiancé, Stinky.  She had an Adventure planned that was now becoming a tradition, and it was in a much cooler place than where she lives.  Soon, the Tunnel began to shake and, with a WOOSH, Stinky tumbled out into her waiting paws.  She took him by the paw and brought him back into the Tunnel, saying, "I've already entered the coordinates for our Adventure, and it's MUCH cooler where we're going, so let's head out!"  Stinky knew better than to disagree!  

They arrived at their destination and Stinky immediately knew why they were there...

"We're here for Cat'n Around, aren't we?" he asked.  Periwinkle smiled and said that this has become a tradition and, as always, the photos she saw of the cats were spectacular, so they should see them in purrson again.   As always, there were CATS. LOTS OF CATS. Not live cats. Not furry cats. But 76 fabulous, colorful, decorated cat statues scattered throughout Catskill for everyone to discover!

Periwinkle reminded him, "The Heart of Catskill Association's Cat’n Around Catskill is a community art project that brings artists, businesses, students and visitors together. The cats are displayed throughout the Town and Village of Catskill during the summer. A purr-fect adventure meeting some of the fabulous Cat’n Around Catskill cats."

Periwinkle handed Stinky the map so they could plan their day.

They decided to check out the cat that was featured in this year's auction.  The cat was named Twenty Litters Later to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Cat'n Around.



Of course, Stinky had to climb up to get a better look.  Periwinkle rolled her eyes but decided it wasn't too high, and he's been behaving lately, so she didn't say anything.  Stinky caught her look and, apologetically, came right down.

The tabbies walked paw in paw, checking out some of the other statues.  They spotted one called Catillac and asked if they could hop in.  Since everyone knew the famous Periwinkle and Stinky, they were told they could (even though it doesn't really drive anywhere). They had fun pretending they were driving all over the Catskills.

Periwinkle exclaimed, "Look, Stinky, this one is amazing.  It's called Iron Pawtector & Murder Mittens.  My Mom says I sometimes have murder mittens!"  Stinky laughed and said he sometimes has them too.
They decided to take a photo with this one to show their Moms.


Each one has its own personality, decorations, and story. Here are six of the actual Cat’n Around Catskill cats that Periwinkle and Stinky stopped to admire on their adventure.

                                                                    Captain Kiddy


Periwinkle said, “Stinky, look! This kitty is dressed like a pirate!”
Stinky added, “A pirate cat? Now THAT is my kind of adventure and would be great for Meow Like a Pirate Day!" Periwinkle agreed.

Cat Vine Winkle


Stinky spotted Cat Vine Winkle first and said, "Periwinkle, this kitty has a very mysterious look.”
Periwinkle giggled and said, “I think this one is watching to make sure we don't miss any of the other cats! He also reminds me it's almost time for a nap.”

Fortune’s Favor


Periwinkle was impurressed with the next one and said, “Oh my whiskers! Look at all those cards and the crystal ball!”  Always thinking of snacks, Stinky said, "Do you think it can predict whether I'll get treats later?”  Of course, Periwinkle sighed and rolled her eyes again but promised there would be treats! 
                                                                            Moon Star and Mermaids

Both tabbies said at once, “Now THIS is a glamorous kitty!” Periwinkle said. “I love the stars, Merkitties and beautiful colors. She even has sparkly eye makeup.


"MOL, only a girl cat would notice that," said Stinky. Right away he knew that was probably a mistake, but then Periwinkle hugged him, and he was relieved she wasn't upset with him.

Sunny Cat


Periwinkle said, “This one makes me think of sunshine and flowers but not as hot as my house”

They gasped when they saw the next one. Periwinkle explained, "This eye-catching decorative cat sculpture features an intricate textured mosaic pattern made from recycled aluminum pop-tabs in silver and gold tones."

"Tabby Cat


Stinky laughed and said it had to take a LOT of cans of Fancy Feast to make that.  Of course, he reminded Periwinkle about her promise of treats!


Their paws were getting tired and Periwinkle noticed Beans Cat Cafe was right across the street, so they headed there for a snack!


As they had found before, the cafe had a nice selection of Temptations and Fancy Feast.  The other diners were thrilled to see the famous duo, and many stopped by their table to tell them how much they enjoyed following their Adventures.

After their snack, they walked around a little bit more.  Periwinkle spotted Wild Iris and said how beautiful she was.  Stinky agreed but said she wasn't as beautiful as Periwinkle, which made Periwinkle blush and squeeze his paw.

🐱 So Many Cats, So Little Time!

After meeting Captain Kiddy, Cat Vine Winkle, Fortune’s Favor, Moon Stars and Mermaids, Sunny Cat, Tabby Cat, and so many others, Periwinkle and Stinky agreed that Cat’n Around Catskill is a very important place for two adventurous tabbies to visit. Periwinkle said, "I love how every cat is different!” Stinky agreed and said, “And I love that there are still more cats for us to find! You know what? We should come back to see the others before the exhibit is over! Do you think our pals would mind?" Periwinkle said she was sure they wouldn't and started planning their return trip.

And so our two explorers continued their Cat’n Around Catskill adventure, with cameras ready, whiskers twitching, and their eyes searching for the next fabulous feline around the corner. Soon it was time for Stinky to head home. They sat on a bench, held paws, and whisker-kissed. They said "I love you" to each other many times. Since they arrived through the Teleportation Tunnel, Periwinkle had the coordinates in place for Stinky to return home first and then for her to go to her house.

Until our next adventure…

Periwinkle and Stinky would love it if you would pick out which cats you would like them to show you next time.  The map at the top has all of them listed!

Want to bid on the auction?  Here's the link for off-premises bidding: https://cat-n-around.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/off-premises-bidding.pdf  and more info on the auction.https://cat-n-around.com/cats-meow-raffle-and-auction-tickets/

Here's a short video of some of the cats!






August 24, 2026

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.



August 23, 2026

Sunday Selfies

 It's been so long since I got to do my own Selfie that I kind of lost my touch.  Sorry that my Floof is covering part of my face.  This probably should have been a FAIL!



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



August 22, 2026

Caturday Cat Art

Graphic by Barb from CATS-ASTROPHIC EVENTS

We made today's artwork using Paint's CRT Melt and added a border in Pizap.  Don't worry, we're okay; this isn't a recent vet visit!


 

We're joining Athena's Caturday Art Blog Hop




See more Caturday Cat Art HERE.

August 21, 2026

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.  Periwinkle, all of us, Noelle and Reesie and finally, Mom the Clutz!
1. ___Thinking of Stinky____sparks my creativity.
2. ___The hot weather_____zaps my energy.
3. My dream __meal_ would have _Churus for every course__.
4. _MOL too many to list!_ is the silliest way I’ve injured myself.


Today is also Flashback Friday hosted by  Fivesibes

Angels Ellie and Allie were so sweet!



August 20, 2026

Poetic Thankful Thursday

 




Today is Poetic Thursday hosted by our pals Teddy and Angel Sammy at Two Spoiled Cats.  Today's photo prompt is

We hope you like our Haiku

Tantrum on the floor,

Clinging tight with all his might,

Please don't make me go!

We wonder where this little one doesn't want to go!



Today is also Angel Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!  We're THANKFUL that, so far, there are no storms looming in the Atlantic.
                                   

August 17, 2026

Black Cat Appreciation Day Spark

 

Graphic by Barb from CATS-ASTROPHIC EVENTS


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.
Today's Spark has a Black Cat!




August 16, 2026

Sunday Selfies

We did another Ussie.  Here we are greeting Mom when she came home from the store! 


 


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