The Adventures of Periwinkle and Stinky

 

Periwinkle sat quietly by the Teleportation Tunnel, her paws folded neatly beneath her. The house felt a little different today. It was the anniversary of Angel Raz's journey to the Rainbow Bridge, and memories of her beloved friend filled her thoughts.

The Tunnel gave a low rumble, and with a WOOSH, Stinky stepped out, carrying a small bouquet of fresh white daisies tucked gently beneath one paw.

Periwinkle's ears perked up, and she exclaimed, "Stinky!” She hurried over to him. The two touched noses before exchanging several soft whisker kisses. She said, “I’ve been waiting for you." Stinky smiled warmly and gave her front paws several gentle pats."I know today is a difficult day, sweetheart."

Periwinkle lowered her eyes and said, "I miss Raz every day."

Stinky nodded.  “I do too. He was a wonderful friend. I brought these for him." He held up the daisies, and Periwinkle smiled and  said, "They're beautiful." Stinky said, "I thought we could place them by his memorial before our Adventure. I wanted to make sure we took time to remember him. Periwinkle leaned against him and gave him another whisker kiss saying, "That is very thoughtful of you."

Stinky wrapped a paw around her shoulders, and they headed to Periwinkle’s Mom’s office, where Angel Raz’s urn is.

The two sat quietly together for a moment.

After a few minutes, Periwinkle reached over, gave Stinky's paw a gentle pat, and said, "Thank you for understanding." Stinky returned the paw pats.  

With one more hug, Periwinkle said, "I'm glad we did this. Now we need to start our Adventure for today!"  Periwinkle explained that they do this particular Adventure every year, but it remains impawtent to share.  Stinky agreed and added, "I can't believe yesterday was the beginning of hurricane season.  What are the names this year?"  Of course, Periwinkle had the list ready!

Both were relieved THEIR names weren't on the list, but they also giggled because their friend Teddy's name was on it.  

Of course, they had the usual reminders, such as making sure you have enough food for your pet which they knew Periwinkle's Mom ALWAYS had.  Stinky added "Don't forget the TREATS!"

Plenty of water is impawtent too.  "Periwinkle said you should have one gallon of water for each person and pet for at least three days.  Stinky agreed hydration is impawtent.

The tabbies both agreed that your PTU should be handy and it's a good idea to keep them out so you don't get scared when you see it.  Reesie was glad to demonstrate how comfy you can be in a PTU.

A generator is a good idea...

And a propane burner to cook on is too, but don't forget to have the propane too!

Batteries are necessary for certain things.  Periwinkle told Stinky that last year, the Trout Talkin Tabbies mentioned solar-powered lanterns.  Her Mom found them on Amazon and bought them...

Having done more research, Periwinkle had a checklist of things to have ready for your pet...

Of course, knowing the difference between a watch and a warning is helpful...

Periwinkle went on to say, "Hurricane season is nothing to be afraid of if you're prepared. Before a storm arrives, make sure your family has food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, and supplies for every pet in the house." Stinky added, "We also help secure loose items outside, bring patio furniture indoors, and make sure everyone knows where to go if conditions become dangerous." Periwinkle agreed and said, "Everyone who might be affected should pay attention to forecasts and listen to local officials. A little preparation now can make a big difference later." 

They both added, "And don't forget your furry family members! Make sure they have identification, carriers, food, water, and comfort items ready to go. When everyone has a plan and a supply kit, they can face hurricane season with confidence. Prepared, informed, and looking out for one another—that's the best way to weather any storm."

The tabbies were getting tired, so they decided to take a quick nap and then have a snack since they had all those treats available.  Before it was time for Stinky to leave, he visited with Periwinkle's fursibs and her Mom.  Once again, he told them how sad he was about Angel Raz's angelversary and how happy he was that he was lucky enough to know him.  They shared one more whisker kiss, and he entered the Teleportation Tunnel.  The Tunnel shook and, with a WOOSH, he headed home.  Periwinkle went into her Mom's office to nap next to Angel Raz, admire the flowers, and think about her thoughtful fiancé. 

The Adventures of Periwinkle and Stinky

 

Periwinkle sat patiently at the mouth of the Teleportation Tunnel. Her tail curled neatly around her paws, twitching with anticipation.  Every so often, Periwinkle glanced at the clock on the wall, her heart fluttering excitedly. Stinky, her fiancé, was due to arrive any minute. Periwinkle had fluffed her fur and straightened her whiskers for the occasion, wanting to look her best.   Soon, the Teleportation Tunnel begins to shake and, with a WOOOSH, Stinky arrives!  The tabbies rush to each other and spend time whisker kissing and paw patting.

Stinky quickly spots the battery-powered lanterns and guesses what they are doing. Stinky says, "We're going to remind our pals about being purrpared for hurricanes, aren't we?"  Periwinkle is impurressed that he remembers.  "Yes, we are!  I'm surprised you remembered.  Hurricane Season started on Sunday, so I hope we can help our friends be ready.  I printed out the hurricane predictions and the possible names," she said.

They were happy they didn't see any of their names or their fursibs names!

Stinky said, "I wonder how they come up with the names?"  Periwinkle was ready with an explanation. "Each year, hurricanes are given names from a set list created by weather organizations. There are six lists of names that rotate every six years. The names alternate between male and female and are chosen to be easy to say and remember.

When a storm becomes strong enough to be called a hurricane or tropical storm, it gets the next name on the current year’s list. If there are more storms than names on the list, extra names are used from a backup list.

If a hurricane is especially deadly or causes major damage, its name is retired so it won’t be used again out of respect. A new name is then chosen to replace it in the list.  Since they started naming the storms, 99 names have been retired.  In 2023, there were no names retired. Names beginning with the letter “I” have been retired 13 times, the most of any letter. This is because these ninth-named storms of a season tend to form in the most active months when conditions are most favorable for stronger hurricanes that could have a significant impact. This year, we have three names that have never been used before, Dexter Van and Wendy.

This system helps people communicate clearly about storms and improves safety by making tracking and preparing for them easier."  

"Let's remind our friends about some basic things to remember," said Periwinkle.  Stinky said, "I saw the list you made, it's really great, and I think all pet parents in areas where there could be weather emergencies should print it out."  Periwinkle blushed but smiled because she was happy he liked her list, even though the AI program she used made him a ginger tabby, added a tail, and spelled some things wrong.

Stinky went on to say that it was important to have plenty of supplies for your pet. 

Food was, of course, essential. The tabbies giggled when Periwinkle showed Stinky how much canned food her Mom had!

Making sure you have water...

They both exclaimed "TREATS" and giggled...

Stinky added, "It's also impawtent to have your PTU close by."

"Don't forget your pet's medications, if they take them," she added, knowing how important it was for Stinky and Sawyer to take their seizure medications.

Periwinkle went on to say, "Prepping your house is also a big part of being ready for a storm.  Put up shutters, if needed."  No sooner did she say that than Stinky climbed up on the window to demonstrate the shutters.  She sighed but didn't say anything since he wasn't really up too high.

Stinky reminded her, "You should know the difference between a storm watch and a warning.  I made an AI graphic, which made me a ginger and added a tail too!" 

They both said it is important to be careful after a storm, too...

"You know, looking at those treats earlier made me really hungry. Why don't we take some time to enjoy a few of them together?" said Periwinkle.  Stinky quickly agreed, and they went into the dining room to enjoy a snack. 

Reesie was on the table and wanted to point out that it's also a good idea to have batteries and lanterns in case the power goes out.  Nokitty wants their Mom or Dad stumbling around in the dark!

They enjoyed their snack and spent some time snuggling, whisker kissing, and paw patting.

Soon, it was time for Stinky to leave.  Both tabbies said they had their paws crossed that nobuddy had to deal with storms this year, but at least they knew what to do it they did.  With a last whisker kiss and a WOOSH, Stinky headed home.

Periwinkle cleaned up the crumbs from their snack and settled in for a nice nap in a sunpuddle.