Sunday, 7 December 2025

The Sunday Selfies and Caturday Art Blog Hops at BBHQ **FEATURING** The B Team's Duddo Five Stones Selfie **PLUS** Smooch's UK Historical Travel Guide

A digitally illustrated collage titled "Sunday Selfies ©BionicBasil®" features four cats in the foreground, each with unique fur colors and patterns. Surrounding them are small black-and-white Polaroid-style photos showing various cat selfies. The background is a scenic outdoor setting with blooming flowers and a bright blue sky, creating a cheerful and playful atmosphere.

Pawesome Sunday greetings furiends

Welcome to another BBHQ selfie selection. This week, we decided to head north again in the Time Travelling Telephone Box to meautiful Northumberland, just below the Scottish border.

The B Team's Duddo Five Stones Selfie


The B Team's Duddo Five Stones Selfie - A stone circle standing in a grassy field at sunset, with warm golden light illuminating the weathered stones. Several cats of different colours are scattered among the stones, sitting or standing. A bright red British telephone box stands to the right of the scene, creating a whimsical contrast with the ancient landscape. Soft clouds fill the sky, and the overall atmosphere is magical and surreal.

Guys, these stones are something else, and what a truly pawesome place to visit, we enjoyed every moment, and next time I am taking my dowsing rods as I am convinced all of these stone circles are energetically connected! Of course, mew know about ley lines, and I'm convinced that those underground energy paths were discovered prior to any stone circle ever being constructed.

Mew know how much we love ancient standing stones and stone circles,
see our previous trips to:




Here's a little bit of info from BBHQ's Historical Travel Guide, Smooch:


Greetings, fellow travellers and history lovers!

Driving the winding, scenic roads of Northumberland, we were amazed by the stunning natural beauty surrounding us. As we journeyed on, we came across a hidden gem that left us spellbound - The Duddo Five Stones. These age-old stones, with their weathered exterior, hold a captivating charm that is hard to miss and look like huge, gnarled teeth emerging from the ground. These ancient stones, estimated to be around 4000 years old, have stood the test of time and bear witness to the rich history of this beautiful region. These stones are covered in deep fissures, though it cannot be determined whether they are by design or natural erosion over the centuries, and the (speculative) carvings on them depict various symbols believed to represent the different deities worshipped by the people of that era.

Melvyn did have a theory about the deep fissures on the stones; he reckons that really big cats like sabre-tooth tigers used them as scratching posts to sharpen their claws in ancient times! MOL Apart from the Five Stones initially thought to be seven, Northumberland boasts a plethora of historical attractions that are sure to leave any history buff in total pawe. The Alnwick Castle, built in the 11th century, is a magnificent structure that stands tall and proud. The castle has a rich history and has served as a filming location for several movies and TV shows, including the famous Harry Potter series. The castle's impressive collection of artwork, including paintings by Canaletto and Van Dyck, is a testament to its grandeur. We thought we'd been to Alnwick, but it seems not, so we'll have a little trip there soon. Another attraction worth exploring is Lindisfarne Priory, situated on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. The priory dates back to the 7th century and was founded by Saint Aidan. The island is accessible only during low tide, and visitors can walk across the causeway to explore the priory ruins. The priory boasts of a rich history and offers breathtaking views of the North Sea. The stunning architecture and intricate details of the priory ruins are bound to leave any visitor in wonderment. Northumberland is a treasure trove of history and culture waiting to be explored. The Duddo Five Stones and other historical attractions in the area are a testament to the rich history of this beautiful region. A visit to Northumberland is a journey through time, where anypawdy can immerse themselves in the fascinating history and culture of this enchanting region. A visit to this region is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who experiences its natural beauty and rich history. We loved it!

Purrs

Smooch

The BBHQ Historical Travel Guide


(**Obviously, some of Smooch's findings may be inaccurate due to constant new discoveries being unearthed**)

(**Historical accuracy not guaranteed, Smooch is a cat, not an archaeologist, and is easily distracted by anything with catnip!**)
A symmetrical illustration titled "The Midweek News Round Up Divider ©BionicBasil® Frost Garden Winter" depicts a lush winter garden scene. The composition features a variety of green plants, white and red blossoms, and tall flowering stalks rising at the center. Small animals, including rabbits and a bird, are nestled among the foliage. The design evokes a serene, frosty atmosphere with rich biodiversity, arranged in a decorative and balanced layout.

We're also joining in Athena's Fabulous Art Hop so do stop by and show off your pawesome arty-farty skills.

https://www.athenacatgoddess.com/

We really like this effect; it reminds us of Van Gogh's The Scream, obviously minus the scream! MOL

The B Team's Duddo Five Stones Selfie - Artified image ofA stone circle standing in a grassy field at sunset, with warm golden light illuminating the weathered stones. Several cats of different colours are scattered among the stones, sitting or standing. A bright red British telephone box stands to the right of the scene, creating a whimsical contrast with the ancient landscape. Soft clouds fill the sky, and the overall atmosphere is magical and surreal.

The effect was created with Befunky - AI Enhancer, Impressionist 3 + colour changes to fill light and saturation.

Click here to dive into this cat-tastic puzzle starring the entire B Team, on a day out in the TTTB. It’s a floof-tastic test of feline finesse, and guess what? 

We crushed it in just 10 minutes and 39 seconds. Can mew beat our time? 

Of course, mew can! MOL

A symmetrical illustration titled "The Midweek News Round Up Divider ©BionicBasil® Frost Garden Winter" depicts a lush winter garden scene. The composition features a variety of green plants, white and red blossoms, and tall flowering stalks rising at the center. Small animals, including rabbits and a bird, are nestled among the foliage. The design evokes a serene, frosty atmosphere with rich biodiversity, arranged in a decorative and balanced layout.

We're off to go and snoopervise Cat Dad while he does a spot of leaf raking. The P.A. is cooking lunch.

Smooch is looking forward to a nice piece of something yummy, and this afternoon we're watching Ruthless People (1986) with Bette Midler and Danny DeVito; it's really quite funny.

Do join us again tomorrow, when we're back with another episode of Cats Have Problems Too, and check out this week's Despurrate Dilemma. 

We do hope mew have an epic day, and remember to always...
Red and Blue Stay Fluff Text Banner

Wing Commander Basil & The B Team






A symmetrical illustration titled "The Midweek News Round Up Divider ©BionicBasil® Frost Garden Winter" depicts a lush winter garden scene. The composition features a variety of green plants, white and red blossoms, and tall flowering stalks rising at the center. Small animals, including rabbits and a bird, are nestled among the foliage. The design evokes a serene, frosty atmosphere with rich biodiversity, arranged in a decorative and balanced layout.

Don't forget to join in the pawesome Sunday Selfies Blog Hop with

 Angel Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Angel Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo, Cooper Murphy and Sawyer ~ visit them at their pawesome blog:




link up coming later...

A symmetrical illustration titled "The Midweek News Round Up Divider ©BionicBasil® Frost Garden Winter" depicts a lush winter garden scene. The composition features a variety of green plants, white and red blossoms, and tall flowering stalks rising at the center. Small animals, including rabbits and a bird, are nestled among the foliage. The design evokes a serene, frosty atmosphere with rich biodiversity, arranged in a decorative and balanced layout.









A symmetrical illustration titled "The Midweek News Round Up Divider ©BionicBasil® Frost Garden Winter" depicts a lush winter garden scene. The composition features a variety of green plants, white and red blossoms, and tall flowering stalks rising at the center. Small animals, including rabbits and a bird, are nestled among the foliage. The design evokes a serene, frosty atmosphere with rich biodiversity, arranged in a decorative and balanced layout.

Don't furget to subscribe to our blog and never miss another post. 

A symmetrical illustration titled "The Midweek News Round Up Divider ©BionicBasil® Frost Garden Winter" depicts a lush winter garden scene. The composition features a variety of green plants, white and red blossoms, and tall flowering stalks rising at the center. Small animals, including rabbits and a bird, are nestled among the foliage. The design evokes a serene, frosty atmosphere with rich biodiversity, arranged in a decorative and balanced layout.

Graphics created with paid licence @www.canva.com & ios Prisma App or www.befunky.com 

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Friday, 5 December 2025

Book Reviews with Amber at The Mewton-Clawson Library #340 featuring **Hemlock & Silver** by T. Kingfisher **PLUS** Friendly Fill-Ins

A digitally illustrated promotional graphic for The Mewton-Clawson Library at BBHQ features Amber, a white and orange cat wearing a light blue scarf, seated in front of bookshelves filled with colourful books. Decorative elements like holly leaves, a mouse, a quill, and a thimble add festive charm to the top of the image. The bottom text reads "Book Reviews with Amber," indicating Amber is the host of the library’s book review segment. The overall design is cozy, whimsical, and holiday-themed. At www.bionicbasil.com

Hello, gorgeous library guests 

and 

Welcome to the Mewton-Clawson Library at BBHQ 

Thank you for joining me in the stacks today. 

Gosh, I miss the heat from my summer jollies, and to be honest, I may have to flee the U.K. if the cold weather keeps looming!

Are mew ready for more of my Egyptian adventures? Of course, mew are! MOL

Amber, an orange and white tabby cat, sits regally in front of the colossal statues of Ramses II at Abu Simbel. She wears a flowing scarlet robe with a sapphire sash, a crescent-moon pendant, and a wide golden headdress adorned with lotus motifs. Her blue sunglasses add a touch of feline glamour. The sandstone temple glows in the rising sun, with warm hues and dramatic shadows casting across the ancient carvings. The scene blends majestic Egyptian architecture with whimsical feline elegance.

🏛 My Egyptian Adventure #7: Colossal Cats & Ramses Rendezvous 🐾

Location: Abu Simbel, gazing up at Ramses II’s monumental temples

Time: Sunrise, when the desert blushes gold, and the statues awaken in light

Dahlings, today I traded moonlit ripples for monumental stone. My paws padded across the sands of Nubia until the colossal guardians of Abu Simbel loomed before me, four towering effigies of Ramses II, carved with such audacity that even the sun itself pauses to admire them.

“I was expecting colossal cats? Clearly an oversight. Luckily, I’ve corrected it.” 

I arrived at dawn, draped in a flowing scarlet robe with a sapphire sash, my crescent‑moon pendant gleaming against the rising sun. A new hat, of course, a wide golden headdress adorned with lotus motifs, because one must match the grandeur of the gods.

The air was crisp, tinged with sandstone and history. As the first rays pierced the temple’s inner sanctum, I sipped a chilled catnip espresso from a gilded chalice and whispered, “Amber, mew are eternal.” The statues didn’t blink, but I swear one smirked.

My Morning Essentials Included:

🐟 A platter of Nile perch pâté with pomegranate glaze

🍷 A sparkling nip‑tonic infused with desert herbs

  📜 A scroll of Ramses’ victories annotated with my paw‑written commentary (“Too much ego, dahling, but fabulous execution”)

  🐾 A silk fan painted with Bastet’s likeness, fluttered dramatically at key moments

I wandered through the temple halls, hieroglyphs dancing in the dawn light, cats carved into eternity alongside pharaohs and gods. The grandeur was overwhelming, yet I remained composed. After all, I am Amber, head librarian of BBHQ, and I, too, command legacies (and snacks).

The desert may hold echoes of kings and conquerors, but today it held me: a cat of legend, strutting beneath colossal stone, sipping cocktails, and rewriting history with impeccable taste.

Mood: Majestic, monumental, and slightly smug (but only because my hat was bigger than Ramses’ crown).

Quote of the day: “Grandeur is not measured in stone, but in the paws that walk among it.”

A stylized illustration of two black cats sitting back-to-back, facing opposite directions. Each cat is adorned with gold accents on the ears and eyes, red and gold collars, and gold hoop earrings, evoking the aesthetic of ancient Egyptian art. Their symmetrical pose and regal detailing suggest inspiration from Bastet, the Egyptian goddess of protection and home. The image blends cultural symbolism with elegant feline design.

✨ Next week, I’ll be surprising mew with a mystery location. Expect masks, mystery, and more cocktails. 😸🌙🍸

Anyhoo, let's look at this week's top book pick.

Two views of The Mewton-Clawson Library at BBHQ showcase a beautifully organized home library. The top half reveals a long wall of white bookshelves filled with colorful books, magazines, and decorative items. A chair and a cat add a cozy touch to the aisle. The bottom half features another section of the library with shelves lined with older, leather-bound volumes, suggesting a collection of classics or historical texts. The caption in the center reads: "Part of The Mewton-Clawson Library ©BionicBasil®"
A black and white illustration shows two mice interacting with a trio of vertically standing books. One mouse stands atop the middle book, appearing to speak or observe, while the other mouse is on the ground facing the books, as if listening or approaching. The book spines feature decorative horizontal bands, and the overall scene evokes a whimsical, storybook charm with themes of curiosity and learning.
Today, the P.A. is also joining in Friday Fill-ins Blog Hop with the pawesome 15 & Meowing and Four-Legged Furballs.

1. The easiest one on my Christmas shopping list to buy for is _________________________.
2. The toughest one in my Christmas shopping list to buy for is _____________________.
3. I try to spread Christmas cheer by _________.
4. When it comes to _________, I’m a bit of a Scrooge.

The P.A.'s answers are...

1. The easiest one on my Christmas shopping list to buy for is all of The B Team; catnip, toys, treats… basically anything that crinkles or jingles.

2. The toughest one on my Christmas shopping list to buy for is my parents, who somehow need nothing and everything at the same time.

3. I try to spread Christmas cheer by avoiding festive, crowded, heaving places. Nothing kills my holiday spirit faster than being trapped between a stressed shopper and a rogue tinsel display.

4. When it comes to sharing my blanket on the sofa, I’m a bit of a Scrooge. Unless it’s one of The B Team, in which case I become a human heated cat bed.


A black-and-white illustration features a vintage typewriter at the center with a paw print symbol on its paper holder. On either side of the typewriter are neatly stacked piles of four books each. A small mouse figure sits atop the left stack, while a tiny elephant figure perches on the right. The scene blends literary charm with whimsical elements, evoking themes of storytelling, imagination, and creativity.

Let's see what I've got to show mew this time!

A cozy library scene features a large orange and white cat sitting on a chair in the foreground. Around the cat are a desk lamp, a feather quill in an ink pot, a stack of books, a wooden sign that reads "SHHHHH!!!", and a small mouse perched on another stack of books. Green potted plants flank the cat, and behind is a warmly lit library with wooden floors and bookshelves. At the top, a sign reads "THIS WEEKS TOP BOOK PICK!" with the website www.bionicbasil.com. In front of the cat is the featured book: Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher, with a cover showing a red apple, flowers, and a green snake-like creature. At www.bionicbasil.com
Mewton-Clawson Library Copy

Hemlock & Silver


by 

T. Kingfisher

A symmetrical cartoon-style illustration featuring four mice and two pieces of Swiss cheese. The mice are arranged in pairs on either side of the cheese, all facing toward the center. Each cheese wedge is illustrated with classic holes, and the playful layout creates a balanced and whimsical visual.

📚 This Week’s Paw‑Approved Top Pick: Hemlock & Silver

Curl up in your cosiest nook, tail tucked, and ears perked, because this week’s read is a whisker‑quivering fairy‑tale retelling that proves cats aren’t just companions, they’re sharp‑tongued familiars who can claw their way right into the heart of dark magic.

❓What's the Genre?

This is a darkly whimsical fantasy stand‑alone that blends fairy‑tale retelling with gothic humour and a dash of feline mischief.

🕵️ What’s the Story?

Anja, a healer with a knack for poisons and stubborn courage, finds herself tangled in a deadly curse tied to a mirror and a queen. Alongside her unlikely allies, including a sardonic, talking cat who refuses to be mere background fluff, she must navigate a world of enchantments, secrets, and shadows. What begins as a quest to save lives becomes a battle against the twisted reflections of power itself.

⚔️ What I Loved:-

🔥 The Vibes: Imagine Snow White meets Practical Magic, but with more poison bottles, more wit, and 100% more feline commentary.

🐾 The Cat: Grayling the talking cat is sly, sarcastic, and scene‑stealing, the kind of companion who’d roll their eyes at your potion ingredients but still save your life when it counts.

🍸 Anja: A heroine with grit, compassion, and a refusal to bow to fate. She’s the kind of woman who’d heal your wounds, hex your enemies, and still have time to argue with her cat.

🎬 The Fairy‑Tale Twist: The author takes the bones of Snow White and reshapes them into something darker, funnier, and far more unpredictable.

🏚 The Setting: A world of cursed mirrors, shadowed castles, and dangerous magic, painted with a blend of eerie atmosphere and sly humour.

📖 My Final Thoughts:-

This is a fantasy that purrs with wit, hisses with danger, and sparkles with fairy‑tale menace. Anja is the kind of heroine mew’ll want to follow through every poisoned apple and shattered mirror, and Grayling is the purrfectly snarky sidekick #epic! I read it faster than a kitten chasing a laser pointer, and it’s a magical, mischievous tale that’ll leave mew yowling for more enchantments! MOL

Available in audiobook and print, so grab your catnip cocoa or nip gin, a blanket, and let the magic and the cat sarcasm begin!

A Top Paw Read!

**And at the time of posting, the Kindle edition is available for 0.99p**

Paperback: 368 pages

Audio: 11 hours & 50 mins
A black and white illustration shows two mice interacting with a trio of vertically standing books. One mouse stands atop the middle book, appearing to speak or observe, while the other mouse is on the ground facing the books, as if listening or approaching. The book spines feature decorative horizontal bands, and the overall scene evokes a whimsical, storybook charm with themes of curiosity and learning.
My Rating Scale
A whimsical graphic featuring a triangular arrangement of light blue paw prints on the left side, forming a downward-pointing triangle. On the right side is a playful rating scale for reading material, themed around fluff and animal humor. The five levels are: 1. TOTALLY TOP FLUFF — READ IMMEDIATELY 2. FURRY GOOD FLUFF — READ AS SOON AS 3. ENJOYABLE FLUFF — PUT IT STANDBY 4. NOT FLUFFING BAD — EMERGENCY READING 5. FLUFF OFF — GO NAP INSTEAD The design is lighthearted and imaginative, perfect for a fun, informal book review setting. At www.bionicbasil.com
Pale Blue Dots Banner ©BionicBasil®

Ratings of:

Hemlock & Silver

 
This one’s got claws in all the right places, a TOTALLY TOP FLUFF read that’ll enchant mew from page one!

Overall Enjoyment

Amber's Book Reviews ©BionicBasil® 5 Paw Rating - Pale Blue

A black-and-white illustration features a vintage typewriter at the center with a paw print symbol on its paper holder. On either side of the typewriter are neatly stacked piles of four books each. A small mouse figure sits atop the left stack, while a tiny elephant figure perches on the right. The scene blends literary charm with whimsical elements, evoking themes of storytelling, imagination, and creativity.
   
Other Fun Blog Hops to Join Today

A colorful collage of six square graphics representing themed blog hops and social media events. Each graphic features unique designs and text: 1. "Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop" with a cat and the URL "brianshomeblog.com". 2. "The Cat Blogosphere" with the URL "catblogosphere.com". 3. "Feline Friday" with a playful cat theme. 4. "Nature Friday Blog Hop" featuring nature-inspired elements. 5. "Friendly Fill-Ins" with the URLs "15andmeowing.com" and "Four-Legged Furballs". 6. "Friendship Friday" with the tagline "Create With Joy". The image celebrates community-driven online events centered around cats, nature, and friendship.

Pale Blue Dots Banner ©BionicBasil®

I'm off to read next week's books, as mew know the drill, so many books, so little time! 

Don't forget, if mew are looking for great books with cats, check out the Book Review page, just click the link here or at the top of the page, as that's the place to visit to get your feline fiction fix. 

Until next time...

Keep calm and read more books

Amber 

Amber's Book Reviews ©BionicBasil® Paw







Pale Blue Dots Banner ©BionicBasil®

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Pale Blue Dots Banner ©BionicBasil®
 graphics created with paid licence www.canva.com  
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