Holiday Hiatus

Technology - isn't it wonderful! Have a good holiday and I'll be back to my regular posting on January 6th when I return to Frog Central. Have a happy and safe New Year's Eve!

Holiday Travel

Hey all, I've been on the road for a couple of days and have finally made it to Frog East! I'm going to be working with new equipment for the next week, so here's hoping that I can figure it out! I look forward to showing all the new frogs I've received for Christmas! Here's hoping that your holiday was a good one and am looking forward to New Years Eve celebrations - the tadpoles and I will be lucky to stay up that late!

Frog of the Day

Russ - Ice Blue Fruggy
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house not a creature was stirring - not even Fruggy! The Frog Wrangler and I, as well as all the frogs of Frog Central, want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Have a good holiday and we'll see you right back here afterwards.

This plush frog is from Russ and is part of their Girl Powrrr line and is called Fruggy. Fruggy comes in a variety of colors and this one is Ice Blue! Fun items to collect that add some whimsy to the collection.

Frog of the Day

Radko - Poly Wiggles Gem
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

End of the week and moving into the holiday weekend. Here's hoping that you've finished all your shopping and hopped on home.

This is a Christopher Radko ornament called Poly Wiggles Gem. There are 3 different styles of this ornament. All three are under the Radko number 1010809.

Frog of the Day

Annalee - 3" Froggie
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's another day of running around and getting ready for the holidays. All I want to do is sit back on a lilypad and relax!

This collectible frog is from Annalee and is simply called 3" Froggie. The frog is attatched to the lilypad with a little white flower. It's number is 2401 and dates to 1997.

Frog of the Day

DaySpring Cards - Frog Birthday Card
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I have about 3 days worth of errands to do in one afternoon - somehow I don't think everything is going to get done! So when things get hectic, you need a good laugh - and a card like this is just what I need.

This card is from DaySpring Cards. I received this card from my birthday several years ago. The front of the card reads "You are to me - like a lily-pad to a frog, a verdant retreat from the deep, dark ponds of life . . . a steady platform on which to croak out my deepest thoughts and feelings." The inside says "Hey, don't knock it, I could have compared you to the frog!"

Everyone wants to be a comedian! If you want to see a nice line of cards and gifts, check out www.dayspring.com.

Frog of the Day

Barnes & Noble Calendars - Frogs
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's time to start thinking of putting away things 2205 and getting out things 2006. Now would be a good time to hit the donate button so that new frogs collectibles can be added to the collection.

This frog item is a 2005 calendar from Barnes and Noble. It is a smaller desk size, but still has some great photography of various colorful frog species.

Frog of the Day

Radko - The Green Leaper
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Monday morning. Here at Frog Central sickness is running rampant. Even the Frog Wrangler seems to have caught the bug. Hey, it looks like a green leaper is coming to the rescue!

This is another Christopher Radko ornament and is called The Green Leaper. This is a new ornament released just this last month. It is number 1011834 and carries the red 20th anniversary tag.

Frog of the Day

Kathleen Kelly - Angie
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's a week to Christmas and you know all the little tadpoles are trying to be angels. Of course, the day after Christmas they'll go back to being their usual selves!

This collectible is from Kathleen Kelly's Wannabee's line. It is called Angie. She is "an angel frog - with halo, wand and wings" (from the tag). As I've stated before, Kathleen Kelly pieces are highly collectible and often sell out soon after their release.

Frog of the Day

Hand-carved Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's Saturday and the photo service is going down for a couple of hours so I'm putting this up quick! If you can't see any photos please check back. It should be fixed by noon eastern time.

This great collectible frog is hand-carved from balsa wood. I found it at the World Market. It was carved in China. Very realistic!

A New Purple Frog Found!

Purple Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I just read the story on the BBC website regarding this cute Purple Frog found hopping around India. The article can be found at Purple Frog .

Friday Dog Blogging

Boing
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

The Frog Wrangler thought she'd stay in bed today since all the bad weather leaves little wrangling to do. So instead a friend of mine, Ed, passed along this picture of his dog. Her name is Boing and she came from the humane society. She's a lovely dog with lots of energy (thus the name).

I also have an update on the puppy story from last week. The newspaper reported that the woman who abused them turned herself in to the police and has been charged.

Remember your four-legged friends at this time of year. It is too cold to leave your friends outside. Let them out to run, play, and do their business - but then bring them in to curl up and fall asleep at your feet or in your lap. They'll love you all the more for it.

Frog of the Day

Pop-Up Greeting Card - Frogs
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Friday is here! I've received some nice frogs recently and can hardly wait until after the holidays to showcase them. I also recieve a lot of cards, but I have to say today's is one of my favorites.

This card is from PopShots Studios and is a Pop-Up Greeting Card. You open up the card and all these wonderful frogs pop up at you in such vivid color. It is entitled Frogs, and the back of the card (where you can write a note) states that it is specifically frogs of the rain forest. The company that produced this card is now called Up With Paper and while they have a nice line of pop-up cards, they currently do not have any more frog pop-ups.

Frog of the Day

All Night Media - Bullfrog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's a quiet day here at Frog Central. Watching the east coast having fun with the weather that hit here yesterday. Here's a tip for dealing with the nasty weather - stay inside and drink hot cocoa!

This frog item is a rubber stamp from All night Media, Inc. and it is labelled Bullfrog (#505F). A fun stamp and cute addition to the collection.

Frog of the Day

Indonesian Frog Flip Toy
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Awoke to a very cold day today. Several times in the night I could hear ice hitting the bedroom window. Brrrrr! The Frog Wrangler and I did not want to get up this morning.

This frog is a flip toy. You squeeze the two wooden rods and the frog flips over a string on the other end. This is a wooden toy that was made in Indonesia. Throughout Southeast Asia frogs are considered good luck and bringers of fortune. That's why when you go to a Chinese restaurant there is often a frog somewhere near the counter.

Frog of the Day

JSNY - Mr. Frog Tape Dispenser
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

A cold Tuesday morning, but it will be even colder tonight when there is supposed to be an ice storm! Guess Mr. Frog and I will just sit here and wrap presents.

This frog item is from JSNY and is called Mr. Frog Tape Dispenser. It is made in China and is composed of highly-glazed earthenware.

Frog of the Day

Russ - Hot Pink Fruggy
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Oh my, I must have had a bit too much egg nog - I'm seeing pink frogs!

This little plush is from Russ and is called Fruggy. It is part of their Girl Powrrr line. Fruggy comes in a variety of colors - this is hot pink. These guys are still readily available for about five dollars.

Frog of the Day

Radko - Frog Daddy
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Sunday - time for the Frog Wrangler and I to kick back and enjoy the political talk shows and dig into the paper. Breakfast was a wonderful omelet with biscuits and sausage. Truly a good day so far.

This Radko ornament from 1998 is called Frog Daddy. It was brought out around the same time as Froggy Child. Maybe because of the smaller size and price, the Froggy Child ornament became a favorite. The Frog Daddy ornament is quite large at 8.5 inches. It's style number 98-386-0 and is retired. A search of the web does find some for sale, but at nearly double the original price.

Just a reminder that if you would like to donate a frog to be Frog of the Day please let me know. I appreciate those who have sent frogs - they are all lovingly added to the frog collection. And when the Frog Museum is finally opened, all will be able to see the frog you donated.

Frog of the Day

Hallmark - Frog Gift Bag
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Christmas is getting real close and there's lots of shopping to be done. Don't forget to put all your presents into a froggy gift bag!

This frog item is from Hallmark and is a Gift Bag with gift tag. This is a cute item - you notice the tongue on the frog on the bag. When you pull it the crown pops up! (as shown).

Friday Dog Blogging

Puppies
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

The Frog Wrangler stepped aside today for this picture which was the police department hand-out. These are the 4 puppies that survived. Unfortunately 4 others froze to death because the owner of the dog that had these puppies was left tied out in the cold for weeks. The mother tried to dig into the dirt to put her puppies into to keep them warm.

This is only the latest in animal cruelty that has been featured in the St. Louis Post Dispatch newspaper (www.stltoday.com). These animals already have lots of people asking for them, but remember there are lots of dogs in your local shelters that need homes.

The Frog Wrangler came from a shelter and has been a great companion for almost 14 years. If you cannot adopt a pet, please consider making a donation to your local shelter. And remember, if you see animal cruelty, please report it immediately. These puppies were found only after an off-hand comment to a police officer by a construction worker saying that the mother dog had been tied out for a couple weeks with no food or water. Who knows how long that mother dog suffered before being found. Thankfully, mother and 4 pups are doing fine and are really friendly and will be adopted out the end of next month.

Frog of the Day

Vitora Collection - Frog Candle Holder
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Well it's been plenty snowy and icy here at Frog Central. Even today warnings are out that roads are very icy - so the frogs and I will stay in and stay warm. Hey, these guys are waiting for a candle for their heat!

This frog item is from Vitora Animals of Light Collection and is a frog candle/votive holder. The frogs at one end of the pond are around a glass votive holder, while on the other end is a recepticle for a tall candle. This piece has a felt layer on the bottom and is very heavy. A nice addition to the collection.

Frog of the Day

Hilco - Frog Ring Toss
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Well, it has started! Ice storm and snow - and Frog Central is supposed to get plenty of both. So what's a frog to do on a day like this? Why stay in and play a little ring toss of course!

This is from the Hilco Corporation. It is a ring toss game that came on top of a plastic tube filled with candy (hey, if you think I wasn't eating the candy you're sadly mistaken!). You push the little yellow buttons to throw the rings up and try to get them on the little hooks. This little plastic water filled frog dates to 1991 and has provided quite a bit of mindless fun!

Frog of the Day

Idea Nuova Inc. - Inflatable Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Well I got up this morning and thought I'd trudge down to the Division of Motor Vehicles and get my license and registration changed over to the new Frog Central address. One thing about a small town - three people fighting over who is going to help me! They even went out and put the sticker on my car. Thank goodness, because it was like 10 below here this morning! They're calling for more snow - up to 5 inches overnight.

This is an inflatable frog from Idea Nuova, Inc. It is part of their World of Insects & Animals collection. I'm not sure from when this dates, it has been in my collection for some time.

Frog of the Day

Radko - Froggy Child
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Frog Central is under snow! Well, ok, it was just about a 1/4 inch, but that's more than enough for me. Oh, but the tadpoles wanted more so they could build a frogman! Froggy Child spent all morning jumping around in the stuff!

This collectible is from Christopher Radko and is called Froggy Child. It is the re-release of this ornament and part of the collection of 20 ornaments that Christopher picked out as his favorites for the 20th anniversary. It has the red 20th anniversary tag which will quickly separate it from the original release.

Frog of the Day

Toad Abode
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Well it's Monday and I felt it would be good to start in cleaning - I made it through the kitchen. Oh well, there's always tomorrow. It made me wonder how much cleaning frogs do at their abode.

I have said here before that I love frog collectibles where the frogs are playing musical instruments. My second choice is for toad abodes. They come in so many different styles and to know they are useful to boot - a safe home for the frogs in your yard. This all off-white toad abode has a made in China sticker. No other information about this little home is known.

Very Late Dog Blogging

The Frog Wrangler a/k/a Shadow
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

The Frog Wrangler has had a rough couple of days here at Frog Central. Thursday night she took a leap up onto the bed and promptly slipped off. Dogs do not land on their feet! And being that she's 13 1/2, she spent a couple days really sore and limping and would not allow herself to be photographed. But the papparazzi prevailed and snapped this picture earlier today! She loves the new afghan - thanks again AB - and often claims it, as well as the chair, as her own when no one's looking. It has been really cold here and the threat of snow has been in the forecast. Although she loves to play in the snow, she also likes to keep warm. So my caption for this photo is: My chair, my blanket, any questions?

Frog of the Day

Peace Frogs - "Frog" pad
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Ah, Sunday morning. I enjoyed listening to NPR and Leanne Hanson. Then I watched Meet the Press and later I'm going to watch Face the Nation. Now if only I could get the New York Times I'd be truly happy.

This frog item is from Peace Frogs. Peace Frogs are great and offer many clothing items as well as other general merchandise, all with the frog giving the peace sign. This is a mouse pad which given the theme should truly be called a "Frog" pad. A great computer item for any frog lover.

Frog of the Day

Lillian Vernon - Frog Doorstop
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Saturday and a great day to sleep in! It's cold and threatening to snow (1 to 3 inches, so the news says). The Frog Wrangler and I curled up under my new afghan and took a little nap - now it's time to try to finish unpacking some boxes. Can you believe I've been in the new Frog Central now for over a month and still have boxes all over!

This cute little bookish frog is from Lillian Vernon and is a cast iron doorstop. It was made in India according to the box. It is indeed very heavy and incredibly detailed. A cute addition to the collection.

Frog of the Day

Annalee - Christmas Prince
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

The electricians are here again - will they ever finish? All for the want of a plug that works!

This frog is from Annalee and is called Christmas Prince. It stands 12 inches tall and dates to this year, 2005. This frog is exclusive to Dilliard's and can be purchased either at their store or their website.

Frog of the Day

Zebratown - Glow in Dark Watch
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I'm really late today and offer my apologies. I blame it on the snow! Awoke this morning to a light dusting covering the ground. And the Frog Wrangler loves the snow!

This is from Zebratown, Inc. and is called Glow Time Pocket Watch. It is a glow in the dark digital watch that has a long chain and clip for use on a backpack or belt loop. A fun frog item that I can see in the middle of the night!