Afternoon with Sprogz

Sprogz - I Love You
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Here's a little frog with a big heart. And he's learned how use sign language to say I love you. Not a sweeter Sprogz at the pond.

This Sprogz is called I Love You and is number SG113.

Frog of the Day

Verdigras Frog - Violin Player
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's very early here at Frog Central but this violin player is not as good as yesterdays. It's not so much the playing as the croaking he's doing too!

This is a nice outdoor/indoor frog with a verdigras finish. It is very heavy. It is part of a set of three (the first, playing a French horn, was displayed quite some time ago). I don't have any other information about these guys. I especially love the frogs playing their music and this set makes a nice addition to my collection.

Afternoon with Sprogz

Sprogz - Frett
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

After this mornings serenade I felt I needed a little "Hop and Roll" to get things moving here at Frog Central.

This Sprogz is called Frett and is number SG060.

Frog of the Day

Cairn Studios - Itzhak
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Ah, the sweet strains of the violin lulling me back to sleep. No wonder I wake up late!

This wonderful piece is from Cairn Studios and is called Itzhak. The artist is Tim Wolfe and the piece is retired.

Afternoon with Sprogz

Sprogz - Maternity Hopper
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Just how many tadpoles does a Sprogz have?

This Sprogz is called Maternity Hopper and is number SG045.

Frog of the Day

Fun Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's finally going to hit 70 degrees here at Frog Central and the frogs are itching to get outside.

This is a funny frog that could be used either inside or outside. Unfortunately there are no identifying marks on it, so I don't have any other information about it.

Afternoon with Sprogz

Sprogz - Sprogz Sign
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Now the location of the pond where the Sprogz live has always been a closely held secret. That is until now!

This is called Sprogz Sign and is number SG300. It can stand alone as it is here or as part of a display unit.

Frog of the Day

Hallmark - Pedal Power Kermit the Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It may not be Christmas time, but with a bicycle as his method for delivery, I think Kermit better get started now!

This is a Hallmark Keepsake Ornament from 2004. It is called Pedal Power Kermit the Frog. A holiday memory card is enclosed so you can keep track of who gave you the ornament. Thanks Mom!

Afternoon with Sprogz

Sprogz - Hoppy Holidays
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

All across the pond, the Sprogz want to wish everyone a Happy Easter. Take the day to sit back, relax and float on the pond while enjoying a wonderful glass of iced bug juice.

This Sprogz is called Hoppy Holidays and is number SG082.

Frog of the Day

Grumpy Old Toads - Hunter
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

HAPPY EASTER!

This is another of the Grumpy Old Toads and I thought it appropriate for today because his trusty sidekick is a rabbit. The name of this piece is Hunter. It was made by the great folks at Westland.

From the tag:
Stomp Sneakwalker and his trusty rabbit Sneaksnuggle are out hunting big game. Rumor has it that a large swamp rat is on the prowl. Now old Stomp would just as soon not encounter the fierce rat, but toting his great toadfather's old gun around goes a long way towards dispelling a bad case of the grumps.

If you would like to see some of the current Westland frog line check out Frogs on Parade at the frog store (www.frogstore.com - link is provided in the right hand column).

Afternoon with Sprogz

Sprogz - Frogspawn
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It looks like the joy of motherhood has worn off and the reality of twins has set in!

This Sprogz is called Frogspawn and is number SG050.

Frog of the Day

J.T.S. International - Jolly Giant Statues - Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's Saturday - who wouldn't want to be fat, happy, and green?

This frog is from J.T.S. International and is part of their Jolly Giant Statues collection. It can be used both indoors or out, but I think he likes to be indoors best.

Afternoon with Sprogz

Sprogz - Golden Pond (Male)
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I already have the cane, now all I need is the pipe and this will be a self-portrait!

This Sprogz is called Golden Pond (Male) and is number SG214.

Frog of the Day

Radko - Swamp Stomper
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I have an affinity for frogs that play musical instruments. Maybe it started because of the music that the real frogs make on those summer nights, but who knew they could play the violin?

This is a wonderful Christopher Radko ornament. It is from the Italian collection and is called Swamp Stomper. It is one of three, each plays a different instrument. A great collectibles whose value will increase over time.

Afternoon with Sprogz

Sprogz - Sitting Bull Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Politically incorrect? Yes. One big Bull Frog to be sure.

This Sprogz is called Sitting Bull Frog and is number SG088. Maybe because of its politically incorrectness this Sprogz seemed to come and go rather quickly. It is one those that is especially hard to find.

Frog of the Day

Duncan Enterprises - Chunky Stamps - Rib-It
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

This stamper was so cute that I couldn't bring myself to ink it up!

From Duncan Enterprises, this Chunky Stamp is called Rib-It/Croac. It dates to 2001. There are a lot of different frog items you can get to decorate your crafts at the craft store.

Afternoon with Sprogz

Sprogz - Frogman
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

With all the rain and water levels rising, Frogman is ready to come to the rescue if needed. Just wish he wasn't afraid of water!

This Sprogz is called Frogman and is number SG022.

Frog of the Day

Dollar Tree - Leapin' Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

This little frog has picked out a nice spring outfit for Easter.

This little plush came from the Dollar Tree store and is called Leapin' Frog. It is just the cutest and looks very much like spring. It's been a couple of cold, rainy days here at Frog Central and so hope of warmer days and flowers is much appreciated!

Afternoon with Sprogz

Sprogz - Frog March
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

March madness hops on and the University of Illinois is still number 1!

This Sprogz is called Frog March and is number SG026.

Frog of the Day

Ty Pluffies - Grins
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Well it has turned out to be a very exciting morning here at Frog Central. Grins and I started to go out for a little stroll this morning only to approached by a big pit bull running loose. Grins was really nervous and so we had to call the animal control officer and the police. I don't know if I'll ever get Grins to go out again!

This plush is from Ty, part of their Pluffies line and is called Grins. It is so soft!

Afternoon with Sprogz

Sprogz - Frog Days of Summer
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Although the weather has gotten quite a bit warmer, I still think it's a bit too early to get out the toys for the shore!

This Sprogz is called Frog Days of Summer and is number SG233.

Frog of the Day

Human-i-Tees - Frog Thermos
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

At Frog Central, the frogs go everywhere and do everything. Here are a bunch who travel along to make sure that my drink stays hot. Who could ask for better helpers?

This thermos is from a fundraising company called Human-i-Tees. It dates to 1996.

Afternoon with Sprogz

Sprogz - Horny Toad
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Wow, look at that, the new Playbogs are in!

This Sprogz is called Horny Toad and is number SG207.

Frog of the Day

Quarry Critters - Flicker Frog Sitting on Mushroom
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

That toadstool looks really comfortable, I don't blame Flicker Frog for taking a rest.

This is from the wonderful Quarry Critters collection and is called Flicker Frog sitting on a Toadstool.

Afternoon with Sprogz

Sprogz - Barberhop Quartet
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

That croaking you hear all night is really one of the biggest Barberhop Quartet competitions known to frogdom!

This piece is a limited edition called Barberhop Quartet. Mine is numbered 68/3500. The piece is number SG111.

Frog of the Day

Toy Network - Dig 'Em
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I woke up late this morning and stumbled to the kitchen for breakfast only to find that Dig 'Em had eaten all the cereal again!

This large 18 inch plush is made by the Toy Network LCC for Kellogg's as part of their Team Tony. He is of course Dig 'Em, the mascot for Sugar Smacks.

It's interesting to note that Sugar Smacks had a number of other "spokespersons" from its introduction in the mid-1950's until 1972. In 1972 Dig 'Em was hatched. In 1983 Kellogg's retired Dig 'Em but the public outcry was so loud that he was re-introduced in 1987.

Afternoon with Sprogz

Sprogz - Hoppy Birthday
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Here at Frog Central every attempt is made to celebrate every frogs birthday, but I have to tell you, that's a lot of cake!

This Sprogz is called Hoppy Birthday and is number SG207.

Frog of the Day

Markings Craft Fabric - Tree Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

If you are handy and love crafts, you can make your own frog items. This fabric measures 18 x 22 inches and is 100% cotton. Made by a company called Markings, it is indeed a fun and fanciful fabric.

Afternoon with Sprogz

Sprogz - Toad You So
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

The system has been down most of the day, but it's back up and running for the moment.

This Sprogz is called Toad You So and is number SG053.

Frog of the Day

NCE - Frog My PC Pals - Computer Note Holder
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Froggies are so helpful - especially when they have sticky hands and feet to hold up your notes!

This is from a company called NCE - New Creative Enterprises. It is from their My PC Pals and is a Computer Note Holder. This piece dates to 1997.

Afternoon with Sprogz

Sprogz - Catching Bad Flies
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's that time of year that the cops have to hop around and chase all those bad flies. I mean just look at the mask that fly is wearing. You know he's bad to the core! I just wish the cops would pick up those pesky gnats too!

This Sprogz is called Catching Bad Flies and is number SG205.

Frog of the Day

Geckos, Snakes, and Frogs - Bean Bag Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

This frog is ready to spend the day lazing around the house. He can't go back out into the sun because it looks like he got a little too much yesterday. . .

This is a sand-filled little frog from Geckos, Snakes, and Frogs in San Diego. The top half is a shiny material that comes in a number of colors, and the bottom half is green. A fun frog to add to the collection.

Afternoon with Sprogz

Sprogz - Puddle Jumper
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

While all Sprogz live at the pond, they have friends and distant relatives that live at other ponds. In order to keep in touch they have a wonderful air mail system!

This Sprogz is called Puddle Jumper and is number SG203.

Frog of the Day

Grumpy Old Toads - Nature Walk
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It goes without saying that the minute you gripe about something it will do everything it can to make you a liar. I griped about Flickr and now it's running as smooth as silk. Boy that makes me grumpy - good thing Grumwalker is around, because he knows exactly what I mean!

The Toads of Mudwiggle Marsh have returned!

From the tag:
Animals, animals, animals! Why did these animals all love old Grumwalker? They cuddled, hitched free rides, snacked on his grub, and even tried to nest in his backpack! Hmphh! Well, it was just another day, and some things just can't be helped.

I love the detail on these pieces from Westland. The line is Grumpy Old Toads and this piece is Nature Walk, number 4605. From the bunny on his hat, to the bird nesting on his backpack, to the mole sticking its head out of the ground, these pieces are just filled with detail.

Technical Difficulties

Flickr - the photo uploading service is having difficulties today. Blogger is really slow too - it took all morning before I could get through to put up this notice. Hopefully things will be back to normal soon!

Afternoon with Sprogz

Sprogz - Deeptone
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

The band is playing down at the Bugs & Suds this coming weekend, so Deeptone is tuning up his bass and getting ready for a hopping good gig.

This sprogz is called Deeptone and is number SG061.

Frog of the Day

Security Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's high security around here at Frog Central. No one gets by what I call my security frog. Made of plastic and runs on batteries, this frog has a built in motion detector that causes the frog to croak every time someone walks by. This froggy doesn't have a manufacturer's name, but I'm sure that's highly classified information that musn't fall into the hands of enemies!

Afternoon with Sprogz

Sprogz - Warts Love All About (Male)
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Warts love got to do with it? I love that song - but when I hear it play on the radio, I think whoever recorded it got the words wrong!

This Sprogz is the counterpart to yesterday. It is called Warts Love All About (Male) and is number SG201.

Frog of the Day

Gund - Flash
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

One of my favorite plush makers - Gund. This cute little frog is called Flash, number 5029. He's 8 inches tall and all around adorable.

If you would like to see what gund has to offer, their website is www.gund.com.

Afternoon with Sprogz

Sprogz - Warts Love All About (Female)
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's mating time at the pond (and around most ponds this time of year) and this little beauty is looking for love. It's slim picking when you have to compete with Luscious Leaper!

This Sprogz is called Warts Love All About (Female) and is number SG202.

Frog of the Day

The Garden Collection - Wart's Motel
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

With the weather warming up at Frog Central, it's time to begin putting out the toad abodes. They offer a place of safety and security for frogs and toads and I highly recommend that consider placing some around. You will be surprised at the number of frogs that can pile into one of these!

This toad abode is from The Garden Collection and I have further labeled it Wart's Motel after the sign above the entry.

Afternoon with Sprogz

Sprogz - Jump
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Now we have the complete picture! Hop and Skip were just waiting for the beautiful Jump to show up and play. I think a couple of young froggies have a crush!

This Sprogz (the one in front) is called Jump and is number SG219. This completes the trio. You may notice that they are on a hopscotch board and all the pieces connect to provide the complete board for them to play on.

If you are interested in buying the newest Sprogz, please go to the website www.afroggyplace.com - link is in the right hand column.

Frog of the Day

Frog Candle
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's been a very lazy morning here at Frog Central (yeah, right!). I wish I had time to just lay back and relax like this frog, but I find myself hopping all over the place!

This is a cute frog candle that I found at a department store. There is no identifying marks on it as to who made it, but I love the whimsy.

Afternoon with Sprogz

Sprogz - Skip
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

You know how it goes - first one tad is out playing and the next thing you know a second has joined in. Look who came out to play with Hop - it's Skip!

This Sprogz (the one in front) is Skip and is numbered SG218.

Frog of the Day

Land & Sea - Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Early morning here at Frog Central and everything's hopping. It may be getting lighter outside earlier, but it is still way too cold for this frog!

This is a cute little piece from Land & Sea's Nature Series. It dates to 2002. I'm not sure of what material it's made, but it is very heavy.

Afternoon with Sprogz

Sprogz - Hop
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Around the pond the tads can hardly wait for a nice day so they can get out and play. They just love to hop around!

This Sprogz is called Hop and is number SG217. (He's one of a set of three - stay tuned!)

Frog of the Day

World Market - Bunny Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's sneaking up on us - another holiday will soon be here. This froggy is ready to step in just in case a certain rabbit isn't up to the task!

This plush frog is from World Market and has no specific name on the tag. A fun collectible.

Afternoon with Sprogz

Sprogz - Frog in Throat
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

The flu season is in full swing around the country and the around the pond too. But can a frog really have a frog in his throat?

This Sprogz is called Frog in Throat and is number SG005.

Frog of the Day

Party Creations - Rainy Forest Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Here at Frog Central we're always ready for a party! That includes having all the required supplies on hand.

This set of party supplies comes from Creative Expressions. It is from their Party Creations line and is called Rainy Forest Frog.

Afternoon with Sprogz

Sprogz - Surf's Up
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

A vacation to Hawaii sounds good right about now - and I know this Sprogz would have fun because he loves to surf!

This Sprogz is called Surf's Up and is number SG067.

Frog of the Day

Frog Fantasy - Love is in the Air
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

This is another of the wonderful pieces from Westland's Frog Fantasy series. This one is called Love is in the Air and has a music box insert that plays the same tune. This piece dates to 1995.