Frog of the Day

Folkwear - Frogmorton...Pad, Seet, Pad
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Monday morning and it has been a busy one already. After writing, vacuuming, and walking the Frog Wrangler, I'm tired. But I have a list a mile long for the rest of the day so I best get busy.... I want to have a sweet lilypad.

This frog collectible is from Boyds Bears and Friends. It is from their Folkwear collection and is called Frogmorton...Pad, Sweet, Pad. It is style number 26414 and dates to 1998. It has been retired but is still available on the internet with a little searching.

Frog of the Day

Frog Mirror
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I'm running way late today. I was listening to NPR while writing and lost total track of time. Another day of heat wave here at Frog Central. Heat index is supposed to get to 105 today and heat warnings are up all over the area. I wanted to go to a porch music festival today but, as it name implies, it's outside and so I'll stay home and keep the Frog Wrangler company.

This frog item was handmade in Indonesia. I like the frog items I receive from there. This mirror frame is made of wood, hand carved and painted. I do not have a date for this item.

Frog of the Day

Frog Fantasy - Meistersinger
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's been quiet here at Frog Central for a change. The heat has kept the Frog Wrangler and I inside for the most part. Unfortunately I have to go out today to run a couple errands and grab a few groceries. Certainly nothing to sing about....

This frog collectible is from Westland Giftware's Frog Fantasy line and is called Meistersinger. Handcrafted in China, this piece dates to 1995.

Friday Dog Blogging

Shadow
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

The Frog Wrangler has had another week of ups and down. The heat continues and the I think she has shed just about all the hair she can. This has meant a lot of vacuuming and she hates that! On the plus size she got one of her favorite treats the other day - a chewy dental treat. Of course she had to hide it in three of four places over the course of a couple hours before finally deciding there was no better hiding place than her stomach.

Finally, a big happy birthday - The Frog Wrangler turned 14 this month.

Frog of the Day

PHB - Frog on Lilypad
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I couldn't sleep last night - too much noise. The Frog Wrangler was sleeping at the end of the bed snoring so loud I was surprised she didn't wake herself up!

This frog collectible is from Midwest of Cannon Falls and is part of their PHB (Porcelain Hinged Boxes) collection. It is a frog sitting on a lilypad. When you open up the box, there is a little flower for the water lily. This was tough to photograph because it is only a couple inches high. A tiny little collectible that is a big hit in my frog collectibles.

Frog of the Day

Ceramic Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's been a quiet morning here at Frog Central, especially since I found the all piano music station in my iTunes radio. Even the Frog Wrangler has been very calm this morning. Couple that with the gentle rain were finally getting and it must be time to take a nap.....

This frog item is one of the many little ceramic frogs I have received over the years. There are no identifying marks and I do not have any further information on it.

Frog of the Day

Frog Miniature Tea Set
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Yesterday was trash day - it seems that with just the Frog Wrangler and I hanging out here at Frog Central that we should not have 2 giant green garbage bags full for 1 week. But every week, out go those two bags. Lately though, I think one of those bags is full of nothing but the Frog Wrangler shedding. The return to hot weather means that she is continuing to shed in large clumps. She hates the vacuuming as much as I do, but if can quickly get ahead of you if you don't try to keep up with it. I'm ready to go relax and have a spot of tea.

This frog collectible is another in the sets of miniature tea sets. This one was added to the collection this year and was labelled as Frog Family. Made in China. The plate in this set is made more as a serving tray than a decorative picture as has been seen in other sets. While having little value, I just love the whimsy of these little sets.

Frog of the Day

Frog Sun Catcher
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I believe I've learned another kitchen tip today - if in opening a package of English muffins you find a huge hole in the other end, throw them out. Something tells me this is going to be a lesson I learn for the rest of the day.....

This frog item is one of those items I cherish most - homemade. This is a froggy sun catcher. A cute little frog that I was happy to add to the collection.

Frog of the Day

United Design - Jeremiah Bullfrog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I heard this morning that California is going to move to protect thousands of acres of land. Good for them! Frog Central is always happy when the delicate habitat of our froggy friends is protected from development.

This frog collectible is from United Designs and is Jeremiah Bullfrog. He is part of the Stone Critters Babies line. This item dates to 1995.

Frog of the Day

Offray - Frog Ribbon
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Now I know you've been waiting with baited breath to hear about the Walmart super center opening that took place yesterday. Living in an area with one small grocery store, it has come as a great need for variety. The place quickly filled up - I think the whole 5,100 residents of town attended! I didn't do more than a walk through to check the place out. The local dance studio put on a dance recital out front. Afterwards, I decided the line for a hot dog which snaked throughout the parking lot was a tad bit too long and came home to Frog Central and the Frog Wrangler.

This was my puchase at Walmart yesterday. It is from Offray and is ribbon. It is made of polyester and is 7/8 inch wide. It was made in the US (which I was excited to see, until right next to it is the line "processes in Mexico").

Frog of the Day

Frog Rubber Stamp
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

My kitchen tip for the day - do not take the stick of butter out of the box and put it in the microwave for 10 seconds thinking to "soften it up" without first taking off the foil wrapper. For while it is amazing to watch the foil burn, the butter tastes funny.

Isn't it nice to have your decision rubber stamped? This frog item does just that. It is a rubber stamper. The feet can be used to stamp frog tracks. A clever little item. Other than the made in China stamped into the belly, I do not have any further information on this item.

Friday Dog Blogging

Shadow
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I know it's Saturday morning, but with the thunder, lightning, and strong winds blowing through I had to have my computer off for most of the day yesterday. The Frog Wrangler does not like the wind, so she moves a little closer to me, if that's possible. She doesn't mind the thunder and lightning - this picture was taken while the house was shaking from the rolling thunder.

Frog of the Day

Frog Miniature Tea Set
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Frog Central received lots of thunder and lightning all day yesterday and into the night. Unfortunately there was little rain. Thank goodness it's Friday and we've all made it through another week. I'd say it was going to be a quiet weekend, but it's the end of the county fair and the opening of Walmart. Talk in the town is already turning to the fall parade schedule and float making comittees. Maybe they're trying to take their minds off the high temps and even higher heat indexes.

This frog tea set is another in the series of miniature tea sets in the frog collection. This was sold as a musical frog family. It has a nice plate design too. This set has a made in China sticker on it. Other than that I have no information on this item. I bought it recently off of e-bay and it came with no box. From what I have seen in the past, the box would have been no help. I have about a dozen or so of these little sets and I do enjoy collecting them.

Frog of the Day

Safari, Ltd. - Frog Key Chain
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Another hot day - heat index is supposed to hit 117 today. At least Frog Central did not get the storms that his St. Louis. Without power, I fear there will be a rising death toll from there as the day progresses. I remember Chicago's heat wave where over 700 people died because of the heat. The Frog Wrangler and I are getting a bit of cabin fever, but it's more important to be safe and stay inside with the air conditioning running. The temperature is supposed to break for the weekend, just in time for the Walmart super center grand opening. I'm determined to get my picture taken with the Pillsbury dough boy and the Keebler elf.

This frog item is from Safari, Ltd. and is a poison dart frog key chain. I do not have any further information on this item.

Frog of the Day

Frog Lighter
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Another hot day. The Frog Wrangler and I here at Frog Central are thinking this is getting old fast. I was going to go to Walmart today, but decided to wait until Saturday - that is when their having all but a three ring circus. You can't pass up a free barbecue when it's offered!

This frog item is a butane lighter. The eyeball on the right moves the lighting mechanism, the fire come out the left eye, as well as a croaking sound is made. Don't let the kids handle this one! I don't have a manufacturer or date for this item.

Frog of the Day

Otagiri - Frogs Music Box
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's been a tough morning here at Frog Central. Mainly because it was a tough night where neither the Frog Wrangler nor I could get any sleep. It may be arthritis related because this morning the clouds are amassing and thunder has been rolling pretty regularly. The Frog Wrangler has been a little bit antsy than normal while for me every joint seems to be screaming. Hopefully with a little bit of rain the temps will come down. I want to make the opening tomorrow of the town's brand new Walmart super center. I've got my list ready and hopefully they will have lots of bargains for opening day.

This frog collectible was a great find that I purchased and received just yesterday. It is made by Otagiri in Japan and was designed by Mary Ann Baker. It is a music box that when played the see-saw moves up and down. It is in perfect working order and plays You Light Up My Life. The song title confirms for me my dating of the Otagiri pattern to the early 1980's. You Light Up My Life by Debbie Boone became popular around the years 1977 - 1978. I have been able to find little data on the length of time/legalities surrounding how long before a title song can be used in music boxes, but I would suspect at least a couple years. This piece is in mint condition and a welcome addition to the collection.

Frog of the Day

Clayworks - Frog Prince
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Thank goodness for Mr. Carrier who 140 years ago today invented the air conditioner. Heat warnings are up all around the area of Frog Central. Heat index is already over 100 and expected to top out at around 110 today. The Frog Wrangler is hanging out next to the air conditioning vents and I think I'm going to go join her.....

This frog collectible is from Clayworks. The artist is Heather Goldmine and it is hand painted. The piece is called Frog Prince. It dates to the year 2000. This piece is a shelf sitter and the crown holds a tea light candle. Clayworks pieces are highly collectible and very detailed pieces of ceramic.

Frog of the Day

Castagna - Frog with Stuffed Squid
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Happy Birthday Mom!!

I decided to go to the auction yesterday but it was packed with people and parking was about a 1/4 mile away. With a heat index of around 110, I thought better of taking a walk, instead opting for the drive back home and spending the rest of the day in central air. This weather is brutal, as the Frog Wrangler wanted me to remind you - remember your pets. If you keep them outside, bring them in. Make sure they have plenty of water. If you go outside and say wow, this is hot - try it with a fur coat....

This frog collectible is from another line that I adore - Castagna. I don't have many of these pieces, but they are precious. Made in Italy of resin and hand painted, this is Frog with Stuffed Squid. This piece dates to 1998. I thought it was an appropriate piece to say -

Happy Birthday Mom!!

Frog of the Day

Frog Figurine
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I am slowly adapting myself to small town life and part of me just hates it. I find myself growing tired at 10 p.m. and waking up at 5 a.m. With temperature hovering near 100 for the next week it's good to get up early run errands and get back into the house and central air! By 9 this morning the temperature was already 85. I wanted to go to an auction this afternoon but I think it is going to be too hot to stand out in the sun waiting for 1 or 2 items that you think would be interesting to see.

This is a resin frog figurine. It has no markings and is one of the many small figural frogs that has been in my collection for many years. I do not know any further information about it.

Friday Dog Blogging

Shadow
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

The Frog Wrangler has had a tough week. She turns 14 years old this month and she was really feeling her age. She spent a couple days limping on an arthritic leg after jumping down off the bed. She did feel quite a bit better after taking one of her pain pills. Just when all seemed well, another heat wave has hit. Temps have shot into the 90's and supposed to hit 100 this weekend! So the Frog Wrangler has spent a lot of her time, inbetween chasing errant frogs, in laying next to air conditioning vents. Last evening she laid next to a smaller vent with paws on either side and nose resting on the grate, just basking in the cool air. She gets a bit upset when it turn off though......

Frog of the Day

Artifacts - Frog Pin
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

This morning was a morning of procrastination. I sat down to write and somehow wound up cleaning the kitchen. Sat down again to write and found myself making a grocery list. On days like this I've found it's best to chalk it up as a "thinking before writing" day and pack it up.

This frog item is from Artifacts and is a frog pin. A whimsical piece of costume jewelry dating to 1986.

Frog of the Day

Ceramic Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Finally had some rain yesterday evening and last night. The grass has already begun turning green again. The daylilies and hibiscus continue to blossom and looked a little better this morning for a long drink of water.

This frog collectible is a ceramic frog. It has the maker's name "Hester" on the bottom as well as the name of the piece - Fred. A whimsical addition to the frog collection. The piece is not dated but dates to the latter half of the twentieth-century.

Frog of the Day

Perjinkities - Frog Ornament
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Finally received some rain yesterday - all 4 minutes of it. The air is just heavy with moisture making everyone uncomfortable, but no rain hitting the ground. The cardinals in my hibiscus hedge have been really active the last two days, I wonder if I'll see another little one before the summer is over. They have a very distinct call and they are easy to spot once you hear it. The Frog Wrangler had either a tough morning this morning or a late night last night - I had to wake her up to take her out this morning and she was happy to get right back to bed.

This frog collectible is by artist Eddie Walker, the line is called Perjinkities, which is a division of Midwest of Cannon Falls. According to the hang tag, the idea is that you can personalize this item - I imagine by writing in marker on the lower green section, the tag doesn't say. This is a heavier item, made out of a polyresin material. Eddie Walker is listed as joining Midwest of Cannon Falls for the year 2004, and I believe that this is from when this ornament dates.

Frog of the Day

Otagiri - Frog Salt and Pepper Shakers
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Still no rain here but the air is so muggy, I hope we finally get some. The lawn is as brown and yellow as can be. It was a busy day running some errands yesterday and topped off with a quick trip to the supermarket. Only a couple of weeks to the open of super Walmart - living in a very rural area means that will hopefully mean a grocery store with choices. Right now we have a small market that often sells one brand of an item. That means if you don't like the brand, putting a lot of salt and pepper on it to cover the taste.......

This frog collectible item is from Otagiri in Japan. The design is by Mary Ann Baker and is a frog couple. I have looked for information on this particular pattern with little success. It dates to the early 1980's and included not only a full dinner service with all the side pieces, but also items for the bathroom and a desk set. These items are highly collectible and are just starting to come on the auction block. Unfortunately it is extremely hard to find pieces that are not missing even small chips, especially on the mouth area of the frogs. On this set, the male frog has the tiniest chip missing. I purchased these on e-bay but I'm not going to complain because the seller did not know what they were and just listed them as a frog salt and pepper shaker with no references to the name Otagiri or Mary Ann Baker - that was my good fortune to get them at a very good price.

Frog of the Day

Frog Fantasy - Romantic Poet
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's Monday and it looks to be a busy day. I've got quite a few errands to run this morning. I surprised the Frog Wrangler by getting up at 5 a.m. and hopping in the shower - a whole hour earlier than normal! Writing is like pulling teeth this morning on the dissertation, maybe I need some help from a certain poet I know....

This frog collectible is another from Westland Giftware and is part of the Frog Fantasy line. I've put up others in this line previously and please feel free to look through the archives to check them out. This piece is entitled Romantic Poet. Made out ceramic and handcrafted in China, this is a lovely addition to the collection. This piece dates to 1995.

Frog of the Day

Sticko - Frog Metallic Stickers
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Had a busy day yesterday - took a drive to local Walmart super center, 26 miles and 3 towns over. Stopped at the Amish bake sale on the way back and bought a peach pie. It was a great day to get out although I hated the 3.10 per gallon gas price! Today the Frog Wrangler and I are staying in and resting up in preparation for a busy week.

This frog item was purchaed yesterday at Walmart. It if from EK Success Ltd. under their Sticko brand. It is a sheet of frog metallic stickers. Stickers have come a long way from those you used to lick and stick.

Frog of the Day

Frog Family Magnetic Memo Holder
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I learned two very important lessons last night. First, when you make rice and realize that you do not have any soy sauce, worcestershire sauce does not make an acceptable replacement. Sure, they both are salty sauces, but worcestershire sauce gets its saltiness from anchovies, so you end up with rice that tastes a whole lot like fish. Secondly, even though the internet says you can substitute 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar for 1 cup of granulated sugar - it doesn't work with Kool-Aid.

This frog item is a set of fridge magnets. The packaging calls them Frog Family. There is no other markings except made in China. I do not have any other information about this item.

Friday Dog Blogging

Shadow
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's been a long day and The Frog Wrangler decided enough is enough. Last night was record setting lows and tonight is supposed to be the same - mid 50's! So she's getting ready. She has her blanket all set and is ready to be tucked in for the night. Good night all!

Frog of the Day

Frog Paper Clip
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

We made it to Friday! I'm running a bit late this morning because I was running the vaccuum cleaner. The Frog Wrangler is undergoing an identity crisis this morning. I was brushing her and so much hair was coming out I told her I was plucking her like a turkey. About an hour later she brought her brush to me and wanted to be brushed again - and she still had a lot of hair coming out and I asked her if she was trying to be a bald eagle. She's always been jealous of the birds......

This frog item is a paper clip for the desk. It is made of plastic and has a Hong Kong stamp on the bottom. I do not have any other information about this item.

Frog of the Day

Frog Follies
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Thursday morning and a nice cool morning to boot. It was great yesterday morning to turn off the air conditioning and open up windows. I got another of the painted shut windows opened up - very careful prying. We're supposed to have a full week of this weather and I certainly hope so. The Frog Wrangler is thoroughly enjoying it too - she even wanted to play yesterday - well, she carried her toys from one side of the room to the other.

This frog collectible is from Character Collectibles and is part of their Frog Follies. A cute series of collectibles by artist Pete Apsit that are now very hard to find. This was purchased in 2000.

Frog of the Day

Boyds - Fenton J. Padworthy....The Formal Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I hope you had a fun July 4th. I made it to the local park and got a funnel cake and enjoyed the evening. Some local people had their own fireworks, but everyone was finished by about 10 p.m. which was nice.

This frog collectible item is from Boyds Bears & Friends and is part of their Folkwear collection. This is Fenton J. Padworthy...The Formal Frog. He looks very dapper in his top hat and tie. They may have needed a little stitching to get them together but Fenton looks grand! A great looking pin that anyone would be proud to wear.

Frog of the Day

Frog Miniature Tea Set
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Happy 4th of July! Enjoy the holiday, have a picnic, and watch the fireworks.

This frog collectible is a frog miniature tea set. Another of the wonderful whimsical tea sets that I adore so much. This is a polyresin set that has a made in China sticker on the box, but no indications of maker/seller. I do not have a date for this item. And now another lesson for collectors - unfortunately this cute little set has a small chip on the backside which I did not see when I purchased it. It's important, especially on items like this, to check them carefully. I do not plan on reselling, but a chipped item can render an item simply worthless in value.

Frog of the Day

Mistle Toads T-Shirt
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I'm posting a little early today because the festivities at the park are set to begin soon. I plan on going over early and getting a funnel cake! The temperature here is going to be a balmy 95 degrees so I don't want to be going in the afternoon. So to cool things down with the power of the mind, it's time for Christmas in July....

This frog item is a T-Shirt design of Mistle Toads. Purchased from a catalog entitled "What on Earth." The design is from Universal Screen Arts, Inc. This item dates to 1992.

Frog of the Day

Garden Statuary - Speak No Evil
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's been a lazy Sunday morning so far. I listened to NPR's Sunday morning program and was glad to hear that I solved the Will Short's puzzle correctly! The weather has become another heat wave. It was 96 degrees yesterday and supposed to be hotter today. Thank goodness for air conditioning.

This is a piece of garden statuary aptly named Speak No Evil. This is made of a resin and is quite heavy. There are no manufacture marks. This was purchased within the last 6 years - after 2000.

Frog of the Day

HITC - Frog on Ball
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Ah, the weekend. The first day of July. The Frog Wrangler began the month by deciding to jump up on the bed and wake me up this morning. Unfortunately she missed - twice. This after she tried to jump up into the house yesterday after being out to do her business - and missed. She's got to learn to slow down and take the steps! As for me, I ran errands yesterday and the grocery store had tofu! I was so happy I bought 3 packages. This morning I woke up hardly being able to move, so I think I'm going to just take it a little bit easy today.

This frog item is ceramic pottery made in China and is called Frog on Ball. A sticker on the bottom states HITC, Lynwood, Illinois - which I believe is the import company. I do not have a date for this item, but it was purchased within the last 6 years.