Frog of the Day

Jet General - Fishing Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Bit of drama this morning first thing. The Frog Wrangler chowed down this morning on her bowl of food and then came running to me acting as if something was caught in her throat. I looked in her throat but didn't see anything but she started gagging. Panic ensued for both of us and a mad dash to the vets - thank goodness only about a mile away. The vet couldn't find anything and was ready to send her to x-rays when I rub her jaw and something is terribly wrong with the way it feels. The vet looks at it and pulls out the piece of food that had gotten lodged there when she ate too fast. We both had a good chuckle and the Frog Wrangler is definately happier. So a very late start to the day.

This frog plush goes with the frog lady I put up the other day. It is from Jet General and although no official title, I call this Fishing Frog. It is a popular theme for plush frogs. This dates to 1998.

Frog of the Day

Boyds - Lilly R. Ribbit
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I drive a white car! My car was so dirty I began to forget what color it was - so 20 minutes and five dollars at the local car wash (along with a lot of getting wet) the car is nice and clean on the outside - even sprung for the liquid wax coating! Now if only I could get the inside of the car cleaned.... I did make it around to get my errands done and I planned on spending today doing some cleaning but with the weather turning I might make a quick run to the grocery store. They are calling for sleet and freezing rain turning into snow by the end of the day - quite a change from the nice mid-60's!

This frog collectible is from Boyds Bears and is part of their Bearwear line. This piece is called Lilly R. Ribbit and is a little frog angel with a sunflower halo. It has a loop so that it can be used as an ornament. Lilly Ribbit is 4 inches tall and dates to Spring 2000.

Frog of the Day

Frog Jumping Toy
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Things are moving along this morning for a change. Yesterday, not feeling well, I ended spending the whole day in bed. So today I have to make up for the errands I didn't do yesterday - and I'm ready to go so here's today's frog and I'm off........

This frog item is a cute flip toy. It has Made in China stamped on the bottom, otherwise there are no identifying marks on the item. There is a plastic suction cup on the bottom so when you press the head down it sticks to the feet, then it releases and the toy does a flip. There are also a couple of balls in the head so that is sounds like it is making a croaking sound when it flips. And it's quite addicting....... I do not have a date for this item.

Frog of the Day

Jet General - Plush Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's been a slow start to the day here at Frog Central. I woke up with a headache and itchy eyes - the flu shot has done it's job! I have a few errands to run today, but I think I'll wait until this afternoon to do them. In the meantime the Frog Wranger and I will take a nap.

This frog item is a plush frog from Jet General, Inc. This frog has a bucket of fish and wears a dress, bow, and leggings. This frog was made in China and dates to 1998. It is made as a shelf sitter. I do not have any further information about this frog.

Frog of the Day

Kids II - Musical Puppet
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Frog Central is getting a late start today - I stayed up last night to watch the movie "March of the Penguins." It was such a good movie that really gives you a new respect for the Emperor Penguins. The Frog Wrangler tried to stay up but couldn't keep her eyes open. Today is the last day of the Thanksgiving holiday for another year. And it's Sunday so I plan on reading the newspaper and relaxing before a busy week.

Happy Birthday Dad!

This frog item is from Kids II and is a Musical Hand Puppet. The battery has long died in the musical component and can not be replaced without ripping stitches and re-sewing. The puppet comes with a little book called "Freddy the Frog : A Story About Colors," written by Tamra Leslie and illustrated by Barb Lincoln. This item dates to 1994.

Frog of the Day

Kathleen Kelly - Jack-O-Leaper
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Did you eat too much pumpkin pie over the holiday? I think this frog did! It's been a quiet long weekend here at Frog Central - no mad shopping for me yesterday, thank you very much. And the news is all about the toys that are already sold out. It's just ridiculous with all the fighting and such. I think I need to calm my nerves and go have another piece of pumpkin pie......

This frog collectible is from Russ and is by Kathleen Kelly. Part of The Country Folks collection's Li'l Treaters, this is known as Jack-O-Leaper. I do not have a date for this item, but research puts it in the 2003/2004 range. This is a highly collectible item as are all Kathleen Kelly's creations.

Friday Dog Blogging

Shadow
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

That turkey sure makes you sleepy! It's been quite a week for the Frog Wrangler and so here she is catching a dog nap. At 14 1/2 she has days where she just doesn't feel up to par, and on those days all she want to do is be held and kept warm with her blanket. She was a little annoyed with my taking time to take a picture, but she soon got over it and went right back to sleep.

Frog of the Day

Boston Warehouse - Christmas Frog Spreaders
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. The Frog Wrangler (I saw what she wrote yesterday) and I had a traditional meal. The whole house smells like vanilla - I bought a candle last week and I've ben burning it every evening for an hour or two. Well now the Christmas rush is in full swing - sales and mad rush everywhere. I've decided to get a jump on things and get my Christmas cards done. It's kind of sad to go through your address book and cross out names and addresses of people with whom you've lost contact. But, as they say, that's the way the ball bounces - so now it's time to go spread some holiday cheer.

This set of frog collectibles is from Boston Warehouse and is a set of four Christmas Frog Spreaders. The style/model number is 12-612 and dates to 1997. These four frogs top stainless steel butter knives/spreaders. Frogs are great at spreading holiday cheer, aren't they.

Happy Thanksgiving

Shadow
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Frog Wrangler here. That goof that hangs out at Frog Central here with me has decided to take the day off. Now I don't have a problem with that at all but there seems to be a lot of activity in the room where all the food comes from, but it's all kept ridiculously high. I mean, how am I supposed to enjoy a snack when I have to stand up? So I'll just sit here in my chair and wait until my food is brought to me. Now if I could only get that giant turkey parading down the street to come a little closer........

Frog of the Day

Stone Critters - Bullfrog Bride and Groom
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's been a busy morning here at Frog Central getting ready for Thanksgiving. I've been busy cleaning the kitchen from one to the other - good thing I have a small kitchen! The downside of having a small kitchen is when one thing is out of place it looks messy. So all is well now - ready to put the turkey dinner in the microwave along with the mashed potatoes. And then some sweet potato pie! Have a great Thanksgiving everyone - watch the parades and enjoy a day of over-eating. The Frog Wrangler and I are going to take tomorrow off from blogging - but will be right back here on Friday.

This frog collectible is from United Design's Stone Critter line and this is called Bullfrog Bride and Groom. This piece is style number SC-938. I do not have a date for this item.

Frog of the Day

Charm Co. - Fenton Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Made it to the post office yesterday and a huge pre-Thanksgiving shopping at the grocery store. I bought a small sweet potato pie to have with the turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. The Frog Wrangler was really happy because she saw all these treats going into her spot in the cupboard. I gave her a dental chew stick that she had to carry around for about an hour before chewing it up. I used my coupons and saved almost $30. Over the last two months I've ended up saving over $70! Today is garbage day and I have a bunch of wet boxes in the basement that have to go to the curb so I'll be busy all afternoon with that project.

This frog is from the Charm Company Wilderness Series and is part of their Forest Critters line. This is called Fenton Frog and is a battery operated frog that has legs that jump, throat that puffs as it makes real croaking sounds, then it mouth opens and its tongue sticks out to show a fly on the end of it! A cute and fun item. The box has a number of frog facts and one I hadn't seen before is that frogs can croak even when they are under water. This item was introduced in 1999 and is still available and in production according to the 2006 Charm Company catalog.

Frog of the Day

Stone Critters - Bullfrog Thinker
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Monday morning and a lot to do before Thanksgiving. So today I'm heading out to run some errands - post office and grocery shopping. I ended up taking a nap yesterday afternoon so I didn't get anything done other than check the basement - which is now dry, thank goodness. I think I'll wait a couple more days before checking the washer and dryer just to be sure they are completely dried out. It gives one something to think about.......

This frog collectible is from United Design and is part of their Stone Critters line. The title of this one is called Bullfrog Thinker. The bullfrog is striking the classic "Thinker" pose, sitting on a book which is entitle "The Origin of Species" by Darwin. I do not have a date for this item.

Frog of the Day

Frog Fantasy - Frog Jamboree
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Sunday morning! Time to sit back, read the paper, watch the Sunday talk shows, and listen to NPR's Weekend Edition. It's time to unwind, nap a little - oh, and spend the day raking leaves, running to Walmart for dog treats, cleaning.......

This frog collectible is another from Westland Giftware's Frog Fantasy. I thought I had put all of the collection that I had up and was pleasantly surprised to open the packing box to find another one! This is called Frog Jamboree, style number 3536, and it is a music box that plays "Music! Music! Music!" This piece dates to 1996.

Frog of the Day

Babbacombe Pottery - Frog String Holder
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

The doctor put me on a new pill. One that I have to take in the morning an hour before breakfast. So while I'm sitting here ticking away the hour I thought I'd put up today's frog. I also got my flu shot which means my nose is dripping and my throat is sore - I think those shots come from the cold and flu remedy people. Twice in the last 10 years I've gotten the shot and now twice I've gotten the flu! Oh well, on to today's frog......

This frog collectible came from England. It was made by Lowndes Pateman at Babbacombe Pottery in England. The pottery house was in production from 1952 to 2002. I do not have a specific date for this item. This is a wonderful string and scissors holder. The scissors make a pair of glasses and the string comes out the mouth. There is a large hole in the back to put a new ball of string in. A fun item and great addition to the collection.

Dog Blogging

Shadow
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

The Frog Wrangler is going to fire me! I was so tired last evening I fell asleep in my chair quite early. I then went to bed early for a change. Let's face it, Friday night television is the worst. The Frog Wrangler yesterday morning did not want to give up her chair or blanket. Not even to go out! She is so adept at getting that afghan off the back of the chair - it is so funny to watch. I fold it up and put over the back of the chair - she jumps up and with one swipe of her paw has it off the back and she's laying down on top of it. The Frog Wrangler has been feeling a bit better after her bad night earlier this week. So here she is yesterda morning in her chair and you just know she's saying "Touch my blanket and die!"

Frog of the Day

Frog Band
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It was an interesting day yesterday - the cellar had about a foot of water in it. I hope that my washer and dryer are ok. The water is almost gone this morning - by the time they get here with the water pump they'll think I'm crazy! (Well that goes without saying). The Frog Wrangler had a much better night last night, thank goodness. She slept in her chair on her blanket - I have a picture I'll put up later. Now, it's time to dance - maestro, the music please.....

This set of six frog collectibles are a frog band. They are made of resin and were made in China. I do not have a date for this set.

Frog of the Day

Popular Imports - Frog Miniature Tea Set
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's been a bad night here at Frog Central. We've had 3 days of pretty steady rain - last night the wind kicked up pretty good. I haven't been in the cellar today to see if it's dry - keeping my fingers crossed. Saw the news this morning to see that the weather did a lot of damage in North Carolina - here's a shout out to AB and hoping that her family there is ok. The Frog Wrangler had a really bad night - one of the worst I've seen. About 4 this morning I got up and sat in my chair and let her come up in my lap and just held her. Finally she fell asleep about 8 and slept about an hour. She seems a little more content now to lay on her blanket all by herself. Thankfully the whimpering has stopped - the pain pill I gave her must have finally kicked in. Now I have to go take a nap!

This frog collectible is another of the little tea sets that I enjoy so much. This is from Popular Imports and is style number TS507 - Frogs. This set is made of polystone resin. It was made in China and dates to 1997.

Frog of the Day

Radko - Froggie Eyes
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I'm glad I have happy frogs - I need them to keep my blood pressure in check! I had a doctor's appointment - which I deemed unnecessary - and the doctor agreed. He wondered why I was there as did I - I told him to ask his nurse, she was the one who demanded I make an appointment. They have this weird system where every month when your prescription is running out you call the pharmacy, they fax the doctor's office, and the doctor's office faxes the pharmacy back, who then calls you to tell you your prescriptions are ready. This is just ludicrous! So I told the doctor that to stop any further misunderstandings I wanted him to write out my prescriptions with 6 months worth of refills - you know, like you'd normally get when you go to the doctor's office. A total waste of 2 hours of my time - I need a happy frog, please......

This frog collectible is from Christopher Radko and is called Froggie Eyes. It is style number 1010776. This ornament dates to 2005 and was retired in December of 2005. It is still readily available on the web if you are interested in having one for yourself.

Frog of the Day

Shalom Toy Company - Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It was nice yesterday talking to a friend I hadn't heard from in a couple of weeks. I did a big push to finish scraping up the carpet glue off the bathroom floor to expose the beautiful hardwood floors underneath. Just a small section to go and that project will be all finished up. Today I have a doctors appointment. I've finally gotten back on track with doing a load of laundry every morning until I get caught up - if such a thing is possible. The Frog Wrangler has gotten bored with exploring the basement and spends that 40 minutes every morning napping.

This frog collectible is a large plush from the Shalom Toy Company. I received this as a gift last October (2005). It stands about 18 inches high.

Frog of the Day

The Good Company - Frog Salt & Pepper Shaker Set
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I'm tired this morning. I spent yesterday cleaning from one end of the house to the other. I was possessed! I started in this morning doing wash. The drain for the washer still isn't working right so I have to call the plumber back to auger out the pipes. It's supposed to rain today so no raking of leaves. Hurray! I can work on the bathroom floor and hopefully get that finished up. The Frog Wrangler is not sure she likes me having all these little projects to do - it takes away from time I could be petting her.....

This frog collectible is a salt and pepper set from The Good Company, a division of Applause, Inc. This is a little ceramic set that dates to 1989. They were made in Korea according to a tag on the bottom of the male.

Frog of the Day

Frog Christmas Ornament
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's been interesting around here! Friday night Frog Central had a devil of a thunderstorm and with it I lost the cable modem to get on the internet. So the cable guy was here yesterday for most of the afternoon and still no internet. This morning I woke up and it was like Christmas - the modem was back up and working! So I hope everyone had a good Veteran's Day - I didn't go to the parade here in town and with the amount of rain I bet it was cancelled. Oh well, 2 weeks to the next parade!

This frog collectible is a Christmas ornament. I do not have any information about it or a date for this item. It is made of resin. A cute addition to the collection.

Frog of the Day

Dept. 56 - Mistletoad Basket
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I'm typing with blistered hands today - I spent all yesterday out raking leaves. And as I told a friend of mine I think I've finished about an eighth of the lawn. I woke up this morning to realize that my maple tree is sadistic - the lawn I just raked was once again covered with leaves! Guess where I'll be today - wrong! I'll be in bed, thank you......

This frog collectible is another piece of Dept. 56 from the Mistletoad line. This is mistletoad basket. I believe, after doing some searching, that these Dept. 56 pieces are from 1999. It is a very heavy piece and a great addition to the collection.

Frog of the Day

LSArts - Frog Quartet
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I've spent the last hour trying to get my computer to work - Ugh! A lot of software updating and hopefully everything is back to normal now. It's supposed to be warm here today - 71 degrees. I'm hoping to spend the afternoon outside raking leaves and enjoying the fresh air. I hadn't seen the cardinals in quite a while, but they were back this morning in the bare hibiscus hedge (all the leaves dropped overnight about a week ago). The little baby rabbit is now quite big and was hopping all around the yard. I've noticed a lot of digging in the lawn - I hope I don't have moles digging in the yard. It's like an outdoor safari here!

This frog item is from LSArts, Inc. and is called Frog Quartet. They are hand-blown glass frogs. I do not know the date of this quartet, but they are no longer currently available from LSArts according to their website.

Frog of the Day

Dept. 56 - Mistletoad Stocking Hanger
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I was up late last night watching election returns - and while my local candidate lost I was pleased with the elections overall. The Frog Wrangler was very upset with me for staying up - she wanted the chair to sleep! So she's sleeping in this morning. I woke her up around 7 to take her out - it's very foggy here again today. I had to make a quick run to the curb - my trash can had blown into the road. That's the reason I like to put out my trash in the big trash bags, that way it's gone and I don't have to go out first thing in the morning. It's amazing as I drove around town how many Christmas decorations are up - so I figure I better keep with the season and get my stocking ready to hang up on the fireplace!

This frog collectible is from Dept. 56 and is called Mistletoad Stocking Hanger. This item is retired, I do not have a specific date, but I believe is around the year 2000.

Frog of the Day

Russ - Luv Pet - Get Well Soon Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

You thought I forgot, didn't you? It's been a very busy morning here at Frog Central. I headed out very early to vote - the polling place needs to pave their parking lot - it rained here most of yesterday and is still misting this morning and the dirt parking lot was a mud field! I then did an errand I thought I was going to do yesterday and swung by the doctor's office. I hate it when the nurse thinks she knows more than the doctor. At my last visit, he said he didn't need to see me until April. I have an appointment for this next week. The nurse requested it - I think I'll ask her to pay for it! So after a quick trip to the post office and a maddening run around the frozen food section at Walmart I finally made it home. I think I'm going to be sick......

This frog collectible is from Russ Berrie & Co. and is part of their Luv Pet line. It is Get Well Soon Frog. I do not have a date for this cute little guy.

Frog of the Day

Bean Bag Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Monday morning and it looks to be a busy day. I have to go over to the medical center to fill out form work. And then I have 3 different projects that are all demanding my attention. I'd like to go back to bed but frogs are taking over the pillows!

This frog collectible is a bean bag. The only identification on this cute frog is a sticker that says Made in Thailand. I do not have a date for this item.

Frog of the Day

Frog Culture - Red Eyed Tree Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Today I have to go out and rake leaves - to work off yesterday's lunch and dinner. I went to Oddfellows for their "Hog Roast" which was really good and came with potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans, a drink, and a piece of pie. I went to the Community Church for dinner but they oversold and ran out. Can you imagine being turned away from church! So I headed over to Burger King and got a chicken sandwich and onion rings. I was so full last night I was in agony - and so was the Frog Wrangler after the onion rings kicked in......

This frog collectible is a plush. The hang tag says Frog Culture. It is from the 24K Company. Listed on the hang tag also is a company called Special Effects, a division of Mighty Star. There are 4 different frog styles in this collection. This is the Red Eyed Tree Frog. This plush dates to 1997.

Frog of the Day

Radko - Leap Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Running late today - what time is it again? The Frog Wrangler and I were up early today, but after a heavy breakfast of sausage and pancakes I fell asleep in my chair. The Frog Wrangler was perfectly happy to sleep at my feet, so now we are running late. The Oddfellows are having a pork BBQ this afternoon and the Community Church is having a turkey dinner. Any day I don't have to cook is a good day indeed. When I opened the door to let out the Frog Wrangler this morning the leaves were falling like rain. I know yesterday the neighbors were out taking care of their leaves. I guess they're looking at my lawn with disdain now. What else is new....

This frog collectible is from Christopher Radko and is called Leap Frog. It is style number 00-091-0. This ornament dates to 2000.

Friday Dog Blogging

Shadow
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Hard to believe another week has gone by. With the time change the Frog Wrangler is back to getting up around 6 a.m. just as it starts getting light. It starts to get dark by 4 in the afternoon and little cranky pants here is ready for bed. She's looking back saying come on already! as she goes off to bed.

Frog of the Day

Boyds - Bridges....Scuba Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It has been really cold here at Frog Central, so when the Frog Wrangler wants to crawl into my lap to take a nap it's ok with me - she's a regular furnace. It was so warm that Bridges wanted to go scuba diving - until he saw the frost on the ground!

This frog collectible is from Boyds Bears & Friends and is part of their Wee Folkstone Ribbit & Co. This piece is called Bridges....Scuba Frog. This is a limited edition piece that dates to 1998. My piece is Edition 2E and is piece number 1337.

Frog of the Day

Fun World - Freddy the Singing Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Was glad the plumber showed up yesterday and got everything straightened out. The cable guy showed up and got the cable fixed. I just wonder who is going to show up next! With everything fixed and working I won't have anything to bitch about (yeah, that made me laugh too). On to today's frog.....

This pair of frogs are both tagged Freddy The Singing Frog, a plush toy frog that sings Jingle Bells. The one on the right I know is from Avon, part of their Gift Collection series. The one of the left I am not sure. The tag on both says they were made by Fun World. Neither frog croaks any more. The Avon bag says that it uses batteries that can be changed, but there is no opening as per the instructions on the bag. The Freddy from Avon dates to 1996 according to the Gift Collection bag. There are no dates on the plush items themselved.

Frog of the Day

Picture Magnets - Frog Magnet
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Today plans to be a busy day - the plumber is finally arriving! He called last evening to tell me he'd be here between 9 and 9:30 - so an early blog this morning. The Frog Wrangler is not going to have a happy day as she hates it when workmen come to the house. And then it's back to working on getting the carpet glue off the hardwood floors in the bathroom - I still can't believe the beautiful hardwood floors not only covered with carpet, but that someone actually spread carpet glue. The job is about half done - I'm hoping a couple more days will finish the job up.

This frog collectible is a magnet. The trademark name on the back is Picture Magnets. It has a style number of MC0009 and the name Ichabod on the front. This magnet dates to 1982.