We All Stand Together

An animation to the Paul McCartney song.

Frog of the Day

Tender Thoughts - Frog Note Cards
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I can't believe I'm awake and alert this morning - well, ok, awake. I tossed and turned all night long. I miss the BBC overnight on the radio - about 3:45 in the morning they read abridged versions of books that are really quite entertaining. Plus I like the international news that you get. So it's the end of a year - and what a year it's been. Here's hoping that everyone has a great New Year's Eve!

This frog item is a Note Card and it is from Tender Thoughts Greetings. It is blank inside. Tender Thoughts is a division of American Greeting. I received this card this last month (December 2006).

Frog of the Day

Quarry Critter - Fran
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Yesterday turned out to be a weird day - it was non-stop from morning till night. I had one of the best coupon days ever. I went to get The Frog Wrangler some much needed treats and she was running low on dog food. The bill came to thirty dollars before coupons - seventeen after! I ended up at the pharmacy waiting over an hour for my prescriptions - they were rather busy. I stopped by Burger King on the way home to get an Icee. Those things are just too good. And quite refreshing. Thank goodness no rain at this point - lets hope it goes right on by.

This frog collectible is from Second Nature Design and is from their Quarry Critter line. This one is called Fran. If you want to see all the Quarry Critters you can go to their website www.quarrycritters.com. This one is still readily available.

Friday Dog Blogging

Shadow
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

The Frog Wrangler is getting back to her old self. Today is the first day off her medication and she seems to be doing well. She spent the morning running from window to window ready to wrangle frogs, birds, squirrels, blades of grass. After two weeks she made sure everyone knew that she was still here and had found her voice! But she still is 14 1/2 years old so a busy morning means an afternoon nap. The temperature is up into the 60's today, so it was a good day to stretch out on the floor rather than curl up on her blanket.

Frog of the Day

C & F Enterprises - Holiday Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's been a very busy morning - 4 loads of wash! I still have a couple more loads to do before I'm all caught up. It's supposed to rain heavily this weekend - up to 9 inches of rain! The weatherman said this has been the wettest year on record - over 65 inches of rain so far. So the basement will be flooded again this weekend so I thought it best to get as much wash done as possible today.

This plush frog is from C & F Enterprises and is part of their Holiday Collection. I imagine the holiday is Valentine's Day because of the big red heart on it's chest. I do not have a date for this item. I like the material - like a plush velour.

Frog of the Day

Pewter Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I watched a special on television last night about the Bermuda Triangle - supposed new information. Two hours and what could they say - nothing new. I went out this morning to retrieve my trash can only to find it still full! All up and down the street full trash cans. Apparently when the city decided to change trash days for two weeks, they forgot to tell the guys who actually pick up the trash and can I say there were a couple pissed off trash guys this morning. The Frog Wrangler is getting better every day. Today is the last day of her medication so she'll be closely watched to be sure she doesn't have a relapse.

This frog collectible is a pewter frog playing a guitar. It was made in Italy and has the maker's touchmark on the back. I did some searching for the identification of the touchmark but so far have come up empty. It is two hands holding and "S." If you are familiar with this mark, please let me know. I do not have a date for this item.

Frog of the Day

Frog's Cafe
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Every time I go into the kitchen the Frog Wrangler is right there. She knows where her liverwurst is kept in the refrigerator and when the door is opened her nose goes right to the shelf. Couple that with the fact I keep some canned food in the cupboard for those days she doesn't seem to want to eat and I can hardly move in the kitchen without her underfoot. And that liverwurst gives her the worst smelling toots! I can't tell you how happy I am for every minute of it.

This frog collectible is a wonderful creation of the Frog's Cafe. It is a porcelain set and the only marks are on the box: "RPM Frog's Cafe." I have been unable to find further information about this set. The wine bottle on the table says Alsace Schlemberger, which is a real winery domaine of the Alsace region. The bottle is dated 1999 which leads me to believe this may be the date of this item or at least the earliest creation date.

Frog of the Day

Design Toscano - Get a Leg Up Computer Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I hope everyone had a good Christmas. The Frog Wrangler and I had a quiet day and enjoyed opening gifts received. Some new frogs will be making their way onto here soon! We never got the snow predicted. I hope we don't get the snow forecasted for tomorrow too. Today I plan on doing a bit of clean-up and maybe some wash. I may hold off on the wash because the Wrangler likes to follow me down the steps and she's really wobbly today - I'll probably have to put her in her cage while I go down, which means an hour or two of howling. She hates to be seperated from me, especially if she knows I'm in the house. I have to remember that today is not trash day - it's been moved one day for this week and next because of the holidays. While my overseer (today's frog) says it's time to get down to business.......

This frog collectible is from Design Toscano and is called Get A Leg Up Computer Frog. It is style number 29913. Design Toscano seems to have unique items that are well made. This is no exception.

Merry Christmas

Shadow
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

The Frog Wrangler wants to wish everyone a Merry Christmas - here she is trying to stay up last night to watch for Santa. She's was up early this morning looking for her liverwurst! She also got a couple extra treats and then it was back to bed for a bit. All in all she's feeling much better and is so much steadier on her feet. She even felt well enough yesterday to try to give chase to a white squirrel for a couple of feet. Then she decided it was just as good to stand there and glare at it...... Have a Merry Christmas all.

Frog of the Day

Indonesian Flying Frog Ornament
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Merry Christmas! A little rain here at Frog Central but it is supposed to turn to snow later today. The Frog Wrangler and I were watching the Yule Log this morning but the music was horrible - so thanks to digital cable I turned to the holiday music channel. Music by the original artists and songs you want to hear. It was a bit ironic this morning to be basking in the holiday music and to hear that James Brown, the godfather of soul, died last night.

This frog collectible is a flying frog mobile ornament that was handmade in Indonesia. Remember that species of flying frogs are found in Indonesia which I'm sure inspried this piece. I actually have two of these flying frogs, but this is by far the more ornate. The wings are removed for storage. A beautiful piece in the collection. I do not have a date for this item.

Frog of the Day

A Special Place - Frog King Statuary
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Merry Christmas Eve! It's turned cold here and there calling for 2 inches of snow to fall tomorrow. The Wrangler and I are all set to stay inside and enjoy day tomorrow. Later today I'm going to bake some cookies. Last night I had meatloaf. It was one of those things I haven't had in quite a while and sounded good. I bought one of those Hormel dinners and it was tasty. And I've got enough for leftovers tonight. Tomorrow I'm having turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy. So I was cleaning out my coupon box this morning (not the reason I'm posting late - the internet was down) and I bet I took out half the coupons because they're expiring next week. They may be a pain in the behind, but with an average savings of four hundred dollars a year on groceries I think it's worth it. Well today's frog may look a bit familiar - it was in a different medium yesterday.

This frog collectible is from A Special Place and is a frog statuary. This is a ceramic piece and although it may be made for a garden, it rules over the indoor plants. This piece dates to 2000. The frog pose may look familiar as it is the same pose as yesterday's garden stake.

Frog of the Day

A Special Place - Frog King Garden Stake
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Today has started out so crazy all I want to do is go back to bed! The Frog Wrangler slept until 8 this morning. I didn't have any liverwurst for her to take her pills this morning but she finally took them, albeit with much less enthusiasm. I took my thyroid pill which means I had an hour before breakfast, so I decided to go get some more liverwurst and a couple other items. I got behind a woman at every turn who stood and looked and looked and studied before making a selection. I tried going around her on to another section but there she'd be. So it was no surprise when she wound up in front of me at the checkout. There she scrutinized every purchase as if to be sure that was what she wanted. Finally all checked out she remember something she forgot - so more waiting while she not only goes to get that item but about 5 others. I was never so glad to get back home! I'm not going out again until after Christmas!

This frog collectible is from A Special Place and is a Frog King Garden Stake. It is made of metal and has a long stake with a plaque that you can have engraved. It dates to 2000.

Friday Dog Blogging

Shadow
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

The Frog Wrangler had a tough week by anyone's measure, but she is beginning to feel a bit better. Her gait is getting better and she want to play with her toys, scooping them up and carrying them around. She's a bit upset that I won't throw them for her, but I think it's better to be a little cautious and be sure she is totally healed up. Here she is, curled up in the chair. She usually knocks the pillow out the chair, finding it a hindrance, but today she decided it would be great to sleep on it. Now the Frog Wrangler loves the bed pillows and tries to steal them at every turn, but I think this is the biggest pillow she's ever encountered. The Frog Wrangler wishes everyone a Merry Christmas - now what's in those boxes under the tree.........

Frog of the Day

My Collectiong - Christmas Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Last night I watched the new French and Saunders special on BBC - those two are just too funny. Well worth renting their videos if you get a chance. It was rainy here all day yesterday and it is going to be again today. Tomorrow is supposed to be nice then right back to a couple more days of rain. I'm beginning to feel like Noah! Christmas is just a couple days away and the frogs have picked out a tree - here it comes now.....

This frog collectible is from My Collection and is a musical Christmas Frog. This was distributed through Avon. When you press the feet it croaks Jingle Bells. He has a Christmas tree in one hand and is dressed with a Santa cap, red bandana, green overalls over Christmas fabric shirt. This dates to 1996. An important reminder to remove batteries from your collectibles when they are being stored. I opened this piece to find batteries that had leaked. Thankfully I was able to clean it up and it still works. If you decide to remove leaky batteries - please be very careful. Wear gloves, have a baggie ready to put them in and dispose of them properly. Never throw batteries in the trash.

Frog of the Day

Pewter Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Well it's rained for two days now - I hate to open the cellar door for fear of what I'll find. Last night I knew for sure that The Frog Wrangler was on the mend - I woke up about 1 a.m. to find her curled up next to me on the bed. She had jumped up by herself. Now her appetite is ravenous! I received a beautiful fruit basket yesterday - it was filled with apples and pears. I had an apple last night and it was delicious. Fresh fruit tastes so good in the middle of winter, doesn't it? So the predictions here for weather is that we will not have a white Christmas. That's ok, let Denver have it. I couldn't imagine 50+ inches of snow at one time!

This frog item is a tiny pewter frog. It is a mere 1/2 inch long. I have no further information on this little frog. I've received a lot of these little frogs over the years and they have no identifying marks on them.

Frog of the Day

Hagen Renaker - Baby Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I can't stand the fact that I'm already putting together a list for the next grocery shopping trip. It just never ends, does it? Well I got a solid seven hours of sleep last night. The Frog Wrangler spent the night in her chair wrapped up in her blanket. While she still has unsteady moments, she's looking stronger every day. Now every time I open the refrigerator, there she is, looking for her liverwurst!

This frog collectible is from Hagen Renaker and is entitled Baby Frog. It is a ceramic miniature that stands only 1/2 inch tall. It is style number 477. I received this as a gift and the paper that it was attached to was torn off. They come glued to a little 2 inch by 2 inch square piece of paper. This piece is still readily available from retailers.

Frog of the Day

Stone Critters - Frogs....No Evil
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I was thrilled this morning to find The Frog Wrangler's food bowl empty. She ate on her own without being enticed with canned food or people food for the first time in 5 days. She still has a very unsteady gate, but she found her way into her chair this morning and didn't have to be lifted into it. It's a good thing because my back is almost totally gone and she weighs about 58 pounds. I went out yesterday to get a few things that I forgot from the day before at the grocery store - doesn't it make you mad when you get home from the grocery store and start cursing yourself because of that one item you had to have and you forgot. Well I'll tell you this - when it's toilet paper you forgot, you're making a trip back! Pronto! I picked up some additional baking supplies too. When did nuts become so expensive. I have some recipes that call for walnuts, but at over five dollars for a small bag I'll do without. Well, another day of filling in for the Wrangler, I decided to round up today's frog trio because it makes me think what all kids are doing between now and Christmas - no evil.

This frog collectible is from United Designs and is part of their Stone Critters line. This piece is called Frogs......No Evil. Frogs have been a popular subject for the no evils theme, probably second only to monkeys. It is style number SC-424. Stone Critters, the original - not the babies line, have a copyright carved into the back along with the initials UDC as well as the year made. This piece has the date of '97.

Frog of the Day

Glass Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I want to thank everyone who wrote me with well wishes for the Frog Wrangler. It really touched me to recieve e-mails from literally all around the globe. She has been resting comfortably and has regained some of her balance. With lots of love, attention, and liverwurst for those pills the Wrangler is looking forward to being back on duty soon. In the meantime she's getting a much needed vacation from those duties and instead is basking in the belly rubs and ear scratches she loves so much. So filling in, I had to start out with wrangling a small frog for today........

This frog item is a small glass frog. It has no identifying marks as to artist or maker. It is only about 2 inches long. This is a frog with attitude - he's sticking out his tongue.

Frog of the Day

Fun World - Frog Plush
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Finally made it out yesterday to do some grocery shopping. I also picked up some canned dog food for The Wrangler as enticement to eat something. She couldn't eat it fast enough! I snuck her pills in and they went right down too. This morning she tried the tight lipped approach to her medications, but she was no match for a piece of liverwurst. She finally slept quite a bit of last night and thank goodness I got a solid 4-5 hours without interruption. Another result from grocery shopping - I had all the stuff to make pancakes and bacon for breakfast. Hmmmm! Hopefully today will be a quiet day for the Wrangler and me - we both need it.

This frog item is a little plush that has a ornament hanger in the back. It is from Fun World and has a red bow tie with hearts and a hang tag card. I do not have a date for this item.

Frog of the Day

Radko - Frog Lady
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I finding out just how long I can go without sleep. The Frog Wrangler had a bad night, but finally settled down around four this morning. Now if I can just get her to eat! I know she's not feeling well when she won't even eat her favorite treats. She slept a lot yesterday so I was able to get some other things done - I baked a couple loaves of bread in the afternoon so I could have toast for breakfast this morning. I really need to get to the supermarket. I've lamented before about not having a grocery delivery service here in Tidy Town, and it's days like this that I could really use it.

This frog collectible is a Christmas ornament from Christopher Radko. It is a limited edition piece from 1995 and is called Frog Lady. This ornament is numbered - mine is 173/1200. Frog Lady is style number 95-026-0.

Friday Dog Blogging

Shadow
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

As the faithful readers here know, The Frog Wrangler has had a pretty bad week. Today I learned that her condition is known as Vestibular Disease which comes on suddenly. The good news is that with time she should be back to her old self. The condition causes an inner ear imbalance, thus the walking around like she's drunk! I moved her favorite blanket to the floor which she was happy about. Here she is getting all settled in to take a much needed nap. Something we could both use!

Frog of the Day

Gund - Sitting Bull
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I received a lot of inquiries about The Frog Wrangler. She's doing a bit better on the anti-inflammatory and pain medication, but still has quite a ways to go to feeling her old self. She'll be back this afternoon for a little Friday dog blogging. So nothing got done on my end except attending to her and taking my own pain killers for my back. All in all I thought we both were ready to croak!

This frog collectible is from Gund and is a great croaking plush. The name is Sitting Bull and is style number 6106. I do not have a date for this item, but it is still available from Gund under its new name Jeremiah Bullfrog. This frog stand 9 inches tall and 9 inches wide and has a wooden croaker ball that rolls around making croaking sounds when you move it.

Frog of the Day

Boyd's Bears - Ezra R. Ribbit
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

They say bad news comes in three. I heard last night that a good friend is in the hospital and going into surgery this morning. Here's hoping that all goes well for AB. Then about midnight last night The Frog Wrangler is beside herself whining and crying - she can't put any weight on one of her rear legs. So it was a no sleep night till the vets opened up this morning. She pulled ligaments in the joint and is on pain killers and restricted activity for the next ten days. And just to top things off, when I lifted her onto the vet's table there was an audible ripping sound - the vet asked what was that, through clenched teeth I said "My back." So no more bad news, ok, because I don't think I could take it!

This frog collectible is from Boyds Bears & Friends and is part of their Bears in the Attic collection. His name is Ezra R. Ribbit and is style number 566470. This piece was retired in 1998 and this one probably dates from that year (the tag has copyright 1991-1998 on it). It stands approximate 6 inches tall. Originally purchased for $4, many sites are now selling this from for around $30.

Frog of the Day

Radko - Kermit Nutcracker Ornament
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It continued to rain into the evening so no driving around to see Christmas lights last night. Today it is supposed to nice and sunny all day with temperatures back up in the 60's. We actually heard thunder rolling all evening - I hope all those outdoor lights were grounded properly! I have to rip on La-Z-boy. I have one of their chairs and love it, but I went to put the feet up and a horrible metal grating sound eminated from the undercarriage. Thank goodness it is under a lifetime warrantee against structural damage (they made a big deal about fixing or replacing free when I bought the chair) - except there is a minimum fifty dollar charge for them to come out and just look at the chair - and then you pay for the time of the repairman. And the installation is per hour and the replacement of the underside is a about a 2 hour job. So I can pay a couple hundred bucks to have the chair repaired or go buy a new chair. I'm actually choosing option number 3 - I'm living with a recliner that doesn't recline.

This frog collectible is an ornament from Christopher Radko in conjunction with Jim Henson Productions and is part of the Kermit Collection. This is Kermit Nutcracker Ornament and is style number 98-11. This dates to 1998.

Frog of the Day

My Collection Company - Fishing Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

The temperature here at Frog Central has soared into the mid-60's, although it is a bit rainy at the moment. It may only last for a day or two but it feels good after the single digit lows. I hope the weather clears enough to go driving to see the Christmas light display at the park.

This frog collectible is a fishing frog from My Collection Company, Inc. This is a shelf sitter and is the companion to another recently listed here. The main part of the body is made of a heavy block of wood, with the legs and head stuffed. He has a straw hat and wicker basket. I do not have a date for this item.

Frog of the Day

Kathleen Kelly - Fergie
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

There are how many shopping days till Christmas?!?!?! It's all enough to make you cross-eyed. Unlike Fergie here, I've finished my Christmas shopping. The Frog Wrangler and I are getting a late start to the day. Last night my stomach was a bit queasy so I didn't eat dinner - which meant I couldn't one of my prescriptions. So I felt like the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz this morning - every joint was a bit creaky and didn't want to move. It's finally a bit warmer here at Frog Central which has all the frogs a hoppin' and keeping the Frog Wrangler busy.

This frog collectible is another of the fun frogs from The Kathleen Kelly Critter Factory for distribution by Russ Berrie & Co. This one is called Fergie, and is the original design. There is a variation that has a differently patterned dress. I adore these frogs and their goofy expressions - they make a fun addition to the collection!

Frog of the Day

Ty Beanie Baby - Smoochy
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Well the short bread yesterday was great! Unfortunately the fudge I tried did not set up - I need to get a candy thermometer before I try that again. The Frog Wrangler offered to eat the rejects but I didn't think that was wise. Today I woke up with a sore throat and the sniffles, so while I need to go grocery shopping I think I'll just heat up a can of soup and wrap up in a blanket.

This frog collectible is from Ty and is a Beanie Baby. This one is Smoochy and dates to 1997. If you remember the Beanie Baby craze, the price of these guys ran up into the hundreds of dollars - but now they can still be readily found on the internet for about their original price of five dollars.

Frog of the Day

Radko - Lilly Pond
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

The place smells great this morning - I've got shortbread baking in the oven. The Frog Wrangler and I decided to go back to bed after her quick walk outside. It's strange to see her startled at my walking past her - she always heard a pin drop in a crowded room. You couldn't move a muscle without her right there wondering what's going on. This morning I thought I'd have to peel her off the ceiling when I came out sat next to her and started petting her - she hadn't heard me at all. We'll get Lilly here to announce what's going on around Frog Central.

This Christmas ornament is from Christopher Radko and is called Lilly Pond. It is style number 01-0477-0. This ornament dates to 2001.

Friday Dog Blogging

Shadow
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

The Frog Wrangler has had a better week this week. The first snow fell this week and at least for one morning she was like a little puppy - wanting to play. She came in the house with snow all over her face. The reality of the cold has set in though and she makes a quick bee-line out to do her business and then right back inside. Today she just didn't want to sit for a picture - every time I pointed the camera at her she turned around. So here is a lovely picture of her back side.

Frog of the Day

Avon - Hot Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Another very cold day - even the Frog Wrangler doesn't want to stay outside for very long. The novelty of the snow has worn off for her - she does her business as fast as possible and makes a mad dash for the door and her blanket. I tried to vacuum the house yesterday but was frustrated with the suction. I finally just took the filter out and then it worked fine. Of course I'm breathing dirt particles at a phenomenal rate but at least the carpet is clean!

This frog collectible is a plush from Avon. Made by Commonwealth Novelty Toy Company. The plush is called Hot Frog and is part of their Hot Hoppers collection. It is made of soft velour and stands 10 1/2 inches high. Style number 234-638. It has a playback mechanism so that you can record an 8 second message and then play it back. This plush dates to Easter 2006.

Frog of the Day

Radko - Courtin' Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas - and it's cold! The temperature here in the midwest did a drastic drop into the single digits. The Frog Wrangler woke up early wanting to go out, so while it was still a little dark I opened the door to let her out and we both were taken aback by the sight of a layer of fresh snow. The Frog Wrangler was like a kid - she loves snow - and after 15 minutes I all but had to drag her back inside. She went right to her blanket, curled up and has been happily asleep ever since. Time to go curl up with a good book and have a cup of hot chocolate so on to today's froggy.........

This frog collectible is a Radko Ornament and is called Courtin' Frog. This ornament is style number 970550 and dates to 1997. The origin of this ornament is Germany and it is clip style. It is 3 inches tall.

Frog of the Day

Abbey Press - Springer
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

The Frog Wrangler and I got a lot of things done around Frog Central yesterday. I can't believe that a week later there are still people that do not have electric. Thank goodness Tidy Town owns all its utilities. They spent the summer clearing trees out of power lines. Brrr! It makes me look forward to spring.....

This frog collectible is a plush from Abbey Press and is called Springer. The hang tag has a beanie baby style "birth date" of February 29, 1996 - but the plush itself has a tag dated 1999. The discrepancy is explained by the fact that the plush was made in 1999 but the next leap year wasn't until 2000, so they had to go back to 1996.

Frog of the Day

Ceramic Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Yeserday seemed to slip right past me with little crossed off the to-do list. So today will be a busy one. The Frog Wrangler will make sure things get done - she's such a task master. Oh, she says it's nap time so I gotta go....

This frog item is a small 2 inch ceramic frog. I have received a number of small frogs over the years. They normally do not have any identification marks but this one has a stamp on the back "Hong Kong." There is also a stamp from the manufacturer but I have not been able to identify it as of yet. I do not have a date for this item.

A Larger Picture of Today's Frog of the Day

Frog of the Day

Kitty's Critters - Frogtown Players Present : The Nativity Set
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

The temperatures dipped down into the single digits last night - Brrr! The Frog Wrangler was all snuggled in her blanket this morning and didn't want to get up and neither did I, so it's been a slow start to the day. There are only 21 days till Christmas - 3 weeks. I'm glad my shopping is done and I can sit back and enjoy the Frogtown Players......

This frog collectible is from Kitty's Critters and is called Frogtown Players Present : The Nativity Set. This set came out for Christmas last year but was very hard to get - I had this one on order but didn't receive it until February 2006. So this is its first Christmas being displayed. It consists of 12 pieces. Kitty's Critters frogs are highly collectible and reasonably priced for the smaller pieces. They are made of a substance called porcelon - a mixture of porcelain and resin. That is what gives it the vibrant colors. They must be kept out of contact with direct sunlight or the colors will fade.

Frog of the Day

Christmas Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Ah, the weekend. After the dissapointment of the Festival of Lights, I decided to skip the Festival of the Trees yesterday. I can tell you that some people in this town are looking to have their lights seen from space like the new Danny DeVito movie. I have to go around with my camera and snap some pictures so I'll know what I'm supposed to do for next year - NOT! But do they have a Christmas Frog......

This frog item is called Christmas Frog. It is stamped on the bottom Made in China, no importer is listed. It is an animated frog plays Christmas songs. I do not have a date for this item.

Frog of the Day

Stone Critters - Argentine Horned Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Last night I bundled up and braved the 20 degree temps to go watch the latest parade put on by Tidy Town - the Festival of Lights Parade. Because the parade line-up for the floats was on my street, I decided I better leave early to get a good spot or else I'd be stuck. So I arrive at the parade route about 45 minutes before the parade starts and nearly freeze to death awaiting the start. With much fanfare the parade comes down the street and within 9 minutes it's done and I'm back in the car heading home. You gotta love a small town.

This frog collectible is from United Designs and is part of their Stone Critters Line. It is called Argentine Horned Frog. This piece is dated to 1995.

Friday Dog Blogging

Shadow
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

The Frog Wrangler has had a tough week! No other way to put it. She spent a lot of time during the first part of the week crawling into my lap because of a stomach ache. When her stomach finally calmed down she ate with a little too much gusto and got a piece of food stuck trying to play chipmunk. What with keeping all the frogs in line and making sure no one in a two block radius moves - she's tired. But even with a much needed nap, she's keeping an ear to the ground. At almost 14 1/2 - around 100 for you and me - she's doing alright. Certainly nothing a favorite treat won't help.

Frog of the Day

Singing Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! Oops, caught singing again. If you've watched the news today, you know what the weather is like here - thankfully Frog Central has not lost power. Here in Tidy Town they spend the summer months trimming trees out of the power lines at a maddening pace - but it pays off when the wind howls like it is doing today. It rained all day yesterday (dry basement last I looked, thank you) and then flash froze overnight with the temperature dropping from a high of 72 to this mornings 28. Brrrrr! Let's do some more singing to warm up - and here to help is today's frog.......

This frog item is a singing frog. Marked made in China, it is akin to the singing bass fish. The frog is motion activated or you can press its foot. The mouth moves and they eyes move as it sings "I don't like spiders or snakes..." An interesting item. I do not have a date for this item and there is no identification on the box or frog as to importer.