Frog of the Day

Foam Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

A very cold morning this morning - another day in the single digits to start! I had such fun last night. I decided to get out the Cool Daddy Deep Fryer and make perogies. Yum! I've got mushrooms to do today. The Frog Wrangler was upset that I wasn't willing to share. Ah well, I have to go out today so I got out my froggy hat and am ready to go - I wonder why it doesn't keep my head warm......

This frog item is a foam frog hat. A lot of fun, but I honestly don't know anything more about it.

Frog of the Day

Bean Sprouts - Prince
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

The news last night about Barbaros was sad. They said he received hundreds of get well cards from children over the eight months he was sick. It's another cold day here at Frog Central - in the single digits with the wind whipping along the plains. Snow has pretty much covered the ground and snow is in the forecast for the next 4 days. A good time to stay inside!

This frog item is a plush from Gift Innovations and is part of their Bean Sprouts line. His name is Prince. It is style number 32507. I do not have a date for this item.

Frog of the Day

Kathleen Kelly - Valentine Frog Angel
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I went to Walmart grocery shopping yesterday - I have to tell you, they have some of the best pizza. A 16 inch pizza for under 10 bucks - and it's good pizza. I got the supreme pizza and will get 4 meals out of it because it is huge! So the temperature was 2 degrees this morning - Brrrrrr! The Frog Wrangler went out and came back in sneezing. She probably got snow up her nose, she loves to shove her nose in it, but since there is only a dusting out there she was sniffing it.

This frog collectible is from Russ Berrie and designed by Kathleen Kelly. It is a Valentine's Day Frog Angel. It has a bean bag body with hands and head made of resin. I do not have a date for this item.

Frog of the Day

Boyds - Princess Puckerup...Kiss Me Quick
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

A little bit of snow last night gave a white coat to the lawn this morning. It's so cold even the Frog Wrangler didn't care to spend much time out there this morning. I'm getting around a bit late this morning because I stayed up to watch the movie Troy last night on the Hallmark Channel. I have a couple errands to run today and I do not want to go out in the cold!

This frog collectible is from Boyd Bears and Friends and is part of their Folkwear Collection. This piece is called Princess Puckerup...Kiss Me Quick! It is style number 26428. The writing around the pin says "Where's My Prince?" I do not have a date for this item.

Frog of the Day

Easter Unlimited - Valentine Frog Trio
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's a lazy Saturday morning here at Frog Central, the Frog Wrangler and I are just getting up and around. There was a bit of excitement here in Tidy Town yesterday, some kids were arrested for buying the ingredients for their home meth lab. It's terrible that kids would willingingly take that crap. So these kids came from a big town to the east, I'm sure thinking they could put one over on the small town - but we've got a pretty good law enforcement here.

This frog item is a small resin figurine of three Valentine's frogs, each holding a heart that reads I Love You. It is from Easter Unlimited and was made in China. It is style number 6312. I do not have a date for this item.

Friday Dog Blogging

Shadow
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

The Frog Wrangler had a real quiet day today, spending most of it in bed or her chair. Of course there was time to eat one of her favorite treats, which with all the gas being produced this evening may be the last time! LOL She had a really good week overall and has enjoyed lots of outdoors time. The Frog Wrangler has also refound her toys and seems to be strong enough to play catch once or twice before she needs a nap. She's due to go to the vet's soon for her yearly check-up and shots.

Frog of the Day

MSR Imports - Froggy Welcome Mat
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

The Frog Wrangler and I were up early this morning. On such a cold morning I don't mind cooking at all so I made up some pancakes and sausage. That and a cup of hot cocoa and I'm ready to go! The Frog Wrangler had a piece of "Dogs don't know it's not bacon" bacon. I have to be extra careful with letting the Wrangler out to play - there have been reports on the news about cougars in the area.

This frog item is a Welcome Mat from MRS Imports. It is a plastic mat that when you step on it, it croaks. It runs on batteries. A fun froggy item. I do not have a date for this item.

Frog of the Day

Natural Wonders - Frog Pencils
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's a cold day here in Frog Central - the heat is running overtime. Yesterday I did some baking which helps heat the place up. I've decided that I have to get a shredder, I watched the other night as car after car stopped and went through my trash. It's a scary thought as to what they're taking and what they might do with it. Who knows, maybe I'm not really me anymore......

This frog item is a 4-pack of pencils from Natural Wonders. The frog design itself is by Xonex in Cleveland. I do not have a date for this item.

Frog of the Day

Snowdrop Silk Tie
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Last night I watched Comedy Central's presentation of John Pinneta, a stand-up comic. What a funny man! I laughed for the whole hour. The performance is on DVD and is twice as long as the television special and I think I'm going to have to get it. The Frog Wrangler slept in this morning. I was up and around at 5:30 - I finally woke her up at 8. She's so hard of hearing these days that nothing bothers her sleep.

This frog item is a silk tie from Snowdrop. Original design by Ella. It was make in Korea. Snowdrop makes novelty ties and I was surprised by the number of frog ties out there. I do not have a date for this item.

Frog of the Day

Plush Frog with Croaker
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

The Frog Wrangler and I slept in late this morning. The temperatures here are in the low 20's and it's nice to stay under the covers - for a little while. This afternoon I'm heading up to my old stomping grounds for a visit. I figure I better go today because they're calling for snow again this evening and I don't like to drive in the snow any more.

This plush frog is equipped with an electronic croaker and runs on 3 watch batteries. Don't forget to take watch batteries out of your collectibles - they will leak too. I do not have any further information on this item.

Frog of the Day

Fun World - Valentine Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

The Frog Wrangler was disappointed this morning - she spent a lot of time outside yesterday playing in the snow and she was ready to go first thing this morning. I opened the door and the snow is gone. She looked so dejected. That's the nice thing about living in southern Illinois - the snow doesn't last! I'm running way late this morning so it's off to brunch....

This plush frog is from Fun World and is a frog for Valentine's Day. The hang tag says "For Someone Special." It also has an ornament hanger loop. I do not have a date for this item.

Frog of the Day

Castagna - Frog with Innertube
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

A blanket of snow has fallen on Frog Central - along with a layer of ice! Churches cancelled this morning and warnings are out to stay off the roads. Of course tomorrow will be video on the news of the idiots who didn't heed the warnings. The Frog Wrangler was amazed this morning - I opened the door to let her out and she just stood there looking like a kid on Christmas morning not knowing where to start! She spent about 15 minutes outside before I called her in and she did not come all that willingly. Today's picture was tough to get all the details to come out - it took a bit of fidgeting with the controls in iPhoto.

This frog collectible is from Castagna and is called Frog with Innertube. I've mentioned before how much I like the quality of these Castagna pieces. They are made in Italy and easily distinguished by their finish. Each piece carries the Castagna name and the year created. This piece dates to 1998.

Frog of the Day

Design Ideas - Floating Frog Candles
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

The Frog Wrangler looked really pissed in yesterday's picture, didn't she? Well she's continued that feeling through this morning - definately in a mood! She'll have lots of fun later today playing in the snow. The Wrangler has always loved the snow and romping around in it. I myself would prefer to stay inside and keep warm. I woke up late this morning with a stuffed up nose and lots of congestion. So I think I'm going to have a cup of hot chocolate and go crawl back under the covers.

This frog item is from Design Ideas and are Floating Candles. The box says designed by Hardy. They were made in Malaysia and date to 1995. They come 3 to a box and I have 2 boxes.

Friday Dog Blogging

Shadow
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

The Frog Wrangler is dog tired! She had a busy day today keeping track of all the frogs and she's ready to take a nap. I snapped this picture as she headed to her chair to curl up with her blanket. With all the pictures I've taken of her napping, I thought I should take one of her actually standing up! The Frog Wrangler has been feeling great and back to her old routine.

Frog of the Day

Palmer - Animal Expressions
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I can't believe it's Friday already. This week just flew right by. This week another storm system is supposed to swoop in and I'm afraid we're going to get his with the ice and snow this time. I've decided I better go to the grocery store today just to be sure. And I'm sure just as in the past, that will mean that we'll get absolutely nothing!

This frog item is a Valentine's card that has chocolate in it! It is from Palmer and is from their Animal Expressions line. The outside says "I Like You," and the inside says "More Than Flies!" This card or a version thereof seems to make an appearance every year. I'm not sure what year I received this one.

Frog of the Day

Crystal Frog Ornament
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's a cold day today here at Frog Central. Forecasts of snow between now and Monday have been on the news. I've decided since it's cold and miserable that it's a good time to spend inside finishing up projects. I'm sure that will keep me busy for the rest of the winter!

This frog collectible is made of crystal. The box says made in China, style number 2852A, and carries the name Frog With Crown. I received this a gift this last Christmas so it dates to 2006.

Frog of the Day

Fun World - Cuddlin' Couple
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Was listening to NPR this morning and the story of whooping cranes - by World War II there were only 4 females left. Today there is a flock of just over 200 birds and they hope this next year it will grow to over 250. It's great to hear success stories. Unfortunately this last year saw the extinction of several species and just in the last few days the fungus which devestated much of the frog population here in the United States has been found in Asia.

This frog item is a polystone sculpture from Fun World, a division of Easter Unlimited. This is called Cuddlin' Couple. It is style number 6114. I do not have a date for this item.

Frog of the Day

Kathleen Kelly - Cupid
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

On cold mornings it's hard to get out from under the covers. The radio said the temperature was 11 degrees with a windchill of 1 degree. The poor Frog Wrangler made a very quick trip out this morning and curled up in her blanket immediately after coming back in. All the water we had the last 4 days froze overnight and black ice warnings are out. I plan on staying in!

This frog collectible is a design by Kathleen Kelly and distributed by Russ. It is part of the Country Folks line and is called Cupid. Resin arms, legs, and head are attached to bean bag body. The little tutu has hearts and the motif is carried onto the wings on the back. Cupid carries a bow and heart tipped arrow. These pieces by Kathleen Kelly are a lot of fun to collect.

Frog of the Day

Hallmark - Frog Gift Bag
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It finally stopped raining! It's still very dreary and overcast but the forecast says we should now have 3 or 4 days before the possibility of snow enters the picture. One thing with all this rain, the Frog Wrangler is smelling great from all the extra baths she's gotten by just going outside. She's been shedding alot lately so today is vaccuum cleaning day.

This frog item is from Hallmark and is a Frog Gift Bag. I do not have any further information on this item.

UPDATE: I came across some wrapping paper that matches this gift bag. The paper has a date of 1991 on it which leads me to believe this bag comes from that date also.

Frog of the Day

Petra Toys - Frog Wooden Press Puppet
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I know I'm not all that observant of my neighbors but I was dismayed yesterday to look out the back window and see a neighbors house across the street gone - apparently bulldozed sometime in the last couple of months. I just couldn't believe I never heard anything. The rain continues and I'm beginning to feel a bit like the masses standing outside Noah's ark and I'm hearing Bill Cosby's God voice in my ear - "How long can you tred water?"

This frog collectible is a cute little item from Petra Toys. It is a wooden toy called a press puppet. There is a little plunger on the underside that you push up and the frog dances around. This was made in the Czech Republic. I do not have a date for this item.

Frog of the Day

Avon - Tad the Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

The temperature here hovered 2 degrees above zero last night so we got rain, not ice. Just 20 miles to the west of here it was a different story - they got hit with some of the worst of this storm. So the first wave is over and the second isn't supposed to hit until this evening. The big news story here in the St. Louis area was the finding of those two boys who were abducted. Let's hope the guy who took them gets all he deserves from a cellmate named Bubba.

This plush frog collectible is from Avon and is part of their Full O'Beans collection. His name is Tad the Frog and he has one hang tag with an aquamarine birthstone for March and a second hang tag that gives the name and birthdate. This item dates to 1998. It has a cute poem on the inside of the second hang tag which is as follows:

I may be green
as pickle relish,
But I'm never,
ever selfish,
I like to jump,
I like to leap,
Then sit on a lily
to rest my feet.

Friday Dog Blogging

Shadow
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

The Frog Wrangler has had a real good week. The other day, for the first time in a month, she wandered off by herself to find a place to take a nap. I found her laying on the end of the bed. I think I knew at that point she really was feeling like herself again. Today has been a really dreary day here and The Frog Wrangler is getting annoyed with the deteriorating conditions of her yard. It was fun watching her this morning - she'd take a step forward and her paw would sink in the mud - she'd lift it up and give it a little shake. At one point I think she would have liked to have been doing all four paws at once! So after a towel rub down and a cleaning up she just wanted to crawl into her chair and curl up with her blanket.

Frog of the Day

Figurine - Frog Cowboy
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

The weather predictions are dire for Frog Central - up to 4 inches or rain by Sunday night. There are some models saying it will switch to ice. I don't know which is worse! Either way I went to the supermarket yesterday afternoon to get some basic supplies. So it can do whatever it wants outside - just stay out of the basement!

This frog collectible is a little figurine that was made in China. I call it Frog Cowboy. These little resin figures are popular at gas station gift shops and five and dimes (do they even exist anymore?). I do not have a date for this item.

Frog of the Day

Stone Critter Littles - Toad Trio, Green
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It was hard getting started this morning. Even the Frog Wrangler was slow to get moving. The weather has turned colder and we're right on the outer edge of the coming ice storm and so today is going to be spent getting ready just to be safe. If it rains instead I think it will be just as bad with flooding. Either way we'll just have to huddle together.

This frog collectible is from United Designs and is part of the Stone Critters Littles line. This piece is called Toad Trio, Green. It is style number SCL-355 and is dated 1997.

Frog of the Day

Blogger and Flickr are having major issues this morning so I'm going to try today's entry a little bit differently.

Well I decided to order a pizza last night from Pizza Hut - 1/2 pepperoni and 1/2 mushroom. I honestly do not know how you can screw up half a pizza but the mushroom side was good, the pepperoni side was horrible. Who knows. The Frog Wrangler was excited to see the pizza delivery lady because she knew she was in for a treat of pizza crust. It's cold here this morning and supposed to be raining again by this evening and supposed to last through the weekend. Yesterday the tail end of the rain turned to ice and a little snow but it didn't stick. Time for some frog ballet....

This frog collectible is from Russ and is part of their At The Ballet collection. Her name Bettina. This is the 12 inch version. There is also a 32 inch version of this plush. Both are still readily available.

Frog of the Day

Furry Friends - Valentine Buddy (Frog)
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's been a slow start to the morning here at Frog Central. Of course there was more drizzle but that is supposed to be moving on and the sky will clear to that dull gray that passes for daylight. Was glad to see Jon Stewart back last night as well as Stephen Colbert. I have to run out to the supermarket today at some point - for some reason the refrigerator seems to keep eating the stuff I put in it!

This frog item is a plush from Furry Friends - distributed exclusively by Schnucks. It is called Valentine Buddy and is eight inches long. I do not have a date for this item.

Frog of the Day

Fun World - Frog Prince Kiss Me Pin
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Finally finished going through all the coupon books in the weekend newspapers - 13 books in all! That's a lot of clipping. It rained a slow drizzle most of yesterday and began to freeze up overnight. The temps here are still high enough during the day though to make things mushy again. There is almost no chance to dry out before the next forecasted rain. The Wrangler is not happy going outside in this but the frogs love it......

This frog collectible is from Fun World and is a Frog Prince Kiss Me Pin. A cute item for Valentine's Day. I do not have a date for this item.

Frog of the Day

Holiday Crafts - Frog Shelf Sitter
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Yesterday sure turned out to be a lot of fun. I spent the day working on my computer - trying to keep it up and running. I got it booted up enough to make back-ups of most of the things I was most worried about. It seems I can get about 1/2 to and hour before it does a self-shutdown. Lots of fun! The general consesus is that the power module is going bad, which means a new computer is in my very near future. I love today's frog because it was made about 20 miles from where I now live, but I received it long before moving here.

This frog collectible is from Holiday Crafts and is a Frog Shelf Sitter. Holiday Crafts is a craft co-op where artisans can sell their items. The frog head, torso, and feet are made of wood and the rest of the body is cloth. I do not have a specific date for this item.

Frog of the Day

Russ - I Love You Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I'm running very late this morning - just made my cup of hot chocolate and drinking it as I type. The Frog Wrangler got up around seven and we were both more than happy to go back to bed. With all this dreary weather here - and it promises to be another cold, drizzle of a day today - it's nice to get back under the covers. Plus I've had a wicked sore throat for three days now and my body said you will rest and I finally listened. The newspaper said last night that influenza is running rampant - enough to actually stop some church services. You know that here in the bible belt that it has to be bad for that to happen! I've had my flu shot and I'm hoping that I don't get anything more than just this sore throat.

This frog collectible is from Rus Berrie and Company and is done by artist Doug Harris. It is part of their Toadily Yours line and is called I Love You Hearts. It is style number 22578. I do not have a date as to when I recieved this item, but it is still readily available. The balloons that say "I" and "Love" are mounted on a metal spring. I have lots of Valentine's frogs and thought it was time to start putting them up - it will soon be here!

Friday Dog Blogging

Shadow
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's hard to believe it's Friday again already. The Frog Wrangler has gone back to much of her old routine which means we both get a good night's sleep! I woke her up at 7:30 this morning to go out and then again about 3 this afternoon. In between it was a series of short naps and wondering how come I couldn't shell the treats out faster. She got a bag of doggie pizza flavored treats and they have become her favorite! So here she is laying against the wall near the television - kind of out of the way but still able to see everything that goes on. Her eyes get like saucers anymore when she sees me coming at her with the camera, probably thinking oh no, now what!

Frog of the Day

Lipco - Frog Fiddler
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Another dreary day here at Frog Central. Even the Frog Wrangler, who loves to go outside, looks out the door as if to say "Do I have to?" It was exciting yesterday watching the switch of power on capital hill. Listening to the debates this morning you hear a lot of sour grapes. Ah well, like anything will really change. It all is enough to give one a headache - so lets go listen to some music......

This frog item is from Lipco and I call it Frog Fiddler. A cute little resin piece - made in China - of a frog playing a violin/fiddle with a little bug at his foot. I do not have a date for this item.

Frog of the Day

Castagna - Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's a very dark day here at Frog Central - I actually had to use the night setting on the camera to get a picture. The Frog Wrangler has had a very busy morning - I gave her a Chewlotta biscuit. She's hid it at least a dozen places which of course are never secure enough for her. She finally hid it in a corner and layed down where she could watch it. It's supposed to rain here all day today so I think it will be a day for getting my office cleaned out a bit.

This frog is from Castagna and is simply called Frog. This piece is really nice and dates to 1995. Castagna pieces are made in Italy and have a very distinct painting that makes them easy to distinguish. The Castagna name is also engraved on each piece along with the year made. On this piece that is on one of the back legs.

Frog of the Day

Mwah! - Princess and Frog Salt and Pepper Set
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Glad to see some of the normal television programming returning. I like Countdown with Keith Olbermann on MSNBC - he was fired up last night! Other than that, I got a lot of housework done - it's amazing for one person how much trash goes out every week. I'll blame ig on the Frog Wrangler. On to today's frog......

This frog collectible comes from one of my favorite companies - Westland Giftware! This is from their Mwah! line and is called Princess and Frog Prince salt and pepper set. The two pieces have magnets in them that connect them. It is item number 93419 and dates to 2006. You can see all that Westland Giftware has to offer by going to their website - Westland .

Frog of the Day

Frog Thinker on Ball
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Did you see all the frogs in the Tournament of Roses parade yesterday? We were well represented on a number of floats. Yesterday was a quiet start to the new year. The Frog Wrangler and I are still unpacking boxes from the move here to Frog Central and so we went through a couple of boxes to see what we've been missing. Today has been called a national day of mourning so no mail again today. That's okay with me but you know all the bills are going to come on one day - tomorrow! I think I'll join today's frog and go sit on a rock in the garden.....

This frog collectible is a piece of statuary. It is a Frog Thinker Sitting on Ball. The only information I have about this item is a Made in China sticker on the bottom. I do not have a year for this item. It is made of a polyresin material and is actually a bit too light to put outside (as if my garden frogs would go there anyway! lol).

Happy New Year

Shadow
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

The Frog Wrangler tried to stay up last night, but as you can see she didn't last long either. She does love her chair! She has been getting through all her recent medical problems and is back to her old self. And at 14 1/2 years old, she's doing pretty good.

Frog of the Day

Ohio Art - Bull Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Happy New Year! Hope everyone had a good night last night. I went to bed early so didn't see all the festivities on television. Now I get to try to remember to put 2007 on all the checks I write this month - it seems to take about that long to get into the new date doesn't it? I had fun all morning with today's frog so let's get right to it......

This frog collectible is from Ohio Art and is called Bull Frog. It is a plush with electronic sensors and is capable of saying over 100 things. This dates to 1998 and really is a lot of fun!