Frog of the Day

Light Up Frog Key Chain
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

Things have certainly turned decidedly warmer here at Frog East - yesterday it soared into the upper 80's and it is supposed to be in the 90's through Saturday. The Frog Wrangler and I have decided to stay until Sunday when the temps will be back into the 70's. It will make for a much cooler drive, especially since the air conditioner in my car has decided to quit! We're both spending time under the air conditioner here keeping cool. Hope it's not to hot where you are.

This frog item is a Light Up Key Chain. You pull back on the little handle where the chain connects to the frog and it's mouth opens and a light comes on. I have two of these. I cannot find a manufacturers name on either of them, so I do not have any further information on this item.

Frog of the Day

Red Hat Frog Lady Ornament
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

Another fine day at Frog East - the temps were a very mild 40 something this morning. Even the Frog Wrangler was cold, snuggling up to me and burying her nose under my chin - and when you're sound asleep, that wakes you up quickly! Today is a clean up day of all the little projects we've had going on here. Tomorrow we'll pack up and then friday we'll be back on the road home to Frog Central. The time has flown.

This frog item is another in the set of what I'm calling the Red Hat Frog Lady Ornaments. This is the last one of that set. She is playing a trumpet. These ornaments came packaged in a box that says they were made in China. I do not have any further information on this set.

Frog of the Day

Metal Door Bell Cover
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

I hope everyone had a good Memorial Day. We went to the cemetary to place flowers and pay our respects. The road there and back winds along a small creek and on the way home I saw a beautiful heron standing in the water. After some good BBQ, it was time to rest and relax. Today it's back to being busy.....

This frog item is a metal door bell cover. The box has a made in China sticker on it, other than that I have no information about this item.

Frog of the Day

LS Arts - Frog Quartet
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

Went to a chicken barbeque yesterday - very tasty! Today I'm having my Charlie Brown moment - getting my haircut from my dad, who is a barber. (Trivia - Charlie Brown's father was a barber). It's supposed to rain today and tomorrow. Hope that your Memorial Day has a bit better weather.

I won't be blogging tomorrow - Have a good, safe, and fun Memorial Day and I'll see you back here tuesday morning.

This frog set is from LS Arts and is called Frog Quartet. Unfortunately one of the little guys came with his musical instrument broken off - so it's more of a trio. This set has a Made in China stamp on the box. I do not have a date for this item.

Frog of the Day

Hallmark - Mistletoad
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

Today everyone is feeling a bit better - hurray! The temps yesterday reached about 80 but then a thunderstorm came through and cooled things back off into the 60's. It's kind of weird after living for so long on the flat land of Illinois amongst the cornfields to look out and see mountains again. I'm into the last week of my vacation and am starting to think of the long drive home. With the jump in the gas prices since I've been here I'm beginning it might be cheaper to stay!

This frog collectible is from Hallmark and is called Mistletoad. This is a Keepsake Ornament Miniature from 2002. It is very tiny - only about an inch or two tall (which creates some challenges photographing!).

Frog of the Day

Radko - Pretty in Green
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

Well today certainly got away from me! When I finally sat down to catch my breath I realized I hadn't blogged a frog yet! Mom came home sick yesterday, the Frog Wrangler is sick today - it's just been a sick household today. So I'm going to go make some chicken soup - enjoy today's frog......

This frog collectible is another from my Christopher Radko collection and it is called Pretty in Green. It is style number 1010954. This ornament was tough to find even after it had just come out, so when I did, I bought two of them!

Frog of the Day

Radko - Goin' A Courtin
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It finally warmed up here yesterday. The Frog Wrangler and I had the house to ourselves all afternoon and she took full advantage in getting some serious sleep time in. Something tells me she'll continue the trend today.

This frog collectible is another of my Christopher Radko ornaments. This one is called Goin' A Courtin and is style number 1013031. This dates to 2006.

Frog of the Day

A Night On Broadway Silk Tie
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Yesterday afternoon I decided to practice my gymnastics and today I'm as sore as can be (an inside joke for those that know me - I walk with a walker). I stood up and got my feet entangled in the chair I was sitting in and lost my balance and down I went. My knee decided it didn't like that and went on vacation without me for the rest of the day! Today I'm back in the groove of things and if I lived closer I'd take on Frogway!

This frog collectible item is a silk tie from the Gallery Collection by Christine Desiree. The design is by David Kelly. The tie is 100 percent silk. The frog is hanging onto a lamp post that reads Frog on a Hot Tin Roof. I do not have a date for this item.

Frog of the Day

Radko - Froggy Google
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Another very cold day - all of 48 degrees this morning! Last evening I decided to make a meatloaf to give mom a break - she's been cooking all the meals. It turned out pretty good. I hadn't had it in quite a long time and it tasted good. The pan was almost empty so I guess it went over ok. This morning was a mad rush to get the car to the garage - my cruise control stopped working and with a long trip back to Frog Central coming up I really need that to work. It makes the long stretches of highway a bit more bearable. I've been taking some pictures of the Frog Wrangler - and I can't wait to share some when I get back.

This frog collectible is another from my collection of Christopher Radko ornaments and it is called Froggy Google. It is reminiscent of a child's pull toy. It is style number 1012010 and has the 20th Anniversary Red Tag on it. I purchased it this year, 2007, but it dates to 2006.

Frog of the Day

Radko - Frog Clip Ornament
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Running late this morning - went out shopping this morning and hit all the stores. Found a new froggy game at the dollar store that I'll put up soon. It's fun to go around the old stomping grounds where I grew up and to see that basically nothing has changed. The weather moderated a bit and the Frog Wrangler wants to sit in front of an open window to keep track of everyone going by.

This frog collectible is another of my ornaments from Christopher Radko and it is a Frog Clip Ornament. It is style number 970100 and dates to 1997.

Frog of the Day

Radko - Frog O' My Heart
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's been really cool here at Frog East - I wish I brought a sweater sometimes! I forgot that temps here in the 70's constitutes a heat wave. And the temps this last week have been far from that - only into the 50's yesterday. Yesterday was a quiet day for the Frog Wrangler and me - we spent a bit of time alone and the Wrangler really needed that. She's feeling much better and well rested. Wish I did - today I've been playing lets see how many stairs we can do - and that's not easy with a walker!

This frog collectible is from Christopher Radko and is called Frog O' My Heart. It is style number 980280 and dates to 1998. This is the full size version - there is also a "gem" version which is much smaller.

Frog of the Day

Radko - Lillie Mae
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Yesterday was a continuation of finding good places to eat - we went to a Greek restaurant that served some great mediterranean food. The farmer's market in the park consisted of a hot dog vendor - so we bypassed that and ran some errands and then home to the Frog Wrangler. The Frog Wrangler is feeling better this morning and back to her old self of finding the best place to take a nap!

This frog collectible is an ornament from Christopher Radko and is called Lillie Mae. It is style number 97-228-0 and dates to 1997. This was a pretty popular ornament and still can be found from time to time on sites like e-bay.

Frog of the Day

Radko - Never Been Kissed
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Yesterday mom and I went out to a Mexican restaurant and had a great meal. This little area is finally starting to get some good ethnic restaurants! The Frog Wrangler is feeling sick with an upset stomach and so looking for a bit more attention - if that's possible. It's a bit cold here today so I'm not sure if we'll make it to the local farmer's market or not. I knew I should have packed my winter jacket!

This frog collectible is from Christopher Radko and is called Never Been Kissed. It is style number 01-0545-0 and dates to 2001. I haven't done a side by side comparison, but it looks like some of the Kermit ornaments that I've posted here in the past.

Frog of the Day

Frogs on a Mirror
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It was a very cool night here at Frog East and it felt good after some of the hot temperatures. It rained quite a bit but the Frog Wrangler goes out under a canopy of trees so she didn't get wet. I've received some inquiries about my dad and his accident. He's doing better, healing well, and eating lots of cookies - Thanks AB!

This frog collectible is a hand-blown glass frog mother and tadpole on a mirrored base. It is labeled as made in China and has an item number of ESD-37. I do not have a date for this item.

Frog of the Day

Radko - Just Trust Me Gem
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Over 10,000 visits to the site! I love the weekly printout I get of where people are logging in from and it amazes me to see Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Sweden, Japan, China, Australia, etc. I'm glad that you like my little corner of the blogosphere. For all you frog collectors out there, it's time to have you send me some pictures of your favorite frog or of your collection. I'll post them here so we can all enjoy them!

This frog collectible is from Christopher Radko and is called Just Trust Me Gem. The Little Gems Collection are smaller ornaments, most just 3 or 4 inches high. This frog is holding a heart that says Kiss Me. Item number 1011150.

Frog of the Day

Radko - Polly Wiggles Gem
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Yesterday was a quiet day for the most part. I may be taking a little vacation but the rest of the family has to go on with their jobs, etc. So the Frog Wrangler and I had a little down time for some relaxation and the Wrangler took a day long nap!

This frog item is from Christopher Radko and is the second Polly Wiggles Gem that I have. This one has a different coloring of a dark purple and blue. It is style number 1010809.

Frog of the Day

Avanti - Frog Easter Card
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Hope everyone had a nice day with their mother yesterday. We had a nice ham and sweet potato dinner. The Frog Wrangler really tired herself out and barely made it to bed last night. She got up this morning for a quick romp outside and then right back to sleep. So today I thought I'd take a little break from the Radko's and hopefully bring a smile with this card I received this last Easter.

This frog item is a card from Avanati Press. The photo is by Gail Shumway. I received the card this year for Easter. The inside states "Rabbit, Ribbet, Whatever! Happy Easter.

Frog of the Day

Radko - Garden Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Happy Mother's Day!

This frog item is another ornament from Christopher Radko. It is called Garden Frog. It is style number 010654. I do not have a date for this item.

Frog of the Day

Radko - Polly Wiggles Gem
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's been really nice weather here at Frog East - warm days and cool nights. Yesterday was spent catching up with family and making plans for the rest of my stay here. The Frog Wrangler has had fun going from room to room finding spots to lay down and sleep. All in all we're having a lot of fun - hope you all are too.

This frog collectible is another ornament from Christopher Radko. It is called Polly Wiggles Gem. It's number is 1010809. It comes in a couple different colorations. This one is a light purple. These are retired but can still be found from time to time on the internet.

Frog of the Day

Radko - Dream Hopper
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I forgot to tell you all that before I left for vacation I uploaded enough pictures of my collection to last through the time I'll be here. I decided that this would be a good time to list some more of my Radko Collection - so they will indeed be predominate over the course of this next month. Dad was broadsided on his motorcycle by a motorist the day before I started out for Frog East - thankfully mostly ok except now he's beautiful shade of purple from head to toe. I wonder if I could paint a couple walls back at Frog Central that color - I better get him over to the color matching center quick!

This frog item is from Christopher Radko and is called Dream Hopper. I bet he's the king of all dreams - sitting on his throne and wearing that crown. His style number is 02-00120 and he dates to 2002. I know I've stressed before the care of your Radko Ornaments - do not wash with water as the paint will come off, it's water soluable, and be careful storing them - no attic or basement. You don't want to display them in direct sunlight either or they will fade. They are a lot of fun to collect and with a little care will last you a lifetime.

Frog of the Day

Radko - Jeremiah
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's been a late start to the day today! But I guess that's how it goes when you're on vacation. It's been really hot and humid here at Frog East, but thankfully the nights cool off quite a bit. I might be singing a different tune come Sunday morning since the temp is supposed to drop to 30 degrees Saturday night!

This frog collectible ornament is from Christopher Radko and is called Jeremiah. This is a rather large ornament. Style number 96-201-0 and dates to 1996.

Frog of the Day

Radko - Froggy Child
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Well, it was a very long drive but made it here to Frog East. The Frog Wrangler and I were both rather tired last night so after unpacking the car and a little chit-chat with the family it was off to bed. Lots of things to keep up busy here and the Wrangler is having fun trying to keep track of it all.

Today's frog is special to me because it was the very first Radko I purchased. It is called Froggy Child and style number 910261. This ornament made a recent appearance as one of Christopher Radko's favorite ornaments for his 20th Anniversary Collection.

Frog of the Day

Radko - Froggy Sparkle
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Well, it's about quarter to six and my bags are packed and I'm down to the final checklist before leaving. The Frog Wrangler and I are headed east for vacation. Most of yesterday was spent getting all the last minute things done. It's supposed to be good weather for traveling and say a prayer that everything goes alright. We'll see you tomorrow - much later in the day!

This frog collectible is from Christopher Radko and is called Froggy Sparkle. It is number 1012820 and was made in Germany. I purchased this last year, 2006.

Frog of the Day

BlueHandworks - Metal Frog Hanger
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It was a flurry of activity around Frog Central yesterday and will be even more so today. Getting ready for the big trip to the east coast! Plans are to shove off first thing tomorrow morning and arriving Wednesday. So things may be a bit spotty for the next two days, but then plans are to be right back on schedule. The Frog Wrangler is getting all rested up - although I don't think she'll sleep much tonight once her cage gets loaded into the car - she knows a big ride is on its way.....

This frog collectible is a metal frog hanger from BlueHandworks. This item is made in Indonesia - where they also do great things with wooden and pottery frogs. I do not have a date for this item.

Frog of the Day

Frog Bottle Stopper
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

The Frog Wrangler and I spent most of yesterday relaxing and unwinding from Friday's trip north. The Wrangler had spent the day in doggy day care and it tired her out. I had to wake her up yesterday when it was time to go out, she dragged and couldn't wait to get back inside where she'd curl up and go right back to sleep. And it looks like the trend is continuing today....

This frog wants your drink! This is a glass bottle stopper (top part is glass, the stopper part is plastic). It is made in China. I do not have a date for this item.

Frog of the Day

Abbey Press - Frog Pin
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's been raining here for about 4 days now - and more is called for today. Flood watches are up everywhere. We had some tornado warnings last night but thankfully although some touched down a little further south, none landed here at Frog Central. The power of a tornado is unbelievable - and towns that have been there for over a hundred years or more are suddenly gone - and that's what happened to Greensburg, Kansas last night. Keep them in your prayers.

This frog item is from Abbey Press and is a frog pin. This pin is about a 1/2 inch in size. It is attached to a card that has a lily pad design. This pin dates to 1999.
The card reads:
As you wear this pin, don't frog-et:
If you're feeling bogged down
Make a leap of faith and trust in God...
And things will come around!

Frog of the Day

Frog Stationery Set
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It started raining here last night and my bones feel it this morning. They don't have skeletal transplants yet, do they? The Frog Wrangler came in soaking wet and got her favorite towel rub down. She turned right around and went back to the door wanting to go out again! A treat enticed her away from the door and now she's decided a nap is a better idea. The weather is supposed to get pretty rough today - what was in Texas yesterday is here today. Time to go batten down the hatch!

Note: I will be out of town all day tomorrow so there will be no Frog of the Day or Friday Dog Blogging tomorrow. We're heading up to the University of Illinois for an important appointment. The Wrangler is going to go to doggy day care for the day. So we'll see you back here on Saturday - and I'm sure the Wrangler is going to want to show off her mug too.

This frog item is a cute stationery set. I received this as a gift and there are no identifying marks on it anywhere, so I have no information to share.

Frog of the Day

Red Hat Frog Lady Ornament
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It was a hot and muggy day yesterday. It seems strange that with the first of May that summer seems to be upon us - almost a month early. The air conditioning feels good and I'm thankful for it. I spent a bit of time yesterday getting ready for the migration to the east coast for a couple of weeks. That will probably be the focus of today and tomorrow as well. I'll let you all know what my posting plans are going to be over the weekend.

This frog item is another in the series of Red Hat Frog Lady Ornaments. This one is holding a harp. These ornaments have a Made in China tag. I do not have any other information on them.

Frog of the Day

Frog Night Light
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I love to discuss the local wildlife, but today's may be just a little too wild. I decided to go get a McGriddles sandwich from the local McDonalds - those things are pretty good. Right next to the Mickey D's is an assisted living facility. So you can imagine that from time to time a resident makes the walk over to get something, but I could not believe my eyes of what I saw today. A woman - extremely large, which is an understatement - comes rolling out of the assisted living facility in her motorized wheelchair dressed in a nightgown and robe. She rolls across the parking lot and pulls into the drive through lane. I saw this as I was coming down the street and I pulled in right behind her. On a hungry morning I might be able to spend five bucks on couple sandwiches and hash browns. I listened as this woman put in a fifty dollar breakfast order. I learned that McDonalds has huge bags with handles, which she latched onto as she rolled back to the home.

This frog item is a little Frog Night Light that was handmade by someone and sold at a craft show. I do not have a date for this item. A cute little addition to the collection.