Frog Collectibles & Other Such Nonsense: 12/01/2008 - 01/01/2009

Frog Collectibles & Other Such Nonsense

A look at my frog collectibles as I get them and my wacky world in the meantime.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

A Warm Weekend

I can't believe how warm it got here this weekend. Temps were up into the 50's. Of course it can't last, and cooler, more seasonal temperatures are supposed to be returning this week with snow in the forecast for next friday. I'm starting to think about the planning needed for the trip home. I'm going to head straight south from here and stop by and see AB for a couple of days. In the meantime, I've got about another week and a half here with my parents and I'm enjoying the time to just relax and get caught up on all that is going on around the old homestead. It's been almost two years since I was last here - little seems to have changed in that time.

We're planning our festivities for New Year's Eve. Some crackers and dip, some of my favorite pizza, and of course a little bubbly for when midnight happens. Now if we can all just stay up until midnight! LOL

Hope you are all having a good weekend, and enjoying some extra time off over the holidays.

Friday, December 26, 2008

A Good Christmas

Hope you had a good Christmas. It was a nice, white but warm Christmas here in the Northeast. After breakfast we gathered around the upside down tree to unwrap presents. Yours truly received lots of new frogs which I'll start posting when I return back to Frog Central. Early afternoon we enjoyed a roast with all the trimmings and then settled down to watch some television. All in all, a nice day.

Today starts the mad rush of sales. A tip I will pass along is that if you like the Radko frog ornaments but don't want to pay full price. Today's the day to shop. Most on-line stores will have them for anywhere from 20 to 50 percent off. They may not have the full selection, but you can still get some nice deals. I usually buy several this way, but this year, with the economy the way it is, I've decided to opt out. So have at it......

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Snow!


Snow!
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino
I finally got the picture downloady thingy to work! Take a look at all the snow that we've gotten here at Frog Northeast. Another cold day today, but I stayed inside, nice and warm, doing some bookkeeping. And well, playing around with the computer until I figured out all the neat stuff that this computer can do - with it's HP All-in-One printer connected to it. I finally figured out that the neat looking slots were for my camera's memory card - the rest was easy.

The snow looks beautiful on the trees, doesn't it? Unfortunately it's had to coat everything else to get that effect. Tonight we're supposed to get some more snow and freezing rain. I'm staying under the covers until Christmas!

Hope that everyone has a great holiday and I'll be back on the 26th, if not before.......

Monday, December 22, 2008

A couple of very quiet and restful days

The temps outside keep sliding colder and colder. It's supposed to be a mere 4 degrees by tomorrow morning - then, thankfully start to warm up. In fact, they say there may be no snow for Christmas as temperatures sore near 50 degrees. But for now I'm keeping all bundled up and taking some time to just relax and take it easy.

I worked on trying to get the pictures off my camera onto the computer I'm using but I guess I'm just not tech savy enough, so all pictures will have to wait until I return home to Frog Central.

It's weird for me to be visiting and having time to just relax while I watch those around me continue with their busy lives and schedules. I've taken on the task of doing some cooking - tonight's meatloaf - but that is still done, for me, at a leisurely pace. All my Christmas presents have been bought, wrapped, and are under the tree. Cookies have been made and cover the counter tops. It's nice to have time to just enjoy the holiday. Hope you get some time too.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Lots of Snow

I am definitely not used to the large amounts of snow they receive here in Pennsylvania. I've been away for too many years. They say we have anywhere from 6 to 10 inches and are expecting another 4 to 6 inches tomorrow. Yikes! I've taken some pictures of the pine trees all covered with snow and a look up the road all snowy yesterday while the storm was going full steam. I hope to figure out how to have them uploaded later today or tomorrow.

Last night I sat and watched some of the television I normally watch when I'm home - Keith Olberman and Rachel Maddow. That was all the catching up on the news I wanted to do - sometimes it seems like it's better not to know, doesn't it?

We've made plans for our holiday meal - a nice roast with potatoes, carrots, and onions. Hopefully a bit of pie afterwards to top off the meal. Other than that, it's nice to just have time to sit back and relax a bit. And what better way to relax than with a Dagwood-sized sandwich filling your belly. I'm off to lunch...........

Thursday, December 18, 2008

A Beautiful Day

The weather here in the northeastern part of Pennsylvania is absolutely beautiful today. The sun has been shining and the last of the snow on the ground has been melting away quickly. It's been a bit more of a relaxing day for me here simply because everyone else if off doing their own thing, leaving me home alone for the most part. My bird Petey has been getting a little bit of extra attention.

Things are supposed to change tomorrow with the advent of a huge snowstorm that is supposed to descend on the area beginning in the morning. I hope to have some good pictures if the snowstorm is a big one. And I can figure out how to load up pictures on this computer.

Hope your enjoying a lazy day too......

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Time sure flies when you're on vacation.....

I can't believe how fast the time is going here at mom and dad's house. There was a bit of a snow storm here last evening that eventually changed over to rain, so no real accumulation. That's one thing I'd like to see through my entire stay here! Even though I talk every weekend with mom and dad, there's still a lot of catching up to do when the talking is in person. Tomorrow I have to sit down and pay the bill for Frog Central - doesn't seem fair that even though you're not there you still have to pay the bills - but I want a place to go home to, so they'll get paid for sure....lol.

Hope you all are in the holiday spirit and have all your gifts bought and wrapped. For now I bid you adieu as I'm going to go enjoy another piece of fruitcake and a glass of egg nog...... Yummy!!

Monday, December 15, 2008

Made it to the Northeast Frog Central

It was beautiful weather for travelling, mostly in the 40's. A little rain yesterday around Erie, PA but at least isn't wasn't snow and ice, which was my main worry. I stayed at the Red Roof Inn - they've become a bit expensive lately. But finally after 3 days and 15 hours of driving, I made it home for the holidays. I just got up and had a mug of hot chocolate, which is really good when looking at the snow on the ground outside. Not sure what this day has in store yet, but I'm sure it will keep me plenty busy, so I guess I better get to it......

Friday, December 12, 2008

Frog of the Day


Radko - A Frog's Tale
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino
It arrived! I've waited a couple extra days for this ornament to arrive before leaving for the Eastern Conclave. I've packed the car and was taking a little nap when I heard such a clatter I sprang from my chair to see what was the matter - wait, that's a different story. Anyway, I'll be on the road in about 15 minutes - hoping to make it to Ohio tonight!

This frog collectible is from Christopher Radko and is called A Frog's Tale. It is a limited edition of only 500. Mine is number 137 or 500. It is absolutely beautiful, standing 8 inches tall. Many thanks to Angela's Radko, my favorite Radko store - they are by far the best when it comes to packing these ornaments for delivery through the mail.

Until next time.....

Friday Dog Blogging


AB's New Puppy
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino
I received an e-mail this morning from AB with pictures of her new little puppy! She received a long-haired chihuahua as an early Christmas gift. AB says the new puppy can't come home until the day after Christmas but that she can visit - I know where she'll be every morning! It's as cute as can be and she named the little guy Aleksander Ivin Putsky - now that's a mouthful for such a little one. Congratulations AB, I look forward to seeing him in person when I visit next month.

I'm sitting here with the car all packed and ready to leave as soon as I receive my Radko ornament today. I'm planning on blogging it and then hitting the road, hoping to get in 4 or 5 hours of travel in today. I'll be at NC's in Cleveland tomorrow and maybe I'll be able to blog from her computer about the trip to that point.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Weather

They say that everything happens for a reason. Sunday I worked a bit too hard and Monday I felt like crap all day, so I didn't go out. Good thing. I was going to go out and run errands. Over 45 accidents occured here right in this little town on Monday! Late Monday night I heard from my Radko dealer - the ornament that I was told was shipped out on the 4th didn't acutally get shipped until the 8th and won't be here until Friday. Tuesday I ran around and got a ton or errands done and as I was heading home the sleet started falling. This morning the weather is horrible - and the roads are all ice. Warnings are up to stay off the roads so there is no repeat of Monday. So I guess it's a good thing I'm waiting until Friday to leave, otherwise I would have been out in this weather. Everything does seem to happen for a reason.

So Illinois is looking at another corrupt politician. It's nothing really new here and we just don't understand all the fuss being made. LOL I just couldn't say that with a straight face. Blagojevich has not been a popular governor and a lot of people would be very happy to see him go.

In other happenings, AB is looking for a tea cup Yorkie. If anyone in the New Jersey/Philadelphia area has a female tea cup Yorkie for adoption, let me know and I'll pass the information on to her.

Monday, December 08, 2008

I'm Exhausted!

I was up early this morning and feeling generally like C-R-A-P! I had my breakfast and sat in my chair to wait for a pain killer to kick in. Next thing I know it's one in the afternoon. The only reason I woke up then was because the phone was ringing. I think I overdid it yesterday getting ready to go. I did a number of loads of wash - each a trip up and down the cellar steps - and got my suitcase all packed.

I'm getting a bit worried about the weather forcast for tomorrow - they're calling for sleet and freezing rain to be followed by lots of snow. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it doesn't hit. I thought my Radko ornament would be here today, but nope. So hopefully tomorrow. I'm also waiting on a box from UPS that should be here tomorrow. The timing of this whole trip is right down to the nanosecond!

So now that it's so late today, I'm pushing my main task of getting the car fluid levels checked to tomorrow. Tomorrow is going to be a very, very busy day. On to the rest of today.......

Saturday, December 06, 2008

First Snowfall


First Snowfall
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino
Well, just a dusting, but it was still a surprise this morning to wake up to. The temps are supposed to get near 40 today, so hopefully it will all be gone very, very soon. I've got errands to run today - and they have to be done today as each and every day between now and when I leave is spoken for - today it's the post office and bank, then home to run a last load of wash. OK, got to get this day started, it will be over before I know it!

Friday, December 05, 2008

It's Friday!

And I'm freezing my buns off! It turned bitter cold here at Frog Central the last couple of days. Tomorrow night is supposed to be even colder - possible single digits overnight. That's just too cold. It took all my energy this morning to throw back those covers and hop out into the morning chill. Layers of clothing later (and a cup of hot chocolate, truth be told) and now I'm ready to get busy. Not much is on the agenda for today. I'm just trying to make sure everything falls into place so I'm ready to get on the road next Wednesday. I've still got a few things to do but most of it can't be done until the last couple of days.

I received an e-mail yesterday from my Radko dealer and he told me that my new ornament is on it's way. It should be here Monday! I've waited a year and a half for this ornament - it's exciting!

I miss doing a second blog entry on Fridays for the Frog Wrangler. It was kind of sad the other night as I was wrapping Christmas presents. I always wrapped one of her favorite treats - and folded over edges so no tape - and her tail would wag with excitement as she ran around the room with her present. She'd plop down and rip off the paper and either enjoy her treat right there and then or spend the majority of the morning hiding it from place to place before eating it.

Hope you all have a good weekend.

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

Who has more fun?

I've been running around today getting all my paperwork ready, paying bills, and generally finishing up things so I'm ready to head east in a week or so. I decided to run out to the post office to send off the bills and then swing by McDonalds for one of their chicken wrap sandwiches with bbq sauce (they really are good - and only a buck!). I hopped in the car, turned the key, and nothing..... Now I'm waiting for my mechanic to show up with a new battery. I asked him how long a battery generally lasts and he said 3 or 4 years on average. Since mine is pushing 10 years I told him he might as well bring a new one to install. I don't want to be out on the road and having trouble. I've had that happen before and it's no fun.

In other news, it has gotten really cold here! The temps are barely making it into the 30's. We're supposed to get sleet this evening. All in all, I'd rather have snow. Sleet can create patches of black ice and generally be a slip-slidding mess.

We've gotten some new readers that I want to welcome from an International Frog Collectors Group. When I receive a copy of their latest quarterly newletter I'll post more information about their group with some links. A reminder that you can send me a pic of your favorite frog or a pic of your entire collection. Tell me about your collecting and you can be the Guest Frog of the Day. And welcome all new readers to my little crazy corner of the blogosphere.

I've had an update on my newest Radko ornament purchase - it will be at the store on the 4th and they promised to send it out to me the same day. We may get another frog in before I'm on the road. I'm sure Christmas will bring a couple new additions that I'll be able to blog from the road.

Well, since I'm not going out for lunch now, I better go make something......

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Still no snow.....

But then again, the temperature is almost 50 degrees here today. The weatherman says to enjoy it because tomorrow it's not going to make it out of the 20's and that snow is definitely on the way. Yesterday I was busy as could be getting ready to head back east later this month. I cleaned and straightened and wrapped Christmas gifts. Today I started right back in doing some vacuuming. It's funny how when you're going away you clean so thoroughly and get everything just so - I do it because I know I don't want to come home to a messy house. Well, I'm in the midst of things here and wanted to take a break to blog, but break's over - back to work!

Monday, December 01, 2008

Frog of the Day


Relaxing Frog Planter
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino
The weatherman called for 8 inches of snow here yesterday! By bedtime it was down to about an inch. This morning - no snow. Of course, a little further north - about 60 miles - they got socked with 4 inches and more is expected today. They can have it...... Today starts a nine day mad dash of getting ready to travel back to the Northeast Frog Headquarters. It takes a lot of planning to be sure I've got everything to go and to close up shop here for the time I'm gone. Of course I'll end up 20 miles down the road when I'll remember something that I forgot. As my grandmother alway said, what you've forgotten, you've forgotten - in other words, live without it.

Today's frog item is a frog planter. This is a ceramic planter, made in China, of a frog relaxing against a watering can. The watering can is the planter. What a way to relax, eh? I received this planter last month for my birthday. A fun addition to the collection.

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