No Snow!

Snow....No Snow. Thankfully, at the last minute the storm turned northwards and missed us completely. All we ended up with is a lot of rain. Last night I settled in to watch The Amazing Race, which started almost 20 minutes late due to basketball. It was worth the wait - and my favorite team is still in the running. This morning I've been busy baking off a blueberry pie that came with the Angel Food order - it will make a great dessert after dinner tonight. This afternoon I'm working on figuring out how to do screen shots on the computer. When computers first came out I knew them inside and out but lately things have gotten a bit more complicated - with age may come wisdom, but not if it has a keyboard.......

Snow!

Again with the snow! I woke this morning to lots of rain and some rumblings of thunder (which have since gotten louder). I had to run out to the food co-op Angel Food this morning, lots of great items. I also swung by Ace Hardward to pick up a few needed items for doing outside work. As I was heading home I was listening to the news reports saying that this rain is going to switch to snow by tonight and dump as much as 8 inches. OMG! I'm thinking something stronger but I do try to stay G-rated here..... Now I'm worried about all the spring flowers and bulbs that have already pushed up and out; the budding trees. Hopefully we won't get anywhere near what they are calling for (which happens a lot - I think the weather forecasters have a sky is falling mentality sometimes), but just in case I'm off to the grocery store to get some much needed items.

Earth Hour

Today is Earth Hour Day - a day where we give our poor planet a break for one hour. At 8:30 p.m. local time, please turn off the lights in your house - the television too. Maybe go outside and sit enjoying the planet's raw beauty. One little hour is all that's being asked. A gesture to remind ourselves to take stock to see if we are doing all we can to help save this big blue marble. Don't forget to shut down your most neediest energy item - your computer. Thanks!

Thank You

Just a quick post to say thank you to all the response I've been getting over the plush that I'll donate at the end of the year. I received 4 new items this last week! We're going to make a number of children very, very happy.

Animals That Wish They Were Frogs

Webkinz - Chicken
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

Remember - all non-frog animals that you send will be donated this Christmastime. So send me your best - they'll make it here as Animals That Wish They Were Frogs.......

Todays animal is the Chicken. There's an old joke - why did the frog cross the road? It was the chicken's day off. I bet that chicken was in hiding from the farmer, afraid that he was going to be supper. And that's how the chicken lives his life. And what is with the size of the eggs those hens lay! It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that they're pretty green with envy whenever they see a frog. So today we redub this poor animal as Chicken Frog.

Thursday Morning

And although I slept really good last night, I'm exhausted this morning. Don't you just hate when that happens? I think part of it is the fact a new storm is moving in today and my joints are letting me know - in spades. Before things get too bad I'm going to go out and enjoy the birds and some of the spring flowers - plus a neighbor's trash can blew into my yard about a week ago and they never came and got it, so I'm going to move it into my garage to get it out of the way. Then this afternoon I can concentrate all my efforts on tomorrow's animal that wishes it was a frog! Friday's coming........

The Internet is Back!!

Yesterday was a high wind day here in Tidy Town - which meant that the internet was down all day. So what did I do - spent the day in the kitchen cooking - LOL. After the fried rice fiasco the other day, I decided to fall back to a tried and true recipe. I used on of those roasting bags to make a roast with potatoes, carrots, and onions. As usual - it came out perfect. The aroma was still strong throughout the house this morning. When I returned from the pharmacy (trip number 4 - I want to bill my doctor for the next tank fill-up) and opened the door - the great aroma filled my nostrils and now I'm ready for lunch!

While I was out driving around I was surprised to see how many of the spring flowers were already in blossom. Forsythia with it's beautiful yellow sprays and dogwood in various colors are all looking beautiful. The trees in the yard are all budding with new leaves - dropping the old crap all over my car parked right underneath. We had a bit of rain here last night so everything got a good shot for growing and I can't believe how tall the leaves for my daylillies have gotten in a couple days. Now if the temperatures would get a little bit warmer this curmudgeon just might smile a little......

Cooking

My main goal of cooking is to hopefully not poison myself. That's why I like meals you just throw in the microwave and away you go. But lately I've gotten into cooking better meals for myself. The other night I made some chicken with a honey-mustard-curry glaze that I must admit was quite good. Last night I had the left overs - Yummy! Today I'm using all the leftover rice to try and make some fried rice. I found a recipe for it in my Joy of Cooking cookbook. I often flip through the cookbook and think gee, that sounds good - until I read the exhaustive list of ingredients and hours of preparation needed. Now baking - that I enjoy. I think I need to go make a cake....... Enjoy your day.

Cooler Weekend

This morning temps are quite chilly - only in the mid 30's. I had already gotten used to the 70's - oh well, if I could change the weather I wouldn't be blogging, right? I hope you enjoyed yesterday's new feature - it gave me a chuckle. If you want to send some plush items - just send me an e-mail and I'll tell you where to send them. Hit that "Write to Ken" right over there in the right hand column. Help the kids get a nice plush toy for Christmas. You know you want to do it! LOL Thanks to those who have already written - I look forward to seeing what animal will wish it was a frog next. I suppose I should get busy and make some breakfast - I'm up really, really late this morning.........

Animals That Wish They Were Frogs

Webkinz - Black and White Cat
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

Josh didn't know what he started when he sent me that Elephant. A bunch of guys from a California University thought that was funny and have sent me a number of "non-frog" animals. So remember the frog credo - "Eat what bugs ya!" After much deliberation, I'm unveiling a new Friday feature - Animals that wish they were frogs.

Of course, this is all done tongue in cheek. And while having fun this can be a great way to help local children. All the non-frog plush you send me will be set aside and donated to a charity so kids can enjoy them. So I'm issuing a challenge. Make sure the items are new, good quality items (such as the Webkinz or Wild Republic, for example). Times are tough so if we start now, we have the majority of the year to get a nice donation put together - one plush at a time. So without further ado, and again with tongue firmly planted in cheek, here's is this weeks animal that wishes it were a frog!

This Black and White Cat just looks miserable.There's no sitting on lily pads - he won't even go near water! And not a spot of green on him anywhere - how could he ever been seen out and about.. And what is with those strange movement - let's see some hopping. The worst has to be that small tongue - how on earth could this cat ever catch a dragonfly without a long, sticky tongue. Without a doubt, the cat surely wishes it were a frog......

Cardinal Calls

I woke up this morning to the mating calls of the cardinals out in my hibiscus hedge. I realized how much I missed their sounds over the last year. Spring is finally upon us and I for one can hardly wait. I look forward to some much warmer weather. It's supposed to be a bit cooler here for the next couple of days but then warm back up. I'm hoping that I can get out over the weekend and do some general pick-up around the yard - a neighbors untrieved trash can sits in the back yard - a box from someone's trash blew in during the last heavy winds. Some of my neighbors have been out mowing their lawns already! Now that's a bit early. Although I had to go out yesterday and I noticed that daffodils are out and blossoming.

Today I have a couple of errands I should run but I woke up being hardly able to move. Maybe by this afternoon I'll be ready to get up and out. In the meantime I'm working on my big unveiling for tomorrow - get ready..........

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Build A Bear St. Patrick's Day Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

Just a quick note to say enjoy one the frog's favorite green days, sit back and have a green beer, eat some corned beef and cabbage. This frog is from Build A Bear Workshop and is their St. Patrick's Day frog. They also have other styles available. I do not have one of these for the collection, but who knows when one will show up. I'm going to spend the rest of the day enjoying the wearing of the green with all my green friends!

Monday Morning

It's 8 a.m. and finally getting light out. Yesterday I had some leftover barbecue pork - yummy! Then it was down to some serious television watching - last night was The Amazing Race - and my favorite team came in first again! Today there's not much on the agenda. I've been working on some ideas that I plan to roll out here on Friday. I feel like that commercial for the weekends only store - It's Monday - we're closed......lol. I have to go make some breakfast and get this day started.......

Barbecue Season Has Started

This afternoon I'm heading out to my first barbecue of the season! And the temps here are hovering right around 35 degrees. LOL The Boy Scouts are having their big yearly barbecue - they raise thousands on this one day. A local butcher donates all the meat, a grocery store all the rolls, and members make the salads and cakes. This is one event that practically the entire town shows up for. The nice thing is that they have a drive through set up.

I was up and out early this morning because I wanted to pick up the new prescriptions that the doctor wants me to take. CVS looked at me like I had three eyes - the doctor never called them in. The doctor isn't in the office on Monday, so I guess I'll be on the phone Tuesday trying to get it straightened out. I hate when people don't do their jobs. He was writing out prescriptions and then he said I'll just call them in, it will be easier. Guess not! At least for me.

Afternoon Post

I am soooo tired today. I enjoyed Jon Stewart so much last night I stayed up to watch the repeat of it! So this morning I did not want to get out of bed at all. Plus I can't stand the fact that it's dark at eight in the morning. Almost every day this last week I've been getting out of bed just in time to turn on the news to see the opening of the stock exchange. Normally half of my day would be done by then. Even birdy is like why are you up so early. I bring her out of her cage every morning while I put in new food, water, and millet sprays. Today she just looked at me like you're waking me up and I'm not stepping one foot out of this cage. I think we're both ready for an afternoon nap........

Frog of the Day

Webkinz - Lil' Kinz Frogz
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

Going to the doctor's is just never going into the office, him looking you over, and then walking out. I went to the doctor on Tuesday and I spent all day yesterday running around getting tests, bloodwork, etc., etc. And of course a trip to the pharmacy - 3 new prescriptions. A couple more and I'll be able to open my own drugstore!

These Webkinz from Ganz are called Lil' Kinz and are smaller versions of the larger ones already profiled here. These Lil' Kinz frogs - Bullfrog, Tree Frog, and Frog - come with codes like their larger counterparts that can be used on the internet to access a virtual version of your plush. These are just the cutest and softest plush. The entire 9 Ganz frogs that I profiled (10 if you include the special "elephant frog") make a great addition to the collection.

Saving Daylight

I haven't been all that happy with this daylight savings time change. Last night I went to bed at my normal 11 p.m. but couldn't fall asleep. This morning I woke up shortly after 8! The title of this story would be how to start your day an hour behind schedule......

Today it's rainy here which makes the joints scream. I ought to be in real good shape for seeing the pretend doctor this afternoon. He's a physician's assistant. They don't let you see an actual doctor any more. I was fine with him until started coming to my appointment with medical journals which he'd flip through to find a diagnosis. It really doesn't boost the confidence level much! That's life in Tidy Town.....

Um....Frog? of the Day

Webkinz - Elephant
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

Yesterday was a beautiful day here in Tidy Town. I went out to Walmart and did some shopping. Coming home I pulled into the drive to see a couple cardinals in the hibiscus hedge chasing each other while a robin was hopping around the yard looking for something to eat. When I got out of the car I looked up at the sound of doves cooing - it's just more reinforcement that spring is finally here. Hurray!

This Webkinz was sent to me by Josh in Tennessee. He's 6 years old and saw the frogs I had up recently and he asked his mom if he could send me one to put on the blog. She took Josh to the store and he picked out this elephant - and could not be swayed to a frog - it had to be an elephant. So today, thanks to Josh, we have our very first guest "elephant frog." Thanks Josh!

Morning Serenade

I woke up this morning to dueling bird songs. Outside the mourning doves were cooing, inside Petey was whistling up a storm. They're all happy today with the temperatures soaring to the mid-70's. Unfortunately tomorrow the temps are supposed to start a downward slide, but I'm enjoying the warm weather while I can. I need to expand my bench outside, maybe add a little table, barbecue grill...... yep, it's almost spring! Go out and enjoy your weekend!

Frog of the Day

Webkinz - Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

The winds have died down overnight and today is going to be another beautiful day - temps back into the 60's. I've already been out sitting on my bench and just enjoying the warmer weather and sunshine. I've been watching the cardinals play in the hibiscus hedge and keeping an eye out for an albino cardinal that has been spotted here in town. This afternoon I have to go to Walmart and get some new batteries for the camera - I have a couple more Webkinz to profile.....

This frog collectible is a Webkinz and is called simply Frog. This is the last of the large Webkinz Frogs that I have - there are lil' Kinz frogs yet to be showcased. As I have said with the others, the plush animal comes with a code so you can take care of an on-line virtual representation of your animal. Kids love these items - I've been begged repeatedly for the codes since I'm not using them. I will say I took care of the virtual pets recently for a friend and her kids while they were on vacation. It's a lot of work! Which is also a good thing to let kids know just what a responsibility taking care of an animal entails. This plush is a cute addition to the collection. I purchased it February 2009.

The Joy of Living in Tidy Town

Today is one of those days that tries your patience. It has been very windy here in Tidy Town - very windy. All day I've watched the trees swaying and smaller branches littering the ground. Tomorrow, with the temps supposed to be going back up into the 60's will allow the first real day of the town-wide unofficial passtime here in Tidy Town - pick-up sticks. After any wind storm it's like automatons - watching people running around their lawns picking up the small branches that have blown down. It's a lot of fun to watch - I don't participate - that's what I have a lawn guy for. The other problem with any wind storm is that the cable goes out immediately. Thankfully, the television stayed up for the majority of the day, but the computer server was down. It finally came back up about a half hour ago because, as you might guess, the winds died down. Having grown up on the east coast, I do not have the laid back attitude of the mid-westerners, so I was quite proud of myself today that I didn't start actually screaming in the phone until after one o'clock this afternoon. Maybe I'm getting zen after all - LOL........

Oh Happy Day.....

Nova Rollator
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

I was more than a little surprised when the UPS man came to the door with a big box. Remember I ordered my new wheeled walker - called a rollator - yesterday. I was told it would be shipped in three days and I should receive it in eight to ten days. It came today! Oh Happy Day! I can once again walk around and not worry about tipping over. I also decided to get a new snazzy color - red. I'll be the talk of the town when I'm out and about. I cannot begin to tell you how happy this makes me - that I can once again be mobile. If I'm not here tomorrow look for me roaming the streets of Tidy Town.......

Frog of the Day

Webkinz - Bullfrog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

Yesterday the fall from Sunday caught up with me. I felt like I'd been worked over with a baseball bat all day. What little time I did get up and about I spent trying to find a new walker. Four hundred dollars is the going price for my brand of walker. Yikes! I finally found one for just under three hundred - a bargain..... It won't be here until between the 10th and 13th, so I'm going to be limping around in the meantime on three wheels. As long as I can get around the house. Unfortunately I used the seat portion while I was cooking in the kitchen and doing dishes. Not quite sure what's going to happen when I run out of things to throw in the microwave.......

This frog collectible is from Webkinz and is called Bullfrog. This is another in the line of the Webkinz frogs. A cute addition to the collection and a soft, cuddly plush to boot.

And now......page 2

I heard last night that Paul Harvey had passed away. Years ago I would turn the dial on the radio to find a station that carried his news broadcast. His style always seemed to make you smile, even if you didn't agree with everything he was saying.

Yesterday was such a productive day I could hardly believe it. I left out shortly after blogging yesterday and decided on my way to the Angel Food that I'd swing by Ace Hardware. They were having a 20 percent sale on anything you could fit in a bag - and it was cloth bags they were giving away to fill! So a couple token trinkets and off to my next stop. And at the local church that maages the Angel Food I learned the pastor does not have a sense of humor. He carried the big box out to my car and I opened the trunk so he could put it in. And he made the same comment that most people do upon seeing my trunk - it's huge. I drive a '92 Mercury Grand Marquis and the trunk capacity is phenomenal. So I said what I always say when someone comments on the trunk capacity - you wouldn't believe how many bodies I can get in this thing at one time. Joke! He turned shades of white, turned, mumbling something under his breath, and walked away. I didn't let it phase me as I headed home and decided to stop at the supermarket for a couple of quick items. Finally home, everything put away and just as I sat down to rest a second the door bell rings. My order for girl scout cookies had come in! It was a busy day.....

And now....page 2.
It was quite a reversal of fortunes this morning though. I came out and as usual used the seat on my walker to sit and make some toast for breakfast. I had just put the bread in the toaster when one of the wheels on my walker gave way and down I went for the count. It's funny, I have practiced from time to time getting up off the floor using my walker as a brace. Now I needed to get up without it. Thankfully I was able to hold onto the counter to help pull myself up. I kept thinking if I have to call 911 and say help I've fallen and can't get up I don't know who is going to laugh harder - me or the firemen. Thankfully I made it upright on my own, but now I am in a real pickle until I can call for a new walker (first thing tomorrow morning) - it will take two days to get here. In the meantime I'm more than a little less mobile at this point.