Frog of the Day

Small Ceramic Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's been a recouperating couple of days. My jaw is still a bit swollen and sore, but hopefully that will all pass soon. The weather has finally cooled off here at Frog Central and I'm looking forward to opening up windows and airing out the place. This morning I heard a frog in the yard croaking for all he was worth. My morning sounds of nature was disturbed by the neighbors yapping miniature schnauzer. The Frog Wrangler gave it the evil eye but otherwise went about her business, knowing full well that little shrimp was no threat to her territory.

This frog item is another of the very small ceramic frogs I've received over the years. This frog stands barely 2 inches tall and is made in the wide-mouthed style. There are no identifying marks on this item and I do not have a date for it.

Sprogz Update

As readers of this blog know, when I started blogging I put up an Afternoon with Sprogz post. I thought from their first introduction that the were adorable, a lot of fun, and reasonable priced. Unfortunately, several years ago, according to my sources, the gentleman who ran the company passed away. Since then, the company moved into other areas and the release of further Sprogz was sporadic at best. Yesterday I heard from one of my contacts that the company has decided to discontinue the Sprogz line. I'm sure there will be some floating around on e-bay for quite some time and stores will have them until their inventory is gone, but it's sad to see the end of these zany characters.

Frog of the Day

Flickr and Blogger are having a lot of problems, so I'm going to see if this works....

This frog collectible is a Christopher Radko ornament. It is entitled Lilypad Prince. It has two pieces that are connected with a spring. This piece dates to 2004.

Frog of the Day

Kathleen Kelly - Leopold
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I thought I didn't feel to bad last night as I went to sleep, but I awoke at 2 a.m. when all the pain killers wore off with my jaw reminding me that it of what I went through yesterday morning. But things are looking better this morning. In other news, the weather here has been horrible! The temperature has been more moderate but it's so humid it's like stepping out in soup when you go outside. We need a good shower to get some of the humidity out of the air. Well, I've got a couple errands to run this morning and I have to try and find something mushy to eat.

This frog collectible is another of the Kathleen Kelly Critter Factory frogs that were sold by Russ. This is from the Li'l Romantics line and is named Leopold. This item has been reitred, I believe since 2001.

Frog of the Day

Bobbo, Inc. - Frog Heart Frame
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I wasn't sure if I would be blogging today - finally the day I went to the oral surgeon. So before the novocaine wears off, which it is starting to do, I thought I'd put up this loveable guy.

This frog collectible was purchased from Casual Living. The heart frame has the name Bobbo, Inc. The tag on the back tells the true story - it was hand made in Indonesia. This is a great addition to the frog collection. I do not have a date for this item.

Frog of the Day

Kathleen Kelly - Blade
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's supposed to thunderstorm today - and indeed the skies grow darker by the minute - so I had to run out and gas the car up and do a few errands before the rain hit. The Frog Wrangler is very antsy as she can sense the storm is coming and she just can't get settled. Now Blade here heard me say storm and was thinking snow storm and was dressed and ready to go in no time! I think he'll be a bit disappointed.

This frog collectible is from Russ Berrie and is part of the The Christmas Country Folks line. He is called Blade. Designed by Kathleen Kelly. This cutie is ready to go ice skating and play in the snow. I do not have a date for this item.

Frog of the Day

Verdigras Leap Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Before I even got of bed this morning I heard the cardinals outside. When I let the Frog Wrangler out the cardinals were playing in the hibiscus hedge row. Beautiful birds. And since it's saturday, it's time to go out and play a little leap frog.....

This frog collectible is a very heavy metal frog statue with a verdigris patina. The box says Jumping Frog, but I call it Leap Frog. This item was made in China. I do not have a date for this item.

Friday Dog Blogging

Shadow
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

The Frog Wrangler has had a tough week. Between looking out for frogs hopping around, she's kept an eye on me knowing I'm not feeling well. She has kept a close proximity to me, even going so far as sleeping on the foot of the bed - something she hasn't done in years. Here she is taking a nap and a bit of respite from all her duties.

Frog of the Day

Perpetual Frog Calendar
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I sad to hear this morning that Maynard Ferguson passed away. Great jazz trumpeter, probably known nationally best for his orchestration of the theme from Rocky. But to band students all across this country during the 1970's and 1980's, he was a gracious ambassador or music. More musicians would do well to follow in his footsteps.

This frog item is a perpetual calendar. Purchased through Casual Living, it was hand-carved and painted in Indonesia. The frog is a symbol of good luck and fortune in Indonesia and many of their craftsmen carve frog items. They are usually very well done and exceptionally painted. This is a lovely item and a great addition to the collection.

Frog of the Day

Frog Pen
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Only 4 days to the dentist. It's going to be a long 4 days. Especially when tv is so bad. Thank goodness for BBC - they have some of the best programming. Hurray for Little Britain! Go Footballers' Wives! They have their own brand of Survivor called Shipwrecked that is great. Instead of voting someone off, someone is voted on - and they're doing this for 5 months! Two islands fighting to see who can have the most people by the end. It's an interesting experiment. On to today's frog......

This is a wonderful frog collectible pen that was made in Peru. Handcarved and inset with a precious stone, this is a great item. I do not have a date for this item.

Frog of the Day

Hilasal Hand Towels - Caroling Frogs
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Yesterday I made an appointment with the dentist over this tooth - they can't see me until Monday! Thankfully the painkillers kicked in and I got a couple hours sleep last night. The Frog Wrangler is sticking close by knowing I don't feel well. So without further ado, and since I'm running a fever, here's a reminder of cooler temperatures and the fact that Christmas is only 4 months away.

This frog item is a set of hand towels from Hilasal. It is called Caroling Frogs. These towels are 100 percent cotton and Made in El Salvador. I do not have a date for this item. The set contains 3 hand towels.

Frog of the Day

Scenic Lotion Bottle - Frog on Green Ocean
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It was a bad night last night - no sleep whatsoever. I have a tooth gone bad and it's resting right on a nerve making the whole side of my jaw and lips numb. It's a very strange feeling indeed! So I'm feeling absolutely rotten today, so let's get right to today's frog....

This frog item is a lotion pump bottle from Allure Home Creations. It is called Frog on Green Ocean. This item dates to 1998 according to the sticker on the bottom of the bottle.

Frog of the Day

Majolica Sugar and Creamer Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I read on Yahoo news last night about France having problems with a non-native species of frog running amok in their ecosystem - the American Bullfrog. Let loose some 37 years ago - some say as a joke, others by a wealthy land owner who loved the sound of the croaking. Either way, it has become a problem. These frogs grow to 4 lbs. and 2 feet long! Could you imagine one of these whoppers jumping around your backyard? So the french have taken to shooting them at night with rifles equipped with silencers. It is not working. They only need to look to Australia who imported frogs there to take care of pests for the farmers only to find the toads grew large and were poisonous to other animals that ate it. Or Hawaii, where again non-native toads were introduced and now can not be eradicated. I love my little frogs and am glad that some, despite all we are doing to the environment, survive and even thrive. But we need to be much more careful with the environment so that frogs can thrive and grow in their own, native environment. That would be the best for all of us who live on this limited, little planet we call Earth. Oh, and before you ask, the French might have been happy to have those giant frog legs to eat, but the frogs there are inedible.......

These frog collectibles are a Majolica sugar and creamer set. This type of Majolica pottery has waned a bit in popularity. It was very popular over the last ten years, and is still readily available. This set came from Lillian Vernon and was received as a gift. It is made in China. If you have pottery that is from the island of Majolica it can be very expensive and highly collectible. The term refers to the glazing of the pottery and became so popular that it was duplicated throughout all of Europe and as said, made a resurgence recently. I do not have a specific date for this item.

Frog of the Day

Kathleen Kelly - Cherub
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Sunday morning and I made some pancakes. How could I not after yesterday's video? The guy came to put the chimney cap on yesterday afternoon. Glad it wasn't me who had to get up on the roof!

This frog collectible is from Russ Berrie's The Christmas Country Folks line. The artist is Kathleen Kelly. As I said before, these items are highly collectible. I do not have a date for this item.

A little saturday diverson - FUN!

I love pancakes for breakfast, but this video takes the pan-cake!

Frog of the Day

Kurt Adler - Frog Prince
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I had a tough time getting out of bed this morning. Every joint is screaming at me as if I had run a marathon. I think today is going to end up being a day of rest and recouperation. The Frog Wrangler already has a head start there - she's sound asleep in her favorite spot, wrapped up in her afghan. She must be feeling a bit like a princess - maybe this is her prince.....

This frog collectible is a plush from Kurt S. Adler and is a Frog Prince. Looking ever regal in his purple robes and red satin jacket, he's is 9 inches tall. I do not have a date for this item, but a search of the Kurt Adler website shows that he is no longer available.

Friday Dog Blogging

Shadow
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

The Frog Wrangler has had a pretty good week. With the temperatures dropping back into the 80's she's had a bit more spunk and has even wanted to play with her toys from time to time. She did not feel to well yesterday though and wanted to spend all day curled up in my lap - and with those eyes, who can resist?

I knew the nights were getting cooler too because the air conditioner was not kicking on as much. And then Wednesday morning I come out to find Shadow back in her favorite chair, curled up with her favorite afghan.

Frog of the Day

Stone Critter Babies - Mabel Bullfrog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's been a heck of a week and I, for one, am glad it's over. The temps here today are supposed to soar back into the high 90's again, but thankfully it will be short lived this time. Fall is starting to creep in ever so slowly. Yesterday I noticed the leaves on the top branches of the hibiscus row have turned yellow already. I guess the lack of water this year means it will be an early turning of the leaves. Get your rakes ready!

This frog collectible is from United Designs and is from their Stone Critter Babies line. It is called Mabel Bullfrog. It is item number SCB-201. I am not sure of a date for this item, but all indications are that it has been retired.

Frog of the Day

Wind-up Toy Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's been an office cleaning morning. Ugh! Little pieces of paper with notes on then everywhere. The Frog Wrangler has wanted to help by turning over the trash can and double checking to be sure everything I was throwing out was indeed garbage. We of course disagreed on some items, but I had to put my foot down.

This frog item is a small plastic wind-up toy. It hops around from one foot to the other and waves its hands up and down. A fun little item that was made in China. No other information is known about this item.

Frog of the Day

Folkwear - Jebediah Puddlejump...What a Drip!
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

After being behind schedule for 2 days, I find myself curiously ahead. It makes me nervous because I'm sure I forgot something! Oh well, as Jebediah's sign says, Fun is where you make it....

This frog collectible is from the Folkwear line of The Boyds Collection. It is a pin and is entitled Jebediah Puddlejump..What a Drip! It is a takeoff of the larger Boyd's piece of Jebediah sitting in a puddle underneath a dripping faucet. I do not have a date for this item.

eBay Purchase Gone Bad

I have had really good luck with purchasing items off of e-bay. But every now and again you come across a bad purchase. That is one reason I usually restrict my bid to as low as possible. The following item was purchased for $1.50, of course the postage was the usual extortion.

First, the item was listed as follows: "This has been used for a display so it is in great shape."
I guess I should of asked them their definition of great shape....



It looks pretty good from afar, doesn't it? Here's a couple close-ups:


Note the loose strings around the mouth area. I believe this came from stitching up the piece. The lower section of the mouth the seam is not right. Seams like this appear all over this piece. Here's a picture of a seam on the leg.


Now, you could say I'm being picky. But that's my point. I am a picky buyer. And if I had of known the truth of the condition of this item, I would not have purchased it. Michigan J. Frog items are becoming highly collectible since Warner Brothers dropped him as their mascot and it's a shame that some people are willing to take advantage of that. Needless to say, the person who sold this item will not get positive feedback on their e-bay profile.

And that's my 2 cents!

Frog of the Day

Frog Miniature Tea Set
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I live in "Tidy Town." After the slightest breeze blows I see an army of neighbors out picking up the twigs that have fallen from their trees. Personally, I'm not tidy. However, I did have to clear the large branches that fell off the tree so that I could back out the driveway. I was able to drag them to one side for lawn guy to clear up - I hope he has a chainsaw. Now if the neighbors would just be as tidy about picking up their dog's poop from my yard I think we'd all be happy.

This frog collectible is another of the miniature tea sets that I have in my collection. The only identifying marks are the made in China sticker on the back of the plate. I really like these little sets. I just received this set as an e-bay purchase, so I will say that it dates to this year.

Frog of the Day

Frog Fantasy - Accordion Hop
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Monday morning and I'm way behind already. The Frog Wrangler let me sleep until 7! That's a rarity that I think we both enjoyed. But now it's rushing around to get caught up. I made it into the dreaded basement this morning and the saga of the washing machine continues. I got a new drain hose and put it on - today was the first load with the new hose. As the machine clicked over to empty the water, the hose shot straight up into the air. Coupled with the fact that the drain cleaner did not totally clear the drain - I have taken up a new profession as a contortionist. Reaching around behind the machine to be sure the hose stays on while draining - the other hand on the on/off dial so that when the drain gets full I can turn it off and let the pipe drain before turning the machine back on again. Either way, doing wash has become an exercise in seeing how wet I can get the basement floor - and I have to say I did pretty good today in that regards! I think it's time for a plumber.....

Or dance! This frog collectible is, I believe, the last of the Frog Fantasy figurines that I have in my collection. It is from Westland Giftware and dates to 1995. This collection is a really nice set, and Westland Giftware has produced some really nice frog lines. The link to the frogstore in the right hand column will lead you to some great collectibles from Westland.

Frog of the Day

Tiger Lily - Frog Wind Chimes
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's been a restful weekend. The Frog Wrangler had a tough time waking up this morning and I don't blame her one bit. I sat down after breakfast to listen to NPR and promptly fell asleep myself. The baby bunny was back in the yard this morning - looking quite a bit bigger since last time but still obviously a young rabbit. I don't know if it was the constant heat or the blackbirds, but I have not seen any robins nor cardinals. I miss both. The deafening calls of the blackbirds are almost constant all day long and it gets quite annoying. I'd rather the sad call of the mourning doves, the playful calls of the cardinals, and the sweet chirps of songbirds as they hop around in the hibiscus hedge row.

This frog collectible is from Tiger Lily and is a wind chime. The frog is made of bals wood. It is not missing a leg - the one back leg is tucked up underneath the frog. This item dates to 1993.

Frog of the Day

Avon - Aqua Pet Key Chain Frog-in-a-Round
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

A lazy weekend morning and getting ready to enjoy a piece of toast from my loaf of home made bread. I came across the dough hooks for the mixer and thought I'd try them out. Made a couple loaves of a recipe called Amish Bread. They turned out great. The Frog Wrangler was very upset she couldn't have some. I love the smell in the house of fresh baked bread.

This frog item is from Avon's Gift Collection and is an Aqua Pet Key Chain Frog-in-a Round Shape. This key chain dates to 2000.

Friday Dog Blogging

Shadow
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I was asked recently why the majority of the pictures I put up of the Frog Wrangler, she's laying down (and quite often sound asleep). At 14 years of age, that is the position she's in about 90 percent of the time. She's really had a good week, the temps have been running about 10 degrees cooler and she's shed about all she can, so she has been a bit more comfortable. But just to show she does wake up from time to time - here's a pic of her checking out to see what I'm doing and wondering why I'm pointing the camera at her again. She decided it was nothing exciting and put her head down and went back to sleep.

She is more visual these days because she has lost most of her hearing. She looks to me for body language and hand signals. The Frog Wrangler lives up to her name "Shadow" since she stays closer than normal, afraid to be left alone and not hearing. Together we keep track of all the frogs here at Frog Central. It's a busy job!

Frog of the Day

Otagiri - Frog Bank
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I can't believe it's friday already. This week has flown by. I have to bite the bullet and go grocery shopping today. Ugh! I miss my being able to shop on-line and having the local grocery store deliver. The things you have to get used to in a small town - lol!

This frog item arrived by post yesterday! It is from Otagiri by designer Mary Ann Baker. This item is a bank. It matches the Otagiri pattern that I collect. It dates to early 1980's. I have done some research on Otagiri trying to find the name of the pattern, but all I can find is that Otagiri was sold to Enesco in 1994 and then Enesco dropped the Otagiri name. Otagiri items are very collectible but they need to meet a couple criteria. First, they should not have any chips or cracks. Secondly, they are more desirable if they have the gold Otagiri label on the bottom. Collecting all depends on what you like and want though - don't collect something with an eye to sell it, but collect what pleases you. You'll be a lot happier in the long run.

Frog of the Day

Stone Critter Littles - Tree Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Up, up and away, in my beautiful balloon..... Singing again, just thinking this is the only way people are going to be able to fly. I feel sorry for anyone on the planes today. Especially this morning - people weren't warned about liquids and I imagine everyone in line drinking up. Can you imagine trying to get a bathroom on that flight? They might have some other kind of liquid rolling around those planes.....

This frog collectible is from United Design and is part of their Stone Critter Littles line. This piece is entitled Tree Frog and is item number SCL-050. I do not have a date for this item.

Frog of the Day

Frog Fantasy - Nature Artist
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Well, it's been an exciting day here already today. I went to bed late last night because I made Nestle's chocolate chip bars according to the package directions - unfortunately my pan wasn't the right size so they are a little gooey (read uncooked) in the middle. So I was on a sugar rush and could not sleep. This was good fortune for The Frog Wrangler who jumped up on the bed and got petted for over an hour. I finally drifted off to sleep only to be awoken at 4 a.m. with thunder so loud that I just about jumped out of my skin! For over an hour and a half there were numerous lightning strikes per second. We also received 7 inches of rain in 2 hours. The power went out about 5:30 and just came back on a bit ago. The internet wasn't available till 9:30 this morning. We have roads that have become lakes and rain is forecast for all day. It's going to be a fun one!

Speaking of the power of nature, this frog collectible is from Frog Fantasy, the line by Westland Giftware that has been profiled here for some time. This piece is called Nature Artist - hey you don't think those ladybugs got those spots all by themselves did you? Handcrafted in China, this piece dates to 1995.

Frog of the Day

Rubber Frogs
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I'm running way behind schedule today. I actually slept in late, which was really nice for a change. It's raining here, so the Frog Wrangler and I are content to just laze around. I've caught up on clipping coupons - now I just have to get the organizer straightened out. The frogs are all happy that we finally have gotten some rain - and it's just been a nice gentle rain most of the morning - nothing extreme, which is what the weather here usually is.

This frog duo is a couple of rubber frogs made in China. There are no identification marks on them except "Frog," which I thought was pretty evident and the ever present "Made in China" stamp.

Frog of the Day

Ceramic Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Monday morning and it's been a busy morning around Frog Central already. You have to get up early before the heat sets in and get as much as possible done. The Frog Wrangler is a little out of sorts when I wake her up at 5 in the morning - and this morning she was more than a bit vocal about the fact that she was going to continue sleeping in "her" chair - no matter what I thought.....

This frog item is another of the small little ceramic frogs that I have in the collection. This one measure just 2 inches - which makes them hard to photograph. Although there are no identifying marks on this item, the Asian influences are very strong. I do not have a date for this item.

Frog of the Day

Stone Critters - Red Eyed Tree Frog Reading
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Sunday. A good day to lay about and do some reading....

This frog collectible is from United Design's Stone Critters line and is called Red-Eyed Tree Frog Reading. I do not have a date on this item. The book does have writing etched into it, it is the first stanza of "The Butterfly's Ball and the Grasshopper's Feast" by William Roscoe. It reads:

Come take up your Hats, and away let us haste
To the Butterfly's Ball, and the Grasshopper's Feast.
The Trumpeter, Gad-fly, has summon'd the Crew,
And the Revels are now only waiting for you.

It's a cute poem that also includes a frog:

Then close on his Haunches, so solemn and wise,
The Frog from a Corner, look'd up to the Skies.

Friday Saturday Dog Blogging

Being in bed all day yesterday, I forgot to put a picture of the Frog Wrangler. This picture was taken shortly after running the vacuum cleaner (which she hates). I'm not sure if she's thinking "Ah, a clean floor that I can shed on," or "I know I shed hair on this floor - where did it go? I want it back...." Either way, hours later, the floor needs to be vacuumed again.



I have to post another picture of her. In this shot she is all serene and calm, well rested - in this next shot, she is not. When I shot the photo I thought - she looks a bit devilish - and then I cropped the photo to upload and the pic height was 666. LOL She desperately needs a nap! Because at the moment she has one last good nerve and I'm on it!

Frog of the Day

Frog Fantasy - Tambourine Shake
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Yesterday has become a lost day - spending the whole day in bed sleeping. And still getting a good night's sleep last night. So I must have needed it. Even the Frog Wrangler seemed to have a down day yesterday, content to sleep next to me most of the time. Today we're both a little more normal and so I plan on going to the farmer's market in a bit to see what fruits and vegetables I can get.

This frog collectible is another from Westland Giftware's Frog Fantasy line. This piece is called Tambourine Shake. It dates to 1995. These ceramic pieces are hand-crafted in China.

Frog of the Day

Mary Meyer Zipper Pulls - Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Another toothache! Which means a headache and just feeling miserable. With all the aches and pains I seem to get, a toothache is the worse. I'm moving on to home remedy number 231.....

It finally rained here last night - about a 1/2 hour of downpour and then just stopped. It gave us a coo night last night, but supposed to be back up in the 90's again today. I've heard figures of around 200 dead across the nation. In heat like this, it does no good to try and save money by turning off the air conditioning.

This frog item is a zipper pull from Mary Meyer Zipper Pulls. A cute little cloth item, made in China, that has a battery in it, so when you pull on it, thus squeezing the body, it will croak. This item dates to 1999.

Frog of the Day

Otagiri - Frog Teapot
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I woke up thinking today was friday and all morning I've questioned over and over - is it thursday or is it friday? Wishful thinking I guess. My lawn guy showed up unexpectedly early to mow the dustbowl of a lawn - he tells me he's on vacation next week. I probably financed his tank of gas out of town! The weather is supposedly going to break today - 92 with a heat index of 105 - bring out the fur parkas! And now they're saying that things are going to heat back up over the weekend. Who said there was no global warming?

This frog collectible is a piece of Otagiri pottery. The design is by Mary Ann Baker and this is the teapot to the set. This set dates to the early 1980's. I have not been able to find a specific name of this pattern.

Frog of the Day

Ceramic Frog Bank
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's the middle of the week and I'm looking forward to the weekend. There is supposed to be a bluegrass jam session in the local park and I thought since the weather is supposed to break that I might check that out. Just one more day of 90+ weather so the weathermans says. Hopefully we'll get a spot of rain with the weather change. The trees are already dropping brown and yellow leaves from the lack of water. I thought we'd seen the last of the locust this summer and wouldn't have to worry about them for another 7 years, but last night as The Frog Wrangler was heading out one flew at me and thankfully hit the screen - they are hideous. Hopefully the frogs will eat them all up.

This frog collectible is a ceramic frog bank. I recently inherited this piece from my grandparent's collection of banks. There are no manufacturer marks nor any artist signatures. I do not have any other information on this cute little frog bank.

Frog of the Day

Cherished Moments - Miniature Tea Service
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I'm a bit early today - there's a switch! The Frog Wrangler was insistent that I get up and let her out and since I did nothing but toss and turn all night I figured I might as well as get up and get started on the day. I took this picture yesterday when I received it. Hopefully today will be a quieter day than yesterday.

This frog collectible is from Cherished Moments and is another Miniature Tea Set. It was designed by Michelle Yam and dates to 1994. This information is according to a small gold label on the back of the plate. It also has a company called Artisan Flair, Inc. on the label, which may have been the distributor. This did not come with a box, but I was glad to add this little set to my collection.