Frog of the Day

Mainstays Home - Frog Lily Pad Tub Treads
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

I'm posting late this morning because my ride appeared early for my weekly trip to Walmart. I have to say I feel sorry for Walmart checker Jonathon - whom I handed about $30 worth of coupons. He had a devil of a time trying to get them all scanned and figure out prices for free items, which was the bulk of my coupons. My pantry shelves are almost full - I'll be all set for winter when I won't want to go outside.

This frog item is Imported by Ginsey Industries, Inc. for Walmart and is part of their Mainstays Home collection. This is called Frog Lily Pad Tub Treads. Plastic with little suction cups to keep you safe in the tub. They come 5 to a set. I bought these this morning at Walmart while looking for other things - isn't that always the way!

Frog of the Day

Frog Welcome Spring Sign
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

Up and around early today. My back is feeling a bit better but think I'll still forgo the apple festival today. The Frog Wrangler had a good night and was happy to crawl into her chair and lay on her favorite afghan. She has not felt well enough to do that for a while and so it's good to see her happy and content. I listened to NPR this morning and they had a story about an a capella group that sings Hindi folk tunes to popular American music. The announcer gives the impression that this a unique phenomenon, but I would beg to differ. The use of the Hindi language may be new, but Canto-pop has been a long standing tradition in China. They sing Chinese lyrics to American pop songs. The use of popular tunes with new lyrics extends well back into Baroque and Classical music. Lecture over - on to today's frog........

It's fall and therefore time to think of spring! This frog sign welcomes spring with a tulip, watering can, and butterflies. I found this item over at Sprinkle Gifts. It looks like a really cute item.

Friday Dog Blogging

Shadow
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

The Frog Wrangler has had a pretty bad week. The one high point was that she got steps to get up on the bed - and that's where I found her earlier today, happy as could be. Her upset stomach seems to have cleared up, but she has not seemed herself this week. At 14+ years of age, a bit of indulgence and understanding is just what the doctor ordered - and I try to give her all she wants. I was watching Animal Planet Cops earlier tonight - I just can't believe the way people treat their pets. It makes you question people's humanity. Here's hoping the Frog Wrangler has a better week this next week - and she wants me to tell you to enjoy the weekend!

Guest Frog of the Day

Kuddle Me Toys - Frog Purse
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

I wasn't sure I was going to make it this morning. I woke up and couldn't move - I was in the midst of a major flare-up of the sacroiliitis. The thing is, you lay there in bed and you realize that the only way you're going to move is if you get up the gumption and do it. The Frog Wrangler was very patient this morning. Once I was upright and hanging on the walker I was able to get to the kitchen and make a small breakfast so I could take a pain pill. It really hasn't done tamped down the pain much this morning, so I think today is going to be a wash out. And I was hoping to go to the Apple Festival here in town tomorrow, but if I feel like this, I think I'll end up staying home. Let's check out today's frog from Elizabeth in California.

Today's frog comes courtesy of Elizabeth in California whose daughter just loves hers. This is made by Kuddle Me Toys and distributed by Dolgencorp. This is a small plush Frog Purse with two handles. It has a small zippered area down the back. Thanks Elizabeth for sending along this frog - you're the Guest Frog of the Day!

Guest Frog of the Day

Dollar General - Boing Boing Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

Another busy day already. The Frog Wrangler was feeling a bit queasy this morning and wanted to be held - she crawled into my lap and promptly threw up. So as I was taking my second shower for the morning.... The Wrangler seemed to feel a bit better, but a bit whiny and wanted to be right next to me. I laid on the bed and with her new steps that the AB sent (my back thanks you very much), the Frog Wrangler was able to get up on the bed without my help and lay next to me. A little bit of attention and all seems to be well. Now my day can get started.

This frog item was sent to me by Jason in Tennessee. He found this at his local Dollar General store. He tells me he bought one for himself and that it's a lot of fun to play with. After trying it out - I have to agree! This is a Boing Boing Frog. You hold onto the red handle and the frog dangles from a super stretchy bouncy cord. You bounce it up and down. Quite simple but mesmerizing. Thanks Jason - you are the guest frog of the day. Remember, if you want to share the limelight with Jason, you can send me a pic of your favorite frog.

Frog of the Day

Tropical Frog Stepping Stone
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

We finally got a drop or two of rain here at Frog Central overnight. Much needed but I'm afraid that's all were going to get for the foreseeable future. I almost forgot to take the trash out last night. How one person can have so much trash from week to week just amazes me. I woke up this morning with a very sore throat so I'm nursing it along with some hot tea. The Frog Wrangler, who always seems to know when I'm not feeling well, is keeping a closer than normal watch over me. It's enough to make me feel better already......

This frog item is pretty cool. It is a Tropical Frog Stepping Stone (although I think it would be kind of hard on the feet if you actually stepped on it!). It's really large - 12.75 x 10.75 x 2.5 inches. If you don't want to put it on the ground or want to put it inside it has a hole in the back so you can hang it up on the wall. The frog can be lifted of separately and will hide a spare key. As I said, pretty cool. I found this froggy (on sale!) over at On-line Discount Mart.

Frog of the Day

Webkinz Tree Frog Green
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

I don't make omelettes very often, but when I do - delicious! The new television season started last night for some programs. I watched a couple programs then decided the radio was more enjoyable until Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert came on. The Frog Wrangler was up early this morning and I was going to say beat me back to bed and has been sound asleep ever since - but I just heard a loud crash and went running to find that she rolled over and right off the bed. Poor baby was shaking and scared - not sure what had just happened or who moved the bed on her! So a little petting and reassurance and now she's back to sleep again - on the floor......

This frog item is a sensation that anyone with kids already knows about because they come in just about every animal imaginable. This is Webkinz. I'm not conversant in Webkinz but the general idea is that they come with a unique computer code that allows your child to interact with the animal on-line. Pretty neat, huh? They are found all over the web - I found this one at Amazon.com. If you would like to learn more and take a tour of Webkinz you can go to Webkinz.

Frog of the Day

Russ Berrie - Frogula
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

Last week when I was at the supermarket I was surprised to see that one aisle was was nothing but Halloween candy. But this is the last week of September and the beginning of October is at hand, so I guess I should be grateful they waited so long! The Frog Wrangler and I won't be handing out candy this year. Mostly because I bought candy last year - a whole plastic bucket full - ready for the onslaught of children demanding their treats or else my house would be egged with rotten eggs - and no children showed up. So I dutifully began eating away at this candy and finally after about six months tossing what was left. So to avoid expanding my waist line this year I'll turn off the outside lights and draw the curtains and watch a spooky movie on television.

This frog collectible is by Russ Berrie and is known as Count Frogula. He stands 4 1/2 inches tall. I found this cutie over at The Frog Store. One of the original web stores for frog collectibles and by far one of the biggest. Say hi to Froggy - she's the best and always willing to help!

Frog of the Day

Radko - Pond Jewels
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

The Frog Wrangler and I are having our usual relaxing Sunday. A big breakfast of pancakes and sausage followed by the Sunday newspaper. The Frog Wrangler enjoyed one of her beggin' strips and was content to lay at my feet and double check the paper sections as they floated to the floor - maybe trying to get them back into a neat order. I decided not to go out today, opting instead to spend the day doing odd little jobs and chores around the house as the mood strikes. I'm sure the Wrangler will have plenty to keep my busy - never mind, she's sound asleep......

This frog collectible is from Christopher Radko and is called Pond Jewels. The item number is 1012927 and this was introduced last year - 2006. I found this one at Sissy in Seattle. Sissy is another of my favorite Radko dealers. She's been a great help and several times a year has great sales. Do check out her site.

Friday Dog Blogging

Shadow
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

Yeah, I know it's Saturday - and that I am way late..... The Frog Wrangler has had a really good week. Cooler temps overnight have eased some of the shedding and she seems to have a bit more pep and energy. The Wrangler has been carrying around her toys and even wanting to play from time to time. But the majority of her time is spent close to her favorite toys, keeping an eye on them, and of course taking naps to dream about younger days. In a way, don't we all do that......

Frog of the Day

Old World Frog Statuary
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

It's the weekend and I feel busier than ever. I'm almost finished with a writing project and now the tedium of fact and format checking takes over. Frog collecting makes a nice escape. I forgot to put up a picture of the Frog Wrangler last night and she's being very bitchy this morning to let me know how she feels about such neglect. So I'll try to get a picture of her up later today. In the meantime, enjoy today's frog.....

This frog is not part of my collection. This frog item is entitled Old World Frog Statuary. It is made out of clay with a burnished finish. I found this great item at Shays Gifts. I found it the easiest to type "frog" in their search engine. They have quite a few frogs that we've seen elsewhere, but I found this one to be rather unique. Enjoy!

Frog of the Day

Frog Prince Glass Ornament
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

The new season of survivor started last night and already a couple of people are quite annoying. So I looked at the pot I planted the mango in this morning and still nothing poking through the soil - I am so impatient aren't I? It's supposed to take several weeks and here I am a couple days later looking for it. I'm posting early this morning because I'm waiting on a call from the taxi service - I've got a couple of errands to run, the most important is the pharmacy, but the bank and post office are right on the way. So on to today's frog......

This frog is not part of my collection. This frog item is a hand blown glass ornament called Frog Prince. It's got amazing detail on it and very reasonably priced. I found this froggy over at The Purple Frog. They've got a great web site and who doesn't like a little purple frog?

Frog of the Day

Frog's Playing Poker
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

I've been rummaging around in the basement this morning and found my flower pots and a lot of other things that I've been looking for over the last two years. The Frog Wrangler was a big help, being sure she nosed all through the boxes to be sure that I had checked out everything.

Today's frog of the day is from a site that you must check out. It's great 3D computer renderings over at Frog Dots. This one is called Frog's Playing Poker. There is a link to a site where they sell posters of his work. And hey, these frogs are a lot better to look at than those dogs......uh oh, the Frog Wrangler is looking funny at me.....

Frog of the Day

Lover Frogs Planter
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

I did something last night I had never done before - I had a mango (get your minds out of the gutter!). Can you believe that at no time in the last 45 years did I have a mango. I had mango flavored items, even mango ice cream. So this last week when I was shopping and saw a mango I thought I'd like to try one. And these days you can learn anything from the internet so I looked up how to cut, score, and scrape the fruit. Yum! They say that the mango plant is a great looking houseplant so I pried open the stone - no easy feat - and planted the pit. So we'll see.....

This frog item is not part of my collection. This frog item is called a Lover Frogs Planter Bench. The planter holds two small pots and is a cute conversation piece. I found this cute item over at Frog Collecting. And who can resist a site with that name!

Down at the bottom of this page is the banner for the Hopping Frog Web Ring. There are now 95 sites in the ring! Do check it out by either randomly going from site to site or clicking on the hub button and seeing a list of all the sites.

Frog of the Day

Beatrix Potter Jeremy Fisher Poster
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

I'm feeling more myself today - thanks to all those who sent well wishes my way - much appreciated. The temps here at Frog Central have climbed back into the high 80's and the Frog Wrangler and I are keeping cool with the central air. Nice thing is that it cools off overnight. All too soon I'll be bitching about how cold it is - but I guess that's just human nature, isn't it? The Frog Wrangler is a bit sick to her stomach today as yesterday was heart worm medication day - she's always a bit queasy for a couple days after. Last night she took her regular evening pill for bladder control (she's glaring at me for telling) and promptly turned around and threw up. Which left me with the dilemma of do I give her another pill or not. I decided not and thankfully she was dry through the night. I'm way behind schedule today - so on to today's frog......

This frog item is not part of my collection. This frog item is a wonderful poster of Beatrix Potter's The Tale of Jeremy Fisher book cover. It measures 20 x 16 inches. I found this at Novelty Frog. The crew over at this site are really great and have a growing inventory - do check them out.

Frog of the Day

Sparkly Frog Clock
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

I woke up feeling like crap this morning so I went right back to bed after taking the Frog Wrangler out at 6. I finally got up a little bit ago but honestly, I'm ready to hop right back in bed. So before I zonk out totally, on to today's frog.....

This frog is not part of my collection. This frog item is a Sparkly Frog Clock. This frog clock stand 3 1/2 inches tall and is accented with rhinestones. I found this cute little item at Whales & Friends.

Frog of the Day

Ceramic Frog - Mother w/Babies
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

Sunday morning and I just finished breakfast of pancakes and sausage - yum! I thought I'd blog today's frog and then spend the rest of the morning with my nose in the newspaper. I don't have to worry about lunch or dinner today because I spent yesterday cooking - I made stuffed shells - double yum! It's been a while since I made them and still as good as I remember. No pasta strike going on here! (Like there is in Italy). The Frog Wrangler is sleeping at my feet and it's just a lazy day for the two of us - let's hope that continues through the rest of the day!

This frog is not part of my collection. This frog item is a made of ceramic and hand painted by the good people at Froggez. They have quite a few fun frogs like this one - called Frog Mother with Babies. Do check out their site and all they have to offer.

Frog of the Day

Bergsma Hoppy Frogs - Time to Dance
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

It was a bit chilly this morning and the Frog Wrangler and I didn't want to get out from under the covers. I'm enjoying the cooler weather but it may be short lived - the temps this next week are supposed to go back up into the high 80's. It's been an enjoyable respite though. This next weekend is the town-wide rummage sale here in Tidy Town. If my neighbors have a sale I might have to check it out - you can sometimes find perfectly nice frogs at these sales......

This frog item is not part of my collection. This is called Bergsma Hoppy Frogs and is entitled It's Always Time To Dance. This sculpture is by northwestern artist Jody Bergsman. These two frogs are waltzing nose to nose on a leafy base. It stands 6 1/4 inches tall and is handpainted cold-cast polystone. It sells for $24.50 and can be found at The Frog Store.

Friday Dog Blogging

Shadow
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

So the Frog Wrangler didn't feel like having her photo taken today. I started looking through her photo album and saw this one from when she was about a year old. She loved those gigantic rawhide bones. It took her a bit of trial and error to learn how to pick it up and run around the house with it. She would pick it up in the middle and take off running - and promptly hit both knot ends on either side of the door frames going from room to room. She soon learned to tilt her head ever so slightly and she could make it through easily.

It seems only yesterday, but it was really 13 years ago. The Frog Wrangler turned 14 years old in August and she hasn't been able to chew rawhide for much of the last 5 years. These days she likes her Beggin Strips.

The Frog Wrangler had a pretty good week and I'm sure she'll be back with some new pictures next week. In the meantime she wants to make sure you all have a good weekend and good next week.

Frog of the Day

A Small Tree Frog Poster by Geroge Grall
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

Friday - TGIF! It's been a crazy week and I'm looking forward to a lazy weekend. No barbecues this weekend so I plan on cooking - I've got everything I need to make stuffed shells and that sounds good right about now. Today I plan on continuing the office clean-out. Yikes, what a mess! But with a bit of organization it's coming together. The Frog Wrangler is a lot of help - I pull out something and she sniffs it to be sure it's important. If it passes her muster then it gets put away. I pulled out a bunch of papers and was sorting them and she laid on top of them - obviously stuff that could be thrown out!

This frog item is not part of my collection. This is a photographic poster by George Grall and is entitled A Small Tree Frog. It measures 40 inches by 30 inches. This can be found at Art Posters. They've got a lot of frogs to adorn your walls with.

Frog of the Day

Frog Medallion
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

It got quite chilly here at Frog Central last night - I had to go around and close the windows before going to bed. It's supposed to warm up into the 80's today which will be nice and toasty. Today I've got to start getting my office cleaned up - a process which I think will probably take a couple of days (at least!). BBC's Kim and Aggie would be so proud.

This frog item is not part of my collection. It is a Frog Medallion that you can hang up either inside or out. I found this item at a really neat site called The Jungle Store. They have items for just about any animal - the site is a lot of fun to peruse.

Frog of the Day

Jobar Int'l - Frog Drinking Fountain
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

It's a beautiful morning here at Frog Central - a cool 58 degrees to start the day. With the cooler temps I've intensified my cleaning schedule, washing all the windows and getting all the sills cleaned. Those Frog Wrangler nose prints take a bit of scrubbing! The Wrangler had a restless night and I finally gave up about 5 this morning and got out of bed and started my day. Of course she's now sleeping soundly - I think today's going to be a day for an afternoon nap.

This frog item is from Jobar Int'l and is a Frog Drinking Fountain. This fountain attaches to any outside faucet. This was made in China so I'll have to think twice before using it - but it makes a cute addition to the collection all the same. I received this this week.

Frog of the Day

Frog Plant Stake
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

Yesterday I turned off the air conditioner and opened up the windows - last night it was nice cool air, which meant great sleeping weather. The Frog Wrangler slept underneath the ceiling fan - just loving the cooler temps. She was a bit more energetic this morning too. She likes the windows open - her nostrils taking in all the smells of outside. I watched Living with Ed last night on HGTV - they went to Larry Hagman's house - all I can say is WOW! But even Larry said, buy 1 compact florescent bulb a month and pretty soon you're saving lots of money.

This frog item is a Frog Plant Stake. There are no manufacturer marks on the piece. I received this as a gift yesterday from AB - Thanks AB! - and is a cute little item for your planter.

Frog of the Day

G. Chaye - French Frog Lady
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

It's Monday morning and the Frog Wrangler and I are having trouble getting ourselves up and about. I spent yesterday evening going around waxing window tracks - it really does work. If you have older wood windows that are tough to get up and down - get some wax and rub in the tracks - the window will go up and down lickety-split. The weather here is supposed to finally cool off after today and I'm looking forward to opening windows and keeping them open for days at a time - woo hoo!

This frog item is not part of my collection. If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind item to make your frog collecting friends jealous - this may be it. This is from the artist G. Chaye, an artist of Brittany and Normandy. He has entitled it French Frog Lady. It is made of terracotta enamel and dates to 2001. Of course the artist has signed this unique piece. And it can be yours for the sweet price of $750. Check it out at Antique Dreams.

Frog of the Day

Big Sky Carvers - Saturday Night Bath
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

One look at today's frog and you know what I did last night....lol. I honestly don't know if I could stay awake enough yesterday. It seemed every time I sat down I ended up falling asleep. I hope I'm a little more awake this morning because the cab is scheduled for 9 and I don't want to be asleep while he's out there beeping the horn! We had a bit more rain overnight and it seems good to see the rain puddles in the driveway and sidewalk. My lawn will hopefully go back to a nice lush green.

This frog collectible is one of my favorites. This is from Big Sky Carvers and is from their Little Red Collectibles line. This is the Redneck Frog and the piece name is called Saturday Night Bath. This is a limited edition piece and mine is number 462 of 7500. This piece is a fountain and when turned on water pours from the bucket onto the little frog in the barrel. This piece was done by B. J. Jones. Based on the book by Jones called Legend of the Redneck Frog. The book was published in 1996 and I believe this piece dates from that time.

Frog of the Day

Tim Cotterill - Scout
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

What a morning! I had the Frog Wrangler out and the neighbors grandson came by and we talked a bit. I told him that I lamented not being able to go to the weekend barbecues. So he thought it sounded great and next thing I know we're down at the Odd Fellows Lodge buying butterfly pork chops and pork burgers - yummy! We had quite a bit of rain here yesterday and it is still really muggy today. I had quite a few branches come down, some rather large. I was a bit worried about letting the Frog Wrangler out last night for her last outing before bed time. Two cougars have been sighted in the area. They took down a horse on a local farm. Last year about this time there was one cat sighted, this year two.

This frog is not part of my collection. This frog is from the wonderful artist Tim Cotterill, who likes to be called Frogman. This frog is called Scout. Tim makes these beautiful frog statues out of bronze. These works of art can cost from $400 up to $8,000. Any time you want to send me one, let me know.....lol. You can find out more about the artist and where to purchase his work by checking out his website at Cotterill's Frogs.

Friday Dog Blogging

Shadow
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

The Frog Wrangler has had a really good week. Especially since her treat drawer is filled back to capacity! Here she is eating one of her favorite treats - a busy bone. They're a bit harder and good for her teeth. She had to carry this one around the house for about forty-five minutes before finally settling down to enjoy it. I didn't get my camera fast enough - I love how she holds her treats in her paws while she chews on them - maybe next time I'll be a bit better prepared. The Wrangler has even felt well enough this week to bring me one of her toys today wanting to play (well, for a minute or two anyway). She's a bit wobbly with her back legs but still able to get around. Her main complaint is that she can't make it onto the bed any more - AB is coming to the rescue with some doggy stairs that should make it easier for her to get up. I know it will make it easier for me having to lift her up onto the bed every night - to which she promptly jumps off and goes check her food dish and then comes running back wanting to get lifted back up onto the bed again. Lately she's had to contend with her blanket on the floor - otherwise I'd be up all night! The Frog Wrangler hopes you all have a good week and will see you next Friday.

Frog of the Day

Swarovski Crystal - Fred the Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

We finally had a spot of rain! The humidity level here at Frog Central has been about eighty percent. Not good hair weather to be sure. I spent yesterday cleaning. The Frog Wrangler hates the vacuum cleaner - and I keep telling her I wouldn't have to run it if she'd stop shedding. Then I got my new Swiffer duster out with the extended handle - it works nice for getting those cow webs off the ceiling and cleaning the ceiling fan blades. I about collapsed late yesterday afternoon and I looked around and still saw a lot of cleaning that needs to be done. Damn that BBC show How Clean is Your House. Kim and Aggie can come finish up any time they want - lol.......

This frog collectible is not part of my collection. This is a cute item from Swarovski and is a crystal called Fred the Frog. The body is made of a moss green crystal and the wheels, which are movable, are made from clear crystals. This is a really neat item from Swarovski and I found this one at Novelty Frog.

Frog of the Day

A Breed Apart - Skippy & Lou Jr.
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

What a sad day today. I woke up to the news that Luciano Pavarotti had died. Not living near a metropolitan opera center I had to be contented with watching videos and one of the first was Donizetti's L'Elisir d'Amore. You could tell that Pavarotti was having fun with the performance - which made it so enjoyable to watch.

This frog collectible is not part of my collection, but I just love A Breed Apart pieces. This one is called Skippy & Lou Jr. A large piece at 9 x 5 x 7 inches. This piece can be found at Toadly Frogs. Check out their whole site!

Frog of the Day

Blue and Green Frog Wild Patch
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

Well I'm feeling a little more myself today. Still sore, but was able to get around a bit better this morning. The Frog Wrangler knows when I'm not feeling up to par. Yesterday, she followed me around a bit closer and when I sat down she's sit next to me and put her head on my knee. When she'd get tired and lay down, it was right across my feet. And who wouldn't feel better with attention like that.

This frog item is not part of my collection. This is a Blue and Green Frog Wild Embroidered Iron-on Patch. This can be found at The Frog Store.

Frog of the Day

New Creative - Singing Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

So I went down to the bog with a banjo on my knee.... Ooops, singing again. lol I blame it on the pain killers I'm taking at the moment. My back had been giving me problems for a while now, but yesterday I woke up and it was out to lunch. When I finally got upright my back was so sore I could barely move my legs. So I finally gave in a took a pain pill. I try not to take them but when it's that bad, you just have to. So how was your weekend? Go to the beach? Barbecue? I spent Saturday outside watching over the lawn crew and inspecting the outside of the house. The rest of the weekend was much more laid back. The temps spiked up again, so the Frog Wrangler and I sat around listening to the frogs make some beautiful music......

This frog item is from New Creative Enterprises and sold through Paragon catalog. It is called Singing Frog and is a frog statue that can be placed outside. The frog is sitting on a rock and playing a banjo. It was made in China and I think I've commented on it before but I'll do so again - you can tell that it was made in China by looking at the neck of the banjo - they do the same things generally with guitars too - the top of the neck is bent back a bit, which is more in line with their indigenous instrumental designs.