The Holiday Weekend Is Here

If you have plans to be out and on the road, I hope you have safe journeys. For myself, I plan on staying home and maybe taking in a barbeque. The big thing here for this weekend is something called River Chowder - I didn't ask, I don't want to know....

Yesterday was a busy one. It seemed like I was behind all day. I finally stopped to watch a bit of the news, and of course the unheard of Friday Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert.

So the other morning I noticed the gap between the cabinet and stove seemed to be getting a bit wider. There is nothing on the one side of the oven but open space and often I'm leaning on the stove to keep steady. It was on my mind that I had to give a good shove and close up that space as close as I could. Unfortunately there is still that small amount of space. This whole thing occured while I was deciding on breakfast - and I decided on pancakes and sausage. I keep the sausage in the freezer and just use my big butcher knife to cut off a couple pieces. The sausage is in those round tubes that you find in the meat section of the store. The problem - the piece of sausage rolled when cut from the tube. Where it rolled - that small space between the stove and cabinet. I now have a clean floor under the stove!

Have a great weekend!

Feeling much better....

Thank goodness! Today has been kind of sad - it's been one month today since The Frog Wrangler passed away. I've got a nice memory box put together and a photo album so I spent a bit of today looking over the memories and I have to happy that I adopted her from the shelter on the day she was to be euthenized and I gave her 15 years of love. She'll live on in my heart.

It was a hot and muggy day here today. I worry about my friends who live down on the gulf coast who are looking another hurricane in the face. Katrina brought enough damage to their lives - I know they don't need any more.

Tonight is a historic night - the first African American accepting the nomination for the presidency. No matter your party affilliation - it's days like this that you will remember in the future - where you were, etc.

I'm awake......almost

Today has been crazy. I slept really good last night but woke up this morning congested, coughing, and sniffling. So after a cup of hot chocolate I decided to go back to bed and I ended up sleeping the whole day away! A cup of tea and bowl of chicken noodle soup and I'm heading right back to bed. I'll have to listen to the convention on the radio. Good night!

Frog of the Day

frog sidewalk art
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

I received an e-mail from mom today that had this picture in it. It was done by sidewalk artist Julian Beever and is a 3-D rendering of a frog sitting on lilypads. It is entitled "Meeting Mr. Frog." Amazing work!

Hangover

And I don't drink! I woke up with a pounding headache this morning. Let me rephrase that - I got out of bed with a pounding headache. I never got any sleep last night. This afternoon will definitely have a nap time penciled in!

Sunday night I used my George Forman grill to make a nice steak. I don't know how I've lived without one of these machines. It works great and cleans up really easy. The grilling plates come off and go right in the sink for a wash then back on to the machine. I understand that older models the plates don't come off. I can't wait to make waffles with those set of plates.

Yesterday I spent continuing the work on the floor in the hallway. It is cleaning up nicely but takes a lot of elbow grease. The WD-40 didn't work, so I'm back to using the ammonia. Hey, I think I know why I have a headache......

Busy Saturday

The other day I cleaned out my big freezer to make room for the Angle Food order coming in today. I had ordered extra stuffed chicken breasts because they are delicious! I got everything but kind of had to lean on the door to get it closed. I have just enough room in the small freezer over the fridge to put a couple boxes of ice cream. I've got a couple free ice cream coupons to use up before they run out.

I also went to CVS today to get my regular prescriptions. They carry WD-40! That saved me a trip to the hardware store. So I was able to come home for about a half hour before out to pick up the Angel Food.

The weather has turned hot! I had gotten an invitation to go to the Obama/Biden roll out and I'm glad I said that I couldn't make it! I would have melted if I sat out there in the hot sun for hours. Besides, after a couple e-mails I really need to get busy and finish cleaning - HA! - my office. I feel like I'm pushing piles around the room with little headway. But keep pushing I do.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Another Friday

It's been kind of hard to write posts on Thursday's and Friday's, but I felt the need this week to give it a try. Yesterday I finally used my new George Forman grill to make a couple hamburgers. I was surprised by how much fat dripped into the little tray. I can't wait until steak night Sunday night.

It's another rainy day here in Tidy Town. I've been putting off a couple errands but this afternoon I guess I'll dodge the raindrops to get a couple of them done.

Have a good weekend.

It was a dark and dreary day.....

It really is dark outside today - they say it's going to rain and I think today I actually believe the weatherman. I ran out yesterday to do some errands and the next thing I knew the whole day had gone by. I have to go out to the hardware store today to get some WD-40. I've been told that should get up carpet glue quick and easy. I can't wait to give it a try. I'd like to finish cleaning up the hallway floors and shine up the beautiful hardwood floors underneath the goop as soon as possible. The getting up and down on the floor I believe has aggravated my knee (which finally feels much better today).

I can't believe that I still have day lillies blossoming. I think they've finally reached the end but they had a long season this year - almost 7 weeks. They almost outlasted the hibiscus, which really didn't have a good blossoming period this year. I think the weather was a bit too cool during the night for them.

For August, I can't believe that we've had a run of nights so cool. I'm afraid of what that bodes for the winter. I'm stocking up my pantry and freezers - I may be snowed in for months! It would give me time to finish cleaning my office. A project which just seems to be doomed every time I start....

Frog of the Day

Attack of the Gummy Frogs!
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

The knee is a bit better today and thanks to all those who sent prayers and well wishes. A couple anti-inflammatory pills and a good night's sleep has done wonders. I'm happy to see my knee back to normal size! Today I plan on getting my new George Formal Grill out and checking it out - I can't wait to grill my first hamburger or steak on it.

Today's Frog - Attack of the Gummy Frogs!! - is indeed gummy frogs. I love these candies and my favorite supplier of nuts and fruits for my fruitcakes recently let me know they were now carrying them. I bought 5 pounds - they come in these great 1 pound resealable bags. You can check them out at Nuts Online. Just type "frog" in their search and you'll be taken right to the gummy frog page. At just $3.49 a pound, you can eat them all day long!

An exciting day

Well, not so much. I woke up this morning ready to get busy and run a bunch of errands but my leg wouldn't cooperate. My knee is swollen quite large and very sore. I did make it out to the post office. I took a pain killer but it doesn't seem to be helping so I think I'm going to have to make a trip down to the doctor's office.

Frog of the Day

Ceramic Frog Candlesticks
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

I took the day off yesterday from the computer - something I think you need to do from time to time. I spent the day cleaning - the carpet came up in the hallway and I'm scrubbing the carpet clue up with ammonia to reveal beautiful hardwood floors. My walker sure rolls better on the hardwood floors! So I've got a project to keep me busy for a week or two.

This frog collectible is a pair of frog candlestick holders. They are made of ceramic. There are no identifying marks on the pieces. I received these this last week from my mom. A nice addition to the collection!

Walmart Equation

I have this equation that the amount of time you spend at Walmart equals the amount of money you spend. For every hour you spend there costs about $100. I was there for 2 hours today. Thank goodness for $25 worth of coupons. I also went to the gas station - $45 gave me half a tank! Hopefully it will last for a while. I started out the day at the post office. I had three giant boxes to send out. One was the shadow box, which was no where near as advertised. I found another place that will make one to order. That way I know I'll be getting exactly what I want.

I have a couple more frogs to put up - one I'll try to get up tomorrow and one that should be Monday or Tuesday - I can hardly wait. For now, I'm going to go put my feet up, my knee is killing me from all the running around I did today.

Frog of the Day

Imperial - Animal Toppers Frogs
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

I'm getting up and around late this morning. I have to run over to Walmart to do some shopping but I'm going to wait until this afternoon. I am feeling a bit better this morning. I was up at 6 and came out to the living room and fell asleep in my chair until after 9. So I'm well rested.

This frog item is from Imperial. It is part of their Creatures of the World collection. This is the Frog Collection. It is their Animal Toppers Carry Case collection. The tube has half a dozen frogs and scenery. The frogs can be ued to top your pencils. A cute addition to the collection. I received these yesterday.

Under the Weather Today

I'm feeling a bit under the weather today so I plan on taking it easy. This afternoon I can make a nice cup of tea as I got a care package from Mom. She also sent a couple frogs, so tomorrow looks to be a Frog of the Day day.

I made Philly cheese steaks last night for dinner. They turned out pretty good. I fried up some peppers and onions to put on them. Quite tasty. I really should get busy finishing up some deep cleaning today, but I think I'll take an afternoon nap and just worry about getting the trash to the curb. That's enough for today.

Monday Morning

And it's cold here in Tidy Town. The temps were in the 50's this morning, but it's supposed to warm up to the mid-80's by this afternoon. Yesterday I went to a barbeque which was pretty nice. It was for a good cause - all the proceeds went to buy equipment for the volunteer fire and ambulance.

With the cold mornings it makes me look at my pantry and realize it's time to start thinking about stocking up for the winter months. Well, maybe in a month or two.....

Guest Frog of the Day

Little Herbert Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

It's been a while since we've had a Frog of the Day and even longer since we've had a Guest Frog of the Day. Today frog comes from Mandie, who lives in England! She sent me a picture of her favorite froggie - Herbert. Mandie found Herbert here in the United States while visiting Las Vegas - hey, what happens in Vegas, just might follow you home! LOL Thanks Mandie for sharing your favorite frog!

Olympics

I'm watching the opening ceremoney - absolutely beautiful. The percision is phenomenal. And of course, the fireworks.

I originally wasn't going to write today. I'm sure you are tired of hearing me gripe about the loss of the Frog Wrangler. Today was tough. I went to the humane society and donated the last of the Wrangler's items. I was sad and teary-eyed, but it was good to see them so happy for the donations and to know that everything will be put to good use. Then when I got home I was sad because it seemed like I had erased so much of the Wrangler from the house. It will just take some time and I hope you'll bear with me as I work through all this.

In some other news, there will be a couple days of guest frogs of the day. I've received some nice pictures and am very happy to put them up. Don't forget to send me pictures of your favorite frogs!

1 week

I can't believe it's been an entire week since the Frog Wrangler passed away. I received another sympathey card today from EH in Mississippi. So much has changed. I keep pretty busy during the day which helps. It's the absolute quiet of the night that is hard.

Remember to go to your local dairy queen today to get yourself a blizzard treat - the proceeds from the sale go to the Children's Miracle Network.

Gift Basket

Selmar's Cookie Gift Basket
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

Just after I finished posting yesterday there was a knock on the door and I was presented with this beautiful gift basket filled with delicious cookies. AB knew I could use some comfort food. Thanks AB - it's greatly appreciated.

The weather here turned nasty last night. Thunderstorms rolled through and shook the house most of the night. The electric and cable were both spotty during the early part of the storm, but things were more stable later on in the evening and I was able to watch Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert - my two favorite shows. Although I might rewatch Colbert at some point today because I couldn't keep my eyes open at all. I fell asleep and woke up several times during the show and finally gave up and went to bed.

Sloppy Joes

With this heat I decided I really didn't want to cook much - so I made Manwich Sloppy Joes. I haven't had them in ages and they tasted pretty good. I had some big onion rolls to use. I don't think I would have eaten at all but I had to take medicine. I should go to the grocery store tomorrow and pick up some pasta salad - something cold. And I want to pick up some ice cream - that would taste great in this hot weather.

Thursday is Miracle Networks Day at Dairy Queen, so I'll go get a couple blizzard treats - all the proceeds go to the Miracle Network. A great treat and a great cause.

I've been running the vacuum cleaner every day - I haven't seen the place so clean since the day we moved in! Today was trash day and it was kind of sad taking some of the Frog Wrangler's things to the curb. On Friday I'm donating her cage to the local humane society along with a couple bags of dog food.

I heard from the e-bay seller about the shadow box - it should be here Thursday. I've collected all the items I want to put in it and have picked out a prominent place for it. I got a sympathy card today from the vet's office. That was really nice of them.

Heat Advisories

This morning I had a couple errands to run and since we're under a heat advisory I ran out as quick as possible. CVS was having a great sale and while there I found a nice photo album which I've already filled with quite a few pictures of the Frog Wrangler. Later this week I should receive the shadow box I purchased on-line.

I also drove by the post office - the first of the month bills all had to be mailed out. I decided to swing by McDonalds on the way home and get one of those McGriddle sandwiches. They're pretty tasty and one of the few things for which I'd actually go to McDonalds.

The heat index today is supposed to be 107, tomorrow 105 - that's just a bit too hot for me. I need to do some grocery shopping but it's going to have to wait until a break in the weather.

So I received calls from three of my closest friends yesterday all wanting to know how I'm doing. That's a tough question to answer. The Wrangler and I were pretty much constant companions for 15 years and it's all the small things that get me. I went to order a pizza the other night, but caught myself because the Wrangler always liked to munch on a piece of the crust. Or just walking from room to room and not having a shadow bumping into me when I stop. When I sit in my chair, there's no immediate head in my lap wanting to be petted. Those are the moments that are tough. My comfort is that I did right by Shadow - The Frog Wrangler - and that brings me peace of mind.

Feather Painting

Feather Painting
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino

For weeks I had planned on going to the library today to see a display of feather paintings. I decided to go ahead and go - to get out of the house for a bit. The art was indeed beautiful and it was amazing how the artist, Denise Tadlock, painted on the turkey feathers. This piece with the eagle on it was for sale at $300.00. Single feather paintings were also available for $100.00.

A Montage for Shadow

It has been weird to say the least these last 24 hours or so. Quiet is the word. I want to thank everyone that has called and sent e-mails of condolences. I put together a length video - about 6 minutes that is a montage of pictures that were taken over the last 3 to 4 years - since she became the subject of The Friday Dog Blogging. As I know she wished for each of you every Friday and now for one last time - The Frog Wrangler hopes you all have a good weekend.