Frogger

 Frog Tales Marathon 

Learn to get excited like a child. There is nothing that has more magic than childish excitement. - Jim Rohn

I was loving it. I couldn't keep calm because I was so freaking excited.

Seated in front of our home Atari system, I was in the midst of directing five frogs to their homes. 

If you're a gamer, you may have guessed that I was playing Frogger. 

The game has earned the ominous distinction of being 'the game with the most ways to die'. That upped the scale for me from Charged Up to Thrilled to Wow!!!

I couldn't stand it.

I could lose a life, illustrated by a skull and crossbones symbol where the frog was, including being run over by a road vehicle and jumping into the river.

I could run into snakes, otters, or an alligator's jaws. Sink while on top of a diving turtle.

Or I could jump into a home already occupied by a frog or alligator, or jump into the side of a home or the bush.

Or... oops. I'm going, Splat!

Oh, well. It was just a game. I had a good time playing, so I was a winner even if I had lost.

Kermit

 Frog Tales Marathon 

Music is an outburst of the soul. - Anonymous

Who doesn't know Kermit the Frog?

Arguably Jim Henson's most famous Muppet creation, Kermit was the host of the Muppet Show and one of the stars on Sesame Street.

I remember The Girls watching him on TV, their eyes wide in anticipation as he said, Hi-ho, Kermit the Frog here! 

He would sweep his arms wildly in dramatic fashion and shout, Yaaaay! Then, he would begin to sing the classic Rainbow Connection.

Rainbows are visions

But only illusions

So we've been told and some choose to believe it

I know they're wrong wait and see.

The Girls, their faces lit with pleasure, would sing along. 

Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection

The lovers, the dreamers and me.

They were not even aware of it, but I saw them as music makers. Dreamers of dreams.

Life was a song, and they were singing it.

Keroppi

 Frog Tales Marathon 

The most simple things can bring the most happiness. - Anonymous

I was sad that day, so I went to Goodwill.

For me, shopping was cure for a bad day, or any day, really. It was cheaper than therapy. It was my cardio, and my credit card was my trainer.

I had no sooner poked through a bin when I spotted a colorful billfold. On it was a frog character with big, sparkling eyes, a V-shaped mouth, and cute blush spots on his cheeks. 

Keroppi!

My heart raced. 

With his delightful grin, he was the perfect picture of a happy, ribbiting frog.

From Sanrio data, I'd known him to be adventurous and popular around Donut Pond. 

Imagine him tagging along with his little snail friend Den Den, playing games, especially baseball and boomerangs. He was also known for his amazing singing voice. Maybe it was all that croaking practice?

No second guessing. Resolute with deep breath, I declared. You're mine.

Whoever said laughter was the best medicine obviously never tried shopping.

As I held Keroppi in my hands, I felt the universe align.

All was well with the world.

Senor Frog's

 Frog Tales Marathon 

Find what brings you joy and go there. - Anonymous

Who'd know that a bug-eyed frog could be the inspiration for this two-month Frog Tales Marathon?

I confess.

The invention was brought about by Senor Frog, mascot of a summer dine-in and fiesta spot in Orlando, Florida that we visited last year. 

Even before experiencing the space, I already knew that I'd love it for its quirky name.

Orlando, Florida: July 2024

Squinting against the mid-afternoon sun, up front, I could see a life-sized amphibian in a yellow tee giving a 'high four.' He was beckoning us inside to savor an offering of traditional Mexican dishes.

The tacos, enchiladas, and quesadillas were scrumptious and the gaudy fiesta decor was fun. It was a perfect place to eat and drink.

Outside, the air held the promise of a scorching day. It was hot over the palm trees, but the sky was pure blue and I had never felt happier.

And would you believe it? I'm back, at about the same time last year.

Senor Frog awaits. Never mind the threat of rain and thunderstorms.

Senor, he vuelto!

Orlando, Florida: July 2025

Food is the ingredient that binds us together. Orlando, Florida: July 2025

Adios, Senor Frog.

Hasta el proximo ano!