Author: pat frederick

DIY: Dollar Store Uncle Sam

This craft is SUPER EASY and won’t wreck your budget either!

Materials to make an Uncle Sam Gnome

Craft Sticks, Jumbo – Dollar Tree

Cotton Mop Head – Dollar Tree

Americana Acrylics by DecoArt – Santa Red, Titanium White, Victorian Blue

DecoArt Galaxy Glitter – Clear Ice Comet

DecoArt Designer’s Brush Set

Wooden Ball – 1” in diameter

Wooden Stars – Dollar Tree

Glue Gun and Glue Sticks – Dollar Tree

Scissors

Pencil

Ruler

To begin the Dollar Tree Craft Stick Uncle Sam Gnome, gather all supplies. To create Uncle Sam’s hat, base coat three jumbo wooden sticks with Santa Red Americana acrylic craft paint, two jumbo wooden sticks with Titanium White acrylic craft paint, and two jumbo sticks with Victorian Blue Americana acrylic craft paint. Let dry, and apply a second coat, if necessary. Using scissors, trim one blue and one unpainted jumbo craft stick to the width of the hat and assemble with a glue gun and glue sticks. NOTE: You can use liquid craft glue for this project, but you will have to wait for it to dry.

Basecoat three wooden stars with Titanium White acrylic craft paint. Let dry, and apply a second coat, if necessary. TIP: Attach small wooden shapes to your work surface with a circle of scotch tape on the back so they stay put while painting.

Cut approximately 24 individual strings from the cotton mop head with scissors. This mop has enough strings that you can make at least 3-4 gnomes.

Flip the Uncle Sam hat over and attach 12 cotton mop head strings along the base of the bottom wooden stick with a glue gun and glue sticks. Glue 12 additional cotton mop head strings on a second layer.

To finish the Dollar Tree Craft Stick Uncle Sam Gnome, flip the hat back over and attach the wooden ball to Uncle Sam’s beard with a glue gun and glue sticks to create the gnome part of this project. Glue the three wooden stars onto the hat band.

Using a paintbrush and a dabbing motion, add the DecoArt Galaxy Glitter Clear Ice Comet to the three wooden stars to add some additional sparkle to those stars and stripes. Dabbing this heavily-loaded glitter acrylic medium onto the wooden stars allows for maximum coverage. Set aside to allow the glitter to dry.

SOURCE: CREATIVELYBETH.COM

Pat’s note: The instructions do not include a hanger for the back, which I would want. Also, there are no measurements given, but using a 1 inch wooden ball makes me think this is not large enough for a door hanger. When I make this, I will make it large enough to hang on my door and report back as to dimensions.

Where is Kyron Horman?

Today is the 16th anniversary of a young boy’s—Kyron Horman—disappearance from a school in Portland Oregon.  No trace has ever been found. The story below written last year.

From: thatoregonlife.com:

June 4, 2025, marks the 15th anniversary of the disappearance of Kyron Horman, a 7-year-old boy who vanished from Skyline Elementary School in Northwest Portland, Oregon. Despite extensive investigations, no trace of Kyron has ever been found. Now, Multnomah County’s newly elected District Attorney, Nathan Vasquez, has announced a renewed investigation into the case, giving new hope to Kyron’s family, friends, and everyone worldwide whose hearts and souls his sweet smile has touched.

A Renewed Investigation

District Attorney Vasquez issued a statement to the media, reaffirming his office’s dedication to the case:

“As we approach the 15th anniversary of Kyron Horman’s disappearance, I want to reaffirm my continued commitment to this case. When I met with Desiree Young as the incoming District Attorney, I assured her that open communication would be a priority. My office has begun a thorough and methodical review of the case with fresh eyes.

This is a painstaking process involving tens of thousands of pages of reports, records, and other evidence. We have a dedicated team assigned to the case and I am now being regularly briefed on its current status and what steps may follow.

At this time, I will not comment on the substance of the investigation. Our focus remains where it has always belonged—on Kyron and his family. We hope to share further updates this fall.”

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office continues to consider the case active, working alongside the District Attorney’s Office and the FBI to pursue investigative leads. (KVAL)

The Day Kyron Disappeared

On the morning of June 4, 2010, Kyron attended a science fair at Skyline Elementary School with his stepmother, Terri Horman. She reported last seeing him walking toward his classroom at approximately 8:45 a.m. However, Kyron was marked absent that day, and his family realized he was missing when he did not return home on the school bus.

The initial search for Kyron became the largest in Oregon’s history, involving over 1,300 volunteers and multiple law enforcement agencies. Despite these efforts, no substantial evidence was found as to Kyron’s whereabouts or what truly happened to him that day.

Focus on Terri Horman

Terri Horman, now known as Terri Vazquez, has remained a person of interest in the case. She has denied any involvement in Kyron’s disappearance and has not been charged, despite allegedly failing two polygraph tests and refusing a third. Kyron’s mother, Desiree Young, has publicly expressed her belief that Terri knows more than she has disclosed.

In 2012, Young filed a civil lawsuit against Terri, alleging her involvement in Kyron’s disappearance. The lawsuit was later dropped to avoid interfering with the ongoing investigation.

Recently, Young sat down for an extensive interview with United Search Corps, an organization dedicated to addressing the heartbreaking crisis of missing and murdered individuals.

Ongoing Investigation and Community Involvement

The renewed investigation under District Attorney Vasquez includes a dedicated team reviewing extensive case files and evidence. Advancements in digital forensics and geospatial technology are being utilized to aid the investigation.

A $50,000 reward remains available for information leading to the resolution of Kyron’s disappearance. Tips can be submitted to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office at 503-988-0560 or via email at tips@mcso.us.

Desiree Young continues to advocate for her son, participating in public events and speaking engagements to keep attention on the case. Her efforts have inspired community support and ongoing interest in finding answers.

Looking Ahead

As the 15th anniversary approaches, the renewed investigation offers a glimmer of hope for Kyron’s family and the community. District Attorney Vasquez’s commitment to a thorough review signifies a continued pursuit of justice in one of Oregon’s most perplexing missing person cases.

The community remains vigilant, and authorities encourage anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing that even the smallest detail could be crucial in solving the case.

SOURCE: THATOREGONLIFE; DANIELLE DENHAM

Wedding Gifts Misses

June is a BIG month for weddings! If you’ve got one coming up and you’re not sure what to buy the happy couple as a wedding gift…this article I found on People.com can help! …with what NOT to buy!

From People:

A recent bride is seeking community after receiving an “extremely odd” wedding gift. 

The Redditor took to the platform’s “Wedding Shaming” forum after one of her oldest friends gifted her and her partner “surprise vinyl toys” for their big day — despite her never having expressed interest in the collectible figures. 

To make the gesture even more peculiar, the poster said that she “didn’t ask for gifts” and simply requested their friends’ “presence as it was a small party and we were well aware that our guests were required to take time off to be with us.”

“It just felt extremely odd and not an appropriate wedding gift,” she added of the toy, clarifying that it wasn’t even the popular Labubu doll that has taken over the internet.

While the bride ultimately brushed off the odd encounter and planned to re-gift the toys to her young nieces, she asked other recent brides in the thread if they’d had similar experiences with unconventional gifts. She was not disappointed with the responses. 

In the comments, Redditors recounted their experiences receiving everything from a handful of tomatoes to a pair of scissors, ill-fitting bed sheets, a dirty banana stand, and even a piece of dried coral that someone had spray painted turquoise.

One user in particular said that their mother-in-law’s friend had gifted them a bag of junk to celebrate the couple’s nuptials. 

“Among the refuse we got: a dingy old jewelry box covered in crayon scribbles, one chipped bowl, a fake Amber necklace with beads the size of chestnuts, and stained pillow covers,” the user wrote.

In another case, one newlywed had her best friend, who was also in her wedding party, gift her a “weird pewter butterfly wine stopper” — even though the bride doesn’t drink alcohol. And while she was “perplexed” upon unwrapping the accessory, she never brought it up again. 

“One of my co-workers gave me a word processing program on a Zip drive and several books related to our field. I’m pretty sure mine was the only wedding he’s ever been to. It was strange, but also very endearing!”

One bride recalled receiving a “hideous chunky chrome frame that still had a piece of the previous bridal gift wrap attached to it and a set of four coffee mugs with apples on them that had a to: from: card inside. Yes the gift giver was the original to:. If you’re going to re-gift at least be sly about it.”

For others, however, a gift that seemed ridiculous at first soon became something they reached for quite often.

As another user explained, “I had an aunt gift us the brightest colored handmade bowl cushions. You set your hot bowl of soup in them so you can carry it. They go with nothing that we own and are an absolute eyesore. We use them frequently.”

SOURCE: PEOPLE.COM

Hawaii State Motto

The state seal of Hawaii features the official state motto: “Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ‘Āina i ka Pono;” native Hawaiian translating as “The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness” (Hawaiian is also officially recognized as the state’s native language).

Hawaii’s state motto is also featured on the U.S. Mint’s commemorative quarter for Hawaii.

What Shall We Bake Today?

I found another Pretzel Bark recipe—this time with peanut butter!

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) miniature pretzels, divided

1-1/2 cups butter, melted

1-1/2 cups peanut butter

3 cups confectioners’ sugar

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

1 tablespoon shortening

Directions

Line a 13×9-in. baking pan with foil, letting ends extend up sides. Set aside 1-1/2 cups pretzels for topping. In a food processor, pulse remaining pretzels until fine crumbs form. In a large bowl, mix butter, peanut butter, confectioners’ sugar and pretzel crumbs. 

Press mixture into prepared pan. In a microwave, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Spread over peanut butter layer. Break reserved pretzels and sprinkle over top; press down gently. Refrigerate, covered, until set, about 1 hour. Lifting with foil, remove from pan. Cut into bars.

ENJOY!

Happy National Utah Day

If you’re planning to take a hiking trip out west, Trip Advisor recommends these “must-see” parks!

Bryce Canyon National Park

The stargazing is world class, and the views from Inspiration Point are pure magic.

Arches National Park

The Narrows

True to its name, The Narrows is the narrowest section of Zion Canyon. This challenging hike is one of Zion’s most popular trails, taking you through towering walls of Navajo sandstone that rise up to 2,000 feet. Along the 16-mile hike, you’ll be rewarded with nature’s raw beauty, from the stunning zebra stripes adorning the cliffs to the spectacular slot canyon scenery. Be prepared with water shoes, walking sticks, and waterproof bags as the trail will take you through the Virgin River. Check for flash flood warnings before starting and consider a private tour to tackle the trail safely with a professional guide.

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Zion National Park

SOURCE: TRIPADVISOR.COM

Sergeant Reckless

Sergeant Reckless (pictured on the right above) is a great story about a horse that eventually earned a rank in US Marine Corps.  I found this great article, written by Kathy Smith on Horsejournals.com.

This is the story of a petite pack horse named Sergeant Reckless, who eventually earned an official title in the U.S. Marine Corps. Originally intended to haul equipment and ammunition in the 5th Marine Regiment’s Recoilless Rifle Platoon, Sergeant Reckless was bought in October 1952 for $250 at the age of three or four years old.

Yet her role quickly expanded far beyond expectations. Reckless adapted with surprising speed to the harsh Korean landscape, fearlessly delivering supplies and helping move the wounded to safety. She often completed her supply runs solo, without needing a handler. Her contributions were so significant that her unit affectionately rebranded themselves as the “Reckless Rifle Platoon.”

On one extraordinary day, she completed 51 trips to the front under fire, transporting more than 9,000 pounds of essential materials. Although struck twice by shrapnel, she refused to stop. She even carried an injured Marine up and down the steep, rocky hills without faltering.

Sergeant Reckless was also known for her incredible ability to sense danger. On several occasions, she would refuse to move forward when she sensed an incoming enemy attack. Her instincts saved countless lives.

One of her many tasks was carrying recoilless rifles and shells. During one battle she was loaded with six recoilless rifle shells and the first time one was fired she went straight up in the air with all four feet off the ground. When she landed she was shaking, but her handler calmed her down. The second time the gun fired she merely snorted. By the end of the day she was calm and even took an interest in the operation of the weapon.

Sergeant Reckless was more than just a loyal and brave animal. She was also a beloved member of the unit. The Marines were very fond of her, feeding her treats like beer, Coca-Cola, and scrambled eggs. They even built her a special tent to sleep in, and she was allowed to roam freely through the camp.

After the Korean War, Sergeant Reckless retired to Camp Pendleton, California, where she lived out the rest of her days. She passed away in 1968, but her legacy lived on. She was the first animal to be officially promoted to the rank of Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, and she received many awards including two Purple Hearts. She was recognized by LIFE Magazine as one of America’s 100 all-time heroes.

In 2013, a bronze statue of Sergeant Reckless was unveiled at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. The statue, which was donated by the Semper Fidelis Society, depicts Sergeant Reckless carrying a wounded soldier to safety. It serves as a testament to the incredible bond between humans and animals, and the sacrifices that both are willing to make for each other.

Today, Sergeant Reckless is remembered as a true hero and an inspiration to all those who knew her. She will always be remembered as a symbol of the bond between humans and animals, and the incredible things that can be achieved when we work together.

SOURCE: HORSEJOURNALS.COM; KATHY SMITH

Georgia State Motto

The southern state of Georgia, nicknamed “The Peach State,” has more than one motto, though one is much more accepted than the other. Many believe the state motto of Georgia is “Wisdom, Justice, Moderation,” since that straightforward message appears on the side of the state’s two-sided state seal, which has remained unchanged since 1799. The other side of the seal, though, has the inscription “Agriculture and Commerce,” offering a choice of mottoes.

When early state legislators approved Georgia’s two-sided seal on 8 February 1799, succinct instructions were laid out regarding its appearance. The front of the seal depicts a three-columned structure holding up the state’s “Constitution.” Each pillar is decorated with a banner: “Wisdom,” “Justice” and “Moderation.” The three pillars also represent the three established branches of state and federal government — the legislative, judicial and executive branches, respectively.

Historians point to Plato as the source of the chief state motto of Georgia. The Greek philosopher wrote in Republic that these pillars, along with “Courage,” form the basic construction of civilized government. Though courage is not represented by a pillar or by name, a single armed soldier, standing at attention between “Justice” and “Moderation” is said to represent this other quality.

The other side of the seal, however, boldly proclaims “Agriculture and Commerce” around the perimeter. For this reason, many believe this is another of Georgia’s mottoes, even though Tennessee has chosen this for its official motto. At the center of this proclamation on the back of the seal is a picture depicting a tall ship bearing a U.S. flag and two smaller expedition boats, with a farmer and distant lumberyard beside them.

No official state motto of Georgia was actually selected, however. In fact, just a few dozen states have an official motto. The only change that has occurred to Georgia’s state seal since 1799 was in 1914, when legislators changed the date on both sides of the seal to read “1776” — the year of American independence. Until then, the seal read “1799,” for when the state joined the union.

Weird Wednesdays: Joslyn Castle, Nebraska

When I think of Nebraska, of course, I think about Filly, but I never thought of a CASTLE!  Joslyn Castle is just outside Omaha, Nebraska.

From: Joslyncastle.com:

In 1903, George and Sarah Joslyn completed one of Nebraska’s greatest homes—a 35-room Scottish Baronial mansion atop a hill on Omaha’s outskirts.

The four-story house was completed at a cost of $250,000—about $9 million in modern currency. The pace of construction—18 months—was amazing, given the rich use of carved wood, stained glass, chiseled stone, mosaic tiles, and wrought iron. The Castle and the outbuildings were built of Kansas Silverdale limestone.

The Castle includes a reception hall, music room, ballroom, a library and gold drawing room. The basement at one time housed a bowling alley. With the addition of a music room in 1907, the house totaled 19,360 square feet. The interior of the home’s conservatory was designed by famous Chicago-based landscape architect Jens Jensen in 1913.

George Joslyn died in 1916, in his sixties. Sarah lived on the 5.5-acre estate until her death in 1940 at age 88. From 1944 to 1989, the home served as the headquarters of the Omaha Public Schools’ administrative offices. During their residency, many changes were made to the Castle to accommodate the staff including installation of a modern central heating and cooling system, an elevator, and separate male and female restrooms. 

To preserve the integrity of this architectural treasure, the State of Nebraska took possession and in 2010, Joslyn Castle & Gardens, a 501©3 non-profit organization, purchased the Castle and grounds from the state.

The castle is an Omaha Landmark Historic Structure and on the National Register of Historic Places for National Significance. The grounds are part of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum.

The Joslyn Castle is an example of Scottish Baronial Revival architecture, a romantic outgrowth of the 19th-century Gothic Revival movement.  Examples of Scottish Baronial hallmarks include crow-stepped gables, crenellations, and small turrets or bartizans, and the style can be found in innumerable public and private buildings of this era throughout Great Britain, the United States, and Canada.

 Much has been made of the influence of architect John McDonald’s Scottish ancestry on the choice of Scottish Baronial style for the Castle, but the reality is more complex. The Joslyns, like other Gilded Age millionaires, chose a style that would lend an air of old money and sophistication to their newly found wealth and position.

SOURCE: JOSLYNCASTLE.COM