Valerean

Happy Easter from Valerean.

Happy Valentine's Day from Valerean. Image credit: Jess Bailey from Pixabay

I usually do a simple "wishing you" holiday post, and I will still offer up a wish. That said, changes are coming directly ahead in 2026 that will cause people a lot of suffering and grief, particularly those with serious health conditions who can't afford to pay for health insurance anymore. I can still maintain coverage myself without dipping into my retirement account, but only because my guy will be helping me pay the ridiculous premiums I must fork over until I turn 65 later this year (and since I've financially supported him for the last 25 years, this is only right.) My advice on the outrageous health insurance situation is to seek support and low-cost or free medical treatment via programs in your state ( NAFCC is a good place to start), as well as ask family for help with paying for health insurance if possible. Because of the health insurance situation and the rising cost of basically everything I am planning a no-spend year in 2026. I've done si...

Merry Christmas from Valerean.

Happy Thanksgiving from Valerean.

Happy Halloween from Valerean. Image credit: Image by Alexa from Pixabay

To combat my dislike of fall I invested in A Somerset Halloween ~ Creative Ideas for a Spooky Season , which I plan to use to make some new decorations for the house for this October. The projects in the magazine are mostly small and not too difficult, and I actually do like Halloween, so it shouldn't be a chore. Harmony Lynn Goodson's "Kicking Off the Fall Season" has a lot of fun suggestions on how to welcome Halloween and fall with some whimsical decorations. We don't entertain, but we can certainly spruce up our usual October 31st efforts for the trick-or-treaters. I am not a doll person, but I could see remaking some thrifted stuffed animals in fall colors and putting them in wee Halloween costumes. There are a lot of fun ideas in this issue that will no doubt appeal to the kid in every creative -- check it out if you get the chance.

Happy Independence Day from Valerean.

We spent Easter walking on Daytona Beach and hiking at Tomoka State Park. To see what we did, check out my album of pics here .

Happy Valentine's Day from Valerean.

Happy New Year from Valerean. Image credit: Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Merry Christmas from Valerean.

Doesn't seem like there is much to be grateful for this year, until you consider the daily miracle of those we love in our lives. No matter how dark and hateful and horrible the world becomes, I always have a reason to be thankful on this day. I hope you do, too. Happy Thanksgiving from Valerean.

Happy Halloween from Valerean. Image Credit: Image by HANSUAN FABREGAS from Pixabay

While Hurricane Milton was raging I worked on this cat-themed Halloween treat bag, which I sent to my favorite Kat on the other side of the planet. The last minute addition of the vintage lizard brooch really made a cute touch. She was always picking up lizards when she was a little girl. The other side. I really like how the cat appliques turned out, too. For some reason the shot I took of the inside blurred, but you can still make out the novelty candy corn print, which was a scrap from a Halloween treat bag I made her when she was in high school. So (although I save fabric way too long) that was the perfect finishing touch.

Last month Kat sent me these pics of the floating lantern festival they have for Memorial Day on her island. Her new boyfriend (yes, she's finally dating again!) sang at the ceremony. What a lovely way to remember those courageous men and women who gave their lives in service of our country. As a veteran I'm always happy to see folks honor soldiers in any way, but this one seems especially beautiful.

Happy Independence Day from Valerean.

Happy Valentine's Day from Valerean. Image Credit: Luisella Planeta LOVE PEACE 💛💙 from Pixabay

My third try at amigurmi crochet last month was this slightly wonky present, which had the most difficult pattern. I admit, I messed up on a few details. Still happy with it. I liked the polar bear best. I don't have to wait for Christmas to put him out. And here's all three of the tree trio. I think for a first attempt at amigurumi I did pretty well. All the yarn was thrifted, with the exception of the red, which was recycled fiber.

Happy New Year from Valerean.