An early Xmas present, from me to myself (and you)

That's right, a present to you, my readers. I really like to add photos to my posts and without a camera, I haven't been posting much in the last month, or so. Of course, I have been extraordinarily tied-up recently too, with my work, health, and remodeling home project all considerable factors.
 

I have been wanting a camera for several months now, ever since my old Kodak went on the blink. I researched and settled on a 35X zoom Canon SX40, but it was out of stock. This is the improved, newer version of the Canon SX30. I actually thought I bought it once only to find out the order didn't complete. Then, I considered a Panasonic Lumix FZ40/FZ45 (24X zoom) because the reviews were so good.  I debated and debated because the price tag is so high for these cameras that I wanted just for myself, especially at this time of year. Then my son asked me why I didn't just go with a smaller point and shoot since I ALWAYS take photos while I'm driving. I thought about this and decided that was true, so I settled on the Canon SX230, a small, but powerful, point and shoot with a 14X zoom and a great low light shooting function. I ordered it and waited.

Last night it arrived and, after playing with it for 60 pictures or so, the verdict is in.

I LOVE it!

Okay, these first two photos are not great but they were the first two taken from the camera.

For fun, I took pictures of the chip bag I was eating from. Aren't the colors just fabulous?

This morning, I brought the camera along with me to the barn.

Sophie Rose is five weeks old now and just getting cuter and fuzzier all the time. You would not believe how soft her fleece is!

Notice her long lashes in the shadow? She has the most beautiful lashes and eyebrows that curl. I'll hae to get a close up of her brows.

I also took a photo of the Colorado Blue Spruce in my backyard to show how vivid the outdoor color photos come from my new camera. Isn't it pretty? I really should decorate it since I don't even have any decorations up inside the house.

Yep, we still have snow on the ground from the storm that came in a week ago. It snowed Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. We got almost two feet, in all. I even worked from home on Monday and Tuesday because the roads were so awful. We have had extremely cold temperatures for the last week, so all the outdoor hoofstock are on emergency water rations. My son and I have been toting hot water to the barn several times a day for over a week now. Winter is here, full blast!