Happy Thursday,New Camera,New Chicks

Hello everyone,yes I am still around.What can I say...once more I could and do say that I am sorry that I haven't been around but you probably would not believe it.I could say it will not happen again but then that would probably be a lie.I am not going to say that  at all because right now in my life it probably will happen even though I don't want it to be that way.My main goal for this new year was to be a better blogger,heavens to Betsy, but I've blown that one for sure!There are some hurtful things going on involving my mom and family that have really thrown me for a loop.Things that I would never have dreamed or thought that my momma would have to deal with at her age,it has filled the family with anger.I would ask if you could please put the family in your prayers and that my momma has the strength and health to deal with the problems she has had thrust into her lap.Sorry to be so gloomy but I felt that you all deserved honesty about why I seem to have forgotten you all.I truly have missed you all but there have been many days that my computer has been shut down and time just hasn't  been there for me to keep up.Add to the things happening at home with the devastating events in Boston,the horrible explosion in West Texas and the flooding  conditions in many areas my heart has been to heavy to try for a post.My thoughts and prayers have been with and will continue to be with eveyone dealing with these issues.

As you read I finally figured out my camera dilemma.Canon Power Shot SX500 called my name and I am so happy it did because I love it.I haven't had time to play with it much but the 30 x optical zoom has been so much fun to use.The above pic shows an apple tree in bloom,love seeing that because it is a sure a sign that Spring is here! 
Here is a  close up of a few of the blossoms.

Tabby is my shadow when I am outside and these pics show him being lazy on my momma's flowerbed.

 Now for some more fun! When I was a young girl ,we had some Polish chickens that I adored.Pebbles,one of the hens would come at lunch time to the patio door and peck on it wanting to come inside.When we opened the door and she would come inside to have her lunch of crumbled corn bread,after eating she would peck on the door to go back outside.For years I have wanted to own some more,I could have ordered them from a hatchery but I only wanted a few so I searched locally but had no luck.Well this past Friday I was blessed enough to find some close enough(only a 35 minute drive one way)to make it worth the trip.You bet I was excited!Seven golden lace and three buff Polish came home with me. I have kept them in the house since then as we have had some cold nights,hopefully this weekend hubby and I will get them settled in a new home.Please just look at the chickens and not the mess around them.LOL! I am in the middle of doing a swap causing the craft room to be a disaster.The chicks are all different ages but I don't care.LOL!
Isn't it cute!

They have since moved to a larger box and have much more room. Gretchen is used to different critters being inside and usually takes it all in stride but these chicks have her torn up.She sits and cries and when they were in this tote she would look at them and sound so pitiful.I don't know if it is the chirping or what but she has had me getting up at night just so she can check on them.

Well I guess that is all for today.I thank each of you that continue to  stop by and haven't given up on me.It has gone across my mind to close my blog but truthfully I would miss it.If things hold together and nothing else happens I will be back with more pics in a couple of days.There are several projects that I would love to share .It is my hope that each of you are happy and safe today.