Photoshop Elements 3 or 4 are top notch but require time to learn. Sharpening is included in most (all?) photo programs. Irfan View is a free download and can be learned very quickly. It won't produce the results of Elements but if you're in a hurry..................and the price is right :-)

Thanks ks_toolgirl :) I feel fortunate to have been able to been privy to a tour of the home, and he was so eager to show us around. My camera is huge, it certainly wasn't hidden! And the judge knew I was taking pictures and I had told him that I knew a bunch of people that would love to see them also...he seemed to have no problem with it at all. He didn't ask me not to publicize, nor put any limits on what I could and could not photograph. I wouldn't ever want to do anything that would bring any bad events into his life, and I wouldn't want to think that my innocent actions caused him or his wife any harm....so I can see patser and karinl's points also. I actually deleted the pictures to keep the thread from disintegrating into a debate/discussion on the ramifications of posting pictures. My intent was to share my good fortune of being treated to a tour of this wonderful homestead, and to share the experience with other people of similar interests :)

Nope. Never lost a camers. But I did lose a piece of gear one afternoon at Santa Barbra, CA. It was the end of business trip and I was allowed one day to look around and that I did - traveled 300 miles. I was on a high, steep bluff overlooking the ocean, watching the sea lions surf, when the front piece of my camera case dropped off. As I bent to pick it up, a sudden wind gust carried it away. I started after it and then realized that I was not going to catch it before tumbling over the edge. All I could do was to watch it go over the edge into the ocean never to be seen again. It was the the front half of a case for a Minolta SR1 - too bad. (Model SR1 was the first SLR [single lens reflex] marketed by Minolta.) I have tried, but have not been able to replace it.

BTW I forgot to thank you for the tip on the camera. I have decided to get the Nik D80 I was going to get the 40 but agree this is the better buy for me. I did post a question on online buying. Have you had any experience? I went to Nikon and they suggested BestBuy and a few other Stores. One some of the photo mags I get there are some very good kit deals and that is one of the suggestions to buy because one can usually-?- get the best deal with. I ahve one pick out, right now I can't remember the website or store listed but Popular Photography has a big page listing this place along with several others as safe. If not we are to contact Pop Photo..so time will tell.. Thanks again!