That's funny Mike! your pond sounds very similar to the one I'm building except mines a little smaller and deeper! I just posted a similar question on another forum!

Much better! lol. Grasses look amazing with the morning sun as a backdrop(or any sun for that matter). I take a ridiculous amount of pictures. I hope you don't mind me showing some in this thread: This is Flamingo Grass with a bit of late morning sun: Flame Grass with some afternoon sun: Dwarf Fountain Grass in late afternoon sun: Feather Reed at sundown: Fountain Grass in late afternoon: Just a few reasons why I love grasses so much. If you came to my visit my garden right now you would see a lot more. Sorry for the hijack, TM. ; - )

I love that backlighting..great shot. On the other hand, I too have been caught out in a downpour before, but now I have a solution. I carry my camera gear in a backpack style camera bag, so I got a lightweight military style poncho that only weighs about 1/2lb and folds up flat and compact, which I keep in the bag. The poncho is large enough that it not only covers me, it fits nicely over the pack to keep all my gear dry as well. In addition, I got the camo style so when i am out shooting nature shots I can use it to quickly rig a blind. When using it as a blind I extend the camera lens out through the center hole with the hood covering the lens.

Thank you, everyone! Literally made my morning (-: Here are a couple of pictures of the antique-ed sideboard I bought at an estate sale more than 15 years ago. Doesn’t indicate its maker; came with us from house to house and fit in with every space we put it in (dining room, living room, as divider between sitting and dining areas in open floor space.)