Thank you all once again for kind thoughts and encouragement. saintpfla ~ Dabbling in photography is fun that is for sure. I've taken a few night shots too with old camera and look forward to trying it with this one. The macro with this camera is 150 cm (W) (0.4 in.Â1.6 ft. (W)). I was right down on the flowers. There is a lot to read in these manuals, I just plod along and practice. It's a learning experience and a fun one at that. treefrog ~ I've also tried to capture the color of the blue sage with old camera and never could. There are a couple of roses I had the same trouble with, so I hope they come out truer with this new camera as the blue sage did. Evelyn ~ You are so right about picture taking being addicting, almost as addicting as some flowers are. : -) Ambersky ~ I looked up what you thought the purple unknown might be and I'm not sure. Someone else told me something else and that didn't quite look right either. I'll try to get out tomorrow to take a picture of leaves and flowers so you all can see the whole thing. You could be right though. Nancy ~ It is a long time isn't it? I think of you everytime I'm around the two roses you gave me, Smith's Parrish, and I think the name of the other one is Old Blush, which is in the main garden and doing terrific. Thank you again for giving them to me. It was nice meeting you also and having a little visit at 2Jay's. I've worked at my job yesterday and again today, so haven't been out to take more pictures. I'm off tomorrow so maybe I can get out to shoot some more then. Thanks again for encouraging me to get out and take more pictures. I always enjoy seeing everyone's beautiful gardens and flowers. I get inspired to get out and work in my tropical/cottage gardens. FlowerLady

Thanks all. I'm really excited. I've been wanting to do something like this for years, but it's only recently that work has let me stay local long enough to make even a brief commitment. And thanks for the birthday wishes - but you all sent them weeks ago on my actual birthday! ;) p.s. Annie - I immediately thought of you when I read the sentence "Most importantly, youÂll gain the experience you need to cook with confidence and pleasure---without relying strictly on recipes." LOL!

Would it be appropriate or possible to have someone else there to take the picture, to get the look on her face when she realizes what it is, as you'll be busy with the giving? ole joyful

Yes this is the first serger I have owned, but I am a sewing machine operator at my job, I don't run a serger much at work, a least not now, but I have to say this one is a lot more fun than the ones at work. HA !! HA!!! bopeep