i usually change the gamma and/or brightness .... since my 69 dollar camera isn't the best .... on some pix, this seems to make the blues incredible .... do they look like that in the yard ... only for about 10 to 15 minutes, just after sunset, when the sky turns pink .... you HAVE TO go to the hosta after dinner, at dusk .... INCREDIBLE ... i NORMALLY DO NOT mess with color unless it is so out of whack that it is necessary .. and i don't feel like running back out .. or it got too dark .. cuz i didn't start taking pix until after sunset.. lol ... in my pix .. i suggest that you focus on the hosta named in the picture... and don't fixate on others around it.. i have manipulated the named hosta to be as close to what i see in the garden as possible.. subject to my monitor of course ... one trick to adjusting it all .. monitor included .. is to get a picture of your hand ... and then hold your hand next to the monitor .... and then adjust it accordingly .... usually the monitor adjustments are right on your monitor ... then open the picture in your photo editor.. and make further adjustments if necessary ... i wonder if i should put this in a new thread.. maybe later ... ken

Cathy-- no, this is the first time I've heard the term, but not the first time I've heard of the system. I just never knew what it was called. And if it's a short sale, it's probably a great deal. Bigtime short sale. For the condition it's in right now, the offer was for about 1/3 of the full value. To that, right off the bat, we'll be adding quite a bit of upgrades, including all new replacement windows throughout the house, a brand new heating system, and blown in insulation, which will only add to the value, making it an even better deal. We'll see. I still haven't heard from the bank yet, which means they didn't take it as a joke and refuse it right off. We'll see. As for the bathroom, I'm not sure what we're going to do. Personally, I'd prefer to do all new fixtures, and really fire it up. But my wife is another one who likes the vintage fixtures, so I may be overruled. :-) Gotta keep Momma happy!! One thing is for certain-- the tub will lose the showerhead, and a separate shower will be built.

pps7-- Thanks for the great pix. I ordered a sample of the Catarina tile. And many thanks to the person who posted the American Olean website link for the tile. That was so helpful. I thought it would be simple to find a Carrera Marble look alike tile but it has been an ordeal! Guess I was looking in the wrong tile stores (about 7 total, with one find that turned out to be discontinued!) **On another note: Where did you get your beautiful medicine cabinet? Is it wood, and do you like the quality? I found one at Pottery Barn online (Hotel is the brand) but can't look at it in person, so would have to buy first. I also saw one at Restoration Hardware but the quality didn't seem top rate. Thanks for any help.**

Thanks everyone for the ideas and pictures. I guess the problem might be a geography issue. I went to Calypsochick's granite place and saw a few slabs that were beautiful. Unfortunately, they said they can't deliver to my area. Maybe there a beautiful stones in other places, just not near my home. . . I'll keep shopping.