Fangio - Yeah, I'm surprised sometimes just fooling around, and up pops something interesting.  The wonders of modern technology.

ana - glad you liked.  As far as phone calls, nothing from National Geo, just a few calls from some drunken raccoons and squirrels......

do I dare ask why those critters would call you?

Ana - As you can see from my icon photo, I think it's my girlish figure....

Brad - I guess now I'm a little bit confused.

"it sort of had that spaceship / contraption look, a little bit."

Okay, got ya now. 

Wind - Thank you.  I guess I can now put the official "Approved by Windancer" stamp on that shot.

Scratch - I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I'm just about as clueless as you when it comes to what camera to get.  It'll be the blind leading the blind....

Two review sites that might help:

http://www.steves-digicams.com/camera-reviews/

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews

I would also check out Best Buy site for reviews, as well as Amazon.

I don't know what your budget is and what you want, but I think a good idea is first to see what is important to you, then look for something that fits and has decent reviews.  Things to consider:

1) Price.

2) Weight and size.

3) How much optical zoom.

4) Auto focus or do you also want options for manual focus.

My wife just got a Canon SX260HS, which is a little pricey but has good manual controls and takes pretty good pics, she's happy with it.

Once you narrow choices, if you can go to Best Buy or a camera store and actually feel, try out the camera a bit, that is a big help as well.  Sometimes I've changed my mind once I've handled the camera.

On Skinny's request: First step is to decide what you want the camera to be able to do. There are millions of cameras out there, each with different features. Once you figure out what you want go to the store and try out as many as you can. Some just don't feel right or the controls are in an odd place. I have always had good luck with Canon camera, they hold up well and have a good warrenty if you do have a problem. Have fun shopping. :)

Margar3t - Thanks.  If you have some ideas about cameras, maybe you could suggest a thing or to to rantshack, who commented above.

I have always had good luck with Canon cameras. I think the most important thing to do is figure out what you want the camera to be able to do before you buy, then go to the store and try out as many as you can. Some though they sound good on paper don't feel right in your hands. You take much better photos than I do, so I consider you the expert.

MS - Thanks.  Have to have something to get you out and about on blogster more often.  Sounds like you're a bit hectic.

Thanks, skinny. And yes, this is a perfect break from "hecticness"!

GM - Stanley Park is coming up in the future. 

Oh I could say something but I will behave myself--it is Sunday!

GM - Too late.  I have vaporized her.

BFD - Thanks, glad you enjoyed them.

Cats - It was mixed.  One day warm low 70's and the other days cool 50's and 60's with a wind.  So overall not too bad.

WW - Sometimes I get some great moonshots, but other times the plumber rememebers to hike up his pants.....

OK, I'd like some of those pictures please.  Man cleavages amuse me.

Here ya go:  (hope this works)

Someone needs to invent a butt bra :)

MM - If I had known, I woulda brought that mirror ball home in my carry on baggage for you.

Hersh - I didn't know about any Rose Gardens, will have to look into that if I go back.    That strumpets and tea sounds pretty good though.....

Hersh - It's okay.  You probably were caught off guard by the plumber's moon picture I posted for Warrior Women.

Skinny: are you calling me a dirty old lady or one that is still alive and lookin'? 

I'll look around the net later for info on that Garden when I have some free time.

How do you change photo to get a negative look? Loved the effect that you created with that change.

The photo effect was one in a program I use called Fast Stone Image Viewer.  I assume other programs have a similar feature.

Now, as far as addressing you, I would never, ever, ever, stoop so low as to call you a dirty old lady.  Perhaps "A Cougar on the Prowl", perhaps "The Lasivious Lecherous Little Lady", perhaps "The Hunk Hunting Harlot", or even "The Virtuous Vixen".  Bet never "a dirty old lady".

Unless, of course, I found out you were holding out on me with a secret stash of gourmet chocolates.......

Fast Stones??? Now that you have figured me out I'll do my best to live up to the tags you anointed me with so appropriately. Secret candy stash..never....well, maybe there's a few of those delicious choco macadamia nut chocolates left.  Whoops......dog ate them....all gone!

Thought about you the other day when I was out shooting pics so tried a Skinny Guy type angle only to discover that the sun was shining so brightly on my screen that the only thing I saw was my own reflection. Pointed and shot but missed the subject and got the blue sky and a small section of the item only....

Hersh- No, no, no.  Not "Fast Stones"  That sounds like some remedy for Kidney Stones.....   It's "Fast Stone Image Viewer.  Link to page with info and download link is here:

http://www.faststone.org/FSViewerDetail.htm

Keep trying for different shots.  I have more than my share of misses.

SG: ok--will keep shooting until one turns out to be a winner. Shot I made in Colorado was one that made me think of your signature angles but it turned out awful. Must be that I'm not creative enough or have "angle disorder syndrome" and need a support group. TY for the link..will check it out soon.

Whoops...excuse me for repeating my earlier comment. Must be the high I'm on still from high altitude living for a week.

Kat -  Thanks.  The bold color one I really liked, sort of a hint of a steam punk look.

Okie - You're welcome.   By the way, I see some big ships on the horizon, just for you....