Yes. i did that finger thing on purpose. And did not really include my username. thinking the fingerprint will be better :)

I did check your lens specs. and it's new to me and i also get confused. it's macro but it has 1.5m mininum focal distance to focus. i did see some sample picture that was shot by that lens. Like the monkey sample i saw. the detail is superb. and someone did use a dcr-250 to shoot closer to a small yellow jacket wasp.
I like your attitude of not giving up. Yes try to maximize your current lens see what it can do. btw, on dslr setting i do use vivid+ on image optimize setting.

I love my grandmother too. she lived with us for almost 20 yrs. she died 101yrs old. She and my mother took care of feeding milk on my youngest son aaron. Lucky kid, two old ladies influence him. :) my mom passed away last march 31. she was 81yrs old. We are the same. We must make them happy :) even if its not easy.

Yeah. am still thinking about papa-pepper week 2. i might not join week 2. i dont think i will get a consecutive luck. will see. i wanna support it since it suits my macro hobby :)
I saw you have canon. i have nikon. how i wish i can help you changing iso setting. will try to comment on your post.