Thanks Scorpion,
Points are well taken on navigation. Site has been an on-going project for some time, and thus different ideas and concepts were and are attempted therein routinely. I have revised much of it, trying to get it all into one pattern of navigation, but I simply haven't gotten to it all as yet. Just went through and re-named and grouped all the base photo pages pic_****, so I could find them in fact! And, re-built a couple of the photo albums in the fashion you praised.
As for pop-up on the recipe page, I targeted that one in that manner intentionally, so the visitor could browse the site, and print recipes off the second window without backing up the print buffers too bad, should they so desire. I had run the collectables section in the same fashion thinking the viewer could browse while waiting for pictures to load, but I believe I've changed that since because it wasn't truly as viable an option.
As for the Dark backgrounds, my eyes are unfortunately the exact opposite, they are strained by bright glaring backgrounds, whereas the lighter text over dark background is easier for me to read. Matauri cites the same problem with her eyes, and she likewise designs heavily in darker colors,
http://activnet.org/, it's tough to meet everyone's needs. And, unfortunately since I have to look at the site a great deal more than everyone else,
(like probably a thousand to one) my vote was placed at the top of the list. I did attempt more neutral colors, but then it's difficult to find text colors that contrast well to work with. Such is the case with a few more folks I've run across herein, as well.
Regarding the watermark in the homepage background, that one is there as a marker. Given the extent of the menu and the numerous "Take Me Home Mabel" links, scattered throughout, it makes the homepage readily recognizable when you return to it. I've given thought to installing java menu and losing the frames, but I run frames primarily for load speed and changing that would slow my pages.
Yep... we got big walleye up here in ND dude! What more can I say. Except, it was pure luck! I fished for 7 hours that day, and aside from that fish, had only one other bite. That was in fact going to be,
(and ultimately was) my last cast for the night, I was headed for the truck after I reeled that cast in, then suddenly the line tightened, and got heavy, and then things got real exciting! Spent every night on the river for the rest of the summer and never found another anywhere close to that big! There were several others blessed with fish of that same stature, in that time however.
Thanks for the feedback and the compliments, wish you many enjoyable evenings viewing the site, I think you'll find all the recipes much to your liking as well. Drop me a line if you have any questions therein.
Best Regards,
Rocky