I appreciate the comments and even though I am still mostly mystified by all the options, I have done more research and I am still hoping to overcome my shortcomings, lack of knowledge, and less than spot on first choices for the lens i bought, lol.

BTW - I have been practicing with the new D40X and have been informed I need to try decreasing the aperture size in order to increase the DOF. I figured out how to do that on the new camera and I think it has helped some but need more results to quantify those results.

I am now looking at possible solutions to achieve what I want for what I can afford. I have read about teleconverters, extension tubes, close up filter lens, reversing rings, coupling rings, and macro lens.  Although my head hurts now, I have come to the conclusion that I have 2 viable options.

The first option is a reversing ring that will allow me to use either or both of the 2 lens I now own (an 18-55mm Nikkor AF-S VR  and a 55-200mm Nikkor AF-S VR). That is a very cheap possible solution but I am not sure it will really take me very far in the right direction and what real disadvantages it envolves.

The 2nd option is a dedicated macro lens. I have looked at prices and a Nikkor 105mm AF-S VR is completely beyond my financial abilities. Even the Nikkor 60mm AF-S  is beyond my price range. I did read a lot of good reviews on a Vivitar 100mm f3.5 lens and despite the repeatedly mentioned  fact that this lens is poorly constructed, the same people say it overcomes this drawback by being optically great and very inexpensive (I found  prices for new ones in the $100-$200 range). This  lens is the solution I am considering, however,  I know enough to realize it must be able to mount on my Nikon D40X body and thats the rub. I cannot seem to be able to find out if it will mount as is or will I need some adapter to make it compatible? Does anyone have an opinion about this lens and the mounting question.

Thanks again for the comments so far, and I am looking forward to any further assistance anyone is willling to give.

Lee