Here is a rarity for me - a repost. After I posted the first version, I went back and worked on the lighting (significantly) along with a few other details. I liked the improvements enough to post it again. Norman's wonderful catnap is suddenly interupted by a familiar voice. "Honey, I thought you were going to work on the yard." Jill had decided to check on her hubby and there he was, caught in the act, just loafing around when he was supposed to be working. "Oh, hi sweetheart. I was just, uh, working on, um, that is, I was trying to work out a cramp, uh, in my leg." Norman wasn't particularly quick thinking, but it didn't really matter. Jill vanished back into the house for a few moments and then re-appeared with a glass of ice tea in hand. "If you ask me" she quiped "such a hard worker is well deserving of some refreshment." Norman smiled brightly as Jill handed him the glass. "However, it would be nice if you actually did get something done once you work those cramps out of your eyelids." she said with a twinkle in her eye. Eleven years and three kids and the playful spark was as bright between them as ever, maybe brighter. This started with Boica's generous gift of the "House in El Sobrante California" and progressed into a trial run of the alpha plane sky technique which I used often in RayDream but had not used in Vue as yet. From there a story began to take shape and here you go. I hope you enjoy it. Vue 4 on a Mac; No Postwork; Credits: The house is by Boica - He makes excellent models: http://www.renderosity.com/viewed.ez?galleryid=708537 The Wheelbarrow, rake, wagon, big wheel, tire swing, deck chair and watering can are all from Sam's 3-D: www.sams3d.com Sea Gulls by John Spirko http://www.iaw.on.ca/~jspirko/ The Shrubs are from www.3DPlants.com The people are from Poser (of course); The textures are all by me and are all procedural (including the bricks). The sky is one of my photos on an alpha plane as well as the clouds reflected in the windows. Comments and suggestions always welcome.