Hey Bob, can you focus optically through the lens, or only through the lcd screen? Might help. Other than use the macro setting, I can't think of much else, other then perhaps a mini tripod, and a remote trigger, or delayed shutter setting so that you don't get any movement from presing the button. I just ordered a remote cable for my camera today to eliminate the movement while using a tripod. Hopefully will be here by the weekend. I was out shooting in the pines this past weekend, and found that I really needed the remote. Hope to post some of the shots sometime. Knowing how long it takes me to do some of these things it may be quite a while, e.g. my Harrisville shots, and getting my chairs if you still have them. If not no big deal.
Nice shots you have there also.