I'm the guest lol.

Very nice contrast between the street emptiness on the left and the dappled goodness on the right.

An oldie but a goodie. The kit lens is under-rated.

Thanks! Overall I like this version more. The warmest part of the sky looks significantly nicer to my eye, and on the hillside some elements have taken on extra life eg. the cactus bottom right corner. I get the impression that all the hillside has been warmed slightly (or is it a general lift in exposure?), but I think may have reached its limit if naturalness is a goal - the dead grass clumps seem a little strained on this laptop. It would be great to look over your shoulder to watch you doing these tweaks one day ...

http://www.tmphillips.com/pg/picture.php?/26986/category/395

Looks great. I know I've seen an earlier version - how about a link for comparison? Pretty Please!

Yep, I like this better. The darks have been lightened nicely without detracting from the centrepiece.

thinking i like the original pass more lol but a goal was to have some easier visibility of darker areas in this version thus less overall contrast boost...

original pass:
https://www.tmphillips.com/pg/picture.php?/3729/category/13
and larger:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/tmphillips/51355185562

Oh she has settled in quickly; a natural as you suggest. Perfect face/eye focus, love the colours. Of course, she is Kim's cat isn't she?