hi Bob, welcome aboard!

The pictures next to the sign-in name are called avatars. You can choose from the many icons we have in our database, or upload your own photo (no larger than 100 x 100 pixels or 20 Kb). Just click on the profile icon, to the right at the top of the page. Then select Edit Options .. scroll to the bottom of that page, and choose the Avatar option. If you're having trouble, check out the info. in this thread How do I add Picture/Icon to my profile?

The little symbols .. egg cups, chicken legs, steaks, lobsters and The Bison ... are awarded according to the number of posts. If you click on the symbol, a window will open to explain.

hth,

Doreen