Hi Rob: thanks. I can come close to anticipating the background color, but At times I use backgrounds with a slight pattern.This is a personal web page so I can get quite creative!!

Anyhow I used the png format and tried the Refine Edge option (I do not know if it made any difference since I was using the "Select - Feather option").

The png is working much much better so I can be happy for now!!

Thanks again to everyone for taking the time to help

Tina