re: Wish I could see your pictures!
They don't show up for me (Imageshack hosting?)
The planetary display last night was pretty splendid as well. Venus and Mercury had separated somewhat, but they were still on a line parallel with the horizon, perhaps twice the distance apart (or more?) of Monday evening. Once again, I was driving down into California's Central Valley from the Sierras when I spotted the planets.
Of course once I got to the Valley, trees obscured my view. And I really shouldn't be sky-gazing while driving!