I'll pay more attention to the loading issue, but given that loading full size requires bringing in the entire image vs. just the thumbnail I suspect the issue has more to do with the number of images on a page and not just one image. So when 2-4 full images are linked in several posts, as you and Ted often do, and there are several posts on the page, then it's more than possible that you're going to notice them loading, even on DSL. I typically get 20-30 Mbps like Don, but every once in a while I'll notice it. No big deal for me, but I know that when I was visiting my parents last week, their DSL made some page loads painful.
As for your photos, I really like the B&W, though it's just a hair dark for me. May be a difference in monitors?