Steve--Thank you for your kind words. I am happy that you like the template package

You can definitely use the images that I have included in the slider. All is released under the GPL and I started from public domain images. The image showing currently on your home page is not one of my images though so be sure to check the copyright situation before using it. Just be sure that when you edit the define_main_page.php through the zen cart admin that you have the "plain text" selected in the text editor drop down menu

If you want a darker grey I would recommend #444444. #181818 is a bit darker still.