I'm wondering if there is a way to enlarge the tiny pic on the left side of the post before actually clicking to open the thread?

There is not. The thumbnail image is actually a link to the thread itself.

Yes I noticed that when I click on the picture it opens the thread. I have used forums before that when you mouse over the pic it enlarges so you have a better idea of what the thread/question is about before having to click on the thread and wait for it to open. Just saves a weeee bit of time and is handy. didn't know if that could be done here or not though.

Well, that's definitely a nice idea. I'll give it some thought as to how I might accomplish that.