In Windows XP you could select Display Properties and then modify the desktop to add pictures, graphics, etc. There could be one or twenty. These were *in addition to* the desktop background.

I would like to do the same with Windows 7 but cannot figure out how to do it. NOTE: This is *not* the desktop background; It is also *not* the Slide Show gadget.

Anybody know how?

This functionality, out of the box, does not exist on Vista or win7. Your only real options without 3rd party software are the sidebar gadgets on a stock install. Otherwise, you would need additional software if it exists.