Thank you, everybody, for your very thoughtful responses. Just so you know, I'm not depressed or anything, really. Just considering my options. Thanks for all the info on intentional communities. I even found one here in town. And I, too, like the idea of a Mudcat House/Compound. And while the idea of meeting a nice Mudcat man is appealing, I ain't holdin' my breath.

Cheers,
Maryann