Sorry, folks--I started this thread, and then forgot to check back regularly for replies. :|

Hey, Leslie! As Karen said, Maynard isn't actually as far away as you might think. It's right in the middle of Acton, Sudbury, and Concord. I work in Medford, and it usually takes me 35-45 minutes to get to work, depending on traffic. It's not the greatest commute, but it seems to go pretty quickly. Also, I'm from Texas, so I'm used to driving.

Unfortunately, Edward Gorey died a few years ago--before I really became a fan! I've heard there is an Edward Gorey museum on Cape Cod. I need to look into it, as I'd love to go. Have you heard of it?

And yes, I like bats as much as I like dogs. I actually bought a bat cabin this summer to try to lure some of the creatures closer, but I wasn't able to put it up. I had fantasies of being known around the neighborhood as the "crazy bat lady."

Nice to meet you!