To those who made suggestions this week about better-than-dial-up services -- I do appreciate your ideas. After chat, I conducted another search for providers in my area [which I normally do every few months anyway]. The best deal I found was still almost $90 a month, plus tax and unspecified equipment charges. Regardless of what those equipment charges are, the 90 bucks base price is too rich for my blood! Of course, I'll continue watching for better deals. In the meantime, I hope that the 80% of you who live in urban areas with access to economical DSL or cable do enjoy that prerogative. I'll suffer a few pangs of envy -- but take consolation in watching my tame cottontails, resident hummingbirds, and various birds that come to the window to let me know that their seed supply is getting low. It's hard to put a price on watching a mama quail parade her babies within a few feet of the guard cat, with full confidence that no predator can threaten them while he is on duty! Sharon McAllister

Did you look into Direcway? The first year is rather high but after that it gets down to a livable amount. The equipment cost is what kills you the first year. About $800, which they spread out over the first year. We tried it and I liked it better than the DSL we have now, but Tracie didn't like it so....................... (o:]>*HUGGLES*<[:o) Billie Walsh The three best words in the English Language: "I LOVE YOU" Pass them on!