Thanks for all the welcome messages. I've read several threads on this site and it really seems like you've made this forum very friendly and encouraging. Not all forums are like this.
As far as being new to riding, I'm not sure if it will always be this way, but I can't get enough of it. When I get off, I'm ready to get back on. I'm going out of town for an extended weekend and instead of being excited to see family and enjoy 4 days around the pool, I'm bummed that I won't be able to ride for 4 days. But I have something to look forward to when I get back.