Mark, I am so freakin' happy for you and your W. I just moved over to Piecing from Newcomer's, upon yours and rj's advice. I hope to learn from you and the other folks who are piecing!
It is especially comforting to see your sitch where it is given that you have had more than one separation in the past. H and I are in the midst of our third (although the first was for 5 days and I don't always "count" it.)