Thank you all for replying to my posting; it truly helped. It was good hearing that I'm not chewing off more than I can chew. I did forget to mention that I 'm planning to up my mileage each week, and it was great to hear that you recommended it.
I'm hoping that Spring comes early,(we still haven't had any snow and I have a dandelion blooming in my back yard; most years I've usually had about 5 or 6 good snow storms by now....), and I can get out in March and begin riding the road.
I have a friend at work who has ridden the Trek about 6 times and she's acting as my mentor;grin...unfortunately she just keeps flopping her hand at me and telling me, "You're gonna do fine, I tell ya,fine", which should make me feel better but doesn't... until now. I guess she's right.
Anyway, thanks for all the info and thanks for taking the time to hold my hand!!

Jan