Mimi, first off, congrats on the bike. It's beautiful (orange is my favorite color). Once you get the bike, I hope that you're able to forget the frustration it took to get it.

If Triskeliongirl is right--that the fenders delayed the build--then it's too bad the LBS owner didn't communicate that better. I see this thing happen a lot as a lawyer. Attorney/client relationships often go south from a simple failure to communicate. It's all about managing expectations.

In any event, enjoy the new frame. What are you building it up with? Do you know how much the frame weighs? I fantasize daily about getting a custom steel bike. I settled recently, however, for custom wheels. Sigh.....

Kate