Hey Karen,
If you decide on a Surly, check out alfred E. bike. www.aebike.com
They had the best deals on them and you can get them built up or as a frame. They are great because FFF. Fatties Fit Fine, meaning fat tires, and there is room for fenders for all the slop. They are heavy but If you are using just as a pre-season bike it shouldn't matter. I put a carbon fork on mine which really helped and since I'm only 5 feet tall the 42cm cross fits pretty good.
Good luck and have a great ride. Oh and I did proofhide the saddle and that seams to have helped, thanks.
Jody