Steve,
I will ask the roofer about slate, but doubt if I can afford it right now. This couldn't have came at a worse time as I have all of my car insurances coming due, two registrations, and property taxes soon. Oh yea, and a huge medical bill that I have to have paid off by the end of September.
Fred,
I just received an e-mail from my cousin in the Ozarks. I thought they had all of their hay up, but it is still raining and they had another 2" last night. They are afraid some of the fields are going to just rot. So maybe you had better plan on pontoons for the bike instead of tires.
Ron