If I define my own CSS file and and upload a new layout.htm file, that precludes making any changes through the dkpsytem tools, right? Cause it seems like I can't change anything now using the "simple" tools.

For the most part, you are correct. Once you switch into "Advanced Layout" mode, a lot of the standard customization options get bypassed.

Righto. Honestly, I'm having a lot of fun trying to figure all this coding out. But it gets a little frustrating now and again. Hehe. Hopefully I can get a nice, functional, good looking site going. If there are any suggestions anyone has on where I can learn some more (i.e. clear, easy intstructions, for someone who learned html ages ago) I'd appreciate it.

Thanks!