After thinking about it for years and having the basic wiring done with the remodel, I've finally solved my last-mile problems (last-yard problems?) and figured out how to terminate RJ-45 jacks and patch them in my patch panel. (Hint: connect just the orange and green pairs according to the T576B standard.) I can log on from the dining table! Hallelujah!
Next step is to buy my wife a Mac and wire up her desk. Anybody know how to sync two Pilots to a single coherent home database (address list, shopping list, views of spouses' and kids' calendars, etc.)?