aw thats great debs, good luck and keep us posted when/if you get a new kitty.
i guess its a personal choice. i have always had indoor cats so i dont know any different. i had 1 as a kid and when i had own apt i got 2 and chose to keep them indoors. imo i think its better for them to remain in doors. they can get hit by cars, stolen, lost, sick, killed by another animal (eg: dog) get in a cat fight- which can get bad, get fleas, ticks, feline aids, leukemia etc. they do sell ouside "tents" like things you can put the cat in when your in yard for them to get out but thats the most i would do personally. its all screen or something.
whatever you decide though good luck and i cant wait to see pix if you get one!