WOW! Thank you to everyone that replied, I was real happy to read
that my thinking is along the correct and safe path.

As far as connecting to the main panel, yes I did consider this, but
thought for some reason that it would be better coming off the sub
panel. I'm going to look over the "main" panel to make sure there's
room and it has the posts to connect to.

As far as using a smaller breaker to tie in the 100 amp sub-panel in
the barn, I think this is a great idea!....Again, for some reason I
had the mind-set that I "had" to use a 100 amp breaker with a 100 amp
sub-panel.

I still plan to run the #2 wire however--as long as my main panel can
accept that size. *Usually* I spend more and buy a little more than I
need the first time around to make my life easier in the future. Too
bad I screwed-up my practice of this but NOT installing a new 200 amp
panel in the house. Again, hind sight is easy as they say.

Anyway, thank you again to everyone! Once the lights are shinning in
the barn, I'll cut a "ceremonial board" in half in your honor!
(~grin~). Not to mention plugging in a small fridge to keep the beer
cold. D'OH!...See? I'm already using more juice than I first
planned. (~double grin~)

HAVE A GREAT EASTER HOLIDAY!

RC