Some good news... I called the insurance company and they said that they had cut the check today for the full amount of the appraisal minus my deductible which is $300.  A ray of good fortune that... 

Then I called the autobody shop and gave them the go ahead to start work on Vanessa.  They said she should be ready perhaps as early as the end of the week, and in response to my inquiry they assured me that nothing but genuine OEM parts would be put on my baby. (Thanks Tom, for the head's up about that.)

Keeping my fingers crossed.  I miss the silly car already.