Thanks very much for your help.....at least I have a place to start.
fwiw.....that's my biggest dilemma, getting someone to do it RIGHT w/ a "reasonable" cost. Our entire outside (ex. lower 20% of brick trim) is cedar siding (requirement of our subdivision ie. no alum./etc.)
I fear that it just going to end up looking like a PATCHWORK job......which may look even worse than my "weathered" look. (and I use that term in jest).
However, I do need to get something done as each winter seems to be taking more of a toll on the BAD boards / siding. Also, some of the worst areas are where our top story / lower story roof drainage is NOT flowing off the best it could. ie. where garage roof line meets home siding, etc.