Thanks to everyone who responded to my recent post about introducing new cats to the household.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-156082-1.htm
They arrived today, Conan is 10, Howard is 12, my cat is 4. Since no one lives in the back of the house, they have been given that as their space until I feel it's comfortable for them to roam the house. We put up a kids gate to block the hallway and a sheet suspended from the doorway and anchored down with clips prevents them from jumping the gate and entering the family room.
Conan has had a one-sided conversation with our cat, Buddy, through the gate already. Buddy has remained noncommittal.
They will be with us around 6 months. My girlfriend has cancer, she is having surgery this week and the recovery time is 4 months. Her husband has alzheimer's and cannot care for the cats. This way she doesn't have to worry about them and can worry about herself. My DH was reluctant at first to take them, but after seeing how difficult it is for her to deal with her DH, he's been very supportive.
Will post again, and include pictures, when the transition is complete and everyone has settled in.