Pat - I know how you feel (we all do); we've been there and are at times still there. :) Have you tried bracketing your shots? Eats a little more film, but you get a better idea of what more or less exposure will do for you (more in this case). If you do bracket, keep good notes on your settings. That way, you get into another situation like this you'll know that with your cameras meter you'll need to go +1EV to get what you want (or whatever the number is).