Hi Joe-
My husband and I are following the same path as you and your wife. Just going slow, avoiding injuries and trying to make it part of our lifestyle. We sold the last "clothes rack" (an elliptical) when we realized that neither of really like to run.
We got our Model E about a week ago, we went with that model because of the height and realizing that even though we are both young (in our mid-40's) that our knees weren't going to get any younger. I'm glad I did - its seems comfortable to me, especially since I need to drop at least 50lbs.
I am working up to 5000m a day. I want to participate in the March Madness challenge.
Have you looked at Sparkpeople.com? There's a nutrition, food tracking section there, as well as forums.

Rhonda