My plans are to create a website:

about 10 pages
approx. 30 to 35% images
perhaps 12 to 15 links

in the process of going from HTML to XHTML
some knowledge of CSS and learning more.

Certainly not an expert but rather knowledgeable.

What would be considered a ballpark estimate as to the amount of time this should take?

All depends on the amount of work to be done on the template.. then getting the information and such.. and the speed at which you work.. could be anything from a few days to a week.

No idea

for me about 1/2 - 3/4 of a day allowing for phone calls and BFBs, unless the sun is out then it might be 3 days

Sun in Blackpool, not when I ever went mate. More like wind and rain. brrrrr

Ibbo

Are all your questions so submissive? Dark is right, it all depends on various factors. Instead of waisting time asking us, why not do it and then gloat.