>Yes, I have an apllication class that has properties that are relatively static .. like application name etc
>I instanitate it for each form, so any data loaded by the first form is lost, so I load properties in each form with data from similar properties in prior forms, etc
>I must be missing something simple.

Yes, the goal of an application object is to be defined at first, thus at application load, and that's it. Otherwise, you are penalized your application for each hit or each process that is being executed.

You might want to see about a structure that would allow you to have your application object available as is wherever you are in your application. By that, you will gain a brand new perspective of what you can do and how you can make it evolve.