I just came back from an extended run around the neighborhood. She seems to run better than it ever has.
The dash lights are much brighter.
The temp gauge is @ about 50%.
The oil gauge is @ 50% or a touch higher.
The Amp gauge is is calm and functioning well.
The curb idle is steady and strong.
The whole car is very different from when I first started it back in August.

I learned many things in the last weeks.
#1) To not panic
#2) That someone else has already been there, done that.
#3) How to use and understand what a compression gauge does and why
#4) To gather as many clues as possible, however small, when conversing with you members on an issue.

As I move forward I will have many more posts w/ questions but for now will close this thread.

I can't thank all of you enough for your close support and patience while this rookie works his way through.

I will catch you chaps down the road but for now...(Dan)....My family and I are going to get ice cream cones...and thanks to all of you...I'm just in time.

Mike