(augh! cringe ... ) I think it's solved ... my issues with permissions, etc.
Remembered that the scripts involved had been modified to reflect an older path in /usr/local, where I guess I can't tread as a normal user w.r.t. permissions needed. Fixed that. I'll know soon enough. Things seem to be moving along ... Sorry folks. Thanks a lot, though for the tips. It wouldn't be going now without that. Kenward