I'll give that a try soon, though the family asked if Chip could stay with me for a bit since they're having a bit of a problem making room for him so my bondi iMac has become my first priority.

Something weird happened just now. I was moving Chip to a spot where the cat doesn't go very often, and I tripped! He got tossed fairly hard onto a recliner that was thankfully nearby... and now he boots! I'd be willing to be that my little accident didn't permanently fix anything, but at least it's something.

Though, now I don't know if/when the Sad Mac will come back, and it will undoubtedly take me by surprise when it does. I was traumatized by xx( as a kid too, so that thought raises my blood pressure and anxiety level.