DON'T PAY THE RANSOM! I ESCAPED!
Seriously, thank you one and all for your thoughtful and supportive comments.
Second, after four days of intensive studies and discussions (nothing like hearing both the first and second medical opinions simultaneously), it was decided that I would forego knee replacement (been there and done that in 2008) and take my chances fighting the bacteria strains with antibiotics.
So I'll ride in the Memorial Day parade with a young man who just got accepted by the USMA, attend the D-Day ceremony at West Point to honor General Gavin, then attend a banquet honoring outstanding regional HS seniors that evening. Then count the days to First Night, launching yet another NC season.
Meanwhile, I will hover over my PC and be as snarky as ever.
Thanks again. You have all reminded me how special it is to be a Boneyarder.