I have eliminated hardware as a problem by writing a C program for the same hardware platform and it compiles, downloads and runs fine on the hardware using CCS C compiler, MPLAB and the PICkit2 as above. The hardware is so simple, it's pretty idiot proof(I hope I don't have to eat those words!!!

Here is my question. For those of you who may have tinkered with this project, I'm looking for a Checksum when the compiled.hex file is imported into your programmer of choice. For giggles and grins, I import the same file into the PICkit2 programmer app and get the same Checksum as when I import into MPLAB. That checksum is 9000 hex in both cases. What is your checksum?
I think I'll use the Logic Analyzer tool of the PICKit2 to look at the sensor data line to see if any activity is going on there. The LCD remains blank.
Thanks in advance for any insights! I'm doing this as a matter principal now! I have lots of experience with CCS C but want to be successful with the GCB solution!