Getting back to you.
I have followed up on some of the suggestions here and at the other thread I started in Auto enthusiasts page yesterday.
It seemed that the more I tried, at turning the key, less would happen. When the problem first became a problem, everything was acting like it was going to start but it wouldn't turn over. The next turn of the key, all the lights came on and one strike of the starter drive and then nothing. Third turn of the key and every one since... nothing.
I had just had it in for unrelated repairs and maint. about a week prior. ( I think they replaced the starter.) I thought it was, it wasn't starting and I had it towed to the shop, a local who works on all foreign cars and has been my mechanic for this car exclusively since I bought it and he worked on it for the previous owner. We have a fair percentage of hioty-toits in our small community and they have their cars worked on by the same guy.
They don't mess with electronics unless it's a complete - like plug in type - replacement module or something.
What I learned in this time is that it's possible to reprogram the fob IFF there are no other issues inside the fob. Otherwise you need a replacement or someone who can repair the original. Turns out a fellow DUer offered up a web site that was helpful.
At that web site, the guy repairs electronic and keys for BMWs, many years and models. Mine has a GM5 electronics module and it seems to be the guy's specialty. I spoke with him today and if this reprogram thing doesn't do the trick, he can repair it for a whopping $70, which is totally within my budget.
So that's the action plan, wait out this crappy weather for a couple days, charge up the car battery and try the reprogramming thing. If that doesn't do it then send the key to the fixit guy in LA and have a repaired key within two weeks.
(I was a professional driver for a good 20 years overall, from limos to semis and some heavy equipment... I have a clue about mechanics. My pals likes to buy antique cars and trucks, he takes me with him to assess the vehicle and he only buys it with my approval. I'm also a little savvy with computers and electronics but I don't work on them! 
...)
Thanks for your time and brainpower! Have a happy new year! 
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