One important thing that did not get addressed was that I got a back-up drive (Seagate 1T) but I have not been able to get the system to pick it up through time machine.  It just doesn’t look like the machine is aware the drive is plugged in.  If you have a thing or two for me to try, I would appreciate it.
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First, simply try unplugging and replugging it in.  If that doesn't allow the disk to remount on the desktop then with the disk connected, open disk utility to see if it is listed.  You can use spotlight search in the top right hand corner (maginifying glass) to type "disk utility".  Then select "mount" in the bar above.  

If that doesn't work then the drive may be dead.  Drives die all the time so I've just become numb to it.  That's why we have more than one.  let me know if either of those suggestions work.  You might also try connecting via a different method.  In other words, if you are using USB, maybe firewire may do the trick.