Just a brief summary of my problem and it's resolution:
The postgres log file was gobbling up all my disk space and I wasn't paying
attention. Postgres shut down and wouldn't restart. I truncated the log
file and now had plenty of space but Postgres still wouldn't start.
I noticed it wasn't posting to the log file. When I truncated the log file
I inadvertently changed it's ownership to root. I corrected the situation,
but it was still not writing to the log file. I changed the permissions but
again, it still wasn't starting up. I had turned on more extensive
debugging. When I removed the flag, I was surprised to see Postgres start
normally. I must have had it set wrong.
Boy do I feel dumb. I think the quote is, "Man proposes, but God disposes."
It's been a humbling experience to air my ignorance.
I really appreciate Postgres and this forum.
Tom, you've helped me (and others) more than once. Many thanks.
Tom Bakken
Information Resource Manager
Texas USDA, Rural Development
