Well, I now know the reason for the 2nd problem - why the shifting went berserk. The LBS does weekly clinics and this week was on adjusting gears. So I took my bike in and related my problem. They used my bike for the demo.

Turns out that the cable where it goes into the shifter area was considerably frayed so they replaced it. Apparently the fraying just happened to reach the point of causing lots of problems just about the same time that I made that last adjustment - just a coincidence, which I figured must be the case.

Riding back home, the matter of the other problem remains - downshifting from 7th to 6th gear. I know the gears work a little different when riding compared to sitting on a rack so no biggie. I didn't make a further adjustment myself because I didn't even want to risk another "coincidence" while trying to ride home at night. I'll probably see if I can make an adjustment next ride, just before coming home in the late morning. That is, in some ways, the bigger problem since I keep getting it.

Bob