@bluebayou I stopped by my independent computer repair shop, but did not speak to one of the Apple techs. While my battery is only 18 months old, it could fail, but I believe more is going on with the computer.
The new Macbook keeps calling my name, and the Costco sale only goes through Saturday. I think I will go pick one up tomorrow and mull over what I want to do, without opening it. I do have an appointment at the genius bar tomorrow, but might not keep it. I have a hard time spending a minimum of $159 on the battery, or find out it is a more involve and expensive repair for a 7 year old laptop. I would rather skip paying for a diagnostic and go ahead and get the new laptop; one that I would have to get in the next year or so anyway.