Don't know why nobody had anything to say. I've been gardening for a long time, but have never done a soil test, so no info to share. There is a soil forum...

RESULTS: I checked all the links provided or mentioned in this thread and decided to visit an honest-to-goodness paint store in Big D. Walnut Hill Paint Store seemed very promising with a couple of online kudos and the fact that they offer a variety of paint brands. I spoke with the first gentleman I saw, who, without going in detail, didn't give me a strong opinion on what paint I should go with, but honestly recommended a flat sheen BM. I was chicken and was honestly leaning toward eggshell. He mentioned that the sheen card was "actually printed" (and I suppose I should have explained that I knew that very well as I'm a print graphic designer, art director, ah, well). Fortunately, a pro walked in and immediately realized my dilemma, we chatted, and, after a few minutes I was confident he knew what I was talking about, and he recommended top-o-the-line "Royal" BM Acrylic in Pearl finish which had been recommended on one the links here. So, I went there. Now, I'm a big believer in letting paint cure, but I think this is probably as close as I'm going to get... There is definitely a more pronounced sheen than the Valspar Satin, naturally (ack! that stuff was chalky!), but it is smooth enough for the touch factor! I have to say here, that sanding the Valspar after two coats, made a similar effect, but the pearl is just that much better feeling! Short of using oil-based paint and spending more $$, the BM Royal Pearl is going to have to be my choice. Another thing I decided was that the fabulous black finish I saw at my dentist's office is NOT going to look the same in white, no matter what! It's a light thing ;-) If this house were worth the trouble, I'd paint 3 coats of Valspar satin and sand all three 3 coats. But nobody but me is going to notice the diff. here ;-) PS. I sanded everything before I even started this project. Hope this helps others...

Done. :)

In lieu of being paranoid, three to four inches of the tops on both branches are the only parts that are softer than i remember. As if its deflating... I cant help to poke with a fine needle to see if latex is going to come out, a couple spots havent, but that may be because I might of needed to prick a little deeper 50/50. I have not watered very much in approx 3 wks because of the warmer/colder weather going into fall. However, I did spray with water generously a couple times. Wondering if it could be dehydrated because of the deflated texture, but of course water is tricky when a plumeria isnt in its best condition. Also, the plumeria is leaning to one side - that probably isnt good either... I was wondering if i should get a fine tipped grafting knife, or something similar, to make an incision and see if there is any rotting going on??? Any further thoughts or suggestions from you good people, I would happily be in receipt. - Merci Beacoup