Hey skimask,

thanks for the explanations...

1. i went ahead and isolated the PIC Vdd from the programmer's Vdd -- safer habit to get into.

2. i'll put a diode in the circuit. appreciate the explanation regarding the RESET pullup.

3. currently there is no need to have LVP enabled for this current project and i have that fuse set to off.

4. wasn't quite sure about having the board "hot" and programmer on at the same time. thanks for your input regarding this. i'll isolate Vdd and be good to go.