Thanks for the suggestion on chips, the STP16DP05 and A6278 both look like viable options, the higher mA and single max current limiting resistor are exactly what I was looking for.

I will have to order a few of them for testing.

Also thanks for the pseudo code, but is there anyway I could beg, plead or cry for a snippet of real code that I could immediately compile and load on a pic16f628a so I could be off and running without the inevitable frustration of one stupid missed syntax or dumb hardware mistake that leads me down the debugging road with no solid working basis?

I'll pick up the STP16DP05 and A6278 so no preference on what one the code is for...

Nothing fancy even just the all on all off example you hinted at. Just something to build upon.

I know it sounds lazy and it is no doubt, but many times the frustration takes all the fun out of the hobby and I never get things working.