Thank you all for your combined inputs.

Today I "burped" the cooling system fluids, exchanged the coolant cap with my 95 and topped off reservoir.

Drove to work and the temp stayed just under 100* and never reached the previous day's high. Ambient temp was around 105* (this is Arizona).

I am extremely relieved to see that it is not the water pump. The cost and knuckle scrapes would have been hellish in these temperatures.

So "burping" is the key.

I never would have thought of it on my own...thanks again all, for your assistance.

best regards,

nestorb98