OK, that's it. I am done for tonight.

I got the tire back on. My thumbs are killing me. And the brand new tire won't fill with air. The problem is not with my tube. Is it with my PUMP? I'm taking old tube, new tube in tire, and pump to LBS tomorrow. I do not care how moronic I look or how simple my mistake turns out to be. I am frustrated. Or, as my three year old nephew once said:

Fer-US-ter-a-ted!

Thanks, kn, for the suggestion. I have never had such difficulty getting a tire off (and on) a rim.

L.