I got a pcb stuffed and modified the code to use the new rtc ic.  It looks to work...but I did find 2 bad neopixels that prevent leds past them from working.  I was able to see the seconds tic and the minutes as well.  The neopixel are difficult to remove from a pcb. I have some new pixels coming and I borrowed a hot air desoldeting tool.  I will try to fix the issues soon. Hope fully there are no other issues hiding.