ok.  I have discovered that you can indeed select memories to write into 
with the keypad.
Simply press all three digits of the desired memory (001 - 128).
After entry of the third digit you get a quick double beep.  This means the 
entry took.
Now just press the m/r    to write, you get the long beep and you're done.

When in chanel mode, you can select memories in the same way.  Press all 
three digits, you will hear each one spoken, then a high beep, and the 
number read as a word.  I.e. press 1 2 8, you hear each press then a high 
beep and the words "1 hundred twenty eight".

I hope these little messages are helpful to someone out there.
When I get some sight over here, I'll concentrate on pl tones.

73