Creating the .po file
I found and heartily recommend using the Code Styling Localization plugin to assist with the creation of the .po and .mo files. Once installed, this plugin scans and lists all installed themes and plugins, active or not, with a list of which language files are associated with them. The plugin also is capable of scanning the theme or plugin source files for the WordPress translation functions and displaying every text item that is to be translated on a separate page.
Each entry allows for the standard functions of creating, editing and deleting of specific language files. It also allows for refreshing the language file should there be any changes in the source theme or plugin files.
Once the text items are located and listed, the Code Styling Localization plugin provides the means to select an item and specify the translation for it. Once all of the items have been translated, it is also capable of producing the corresponding .mo binary file.
Note: this plugin is accessed through Tools -> Localization in the admin side bar.
Personal Links