Oh, my goodness.
You were all so right. I just went up to try one more time and decided to move the hand wheel just a bit and the darn thing popped right in where it belongs. I can't wait to get home tonight and thread it up and give it a shot.
BUT, I don't know if I'll ever try that on my own again. It was an exercise in frustration.
Thanks for all of your support!
Happy sewing,
lots2do