Carol, I want to knit some socks this winter, too! I've never done them, so I can't yet recommend a good pattern, but I am also looking. Maybe just for some "house socks"--not too fine a yarn that I'll never finish! I found knitting with dpn's (double point needles) for hats and toys to be just a little bit tricky at first, but it starts to feel more natural as you work. There are lots of great tutorials online that you may want to check out! If I come across a promising pattern, I will share it!
I'm a member of ravelry.com where there are TONS of free patterns to search, with reviews and photos and you can also narrow the search down to level of difficulty, weight of yarn, etc...It's a great site for knitters/crocheters!