I just wanted to say thanks for all the tips as to what I should be looking at. The bobbin was threaded correctly..............but the trouble WAS with the needle. I did more searching on that subject and once the correct installation of the needle was made clear based on where the bobbin is loaded (side load = flat part of needle is to the right) that made ALLLLLLL the difference in the world. It plucked that bobbin thread up like an alien abduction!
I was all giddy until I tried to sew. The thread kept binding under the feed and the top thread would break. DUH. I had the needle threaded from the right and it should have been from the left.
Sews a solid seam like a dream! I'm happy!