It works! I can shift- more improtantly my wife can shift smoothly!
Symptoms:
Couldn't find first and second gear.  To find the gear you had to push down
as if going into Reverse, but not move all the way left into reverse.  What
a pain in the butt!  I was always worried that I would start in Reverse at a
stop light and rear end somebody!

Solution:
Per the advice of Coby Smolens, I loosened the selector rod and turned it
about 1/16" counter clockwise.  I first rotated it too far, so reverse was
where first is! Oops.  I also changed the pot-metal socket ($21.57 at the
dealer).  There was considerable wear on the socket but not the plastic
ball.  I also replaced the rubber boot that covers the ball & socket joint.
Note, when replacing the pot-metal socket, I didn't use the rolled pin but
insead a 6mm bolt with locking nut, mainly because I couldn't get a metric
rolled pin (1/4" didn't fit- dealer didn't have the pin either).

All in all, first gear (2, 3, 4 & R too) has never been easier to find!  I
am happily shifting now!

thanks for all the help
Matthew
84 weekender