I now have second position!!
I’ve been working like mad to unlearn my previous training and make the new (much better and it doesn’t hurt!) way of holding my bow and fingering hand. I actually let my fingering-hand thumb just dangle so I don’t squeeze the ‘cello neck. It really gives a whole new meaning to strangle hold! 
My bow arm is much more straight and I’m consciously using the weight of my whole arm to generate the pressure the bow needs to make tone on the string. It’s more smooth, more voluminous… 10000 times better from both the listening and the playing perspectives. I’m thrilled!
Tonight, I got second position. I know that doesn’t sound like much, but for someone who’s been self-taught, primarily, it’s a HUGE deal. First position is when your fingering-hand is up near the peg box. Second position is when your fingering-hand is down near the ‘cello body - but not touching the body since that makes you loose all the wonderful round tones because you’re stopping the vibrations prematurely.
My instructor, Professor Jim Smith (I wish he had a website so I could share!!), is *brilliant!!* I feel so lucky to have found him. THANK YOU PORTLAND.CRAIGSLIST.COM!! (Pardon my yelling excitedly.)
Professor Jim also went over Jillian and Dahlia with a fine-tooth comb. Each of them need a new bridge, Dahlia needs a new nut and strings (better ones), Jillian needs a different fine tuner so I can try the new strings I’ve had for eons but couldn’t use (Obligatto!) because the fine tuners were too small to accept the string base. I also need to get a new book, but I can’t recall the author. Professor Jim let me borrow one of his to practice my slide between first and second positions.
Dahlia also needs a new bow to go with her. A not-so-cheap one, like the one who came with her. D has Aurora, from Incredibow. The website gives it another name, because of the color it has, Aurorabow. Hence, Aurora. And D *knows* the fairies brought it to her to play Dahlia. I love D! She makes me smile.
So, off to sleep for now. Lots to do tomorrow and lots to practice after work. *I* have *second* position! Wheeee!