You guys are really helping me learn to fly pattern! None of these responses from all of you are wasted. Since I started this thread I have burned through almost two gallons of fuel, practicing a lot of the suggestions that have been said here. The good news is I am improving!
There are no active pattern flyers in my area so this thread has been my school.
Perception, perception, perception.... right on! At my stage of learning, the only way I can tell whether or not the wings are perfectly level is when I pull and find out too late that the heading is going bye bye. But I am getting better at flying the airplane and not the sticks. One thing I am going to try is putting a dayglo stripe on each wing tip to better see where the wings are as the plane passes through box center.
Thanks again for all of the help. This thread is being printed out as it builds for continued study.
By the way, Hover King, last years masters champion at the Nat's was 15; so believe me, I pay attention to what you say regardless of age.