Thanks for this comment Minty. It worked as a "swift kick of understanding". I have been trying since this wallet version rolled out to shut off minting so the sync-up would happen. You made me realize my mistake - not having my wallet encrypted. This was the first wallet I ever downloaded & I did neglect to do it even though I should know better. In most wallets using encryption is an option, with this version it helps solve the minting on/off problem.

When we encrypt our wallets it will default to a locked position (minting off), after you get synced-up just unlock as Minty instructs.

So now I am good, got the current version synced by first encrypting, then downloading the snapshot, syncing up, and then unlocking the minting feature to get my green coins flowing in. Woo-Hoo
Wallet stayed focused on downloading blocks until synced, CPU staying cool enough to run 24/7 - thanks again!