All right! No lights at all! My rummaging through the archives gave me the bulb failure sensor relay as the most likely explanation. Or the equivalent. Info was from the 700 postings. The light switch is new, at which time I noticed the connector plug was nicely melted- could this be related? Hmmm. The bulb failure light flickers slightly when the brakes are used, turn signals, reverse, etc. This it still does.
The loss of lights did not happen all at once; occasionally the light selector switch would give no lights, then I would try it again and the lights would go on. The other night there was an awful smell (self destructing electrical connection?) in the car which preceded the loss of the lights- after the car had not been running. I don't know if that is related.
High beams work only when the switch is held toward the steering wheel.

Insights are welcome and needed-- the manuals are sparse on info. on this anD I work nights! thanks in advance...