Barry:

Since, you are posting from a velocity.net address, and to build on
bildan's and Wayne Paul's comments:

When the weather improves after April 15 why don't you get to either,
Dart Field near Mayville, NY, (Airport ID: D79)
or
Brokenstraw Airport near Youngsville, PA, (Airport ID: P15)
Take an "introductory gilder ride" and learn how a stick feels and how
to use it. The cost of an introductory glider ride is quite reasonable
and you will be riding with an experienced commercial pilot or a CFIG
glider instructor.
It will make you a better pilot when you encounter other planes that
have a stick or have yokes. If you build upon that glider experience it
will make you a better power pilot. You will interchange the use of the
hand on the glider's spoilers for the use of the hand with the throttle
in a powered plane. The use of the stick or yoke and your hands will
eventually come naturally when you stop worrying about it.