[denisond3]

I have been married over 30 years, have two grown daughters, and i dont think there IS such a person as a -simple female-. ....
First the easy problem; The failure to start on the first few tries is probably either a starter that is worn out, or an ignition switch that is going bad. Starters wear out eventually on any car, but Escorts are -known- for the ignition switches also going bad, after maybe a dozen years and 100,000 miles. Starters for Escorts typically cost $100 and up, and can be installed by anyone with some mechanical inclinations who is willing to get greasy and have a tired back from leaning over the fender.
The ignition switches have two parts, an electrical part that makes the electrical connections, and the key-lock part, where you put the key. You can buy the electrical part separately, its about $40 normally. It can be installed in half an hour, by any mechanically inclined person. It is a little hard to reach one of the phillips screws, but I have done it. To replace the keylock part you probably have to replace the entire switch (both parts), and the combined part is about $90-$110. Replacing it involves removing two 'tamper resistant' bolts that you cant undo with a normal wrench. I have done that too, and it took me about 30 minutes, with hand tools; half of the time was taking off the plastic 'clamshell' that covers the steering column. If I were you, I might replace the ignition switch first and see if it fixes the problem. If not - figure on getting a new/rebuilt starter, or one from a junkyard that you hope is good.

I will send you a p.m. with more info....