Thank you for your inputs. 172 Driver repeated what my instructor told me Wednesday. "Landing is an art that you have to practice to get right. With a few feet left you pull the yolk back and try to keep the plane off the ground. It will gradually settle nice and smooth." I think I will forget the touchdown point next week and just get the feel for the landing. Then adjust for the point. Also, I am scheduled to fly at 0800 on Wednesday so the air should be nice and calm, and cool. It is only about 90 F that early. The weather should be perfect. Of course, that depends on tropical storm Don to continue tracking West. I think your point #3 is dead on.
Silvaire1, I like your analogy to a sailboat. I have years of sailing experience and I can relate to drifting into the dock. But again, you also repeated my instructor's instruction, "stop looking at the airspeed, look all the way to the far end of the runway and keep the plane off the ground." It will land, but it should end up being nice and smooth.
Well, all of the input I have had here is greatly appreciated. One thing for certain is that my instructor has had some support. So I feel better about that end of things. I will let y'all know how it goes on Wednesday. I am really looking forward to it. But then I always look forward to flying, even when it is a battle. One day I may even be able to provide some advice for a beginner and relate back to this experience.