Both of the links so far have failed to solve my problem with High Sierra and Notes. I believe I now know what the problem is (from rereading the links several times), I just do not know High Sierra and Apple MacBook well enough to accomplish what I need to do. I am evidently stuck in iCloud as the default beginning point for creating notes. I can also create them in Google. Neither of those will gain me access to creating a note with the Checklist button, which I really need. I need to get back to being default ON THE MACBOOK to create notes. So far, none of the "look at the button to the right of iCloud at the top left" or some such work for me, as I do not have that visible or invisible. Hopefully, someone more steeped in Apple OS lore than I will be able to help me. I can use my iPhone cam to snap images of the screen portions for anyone to peruse, if that is necessary. I am really stymied. And, I am seriously rethinking all the statements I've heard down through the decades that Apple stuff is easy. This major kink to the work I need to accomplish has thrown me into the Black Hole of <fill in the blank> of mental state over this effort.
As we say in ham radio: OOOOOOVER.