Thank you for the additional suggestions. It has really helped to give me options. It also pushed me to self check specifically what my radio deficiencies are.
First, I would like to defend myself a little. My current CFI is very old school, and a semi-retired CFI. The individual that said it shouldn't have taken so long for 143 hrs didn't work with my CFI. I'm lucky to get a couple of days a month because of his schedule. I have taken vacation days from work to be able to coincide with his schedule. I've been with him since last March. Secondly the individual that said after 4 instructors the problem is probably me. Yes the problem was definitely me with my first instructor. I suffered from information overload and the radio was a big problem. I just don't think he should have yelled at me when I made a bad call and fired me. Second instructor was a flake, and my third was my fault for being inpatient and going elsewhere to finish up.
After getting that out of the way LOL. I have been able to discover that my main problem with the radio, and why I freeze up, is when I don't know my specific location. I know where I am on the chart, but I don't know the city. This can be a problem with FF. I don't have any other problem with the radio in controlled or uncontrolled airport pattern work, or calling in at familiar airports. I truly feel that flying at this point is instinctual, and I don't get flustered flying while trying to communicate. One of my instructors was a "chatty cathy" and I didn't have a problem talking with him while performing maneuvers. I hear this is a common checkride test.
I liked the suggestion to get on ham radio. I had forgotten that I was a big CB user back in the 70s and loved it. Any one remember sideband? I didn't have an issue speaking then, so I think I have it in me now. I probably just need to have more self confidence. I also was a big hang glider enthusiast in my teens, which is probably why my instructor tells me that he is amazed that my flares are so good. My problem (according to him) when I joined up with him were my approaches. We wanted me to hold the speeds within 1 kt even in turbulence. He worked with me extensibly and I can say I got that down now.
With all of your suggestions I feel I have 3 choices. It's good to have choices now, because I felt I was at the end of my rope while writing my first post.
I have ordered the "squawk vfr" CD. (thank you write-stuff). I am also going to check into American Flyers (thank you exNCsurfer) to spend a couple of weekends to finish up. They have a local in Santa Monica which is really close to me. My wife's coworker used to be a CFI at Santa Monica, and I'm going to wait for his input. I believe this is my best option at this point. Another option is go back to the college and attend the second semester again. All of these options would allow me to get my check ride before my knowledge exam expires. Of course my third option is to continue with my present CFI, and if it takes me past my exam expiration, then so be it.
All of your input has given me a lot of options, which is a lot more than I thought I had. Thank you very much and you guys are the best!