Well, here's the update:
I replaced the oil pan gasket yesterday, and it appears that was the leak. Apon inspection, I could clearly see oil seeping through the pan gasket at the end beneath the crank pulley.
"95 contour SE in NE", that is WAY too much to may for the job!!! I did it myself taking my time in about two hours.
I am happy to report that after nearly 4 years and 60,000 miles of driving, the pan was spotless inside. Not a trace of sludge or metal in the pan.(I've also been running an underdrive pulley for the last two years).
All's well that ends well. Thanks for the info, folks. It appears these leaks are a lot more common than I ever imagined.
