Thank you very much for the info that set me on the right path. While I did not install any of the WW.kde-look.org X11 mouse themes, reading the installayion instructions gave me the info I needed.
.
I changed /usr/lib/X11/icons/default/index.theme
from Inherits=whitelass
to Inherists=redglass

While the cursor is the same size, now I can see it against a light background..

gfrick