Unable to add new bookmarks in Safari on iMac after factory reset and update to 15.6

Recently did factory reset on iMac and upgraded to 15.6. Trying to add new bookmarks in Safari but keep getting messdage that I cannot as it is currently syncing. I wait as it suggests but still get same message. Any suggestions?

My Safari has all the standard bookmarks (Apple, iCloud, Google etc). but I want to add my own. I'm holding off migrating everything from my Time Machine as this is a good opportunity to 'clean up' my Mac.

I'm just surprised that Safari won't allow me to add a new bookmark. It says it is syncing, but I'm getting this same message for almost a week now.

[Edited by Moderator]