Bad phrasing on my part...you are quite correct, my test light ground wire was connected to ground.
I really appreciate all of the information and suggestions. It was raining and kinda miserable today (finally raining in Northern Cali) so I spent 0.0 hours with the fish today. I plan on getting out there soon and getting these electrical issues licked.
I'll keep ye posted. Good bunch of Joes here...solid information quickly delivered. God bless this forum and you lot.