Yeah, I did all of those things, cleared history, temp files, unplugged the modem etc. I was going to de install my AVG security on the offhand chance it was blocking it. Then the whole internet got blocked for awhile this afternoon so I shut the dang machine down in a fit of pique and took a nap. When I turned it back on later, it worked. I love machines that heal themselves.
I've got Charter too. I live about 50 miles NE of Grand Haven, and I wouldn't doubt that my Charter is routed out of there or Muskegon. I'm betting it was Charter even though everything else was working.
Thanks for the tips, etc.