Thank you, ADTech. You have "spelled out" the situation nicely. The truth has finally dawned about the complications of my location.
The Monoprice antenna is quite directional as I found when orienting it and without a giant attenuator in the way it looks to be a good performer. The FOX station nearby is 133 degrees from the "beam" heading but puts out a big signal and is only 9 miles away LOS so the suspicions about overloading are likely.
Dang! Removing the stuttering and getting more stations may cost more than it's worth - or at least more than "momma" thinks it's worth.
Someone needs to design a spectrum analyzer smartphone app that connects via the USB charging cord to a TV tuner dongle. Hook it up at the base of the antenna mast and "dial in" the antenna direction, favoring the preferred channels. Perhaps someone could make a few bucks on this! You're welcome.