OK, our long national nightmare is over. There have been a few purchases through my affiliate links, and they have accepted my website.
Neither Bluehost nor WordPress showed any affiliate links being clicked through, and I did not check my affiliate page at Amazon because of that. But several purchases of Kindle books were indeed made, and I am very appreciative. I have made .99 so far in aggressive my Amazon career; once I earn 10.00, it will all pour into my checking account. And there will be mead for all!
Thanks to those who purchased, and those who looked!