Third Time's the Charm

;-) Thanks for the comments. I asked around, and Knittyboarder Suzeeq clarified what was making things wonky in my work.
She sez, "I believe the instructions have you purling the first *row* flat, then turn and join and knit every round which would be stockinette. A lot of people joined then purled the first round and knit the rest, or joined and started the stockinette from the first round."
A-ha!
So I am tinking now and know the correct way to proceed. Check back with you later with some progress!