I appreciate everyone's help here. At the moment, I have a tentative fix (until I drive it more).

I double checked connections and grounds and did not find an issue. I kept thinking it was mechanical, because it would run fine for 5 minutes and almost switch to the high voltage. That told me it wasn't a connection.

I cleaned my Alt brushes and at the same time I replaced the VR. I am back to my original 14.7 idle to 14.5 readings at the gauge & across terminals/alternator, so I am hopeful that it was mainly the VR since the brushed looked fine to the eye. Keep ya'll posted (again)!

I have yet to jump anything, but I have that well documented in case this happens again.......