Thank you Michael - Makes sense. I'm still getting the hang of this, so my models are a bit sloppy.

I will visit the two links you provided. I appreciate the help.

Ok, I think your problem is that you do NOT have a solid when you do the subtract.
I used the surface and then blended the bottom edges (2 opposite edges, 0 Bulge),

then I did the same with the front and back openings.

Now Union the the thing and you get a solid from the which you can Boolean whatever you want...