Lol -The only part of Homesteading or farming I have mastered is the "well crap, what did I just do" look. I have a few seasons of experience in processing both birds and vegetables, however with everything I read every day I will never be anything more than a beginner. I won't pay to take a class taught by some 25 year old who had only been living the life for 2 years. However!!! I could spend years with people like @Beekissed and never get bored. Not because she knows all and is perfect but because she teaches as she learns as she advances. Hope I didn't confuse anyone. My point? Ask experience for answers don't ask books (or the arrogant @$$ who memorized them).
I value the experience of @Beekissed and others like her immensely!!
The lady who is a "master canner" was a by-the-book person. "You must follow the Ball Blue Book" - and the newest one at that since they removed recipes from the older version that are no longer deemed safe. She actually lectured me and was afraid for my life (and my family's) if I didn't follow the right book.