***UPDATE***
Back in the fold, on the horse, and on the market (not really).
After a couple of years of failed attempts to get my 4 acres productive, I've had a less-than-successful 2020, but at least I know I'm not exceptional in that. Early on I got some straw bales and prepared a small area for some experimenting. It didn't go to plan, and the best crops I got were peas that were planted in tubs on my patio - so much for straw bale gardening! The upside, apart from learning a few things, is that I will have a lot of mulch for a much bigger area for next year. I also learned that the plot I was using (because it was out of sight of the house, which I wanted to landscape for recreational use) is far too exposed to the winds howling down off the Cairngorms, so I've moved the plan around the corner and will attempt something else in the windy spot.
So basically, that's me back around and raring to keep up with the forums, learn from some people, help some people, and generally share the experience of working towards some sort of self-sufficiency. I'll be watching The Good Life over the winter (yet again).