While I may have to change some projects to get some progress other work can take an interesting turn. Some of the skills I want to learn are modern ones, with resources available on-line. But others are from times past, and maybe not so easy to access. But that should not get in the way.
I make extensive use of the RPS Journal archive. I am currently using this to look at photographic techniques around 1900 to help me with my moon camera project. But I also needed some practical manuals on optics building.
Best place for these is the second hand book market and I was pleased to find a set for sale. Even better it allowed me to place some financial support into an area that mattered - the Oxfam on-line book store.
So I am stocking up on practical skills documented in the 1950s, before the "maker" movement took to 3D printing. There were communities out there that built their own optics and I want those skills for this project. So for me, learning old skills is a way forward.
And don't throw away that cardboard - that can be used too.