Welcome! Abe's a good dude, you'll do well to listen to his advice. I'm also in the Root, on 10 acres and planting a paycheck at a time. Given your description I would bet we are near neighbors, maybe within shouting distance.
They have a few metalworking classes this winter, and it looks like Dona Miller is the instructor. She's great. If you are interested in wire-working classes I am "retired" from wire-wrapping but I would be more than happy to do private or small group lesson/s. I still have LOTS of wire, stones, etc. to work with as well. Maybe barter time and knowledge for time and knowledge? I just bought acreage in Stevi and will need all sorts of help this spring and summer!
