Thanks again for all your generous advice. Using this discussion as inspiration, I've gathered together some training/technical resources and created a "Puppet Boot Camp" for myself. More details here http://bit.ly/Kv4uFS

I have my monitor hooked up and work starts today. Thanks again for the kind support. You helped me over a low point in my enthusiasm. I hope I can return the favour sometime. Cheers!

UYYY. Ron.  First I had no idea you were down in the  dumps. I am glad you seem to be getting over it. And  secondly, reading the Chris Jones story, just paralysed me...What an increadibly amazing guy, and story , and film, and it freaks me, because I hope what we are doing  does not stretch into so many  years, and we are no  where near as good as this guy. Sweat just trickles down my forehead...