Lots of practice and then some more. Take your time going through the process of learning the notes. Consistently repeated effort makes a big difference.

Depends. If they are white and middle class probably not an issue. Otherwise it might not be received in the ‘get to know you way’ it is intended. I lived in Vancouver for 40 years but didn’t live there as a child. As the joke goes, no one is from there everyone just moves there at some time in their life. If you ask a white person about it, they will tell you where they came from or if they are one of the few born there. If you ask anyone else they will complain that you are racist. Don’t even try to ask about ancestry or language or accent because it is all considered racist. So ask about the weather instead and if they are friendly they will add more to the conversation and if they don’t, they probably don’t want to get to know other people anyway.

Cynic in me but I still wonder if they are pushed in this direction by owners who need to commit insurance fraud because business is bad?

Breville Milk Frother. Got one 10years ago. Really elevates your morning cup of coffee or tea and also great for putting on porridge. They’ve gotten ridiculously expensive though.

Don’t know. Probably not. I, straight female, have been attracted to straight presenting males since as long back as I have memories. But if I was prepubescent now and going forward, who knows, maybe my attractions would have changed?

We never used a loom. Usually stuck an old lightbulb in the sock and then wove the darning thread through. I wonder if the loom makes it any easier?