Lisa,
I too consider myself a beginner, though I have been baking bread on and
off for about 20 years. I keep learning new things like now I am using 100
percent whole wheat that I grind myself. I just finished two loaves with
what had been a good recipe, but for the last 3 or 4 batches, I can't seem
to get it right. I just cut the poorly risen loaf in half, then slice it
the 'other way' into bread slices and say "oh, well, maybe next
time". Though I have some flops, I get a lot of good bread and my family
loves the fresh baked smell and warm slices with agave nectar or
all-fruit. It is such a great feeling to bake a healthy loaf of tasty
bread and feed my family with it. I love the texture and feel of kneading
the dough. I enjoy the yeasty smell when I deflate it to let it rise
again. I understand what you mean. It is funny to lots of people, but it
is so satisfying to some of us.
Linda