@HenryWHHackv2.1.1 I had so little understanding of what that site would be that I literally thought it was something else. Once I realized that I had nothing to contribute there, and no time to learn about the topic, I dropped the account.
@ctrl-alt-delor. There is going to be a workshop on "Live Programming" which relates directly to your "direct manipulation" question. I can provide more info if you like. In Nice, France.
@Buffy - hi- I've ordered the older book you suggested, but as you say I lack the insight to manage learning alone, its not a lack of motivationn more a lack of knowing where to go when stuck.
@Buffy - I've managed to find a tutor using tutorful who says she has a Maths / physics degree plus other stuff too, I'm hopeful.