Thanks for all your replies. Whirly, the analogy of learning how to hover was a good one, feel like the principle of what you are saying is helpful to me. thanks also for link.
I didn't realise that other, (more experienced), people had these problems too.
I will endeavour to try to practice more, to get my head around things, but may be off for a few weeks, as mrs g_string will shortly be giving birth to g_string junior!
Thanks again all