Two Questions

I need help (well, you knew that, right, but that's not the kind I'm talking about...hee hee hee).

1. Any information you can share, if you have had experience with growing avocado trees in this area, would be greatly appreciated. It would be appreciated so much that perhaps sharing some first fruits would be in order.

2. I really, really want to make my own bread, but without a bread machine. I had one when we first got married, and I wasn't crazy about the shape of the loaves. I want to make my own where I knead it, etc. Please, do you have anything to share on this topic? Pretty please? With a cherry on top?

Yes, I know books and internet sources abound - but I am on information overload and want to hear from someone who has done these things, had personal experience. Plus, conflicting information abounds in those numerous sources. So, have at it, and give me all the advice you've got (uh, we're talking about avocados and bread!).