Kathy,
You have the right attitude. It sounds like in ways you and I are similar. Always wanting to improve and do better... but knowing that it is OK to not improve in the short term as long as you keep trying, because there is no doubt you will improve in the long run.
I almost always have a good time riding, but when something breaks my rythm and concentration, it is little use to get back to it (except for organized rides where others can encourage me
)
I got a Kurt Kinetic fluid trainer last year when I moved to the mid-atlantic region, but didn't use it much... this year I will make it a regular part of my routine. No excuses!
Let me know what you think of the book that covers rides in the area, I have seen it (or one like it) om Amazon and wondered if it was worthwhile for a casual rider.