Favorite Tools:
Ron: Chainsaw, Corncobber for canning sweet corn (so you get the whole kernel)
Kathy: Camp stove (Coleman duel fuel camp stove because you can use gas and white fuel)
Shannon: Solar panels (to power her amps.

Would do differently:
All: Started earlier, done this years ago.

Rewarding overall:
Ron: Absolute peace of mind.
Kathy: The satisfaction of not being connected to the grid and being more self-reliant.
Shannon: Not having to rely on other places for entertainment.

Most Rewarding Task:
Ron: Improving the soil
Kathy: Cooking seasonally, and canning.
Shannon: Picking then immediately cooking.

Other advice:
Take everything as it comes, and enjoy each moment.
participate in Farmer's Markets to meet like minded people so that you can survive even when you can't pick your neighbors.
Don't do tons of research, just dive in! Everything is a whole lot easier than what it would seem.