Hey, I finally got around to trying that sourdough starter recipe you sent me last month. It took about ten days to really get bubbling and the first loaf came out a little flat but the flavor was amazing. I think I overproofed the second batch because it was way too tangy. My kitchen counter is now a permanent flour disaster zone and my starter has a name which feels ridiculous but also kind of nice. I feed it every morning now like a pet. The kids think it smells like feet but they ate the toast I made from it so I call that a win. If you have any tips for keeping the hydration consistent I am all ears because mine keeps separating and I have to stir it back together every time. Also do you bake yours in a Dutch oven or just on a sheet pan because I think the steam might be my problem. Anyway thanks again for the inspiration I never thought I would be that person but here we are.

I also tried that no-knead recipe you mentioned and it was way easier but the crumb was tighter. I think I like the extra work for the open crumb structure even if it means more cleanup. Let me know if you want me to share my feeding schedule.

I finally watched that documentary you recommended about the coral restoration project in the Caribbean and honestly I was blown away by the underwater cinematography. The way they showed the nurseries and the transplantation process was so detailed. I had no idea they could grow fragments on frames and then move them to degraded reefs. The biologist they interviewed said some species grow less than a centimeter a year so you really understand why it takes decades to see a full recovery. It made me want to learn to scuba dive properly instead of just snorkeling. My cousin went to Roatan last spring and said the snorkeling was incredible even just off the beach. I have been looking at flights to Belize because apparently they have the second largest barrier reef in the world and you can see sea turtles and eagle rays pretty regularly. Have you ever been diving somewhere with really clear visibility? I read that in some spots you can see forty meters down which feels almost unreal. I think I would panic a little honestly but the footage made it look so peaceful. I might take a certification course this summer if I can find time between work trips. Let me know if you have any tips for a complete beginner because I am definitely overthinking it already.