[Jeff Higgins]

I decided to learn something new, and learn to bake sourdough bread. I've always loved to cook, but I've never actually learned to bake anything. I've been kinda moving towards "back to basics", or more home made, home grown, basic staples. I've been making all of our pasta for many, many years, for example. We grow most of our own vegetables, some fruits, etc. While it's been a number of years, I had always taken pride in the fact that were never ate "store bought" meat, right up through my sons' college years. Every piece of meat on our table was something I had taken in the field.

Sourdough just seemed like a natural addition to all of that. I find myself wondering why I had not incorporated it long ago. I suppose maybe because I was working, and overseas a good deal of the time. Keeping that starter alive seemed like it might be rather difficult under those circumstances. Now that I have a lot more free time, and I'm around the house a lot more, it's been a piece of cake. Or bread...

I have to thank my daughter in law for getting me started. She has been endlessly patient with me. I think she understands my "engineering" approach to everything because, well, she married my oldest son (currently designing cooling systems for the Blue Origin space effort). One of the harder things for guys like us is this whole concept of "close enough", or "that looks about right". One I embraced that, though, things got a lot easier, and more relaxing. Which is what the whole thing is meant to be.

Anyway, I'm having fun, and we're eating some darn good bread. Life is good.