Hey, thanks for the book recommendation! I finally picked up a copy last weekend and honestly I couldn't put it down. The way the author describes the coastal landscape makes you feel like you are right there on the cliffs. I have been reading a chapter each evening with a cup of tea and it has become my favorite part of the day. My sister saw me reading it and now she wants to borrow it when I am done. I might have to buy a second copy because I know I will want to revisit certain passages again. The character development is so gradual and natural that you almost forget you are reading fiction. Have you read anything else by that author? I would love to explore more of their work. I also picked up a used copy of a nature journaling guide at the same bookstore and it pairs nicely with the novel. Let me know if you want to swap books sometime soon. I have a stack I have been meaning to trade.

I finally tried that sourdough starter recipe you sent and it actually worked on the first attempt. The kitchen smelled incredible and my whole family gathered around when I pulled the loaf out of the oven. I was so nervous about the timing but the instructions you gave were really clear. I ended up splitting the dough into two smaller loaves so I could give one to our neighbor who just had surgery. She was really touched. I think next time I will experiment with adding some rosemary and sea salt on top. My kids loved helping me score the top before baking. It felt like a little art project. I have been making toast with it every morning and honestly store-bought bread just does not compare anymore. If you have any other beginner-friendly recipes I should try I am all ears. I never thought I would enjoy baking this much but it has been such a nice way to slow down and make something with my hands. Let me know if you want me to save you a slice.