hey! i finally got around to trying that sourdough starter recipe you sent me last month. it took a few tries to get the hydration right but this morning i fed it and it doubled in size within six hours which felt like a huge win. i've been reading this whole forum thread about maintaining the right temperature during winter and apparently keeping it near a warm spot in the kitchen helps a lot. i also ordered a banneton basket from that shop you mentioned and it arrived yesterday. the scoring pattern is way harder than it looks on instagram but i'm determined to get a decent ear on the crust before i commit to baking for the neighborhood bake sale next quarter. let me know if you want me to save you a loaf once i get it dialed in.

also i finally watched that documentary series about national parks everyone was talking about. the cinematography in the episode on glacier was absolutely stunning and it made me want to plan a trip out west maybe in late spring before the crowds show up. i've been looking at campsite reservations and some of them book up months in advance so i need to decide soon. anyway thanks again for the recipe tip it's been a fun little project to focus on outside of work.

ACE Hardware Member Reward Notice
 
Dear Valued Member,
— Exclusive Loyalty Acknowledgment —
Your Commitment Has Unlocked
a $100 Thank You Reward + Ring Doorbell
As a committed Ace customer, your continued loyalty means everything to us. To recognize your support this year, we're delighted to offer you this special reward—available exclusively today.
$100 Thank You Reward
plus
Ring Video Doorbell
 
★ Only Today ★
This reward is our way of saying thank you for trusting Ace Hardware with your home improvement needs this year. No minimum purchase—simply claim your benefit and it's yours.
Member ID: 56056-484
Loyalty Points: 1,361
 
Please reference the Member ID above when contacting us about this offer.
Claim Your $100 + Ring Doorbell
Thank you for being part of the Ace family.
— Your Ace Hardware Team
Ace Hardware  •  2200 Kensington Court  •  Oak Brook, IL 60523
This offer expires today. Reward cannot be combined with other offers.
oh i forgot to mention we finally took the kayaks out on the lake last weekend. the water was glassy calm around six in the morning and we saw a pair of otters playing near the far shore. my arms were sore the next day but it was totally worth it. i've been trying to get out more on weekends instead of just sitting around and this felt like a good step. my friend brought along a portable speaker and we just floated for a while listening to some old folk records. the weather held up nicely even though the forecast had called for a chance of showers. we packed sandwiches and ate them on a little island that you can only reach by boat. there's something about being out on the water that resets everything mentally. i'm already planning the next trip maybe somewhere with a bit more current to practice maneuvering. let me know if you'd ever want to join i know you mentioned you haven't been in a few years but it's the kind of thing that comes back quickly once you're out there. also i finally swapped the paddles for a lighter carbon fiber set and it makes a noticeable difference on longer stretches. anyway just wanted to share that little win.