Yeah I think Thursday works better for me than Wednesday. I have a dentist appointment in the morning but it should be done by ten or so. After that I'm wide open. We could grab lunch at that little place on Fifth that just opened up, I heard they do a really solid tomato soup and grilled cheese combo. Or if you'd rather do a walk in the park first, the weather seems like it might cooperate for once. Let me know what time you're thinking and I'll make it work. Also did you ever hear back from Maria about the community garden plot? She was supposed to let us know by Monday but I haven't seen anything in my inbox yet. I'll send her a note later today if you haven't already. I'm really hoping we get the south corner spot, it gets the best morning light and the soil there drains better than the other side. My neighbor grows zucchini there every year and his harvest is always ridiculous. I'm thinking we could do cherry tomatoes, basil, maybe some peppers if we can find good starts. And definitely marigolds along the edge to keep the pests away. We should also figure out who is bringing what for the picnic on the sixteenth. I can handle the cooler and a big pasta salad if you want to grab paper plates and utensils.

Honestly the sourdough starter took way longer than I expected to get active. I started it on Tuesday with just flour and water, and by Friday nothing was happening. I almost gave up but then I moved it next to the radiator and fed it twice a day for two days. Saturday morning it finally doubled. That first loaf came out a little dense though. I think I underproofed it because the kitchen was cold. Next time I'll leave it overnight in the fridge and see if that gives it more flavor too. I've been reading about adding a little rye flour to the mix just to get a tangier taste. My sister says she uses a cast iron dutch oven and scores the top right before it goes in, which gives it that nice ear. I guess I need to invest in a lame or just use a razor blade. The whole process is way more involved than I thought but honestly it's kind of relaxing once you get the rhythm down. I'm planning to try a whole wheat version this weekend and maybe throw in some sunflower seeds. If it turns out half decent I'll bring a loaf to the potluck. Let me know if you want me to share the recipe or if you just want to come over and help with the next batch.