Sour Dough Beginner

Boy do I feel like I have a lot to learn and even more so when it comes to sour dough. I am on my third attempt. I refuse to give up here because now its a matter of pride.

My first starter was given to me from a nice lady named Carol. She makes and sells bread at a local farm stand and I had mentioned wanting to give it a try. She was so nice and by the next week when I was there to pick up my order she had left me a starter with directions. I kept the starter going strong for two months and was even able to give some before I blew it. We were in the process of moving and I neglected to care for her during that time. RIP Sour Dough #1

My next attempt I did better and was doing so well. Actually proud of myself a little. I was using her in pancakes, adding her to quick breads and thought I was almost ready to bake my first loaf. So close but then I changed where I kept her and it was just not a good place. She got a film that kind've scared me. I tossed her because I had some discard in the fridge and figured I could start from there. It too got a film within a couple of days. I tossed that one too and joined a sour dough support group on Facebook. I'm so happy that I did and don't know why I waited so long.

I am now on attempt four. As I said I refuse to give up. I seen a local vender had some for sale that they had just started so I reserved my slot for pick up. She gave me a nice set of instructions and informed me that she had purchased it from San Francisco and had recently rehydrated it. So time will tell. Maybe just maybe this will be the one that I can be successful with. To be continued...