Will:
> There's another place you should look for starter help:
> http://samartha.net/SD/index.html
Thanks for that. I saw it earlier, but hadn't really read it.
I especially like the excellent nutrition article:
http://www.eap.mcgill.ca/Publications/EAP35.htm

A lot of the site goes beyond what I have the motivation for,
but it certainly does look like good bread.

Gordon Hayes:
> Try this recipe for a natural starter/levain. I used this method.
> http://www.thefreshloaf.com/modules/...php?storyid=11

Thanks for the refs.

Dick Adams:
> Cheap, one-use chop sticks
Thanks for the idea. I have some mini-shishkabob skewers I can use.

mlouise:
>> How long can you store old starter in the fridge before you use it?
> I'm not sure I understand your question
I mean the excess that you make into pancakes or biscuits as an alternative
to composting. If it's already tired when you remove it, what kind of
shape will it be in after another few days or a week in the fridge?
I guess I'm getting used to the small quantities now, which I don't mind
dumping. As I'm getting more experience with the starters, I'm leaving
less and less in the jar when I remove the extra, and the feeding now is
down to two rounded/heaping teaspoons of flour, plus the right amount of
water.

> Do you ever open up a jar of jam from the fridge and the whole upper
> part of the jar has mold on all the bits of jam stuck up there?
So I guess over-dry conditions favor mold. Maybe cleaning the jar really
does help.