First bake after hiatus

Hello to my friends on TFL,

It's been, I think, about 3 months since I've done any baking.  I have been lurking on TFL and seeing some of the amazing breads (and food!) posted here.   Excellent!   I've been on a bit of a hiatus due to a number of life issues.   It's been a roller-coaster for sure.   Not to be depressing but my mother passed away after a long decline.   We thought she was going to pull through but things went back downhill.   While I spent a month in the hospital at her side, I was also in the process of buying my first house in life.  I relocated from the bay area down to central California - the town of Atascadero to be specific.   I love this area, and some of my extended family live right around the corner, which is good.   The move has been a bittersweet event, but I am happy in my new place.  Still settling in.  My new kitchen is great though -- tons of countertop space, and a walk-in pantry that holds all of my large grain bins and flour bins easily, and a double-oven (!!).    What luxury!

Throughout all this time, my liquid sourdough starter has gone through some serious neglect/abuse, but amazingly, it is fine now.   Just as perky and happy as it ever was.

Here was today's first bake -- it was a 90% white, 10% whole-wheat, 68% hydration, lean bread, pretty standard stuff.  I did a mash+soaker+levain.   Sorry no crumb shot, it was given out and devoured quick.

A little under-proofed, but I am a little rusty.  The crumb is great -- I love how the mash softens the crumb and makes it perfectly chewy and soft.

One of the loaves went to my neighbor who wanted bread once she heard I baked.   Half of the other loaf went to my father.   I devoured the rest.   :)

My neighbor sent this picture to me a couple hrs later.   Warmed my heart.   One of her kids:  (I have permission to upload this).

I am happy to be baking again.   That smile is all I need.

Cheers!

-Sam