Lovely writing. I know that chest feeling too. Bread making works to sooth it for me too. My starter is two years old this week. I feel like I should throw him a party. Well, yes, it is a him, as you ask. His name is Alfreddo and he’s a fridge dwelling rye starter. Endlessly patient and flexible. I’m going to give him the week off after reading this. I will return to my yeast, which is languishing in the cupboard waiting for me to feel like make yeast pastry. I think I might bake the Sally Lunn or perhaps the challah.