On 22 Oct 2003 16:36:58 GMT, Ignoramus7261
wrote:

Not all starters are created equal. Some starters are better than
others. It could be that your homegrown starters are lousy
starters. Try buying some known good starter that is known for
reliability and the ability to survive being dried and mailed. If you
live in Chicagoland, I can give my own super reliable starter.

i

Thanks for your reply. Steve made this suggestion also...please see
my longer reply to his post.

P.S. While I used to live in Chicago, and I appreciate your offer
sincerely, I now live in Los Angeles.