Discard old yeast. Always have back-up yeast available. In 5-10 minutes, the mixture should be foamy and aromatic. Wait another few minutes. If still no change, start all over again with a new package of yeast.
Inactive yeast yields a disastrous dough.
Stir until uniform. Continue adding flour, exchanging the spoon for your hands when the mixture becomes to difficult to stir. When first turned out onto the board, the dough will be rather sticky. Turn it over, push it with the heels of your hands and turn it over again to coat with flour. Reflour the board if necessary.