One more thing--if I use this kefir to make cream cheese, the whey that separates from it has some white swirl in it. The other whey I've made is clear. Do you think this whey and kefir is okay to eat? I'm just afraid something has gotten into it. I don't want to get sick.

In case anyone is interested, I pasted this from Dom's website. I am going to try what he says and hope it saves my kefir...

Viili Cross-contamination. Kefir grains may easily become cross-contaminated if the grains come in contact with viili ; a Nordic ropy culture-milk product. If culturing viili in close proximity to kefir, kefir grains may begin producing a kefir with a ropy consistency, making it next to impossible to strain the culture milk-product through a sieve. Kefir grains readily adopt the Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris SBT 1275 organism, a specific type-strain responsible for the blob-like or ropy consistency of viili. One only needs to use the same spoon to stir or scoop viili, which later comes in contact with kefir grains, to cross-contaminate kefir grains. Even if days later the same spoon comes in contact with kefir grains, the grains will produce a cross between kefir and viili [Certain members of my kefir lists refer to the cross-culture as Kefviili, or Kefiili]. To remedy this problem, water-fast pre-rinsed kefir grains in fresh, clean cold water for 24 to 48 hours, resting the grains in the refrigerator during the water fast. Strain the grains through a sterile sieve, rinse the grains with cold sterile water and then culture in fresh milk per usual [making certain to sterilize the jar and lid first]. The rinsing and fasting of viili cross-contaminated kefir grains may need to be performed more than once, and possibly up to 3 times.

I am having the same problem. The last two batches of kefir that I have made were like glue. Can your kefir grain or grans be to large or strong for the amount of kefir you are trying to make? Is there a ratio of grain/milk? I handle my grains with love and care so not sure how they would have been contaminated. Any feedback would really be helpful.