So, I've decided to try picking some cucumbers this summer.  I have a recipe which says:

Place pickles in a crock. Cover with boiling water, and let stand 24 hours; drain. Repeat 3 more days. On 5th day, drain, cut pickles into slices. Mix brine, heat and bring to boil. Pour over pickles and let stand 2 more days.

My question:  I started Monday with covering with boiling water. Today - Wednesday... the 3rd day - the pickles (cucumbers) have a slime over them. Is this normal?  Should I be concerned about this slime?

Also, now I am reading that you should cut off the blossom end before pickling.  This was not in my recipe. I did not do that. Will cutting off the blossom end now be okay? or am I too late?  Have I screwed these up already?

Is the fact that I did not cut off the blossom end related to the foaming that I am seeing?