Canadian, American, Wonder bread are all equally bland, unflavorful, nonnutritious overprocessed garbage bread to us. Give us a chewy baguette or a wonderful seedy brotchen any time.

Yes SF sourdough is nice, and we remember fondly Dodie (also a baker) discussing technique with a counterpart at Boudin Bakery. But in North America, Wonder style bread is the real standard. You might be able to eat it with peanut butter and jam, but mostly not. By the way, the Wonder style bread in Mexico is from the company Bimbo, and their graphic mascot is a white teddy bear that resembles the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man.

What is (wrong) Canadian bread? Never having been in Canada or knowing what you speak of, I would really like to know!
However, as a native of San Francisco, CA, I grew up on Parisian Sourdough bread. Spoiled child that I was. ;)

I didn't mention that, at that time, we weren't allowed to leave the ward. No option to go get food anywhere else. Several years later, spending time at the same hospital when our younger son broke his arm, there was a Tim Horton's on site. First and last time I've ever had Tim's coffee.

The hospital staff has come to accept that all three of us basically live here, so they have started sending three meals three times a day. Certain parts of it are somewhat edible!

It was a long time ago (my son just turned 31) but he was delivered by Caesarian and we were kept in the hospital for 2 or 3 days. I was so hungry! I even ate the jello when I was restricted to "full fluids", which somehow included jello (which I hate). When I was finally allowed to eat real food, the kitchen in the ward had Wonderbread and little packets of Kraft peanut butter and jam. I don't consider those to be real food.

I just finished getting caught up on reading your journal. Reading this news was disheartening and so sad. Susanna and I are thinking about you and your family. Our thoughts and hearts are with you all.

Hi Steve, not sure if you've had any success booking a direct train. Possibly you already know this, but you could definitely get on a couple of connecting TER trains. It's one change going via Le Mans, otherwise a change at both Orlean and Amboise. You'll need to book each leg separately. It's about 5-6hrs, but at least you'll get down there. Susan would likely be the person to tap into for more info if you need it. And if I can help at all in any way email me: carvan2 at me dot com

Thank you Ardell. Joni is a remarkable woman who indeed achieved great things. The steady stream of visitors she has had in the hospital are a real testament to how much she is loved. We take real solace from this.

Thanks Keith. We do indeed rely on each other, especially at trying times like this. We also draw great comfort from the caring and supportive community that Cycleblaze embodies.

Very true, but the wild variations in pricing does not seem that much tied to timing of bookings. Greedy corporate bastards, all of them.

Dear Dodie and Steve,
I am so very sorry to hear this news. I remember hearing stories of your daughter at our dinner many years ago and the joy she had in her teaching and students on an island I believe it was off the coast of South America. I hope you will take comfort from the memories of her accomplishments and achievements. I know you were wonderful and loving parents. I am so very sorry. Ardell

Booking five days ahead of a planned flight can go either way, either it's nearly full and the price goes way up, or not very full, and the price goes, if not WAY down, somewhat down. Flights are very full this summer, so the odds are against you. Good luck!

Hi,
Sue and I offer our thoughts at this terrible time. May you find strength in each other.
Keith

We definitely have Clos Luce marked out as a highlight visit. The grands are all super excited about the whole adventure, and so is their Papa if truth be told. And yes, we have every intention of letting the locals spoil the kids rotten in any way possible.