We are in Montreal for a conference. We took the train yesterday as the kids, hardly ever getting car rides anywhere, are not road trip savvy. It was a 6 hour ride but better that then a 6 hour drive. We woke up this morning to a slew of emails from participants informing us that due to volcanic ash their flights were cancelled. Those from the UK, Belgium, France, NL....tres disaster. This is a very small conference of a select few, and many from Europe. Ah well, the important thing is to concentrate on those that are here. Tomorrow I discuss a paper, sit on a panel and attend the gala dinner (we are having it at a museum) while the kids stay in the hotel room with a babysitter who I know from Adam other than a clear criminal report for 8 to 9 hours. Dylan is not sleeping and woke up 5 times last night. Sasha is not eating anything but french fries. Tomorrow after the babysitting they will be clingy and scared of us leaving every time we even try to head to the bathroom. This will go on for a few days. This is just a recurring nightmare for 2 academics with 2 young kids. Next month, different city (Chicago), same story.