Snow Days

Weird, unacceptable things have been happening around here as of late. After the big storm last week, the schools shut down for three days. By Friday at noon, I was speaking in tongues.

"We need to get out of here," I announced to my brood.

The front doors of Burger King greeted us a sign bearing some unfortunate news: "Due to inclement weather, the indoor playground is closed."

I was not the only person who felt betrayed. The parking lot was full of minivans.

"This doesn't make any sense!" screeched a wild-eyed mother in the direction of the restaurant manager. "This kind of weather is why you have indoor playgrounds!"

Another mother leaned across the counter. "Please open it," she begged. "Please."

The manager explained that he didn't have the staff to supervise the playground. Several of his employees couldn't make it to work in the snow.

"I'll supervise!" volunteered one woman, raising her hand.

The manager shook his head.

Another mother took five dollars out of her purse and pushed it across the counter.

I kid you not.

I immediately began to rummage around in my diaper bag for something to add to the growing pile.

The manager was entertaining our offer when one of the mothers' cell phones rang. It was the woman's friend, who was at the McDonald's down the street. The angry mob in that parking lot had successfully talked the restaurant manager into opening the indoor playground for an hour.

Time was ticking. Within thirty seconds, we had cleared out.