Okay someone has to type this. Not into voodoo I see.
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You could try knitting or crochet. Long long ago in a galaxy far far away in every grocery store or drug store along with the little signs for snacks and diapers and toothpaste and bread there was always, always a Yarn sign.
I loved knitting sweaters and it was addicting. Not feeling it now but I lkeI looking at sweaters and knowing the stitches and how they were made. Even factory ones.
Being clever with a needle was much admired way back in the day. Plus you always have a weapon at the ready.
I had a boss back in the day when I was working at a mail order warehouse who liked buying a tv “kit” so he could build his own tv. He talked about buying a sewing machine just to play with it and learn how it worked. If he had his own magic card this would be it. Love the flavor text too. “I wonder what it feels like to be bored.”
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Funny! I can easily avoid noisy kids out and about when on the ground. Flying, I just remember what fresh hell it was as a parent. I have complete sympathy, unless the parent(s) is/are totally checked out, and not taking responsibility for said kid. Luckily, most do.
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Had a chat on the former site that shall not be named on the tjs thread about parents using stores like this as their children’s playground instead of maybe taking the little rug rats to you know an actual playground or for a walk.
I know better than to skip my dog Harley’s walk as she really gets riled and restless and it is not fair to either of us if I get lazy.
One mom had five young kids at the wegmans food court and planted herself very close to the tv there facing away from the kids so she could not see them.
The kids were racing through the long area and one of them did finally fall.
I never ever do this but I frowned at the the devils and told them “knock it off someone is going to get hurt.” I used my daycare teacher voice only as a last resort.
I felt so bad for the oldest girl as she was apparently supposed to watch the others instead of running with them.
I did save my rarely used glare on the checked out mom. It is a weapon of destruction and I pay insurance on it.
Nicer the place worse the kids act because the parents don’t deal. Do not get me started on WF
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It’s annoying as hell when that happens, and I’ve seen it too. People like that are deserving of glares. Not to say I expect kids to behave like perfect adults, but no to that in public. Running is for backyards, or parks and playgrounds. Risks to the kids, otherwise, falls, tripping, running into people, etc.
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I want to blame cell phones, of course I do but this has been going on for a very long time.
I used to be a cashier at the holiday inn and once a couple was allowing their children to run through the dining room at peak dinner time.
The dining room was upscale with candles and nice food. and big trays. Everyone wanted hot coffee there.
Someone actually told the kids to go sit down and behave. The parents were livid and spent time in the manager’s office complaining about the “rudeness” of the staff. The manager would have none of it but did let them speak their peace.
Some parents weaponize their kids and enjoy the kids annoying people. These parents are so disconnected that they don’t understand that it reflects badly on them.
For example a couple took pity on my gf facing her first NYE after her husband had suddenly left her and her kids.
This happened in June. Anyway sixth graders do not belong at NYE parties. The boy, chris told the wife she was ugly. The husband got mad for some odd reason. My gf thought it was funny, not understanding that her and her child were connected.
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I have to compliment you on your paragraph management. It has improved dramatically.
As a reward please take tomorrow off. Just tell your supervisor I approved it. 
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Reminds me of instances at 2 different pre-COVID eateries, one a way upscale Michelin 3 star & one a diner, both with infants. The 3 star was Alinea in Chicago where the owner expressed his frustration on Twitter over a crying infant that the parents ignored. Boy did he get roasted but ultimately iirc the comments were in his favor.
The 2nd was right here in Portland at Marcy’s. The mom was trying but unable to do anything. Now it is a TINY place (I’ve eaten there early & often 
) & the mom was politely asked to step outside. She wouldn’t, baby kept crying…the then owner (sold since) lost her cool and YELLED. Hit social media & the comments were a wash. It turned out to be good for Marcy’s-- notoriety in action. You could get a T-shirt "I was yelled at in Marcy’s & all I got was this T-shirt! 
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So many things to consider, I would think trying to dine at Alinea with an infant is just NOT appropriate; as well, a more casual place, if the baby/kid pitches a fit, a parent needs to take the child out until the crying or other behavior stops. Sometimes you have to completely change your plans and head home, when things go south. I know from experience. 
And if things go so far that a manager or owner asks you to step outside for a bit, I think that’s totally appropriate. I seem to remember that story from the news.
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See see? Finally there is the Respectfully I love. Thanks for giving me some shit smartas.
And I was just about to make you a cute doll.
So when u finally send me those cute but manly mittens, remember you don’t need to include a return address, could you please include a lock of your hair? Just a small amount should do nicely.
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I was severely scolded by a restaurant owner once. Now a warm memory.
My mom and I had lunch at Chez Odette’s in New Hope Penna and I was young and foolish.
I am grateful that I have not learned much since then.
I had dressed hurriedly and wore a beat up t shirt but threw a nice coat on as it was winter.
I would have been fine but (isn’t there always a but) the delicious food and wine my mom permitted me to have even though I was way underage made me feel a warm afterglow.
All I had to do was put the coat back on but noooo.
I had to walk right past Odette’s table by the door to go to the girl’s room.
She saw my slobby shirt and went nuts on me.
Ever been reamed by an outraged woman hissing in a thick french accent? She was pissed and shaking with rage.
Her opening salvo was YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF.
Having grown up in a dive bar it was surprising but cool. When she was finally done I continued to the ladies room.
I did not say anything back. My mom liked this place as did I and I didn’t want to get us banned. If I said anything to my mom it wasn’t much but I think I slurped more wine.
Thanks for reminded me of an umm interesting winter afternoon in New Hope
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Is that a picture of the irate Odette herself? Cool story! I had an across the street neighbor named Odette - also my SIL is from New Hope, Pa. small world. 
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And poke needles in it or hold a match under its feet? Hmmm?
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Pre covid there was a big trend around here to celebrate family parties in nice restaurants. Why clean and cook when you can just reserve a big table?
Cdc and I were at a very nice and not cheap thai restaurant in Bluebell Pa.
Layout is key. LIke wegmans this place has an area where kids might be tempted to run. It is between the front entrance and the first table.
This big group, like ten people were enjoying their byob wine and chatting and the two boys were running back and forth like zoomie cats.
Once in awhile other customers attempted to enter and secure a nice two top. The children’s actions were creating several issues.
Cdc and I were seated above the zoomie staging area so I had a front run seat for the circus.
I was too blissed out just be there eating thai food to be bothered much and luckily cdc was oblivious.
I was monitoring my own mood and to make sure I didn’t get grumpy I went into observer mode complete with white coat and clipboard.
Each time someone intervened and got the kids to come sit down it was always the mother and no one else.
It seemed like a staring contest she could not win. It was always her turn and she probably needed a break and some adult socialization the most. It was always her table.
No one would take them outside for a bit.
I’ve seen this many times with families. Instant power struggle that hurts everyone even strangers just trying to enjoy a relaxing meal.
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No one supervises me bich
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Me? Sweet innocent lil ole me? Bats eyelashes innocently. How dare you type that!
Harley needs a new chewie toy first for one thing.
We’ll see what is left of you err it.
Besides the lock of hair it would be useful if you could put up a sound byte of you squeaking loudly.
Just for fun you know.
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Nice! Yeah oddly new yorkers used to zoom past New Hope Pa and Lambertville NJ to go to peddlers village of all things.
Then this tragedy happened. Even the dog died.
Miss Savitch and Fischbein drowned Oct. 26, 1983. As they drove in rain and fog from the parking lot of a restaurant in New Hope, their car went off a towpath and fell into the Delaware Canal.
Investigators said Fischbein, 34, mistakenly drove the car onto the towpath thinking it was an exit. The station wagon plunged 15 feet into the mud and shallow water of the canal, landing on its roof.
The lawsuit was filed in 1984 against the restaurant, Chez Odette; Fischbein’s estate; the Department of Environmental Resources; John Nyari, whose family once owned the restaurant; News America Publishing Co., which publishes the New York Post and had leased the station wagon; and General Motors Corp., which built the vehicle.
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