On a late afternoon in October, I parked my car at a meter on Mass. Ave., between Harvard and Central squares. On my way out of a nearby store, I spotted the meter maid at my car. I held on to my son's hand and picked up the pace. It had been a long day, especially for my son, who was cranky at this point. Upon seeing us, the meter maid smiled and said something like "I haven't got you all the way plugged in. Have a good night, sis." She handed my son a blank ticket and said, "See you later, alligator." Delighted, he responded, "In a while, crocodile." Still moving, the meter maid turned and said, "Not so soon, big baboon." We hadn't heard that one before, but are sure to use it now. I must say we left Cambridge in high spirits that day.
D. GOODMAN
Bedford, New Hampshire
BECAUSE THEY'RE STRANGE?
I was driving around Boston with my 6-year-old son shortly after returning from a three-week vacation to Washington state. My very observant son asked, "Mommy, why do drivers actually stop at yellow lights in Seattle?"
BETH MINTZ
Stoneham
