New Halloween Contest Considered

As we head into our 4th Halloween Weekend, a few things are being considered for 2010, including conducting the adult costume contest during the main parade at the field. However, the most exciting may be the "Best Excuse for Cancelling the Day Before Arrival When Rain is Predicted but We Would Never Cancel Due to the Weather" Award. Looks like we may be in for some nominees this weekend. Two weeks ago, there were no nominees, as there were no cancels...because the forecast was fine, and no one became sick, and no relatives passed away. Last weekend's forecast brought out a few faxes and emails that are surefire finalists, including the elderly relative who is their constant companion who suddenly developed a greater risk of falling down. Tossing in scary medical jargon is always a winner, with the doctor's note that mentions a child's cough that "could show the characteristics of swine flu" (wouldn't a real physician use the more acceptable H1N1 terminology?). Again, the ambiguity is classic, as my sore knee could also show the potential for arthritis. However, in addition to the faxed obits for folks who passed away yet whose detailed obituary shows no connection to the party who cancel, there are the connectivity cancels...we have 4 sites reserved, and our friend's dog is sick and in need of constant care, so all 4 of our sites are cancelling, because we could not imagine camping without our friends. Last year's winner was the cancel call that was made on Thursday for a death in the family, with a Friday arrival planned (showers in forecast, of course). When politely asked to send a copy of the obituary whenever they have a chance (as it would not be available on the day cancelling, of course), they proceeded to fax an obit the following Wednesday. This would have been fine, but the person who died did not pass away until Sunday. I guess that must have been the first person from their town who died after they called to cancel on Thursday. This year's runner up, so far, is the family that called last Friday night at 7pm to cancel an RV rental that had been placed on their campsite. As there were no other MRV rentals available, we had to turn down the folks who called on Wed & Thur to get a rental instead of coming in a pop-up. Not only did they fail to understand the cancel policy, they wanted a full refund...and would not settle for a future credit. And now...drum roll please...the current leader of the 2009 "Epstein's Mother" Excuse Awards (in honor of Kotter's classic notes signed by her) is for the family who cancelled the day before arrival last weekend with the following note faxed in after the weekend (I will not disclose the name, for fear of violating patient/client laws, nor will I note the "Dr" who provided the note, for fear that he would be laughed out of his profession): "As the family therapist for the ****** family, I am writing to confirm that the family was dealing with an unforseen stressor and was unable to travel." It goes on to explain that hopefully, this letter is sufficient in getting them a refund. Unforseen stressor? Yeah, the crappy forecast!!! On the original notes regarding their call to cancel, medical causes were mentioned. I am guessing that the family practitioner and OB-GYN probably denied their request to provide a letter. Good news is that it looks warmer this weekend than last, and while Friday is looking good (and Sunday), they are still calling for rain on Saturday. Here's hoping that they are just as accurate as they were last weekend.