My sister had her third child on Saturday (congratulations!), a girl to go with her two boys.

On my way to the hospital, my mom asked me to stop by her house and pick up a bottle of champagne which she forgot to bring.  No problem.

No problem, until we were walking towards the hospital entrance from the parking lot.  People were milling about in front of the hospital, talking grimly on cell phones, tissue in hand.  And here I come, carrying a bottle of champagne.  Let's party!

They looked at me with vitriol, as if I might any moment pop the cork and pour champagne over my head like I had just won the NBA championship.  These are things nobody ever tells you about.  I've never seen a Ms. Manners column speak to the etiquette of carrying champagne into a hospital.

However ... I made it through the entrance and lobby safely, no brawling required.