Thank You, Trahnh's by Angie Ledbetter

I'm lucky to have a small mom & pop dry cleaner/alteration business right in my neighborhood. Kids grown so tall their school uniform pants can't make it through May? No problem, go to Trahnh's. Need a prom dress altered pronto? Head to Trahnh's. You glued Boy Scout patches on with "super hold" spray glue and now they've come off in the wash? It's an easy job for Trahnh's with their heavy duty sewing machines. Over the years, those lovely people have covered a multitude of sewing and laundry sins for me.

So many businesses from my childhood have closed up; knocked out of the profit loop by huge chain stores. I think there is only one small independent bookstore left in Baton Rouge. The same for corner grocery stores. Who can afford to compete with the WallyWorlds and J-Marts?

But in my little magical neighborhood, we still have one of the few remaining full service independently owned gas stations. Until very recently, we had a small grocer's with the best sliced ham and deli around. I miss the many places of commerce that have boarded up their windows over the last twenty years. I miss the personal chitchat, the friendly attitudes, the dependable service.

While there are still a few of these locally owned places around, I'll continue to patronize them as often as I can. I understand the prices may be a little higher because of taxes, insurance, and higher overhead. My hat's off to these men and women running their own businesses, despite the rising costs and headaches.

The best part about walking into Trahnh's? With every item of perfectly laundered, starched, sewn, or altered clothing I pick up, I've never once failed to hear with the tinkling of the bell on the door as I leave, "You have nice day, now, y'all!" I just love that. It makes my day. Happy people doing good work for satisfied customers. Ah, the American way.