The Goodness in Goodlettsville

I am happy to report that Goodlettsville, Tennessee, lives up to it's name. After arriving at the Nashville airport and recieving very friendly service from Hertz and the rental car guard attendant, I was most impressed when I drove the short drive to Goodlettsville and was most welcomed at McDonald's with a big smile and then at my hotel when I checked in. It was not at all a bad journey even though I detest traveling for work on a Sunday.

The next morning I went downstairs for breakfast and got there before my teammate, Alicia, did. A little elderly woman, in her 80's I'd say, at the breakfast bar, greeted me with a friendly "hello" and then hardly paused before asking, "What do you do for a living?" I was a bit surprised, and gave my standard "environmental consulting" answer, not expecting much of a reaction. She studied me smugly, and answered, "Thought so." I felt my eyebrows disappear under my hairline in surprise. "Really?" Afterall, who could pinpoint my profession so acurately just by looking at me? The woman preceeded proudly to let me know how she came to that conclusion, namely that she was familiar with a young lady and gentleman who come and stay at the hotel periodically, they dress just like I was dressed (cargo pants and old T-shirt) and they are also environmental consultants. Come to find out she was talking about Alicia, who shortly arrived downstairs for breakfast, and Matt, who is usually her teammate on these sampling events. The woman, Sadie, gave Alicia a big hug and asked how she was doing, etc. I was just blown away by how sharp as a tack this little old lady was who served breakfast in the hotel. Apparently she is retired from government work (I'd guess the FBI based on her skills) and loves being around people so works 5 days a week at the local hotel. She keeps tabs on all her regular guests.

Today was just full of these kinds of surprises. We went to Rite Aid to get ice and Alicia explained how the store had adopted a stray cat that had been hanging around. They started leaving it food and then gradually the cat acquired a blanket. Now the cat has a collar, dog house, a quilt and several blankets to go along with the regular meals. It was the sweetest thing, and I thought, "only in Goodlettsville."

Notice the nice layout and plush handmade-looking quilt.

And here's the lucky kitty. She just got caught trying to sneak into the Rite-Aid -- due to the rain, I imagine. She was promptly booted out onto the porch here. If I could have gotten a closer picture, you'd see she wears a gold collar with a tag. I wonder if it says something like, "Rita from Rite-Aid, Goodlettsville, TN

I later asked Alicia if she thought the town seemed extra friendly, or was it just me? She agreed most heartily that Goodlettsville was one of the friendliest places she's been to, but she thinks it spreads into nearby Nashville as well.