I’ve long believed that was really makes cafe’s and diners work is the presence of a single driving personality to keep an eye on things and advocate fiercely for the customers.

Kelly is such a person. She took over Jean’s place 30 years ago when her mother Jean died, the two were close, Kelly (center) told me her mother was the most wonderful person she ever mete.

Jean’s place is amazing to me, and to Maria. No matter how busy it is, somebody has my coffee and Maria’s tea waiting for us,  the food comes quickly and the bill comes when we are ready almost magically.

The food is great also, there is a lot of it, Robin was shocked this morning when I forewent my usual order of Oat Bran pancakes and had some oatmeal instead. She insisted on bringing some Oat Bran toast, which was delicious, and a mound of fresh blueberries.

I’m even liking the whole belly clams Kelly touts, they are fresh and juicy, that is not something  often find in upstate New York.

People in Hoosick Falls, N.Y., eat big and hearty. They look big and hearty too, judging from the counter crowd. There are all kinds of funky and homemade drawings and photos and slogans on the walls.

Everybody seems to know everybody else of course, and there is lots of banter, news and gossip.

Kelly said the people who work in the store are like family, and they really are. They have been together for a long time, so long it’s unheard of in modern America. Robin (left), has worked for Kelly for 24 years, Mary, right for 18.

Kelly’s daughter also works at Jean’s Place.

Kelly herself has been running the cafe for three decades, and there is no detail too small for her to pay attention too. I put up photos of Robin from time to time, and half of Hoosick Falls usually e-mails me to say how great she is, how kind and hard working. She sure looks that way to me.

The family element is important, Robin and Mary care as much about the diner as Kelly goes, and it shows. You can feel it. Strong women always face the camera bravely, they look me the lens right in the eye and just dare me to hit the shutter.

I loved this crew.

Kelly is tough, but she also is quick to smile. In fact, everyone who works at Jean’s seems quick to smile. They take their diner seriously, but they don’t take life all that seriously.

I keep thinking this a part of America that makes the country special, we keep thinking of it as lost or gone, but it isn’t.  You just have to open your eyes to it.

These woman are efficient, warm and take no prisoners. I would not mess with any of them. I love photographing strong women, and when we wake up on a Saturday or a Sunday, the first thing we ask is when are we leaving for Jean’s place.