I was surprised and delighted to see that a mere Pandemic will not defeat the loyal customers of Jean’s Place.

This morning, the parking lot was nearly full of Sunday brunch regulars who brought their masks and chairs and set up – socially distanced in the parking lot, just by the busy highway.

“We’ve been coming here to have brunch together for years,” one happy customer told me,  “and we figured out we can still do it, as long as we take the recommended precautions.”

You cannot keep the country people down.

I saw several other gatherings in the parking lot, sandwiched between their trucks and SUV’s.

Jean’s Place is a love story really, between a community restaurant and it’s very loyal customers and admirers. I am so happy to see it returning to life in this way, we are no longer sheltering-in-place, but everyone in town is respecting the masks and distancing. Soon, the restaurant will open up again on the inside, at least partly.

The opening up with be careful and gradual and exuberant. I finally saw Kelly and Kelsie smile this morning.

The story of Jean’s Place is also the story of three members of one family – Kelly, Kevin, and Kelsie. I’m in awe of hard they have worked with so little drama.

I know a lot of people who haven’t left their houses in weeks and have done a lot more complaining that Kelsie and Kelly and Kevin.

Without complaint or self-pity, they have been working day and night to keep their restaurant alive. They come in at 1 a.m. to cook and prepare and some days don’t leave until 8 p.m.

It is long, hot and hard work.

I believe they have succeeded in getting through the worst of it, Jean’s Place got through the worst of it, I expect to be having brunch inside in just a few weeks.

It love seeing Kelsie and her mother Kelly, two strong women who represent the best of the American spirit. It’s true when the going gets tough; the tough get going.

I know some of you who are local have rushed to support Jean’s place in different ways, and others from all over the country have helped with gift certificates to letters and cards.

They love getting your cards and notes of encouragement, they are all over the restaurant walls: Jean’s Place, 4729 New York Route 67, Hoosick Falls, N.Y., 12090.