The last few months were so busy or full of storms that we didn’t get a chance to go to Jean’s Place for our favorite breakfasts. They noticed.

It’s far and away the best breakfast place. Jean’s is one of the things I love most about the country. It couldn’t exist anywhere else.

Maria is wild about their pancakes; I like eggs over light with wheat toast and home fries (which we share.)

Nothing has changed about Jean’s place except some new wooden blinds to block out the sun at certain times of the day. Otherwise, it hasn’t changed a whit.

There is no place like Jean’s; it is much a community center as a diner. Everyone knows everyone, everyone’s mother, and everyone’s health. Everyone is known by name, even us.

Some man at the booth next to us was railing on about his 100-year-old mother, who, he said, was mean as a snake.

It felt so good to be back there.  Hoosick Falls is another world; everyone knows all the details about everyone else.

We won’t be away as long anymore. Everyone calls us “hon…”

We brought home two of their big and beautiful muffins.