Kelly Nolan, whose radiant smile caught my eye several years ago, has returned to the Bog tavern and restaurant for Friday nights only. Maria and I went to the newly renovated Bog and were very happy to see Kelly again.

The blog was closed for the winter after it’s owner died, we weren’t sure it would ever re-open. Maria and I went once or twice, but it was mobbed and chaotic and we decided to wait until things settled down a bit.

They have, it was great fun to be there tonight. Lots of bugs gone and ironed out.

And Kelly is a big draw for us and a lot of other people.

She is special to me, not only for her very radiant smile, but for her very radiant and honest and decent self. A star in my gallery of good and unheralded heroes. She inspired my portrait series on strong women, she is one.

The Bog is much the same, good burgers, a warm and down-to-earth family and biker place. The lights are brighter, there are computers to order the food and the menus is almost exactly the same.

Kelly is working weekdays at an auto repair shop in the town, an eight to five job involving scheduling, computers and customer service. She likes being home when her daughter gets home from school.

I am grateful for my photography, I have met and come to know some of the nicest people.

I missed Kelly, so did Maria. It was quiet in the Bog tonight, it’s a very good place to get a hamburger and a drink. We’re lucky with restaurants this month, we love Jean’s and taking pictures of Robin, and now I can get back to my weekly portraits of this radiant and strong woman.

Welcome back to the blog, Kelly, you were missed.