MEMOIRS OF AN ORDINARY WOMAN: January 2026

Friday, January 30, 2026

Our Country Squire Station Wagon

Somewhere in Upstate NY

Summer of 1967

We were headed to the World's Fair in Montreal, Canada in July, 1967. I had just finished the 6th grade and so excited to take this big adventure. It took us two days to get there. After getting up so early in the morning and packing a picnic lunch, we drove to my great aunt's home, in NY, somewhere on a lake. Our grandparents had also driven up here with us. We arrived mid afternoon, went swimming in the lake, took a boat ride and had a great time.

The next morning, we piled in to our station wagon that was filled with our suitcases, magazines to entertain us, another picnic lunch and the eight of us. Every inch of space was taken. And off we went to another country. I felt worldy.

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Sitting on the Ganges River, at dusk, listening to the evening prayer service- India- 2015

Friday, January 23, 2026

OMG, I Loved This Moment

OMG, I loved this moment. I had just read about this field and the author warned that the flowers were at their peak so I should go here ASAP. I got in my car, drove 2 hours to central PA and followed the signs to this farm. I expected a field the size of a football field. But as I got closer to the entrance of the farm, I just had to pull over because I couldn't see where this field started and ended. I think I zig-caged for almost 2 miles as I made my way around these flowers. I was so excited, I hype-ventilated a bit.

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

I Thought This Ass Was Beautiful

Tanzania

February 2015

Monday, January 19, 2026

Rowanda Photos-The Silverback Gorillas

Sunday, January 18, 2026

Shackleton's Hut

Somewhere in Antarctica

November 2007

I could hardly wait to visit this hut when I was in Antarctica. I've read so much about him. I've almost watched every documentary and historical dramas about him. I wanted this moment.

But the seas were not cooperating with us on this day. It was so damn windy. We were warned that it would be dangerous getting off the boat and on to the zodiac. The landing was going to be rough and once firmly on the snow, we would struggle to get from the zodiac to the hut. Only those of us who were in fit condition were encouraged to get off the ship. And that wasn't me. Others encouraged me to join them. But I was too afraid. So I stayed on the ship. And when the few who got off the boat came back and described it to me, I had to restrain myself from telling them that I already knew what the inside of the hit looked like. I've seen it in the movies.

Saturday, January 17, 2026

Notes from Students and Parents

Some kind words from some former students and parents. I think I made a comment on FB that I barely remember my working days as a high school principal now that Ive been retired for 15 years.

Pamela H. Hoy

And after that, where? Did you come right to Stroudsburg? Lucky us, but then, you left too soon.

5 days ago

Bridget E Kelly

Pamela H. Hoy I worked at Stroudsburg from 1988 to 1999. I worked at Springfield from 1999 to 2010 and then I retired.

5 days ag

Daniel Vincent

We couldn’t forget our time with you, blessed and grateful

5 days ago

Author

Bridget E Kelly- Daniel Vincent you made my day!

Natalie Rose- Daniel Vincent well said!!! She’s simply the best

5 days ago

Meghan Guerrero- You may only vaguely remember it, but there's a lot of us that will never forget that time! I only wish my daughter could have had the same experience!

5 days ago

Author

Bridget E Kelly

Meghan Guerrero

5 days ago

Author

Bridget E Kelly- Meghan Guerrero truthfully, I remember almost every moment. It was my good fortune to be a part of your journey.

5 days ago

Rosemary Touhill- You continue to touch lives in such a positive light. I love following your adventures and updates on family and friends.

5 days ago

Sloane Manning Housten- People still talk about your impact and the crap that goes on now would never fly under your guidance.

5 days ago

Joseph Bosak- Sloane Manning Housten She may not be able to be the Principal at this time. She wouldn’t be able to not speak her mind and run the building “ her” way.

4 days ago

Paul Kerrigan- It was an honor to work with you.

Maureen O'Reilly Naylor- I remember...you did so much "good" for the students and families of Springfield, Dr. Kelly!

5 days ago

Erica Lynne Hayes

I remember you wearing a full red suit with matching Nikes. That was cool.

5 days ago

Holly Marie

You were the absolute best & touched so many lives, especially mine! Thank you for all you did and continue to do

4 days ago
Joseph Bosak

There was no one better. You treated everyone fairly and had no personal ambitions other than to see to it that your students and staff were safe and had all the tools they needed for success. I agree with Paul Kerrigan, it was an honor to work for and with you . I still can’t get that laugh out of my head.

4 days ago

Megan Uber-Lustig

You may vaguely remember, but you are so memorable to so many!

4 days ago

Bridget E Kelly

Megan Uber-Lustig

4 days ago

Sita Romeu-Jeffers

I remember...you served students with respect! You used us, we, our, as inclusion pronouns, which added our children as active citizens in our community and family!!! YOU impacted our community with such grace...thank you

Author

Bridget E Kelly

Sita Romeu-Jeffers it was my good fortune to work with you and your wonderful kids.