August 18 2009 – The first day of the book tour (I will be posting here throughout the tour) was a bit chaotic. Had a bunch of interviews. Everyone seems to be emphatic about dogs and animals having souls. Nice compliments about my work. Questions about dogs, Plato, definitions of souls, Michael Vick, the existential loneliness and disconnection of many Americans.
  This will be a good subject to talk about. Went to two or three bookstores to sign some books, including Barnes & Noble in Saratoga, where I always go in the evening on publication date. Signed a lot of books. First reading will be Saturday at Northshire Books in Manchester, Vt., 7 p.m.
Saturday, September 5, I will be at Gardenworks at 2 p.m. in Salem, N.Y. So will Mary Kellogg (poems), Corinna Aldrich (photographs), Ray Smith and Christopher Smith (art) and Maria Heinrich (fiberart.) I will be showing my photos as well.
 Saturday, I am going to the Washington County Fair to enter a few of my photos in the Photography Contest. Last year, I won some ribbons, but the farmer’s wives gave me brutal competition and humbled me. This year, I am hopeful, but my expectations are low. The Fair starts a week from next Monday, and I hope to spend some time in the Washington County Hospice booth with Izzy, and I hope to be able to get away from the book tour to take photos at the fair, which I love to do.
  The first days of a book tour are always strange, as I never know which direction a book will take, or what about a book will touch or interest people. This book was challenging, but I am glad I told it through the stories of my dogs and farm animals, many of which are gone. I am eager to get out and talk about it, and will be as eager to return to the farm and finish my first novel (this draft is nearly done) and hopefully start on the next one.
  It was difficult sending the donkeys and sheep off, but on days like this I am also relieved not to be worrying about hay, water, fences and livestock. Didn’t take many photos today, and am getting tons of e-mail and phone calls.