Lenore is in love with a turkey frank I dropped on the floor. She watched it lovingly, longingly, before I told her to
go and eat it. Lenore is ever more serious than when she is studying food.

  This afternoon, I am going to the Battenkill Bookstore, Cambridge, N.Y. (518 677 2208) to celebrate a changing of the guard. Margaret Waterston and Kay Crank have sold the store, and friends of Battenkill are gathering from 4 to 6 p.m. on Main Street, in Cambridge, N.Y. I’m bringing Izzy.
  Margaret is the person who got me started writing about dogs. I was telling her stories of my life with border collies, and she looked me in the eye – she is a blunt speaking Quaker- and said, “Jon, your dog stories are better than the other stuff you are writing.” She was right, and off we went. The Battenkill is a wonderful store, and it’s great that is being taken over by people who love it and wish to expand it. I can tell you from my book tour that books are alive and well in America, rumors to the contrary notwithstanding.
  I thank Margaret for a debt I can never repay, and Kay for her gracious and loving heart. The store has been a light and a refuge for many people, including me. Stop by if you can, from 4 to 6. Mary Kellogg is coming with me to help say goodbye.