You could not get a much better sendoff the book tour than Simon gave me today as I prepared to go to Vermont for a Sunday afternoon (4 p.m.) talk and signing at Misty Valley Books, Chester, Vt. I have to say those brays really lift me up in the morning, although this one might last the whole week. It might have to. After Chester, I go to Columbus and Dayton, Ohio, and then Milwaukee. Then back here for the Pig Barn Art Gallery Show October 8 ad 9 (details on Maria’s website), 11 to 4 p.m. I’ll be signing books which can be brought, or purchased at nearby Battenkill Books in Cambridge (518 677-2515) or my neighbor, Gardenworks (518 854 3250).

Anyway, Simon continues to evolve as personality. Today he stole cookies out of the can in the barn and gave me a rousing hell, not having seen me since yesterday afternoon. He’s a good egg.