I’m used to this, but when we came into the Halfmoon Library in Clifton Park, N.Y., the security guard came rushing out, saying “Izzy, Izzy,” and running out to meet the soul dog. “I’m Jon Katz,” I volunteered. “Here for the signing.” She nodded and waved me in. That more or less set the tone. More than 100 people came out for the signing and we had a great conversation about writing, love of dogs, grieving for animals, and my own motives for moving to the farm and writing a novel. Did I write my books because I love dogs?

No, I said. I love dogs, but I write my books because I love writing. There is a big difference. At 5 p.m., we headed for Columbus an made it as far as Buffalo before we just wore out. The Ipad did heroic service as a GPS, mileage and time estimator, and hotel finder and mileage and time gauge. I love it. People who dismiss it as a toy just haven’t used one. It’s a bunch of different and highly useful tools. Got a great app for 99 cents called “How Far?” which tells you where you are and how far it is to where you are going.

Can’t figure out how to upload photos yet, but got the text going to the blog. I’ll keep at it. Maria and I took turns driving. We are tired. Izzy chased the ball, opened a cut on his leg. Looks minor.