I called up Michelle Rouse to make plans for Thanksgiving photos on the farm. I’m going to join Judy and Ed and the milking crew Thursday morning, early and get some Thanksgiving Barn photos. I told Michelle I’d like to stop by and get some Thanksgiving Dinner Photos.  Also, I’ll come by tomorrow to see her baking in the kitchen.

“Where are you having dinner?,” she asked. “My sister-in-laws,”  I said.  “I thought Maria and I could go separately and I’d get some photos.”

A pause.

“What does your wife say about that?”

“I don’t think she liked that,” I said.

“Good for her,” Michelle said.

I told Maria what Michelle said. “Good for her,” she said.

We are going to dinner together, and I’ll skip the Thanksgiving Dinner photos at the Rouse Farm.

Upcoming events for “Rose In A Storm:”

This Saturday, 2 p.m., signing at Gardenworks, Rte 30, Salem, N.Y.

Tuesday, December 14, 7 p.m., Hubbard Hall, Cambridge, N.Y., courtesy of Battenkill Books, talk and signing.

Sunday, December 19, 2 p.m. signing, Northshire Books, Manchester, Vt.

Also upcoming. Working with a new kind of art gallery, “Gallery 99,” to debut in Glens Falls in February. Good art for less than $100. I’ll be talking and selling photos there, and Maria is working to help set the gallery up. Opening in February.

In the Spring, I will be teaching a story-telling workshop at the Clifton Park, N.Y. Library. Four weeks. Details to come.

In January, the “Loving Libraries” book tour kicks off: Round One – Granville, Cobbleskil, N.Y., Salisbury, Conn., Richboro, Pa., Providence, R.I., Osterville, Scituate, and Martha’s Vineyard, Mass.

I don’t think I need Thanksgiving to be grateful, but it helps. I am lucky, in so many ways. I nearly lost my life. I have given rebirth to it. I am thankful.