A Sad Week . . .

If you’ve caught any news at all over the past week, then you know how sad it’s been.

Throughout the southeast and covering six states, it’s been utter devastation and loss with Hurricane Helene. I have friends in southwest Florida who are still staying in a hotel almost a week later. They are still without power down there, lots of destruction, roads closed, etc. My heart goes out to all of them.

As some of you might know, in 2005 we moved from New Port Richey, north of Clearwater, to an island, Cedar Key, two hours north. When we began visiting there, it was love at first sight for me! Nature, surrounded by water, lots of wildlife, friendly people, etc. Yes, it was fairly isolated and remote. Not one traffic light on the island, no doctors, no pharmacy, etc. All of that was 40 minutes away to Chiefland or an hour to Gainesville.

I made lots of memories there and it was there that my creativity kicked in and stirred my imagination to begin writing my Cedar Key Series. I was offered a contract by a NY publisher and for all of this, I’m grateful. However, when my husband began to develop health issues, it was time to reassess where we lived. And in 2014, we left the island and relocated to the east coast of Florida.

Cedar Key has now been hit three times in the past 13 months with hurricanes. And Helene has been the worst. It’s gut wrenching to see the videos and photos of the island I truly loved now so damaged.

The Cedar Key Food Pantry was operating when I lived there. They helped those on the island who needed food and my husband and I used to donate to them. The island was a town where people always helped each other. They are resilient. However, right now, they could really use some outside help.

If possible, maybe you could donate a check to the Food Pantry. You can send it to:

Cedar Key Food Pantry – PO Box 25 – Cedar Key, FL 32625

I know they will appreciate it as they to attempt to rebuild their town, their homes and their businesses.

If you were affected by Helene, I hope you’re doing as well as can be expected.

I’m very grateful that the east coast of Florida wasn’t touched by Helene, except for some wind and rain.

But we know………..there will always be more hurricanes.

Stay safe and see you here next time…………….