By Sassy Cabot from the Read ’Em and Eat Mysteries by TerrieFarley Moran
Okay so before Bridgy and I made our big move to Florida, everyone said, “but what about the hurricanes?” And we said, “how bad can they possibly be?”
We certainly learned that lesson—hurricanes can be deadly and the aftermath goes on and on. On orders from the Governor, we evacuated from Fort Myers Beach, and joined our author in her daughter’s house in Cape Coral, just outside the evacuation zone.
After the storm, we waited on pins and needles to get back to Fort Myers Beach. When Fort Myers Emergency Services finally opened the bridge, we joined the long line of neighbors whose cars snaked across the bridge, every occupant anxious about what they would find.
Our beloved Read ’Em and Eat Café and Bookstore suffered minor outside damage. A few pieces of fascia board hung from the roof and the leaders and gutters were long gone. Three palm trees in the parking lot were twisted to the ground, unlikely to ever stand again. When Bridgy unlocked the door, we were happy to see the interior was dry as a bone but, of course, the power was still down. And without air conditioning the indoor temperature was ten or fifteen degrees higher than the 93 degrees reported as the day’s outdoor temperature. We were grateful that Miguel made us empty the refrigerators and the big freezer. Imagine the smell if we hadn't. As it is, if we don’t get power back soon, we’ll have to hire someone to do extensive mold mitigation.
Then we headed for the Turret, our beloved apartment.This debris disposal chart was stuck in our door frame. We hoped it wasn't an omen.
Of course the patio screens were a total loss and the railings bent inward, one actually detached from the building, but everything else was untouched. We gave sighs of relief. We still had a home and a business. So many folks had fared way worse.
Bridgy got busy on the phone and found that Miguel and Cynthia Mays, our local veterinarian, were distributing pet food and water in the parking lot of Cynthia’s office, which had, unfortunately, lost its roof. So we are going to run over and give them a hand, but before we leave, let me ask you, what is the one thing everyone must have when they evacuate? That’s right, a bag. So in the hopes that you will never need it for evacuation purposes, our author is giving away this sturdy tote named for our latest adventure, Read to Death.
To enter for a chance to win please comment below and tell us any of the wonderful things you use totes for—we sincerely hope that hurricane evacuation will never be one of them—but we want to know. Please include your email in this format: yourname (at) your server(dot) com—so the spambots can’t pick it up.
Comments close at midnight on Thursday, September 21st.
Posts
Well, since you don't get bags anymore at the grocery store, I use lots of tote bags for groceries! I also use them to lug books, iPad, etc. around on trips
ReplyDeletedigicats {at} sbcglobal {dot} net
I use my totes for groceries and books when I go to the library; thanks for the chance to win
ReplyDeletejslbrown2009 at aol dot com
I use totes to go shopping and I use them for work and for babysitting my little grandson.
ReplyDeletedebby236 at gmail dot com
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ReplyDeleteI use various totes to store the hundreds and hundreds of bookmarks my author friends send me. I distribute them to various library branches here in Brooklyn and Queens County NY. Of course when we go on vacation we each pack a tote with the specific books we plan to read while away.
ReplyDeleteNoraAdrienne (at) gmail (dot) com
I use them for work...carrying my paperwork,lunch, and tablet. I also use them when we go camping....as a small suitcase for clothes or for the dogs treats, food and blankets.
ReplyDeletecactuspare(at)cox(dot)net
I use my tote to lug around a book, my kindle (as one can never have too many books on hand), my chargers, and lunch. catherinewinslow81 (at) gmail (dot) com
ReplyDeletei take one to work to carry my phone, glasses and wallet. i use them at the grocery. email: aelinderman (at) sbcglobal (dot) net
ReplyDeletefor grocery or for protecting my books at home isabelle(dot)frisch(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI especially use totes for carrying items and/or food and water when I go on vacation. Also use them for my books, camera, and my kindle. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteI use mine for a variety of reasons and I usually have more than one at a time! My nickname is baglady! I use them books and lunch and my extra bag when I go to the store. Veronica, [email protected]
ReplyDeleteTotes are so practical for library books, outings to the park with the little ones and grocery store shopping. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteMy shopping at Aldi's for healthy stuff so I can munch while I am reading my cozy mysteries!
ReplyDeletePicnics, lunches, library visits, and shopping at the supermarket. So useful. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI use totes for carrying books, notebooks/tablets to write on, snacks - food & bottled water, clothing for an overnight stay, items for great-grandson, . . . I use totes for just about anything.
ReplyDeleteEspecially I use one for all the things I want with me that will not fit in my purse!
donna (dot) durnell (at) sbcglobal ( dot) net
I felt so bad for all of Florida during Irma. I love totes for many reasons. Mostly for carrying books and kindle for appointments or on excursions but using them as grocery bags is a great idea.
ReplyDeleteMeg85242 (at) gmail (dot) com
Our most common purpose is book sales and trips to the library.
ReplyDeletecjreynolds52(at)comcast(dot)net
I use them to go to the library
ReplyDeletesgiden at verizon(.)net
Since I take a book with me whenever I go somewhere, I always use a tote. Also use them at the bookstore.
ReplyDeletediannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
Since I take a book with me whenever I go somewhere, I always use a tote. Also use them at the bookstore.
ReplyDeletediannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
I use totes to carry books to and from the library.They also make an overnight bag for grandchlidren.
ReplyDeleteI use totes for carrying just about everything to work, to the library, to the grocery store and home again! [email protected]
ReplyDeleteI use totes to take books back and forth to the library.
ReplyDeleteI use totes for shopping, storing craft supplies and carrying books!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you guys' damage wasn't worse! I use totes primarily for grocery bags and also different ones for the beach and for trips. Ty for the cool giveaway! karamarks0463 (at) att (dot) net
ReplyDeleteWe are on the East Coast of South Florida and were really scared when we saw this storm. We were very lucky. Now we have to watch Maria!
ReplyDeleteI use totes to carry stuff back and forth to work. jejones65(at)hotmail(dot)com
I use my totes for books, when traveling I fill with goodies (mostly for my hubby) my tablet and other essentials.
ReplyDeleteI am a member of three different County Library Systems and have a separate tote/ book bag for each! One can never have too many book bags!!!
ReplyDeleteTwo of the ways I use totes are for grocery shopping and library books.
ReplyDeletejtcgc at yahoo dot com
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletewe use our for so many things... going to the library, going to the park for the afternoon, as well as holding my yarn for my crochet projects i'm currently working on! i love using tote bags. Happy Reading!
ReplyDeletebsmiley6918 at yahoo dot com
I have good intentions to use the for the grocery store, but usually forget! Library trips are good--the books can live in there as they are due to go back! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteJHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
I use them for taking books to the library and bringing new ones home----and for going to the farmers markets and getting all sorts of goodies.
ReplyDelete[email protected]
My totes go to my many doctor and hospital visits and they draw much attention and conversations. This is a captive audience and most people seem anxious to break up their wait by talking g about authors books and series and mist iften this interest us my book and the tote bags. Happens a the time. And I write down the author's name and series too so in case they forget they have the paper to refer to. I use totes to bring books to our local store that has a book shelf and sells the books for $1 to give to a local charity each month.
ReplyDeleteCynthia B
ceblain (At) tmlponline (DOT) net
Please excuse typos. Two eye surgeries and I still can't see well enough to type on a phone. 😅
ReplyDeleteI use them to carry books, take my lunch to work, deliver & take goodies to and from my mom and I keep one in my car for everyday use! Thanks for the chance and I look forward to reading the new book!
ReplyDelete[email protected]
I use my beat-up totes mainly at the supermarket-- they credit 5 cents for each bag. My other totes are used for lugging books and coloring supplies/ adult coloring books.
ReplyDeleteI use totes for book Sales! Love to carry all my finds! Maceoindo (at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy you are safe! I use tires for my classroom, groceries, the library, and traveling with my dogs! Thank you for the awesome opportunity!
ReplyDeleteAhh auto correct... that should be totes, not tires!
DeleteI prefer using my tote bag for carrying books. turtle6422(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI USE BAGS AT FLEA MARKETS TO TAKE HOME MY FINDS. THANKS FOR THE CHANCE! SHELLEY S. calicolady60(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI use tote bags mostly for trips to the library and the grocery store. rbbjess(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI mostly give tote bags to a family member. They're today's most important fashion statements!
ReplyDeletejsmith[delete brackets]3may[delete brackets]2011
[at symbol]
yahoo[dot]com
Hello, I am so glad that everyone can go back to their homes, and try to clean up and salvage what they can, if their homes were in the path of the tornado. My prayers are with them! I live in Ohio, and we are safe here since there seems to be no really bad weather in our area. I use tote bags mostly for taking things to my Chemotherapy treatments. I bring puzzle books, pens, my tablet, etc. I have had Hodgkins Lymphoma for over 14 years, but, this year, 2017, my oncologist has given me a break as my CTscans were clear for once! My next scan is in December, and if the cancer has returned , then I will load up my tote again and off to the Infusion Suite for more treatments. By the way, I love your books, I have read the first and second one in this series. Take care and thanks for the chance to win! [email protected]
ReplyDeleteI use totes for storage, book bags, shopping bags...
ReplyDeleteLove them thank you.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I am so glad that a lot of people are OK in FL and others getting help. Thank you for the giveaway. I use totes for sewing projects, but mostly yarn, knitting projects. I am scheduled for knee surgery so I will need tote for my yarn and books to have close by. Since I will not be going anywhere soon. Georgia
ReplyDeletequeenvictoria50 (@) aol (dot) com
I use totes for groceries, carrying my stuff back and forth to work. This week I've been using them to transport things back and forth to the hospital for my husband. Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteI am glad the damage was not worse.
ReplyDeleteI use totes to carry my gear for school - I recently went back as an adult to change careers rather than go on disability.
lavendersbluegreen (at) your yahoo(dot) com
I'm in different organizations, so different totes keep me organized - one for Lions Club, one for Toastmasters... cheers AT MarjimManor DOT com
ReplyDeleteI use my totes for groceries, books when I go to the library, and knitting and crochet projects. Thank you for the chance to win this awesome prize package.
ReplyDeletepeggyhyndman (at) att (dot) net
Totes are one of the best conversation starters, especially ones with pictures of books or slogans. They are also a great way to carry my books/kindle and any other items when waiting for appointments. Thanks so very much for hosting Terrie Moran's character Sassy Cabot on your blog today. robeader53(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI use totes for so many things, groceries, toting things for the kids back and forth and bringing things to work (just to name a few). anajs95(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI use tote bags when I go to the library and to put towels and stuff in when we go to the beach. Also great for going on day trips. I'm also a Hurricane Irma survivor, we just had minimal damage here in Port Charlotte. pgenest57 at aol dot com
ReplyDeleteI like to use totes for library books and quilting supplies. We live in Florida and lost power for 5 days thanks to Irma. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI use them for books, groceries, my kindle and carrying little surprises for my grandkids when I visit them.
ReplyDeleteKit3247(at)aol(dot)com
Oh the wonderful ways to use tote bags.Books, add various items on trips. Shopping, Crochet projects, Gifts. My laptop when I go to reunions (I'm one of the family historians) add paper, pens and extra batteries for the mouse.Notebooks and pictures.Sometimes I add some snacks. I'm diabetic and sometimes my sugar drops.Add anything that doesn't fit into my big purse Thanks for this opportunity. Glad you are all safe. jluebke(at)frontier(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI use totes for my yarn.
ReplyDeleteI use totes when I go to the library and to put towels and stuff in for the beach. I also use when going to the farmers market or for day trips. Lots of uses. Hello from Port Charlotte, our neighbors just got their power back yesterday. We never lost ours. Hope you fared okay. pgenest57 at aol dot com
ReplyDelete[email protected] ..I use totes for books, groceries, carry snacks in my truck for grand-kids, we go treasure hunting in San Leon, Texas..so we carry treasure hunting supplies in tote bags, plus shell hunting on several of our beaches on our bay..i also use them for items i need when staying at Mother's, such as clothes..etc always an adventure..we were hit hard by hurricane Harvey in Friendswood Texas, (my daughters home) and in Dickenson, League City..San Leon fared well considering it was almost totaled in hurricane Ike..all in all my family in the Houston and surrounding areas fared safe
ReplyDeleteWe often use totes to carry our dogs's items when we take them places. Thanks for the opportunity.
ReplyDeletebrowning [email protected]
Glad you are ok and property made out. I use bags for everything, cross stitch stuff in bags, patterns in bags, books to read in ages, books going to my mom to read in bags, bags left on top of washer that should be in car to go shopping (lol) same with coupons. Thanks for the invite to enter.
ReplyDeleteAmy
Priusracer (at) gmail (dot) com
So happy to hear you fared well! I use my bag for shopping, the beach, carrying Scout materials around, toys for the children, pet bag for walks, my books when I like to go to the tea shop, crafts bag... I even hang them in my closet to separate scarves, belts, accessories, Etc! Thanks for the opportunity 🤓
ReplyDeleteCheers-
Kelly Braun
Gaelicark(at)yahoo(dot)com
Books. I have a library one and one with my own TBR. I also have a "what if I need...." bag with greeting cards, extra OTC meds, sewing kit, pens, paper...lots of flotsam and jetsam. ��
ReplyDeleteI carry books, knitting, spinning, papers... Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteteabird17 *at* yahoo (dot) com
I use the bags for groceries. Shirley Robinson [email protected]
ReplyDeleteI primarily use totes for cross stitch supplies, for books and magazines when I travel, and for my cockers' essentials when they are booked for a stay at Paws Inn. Thanks for the Hurricane Irma update on Sassy and Bridgy! bskts4unm(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteComments are closed. Winner has been notified. Thanks so much everyone for your participation and keep visiting Killer Characters as we have lots of giveaways. Hugs, Terrie
ReplyDeleteAnd the winner is Lisa Mitchell. Congratulations!!
ReplyDelete