Weekend Reading, 4.25.14

Happy Friday! How has your week been? Ours has been unusual.

On Wednesday, the house diagonally across the street from ours was struck by lightning. There was no warning; the sun was shining and suddenly a large boom filled the sky. The house, which had been under renovation for months, sustained nearly $100,000 worth of damage, according to our local newspaper. The three people in the house, fortunately, were safe, and local fire and emergency services responded quickly.

My mother and son were home at the time, and to say there were scared is an understatement. But they were fine. Shaken, but fine. Our house sustained minor damage as a result of the power surge that shot out from the lightning strike. Despite surge protectors, several of our appliances are “toast” (except, ironically, our toaster), our air conditioner needed repair, and the electrician made some nice change fixing destroyed outlets.

This has been an inconvenience for us, especially my husband who has taken on the coordination of repair people and the insurance company, but, compared to our neighbor’s situation, it’s nothing. And, our family is safe, so it’s really nothing.

Sometimes, it takes an unusual circumstance to remind us of what’s most valuable. That’s what I’ll be holding onto this weekend.

Speaking of the weekend, here are highlights from across the web for your reading pleasure…

1 | What are you doing tomorrow? Join me for Boston’s inaugural Listen to Your Mother show at the Old South Church. I’ll be there celebrating the hard work of the show’s director and producers and the compelling stories of the presenters. Buy your ticket here or at the door.

2 | A very on-target Mother’s Day gift

3 | Red Sox nation is growing and this map shows where

4 | When my husband and I were first married, we lived in a 542-square-foot condo. It forced us to be judicious about our possessions. I thought we were impressive until I read this story.

5 | Shackled during childbirth? This article explores Massachusetts’ effort to end that requirement for prisoners during labor and delivery.

6 | On holograms and “future-proofing”

7 | Because I am always on the hunt for easy, healthy, and delicious breakfast options: a recipe for overnight oats

8 | A round-up of natural cleaning products for your spring cleaning efforts (and let me know if you want to come to my house to try these out…I have some windows that need attention)

9 | Massachusetts nonprofits raise millions through the 118th Boston Marathon

10 | One mom’s take on “age-appropriate” behavior

happy_weekend_redshutters