Weekend Reading 07.25

A post-vacation surprise plus an author's home tour, a movie casting controversy, and more links for your weekend.

Hi friends. What’s new in your world?

Tom and I recently went on a short trip to the Bahamas, courtesy of his company, and arrived home last Friday at 11:00 p.m. to a house with only partial power. Our first clue was the water leaking out of our garage refrigerator. Once inside, we had a mystery to solve.

The living and dining room lights were out, but the family room’s were not. Most of the kitchen lights were working, save for a couple. The toaster was dead, but the KitchenAid right next to it was fine.

It was like we had a ghost, or a mouse randomly chewing through wiring.

All of the upstairs was okay, except for the attic fan, and that turned out to be a bummer, because, sadly, the air conditioner was a no-go. A kind electrician took pity on us and made a Saturday call to tell us we had all the earmarks of a lightning strike.

We knew that there had been a huge storm with a lot of rain and flooding while we were gone, and when I asked my mom if there had been a lot of lightning too, she sent me this. Mystery solved.

Now, a week later, we are mostly back up and running and feeling grateful because it could have been much worse.

Back to the trip, it was a Monday-Friday down and back, and I took almost no pictures, but here are a few in case you’re interested.

The view from the plane on the way in. Jawdropping.

The photo I took when my sister texted, “Send pics!”

Priority 1: Finding Madeline’s gift.

I caught the blue hour while we were eating pizza. I never really know that we’re in the blue hour until I look at a picture after taking it. I’m always thrilled.

This was the summer I quit waiting to be smaller/thinner/fitter and allowed myself to go sleeveless. IYKYK.

Somewhere over Houston, headed home.

I hope you’ve had a good week. Here’s what I saved to share with you…

Blue and white fans rejoice! Author Mary Kay Andrews gave a video tour of her home for Homeworthy, and she does not disappoint.

This little crossbody was perfect for vacation. I love that it comes with two straps.

Why are buildings in Iceland so colorful? We saw lots of colorful buildings in the Bahamas, too.

The most amazing bathroom floor tile.

Author and artist Austin Kleon has a series called typewriter interviews that he conducts “courtesy of the United States Postal Service.” His latest is with mystery author Laura Lippman. Favorite detail? Her personal trainer helps her brainstorm plots.

The novelty rule is good for your brain, plus it’s fun.

Apparently, the casting of Pierce Brosnan in The Thursday Murder Club Netflix movie has caused a (small) controversy. CrimeReads has a great take on it; I loved what Richard Osman, the author of the book, had to say.

Have a great weekend!