Weekly Reads (12-21-18)

So Christmas is rapidly arriving and it seems to be coming whether I'm ready or not.  I still need to do some baking, visit Gpa Saturday, wrap presents and READ!  I'm not getting in my usual amounts and it makes me CRANKY.  And this is not the season to be cranky.

So we really only watched one movie this week but it was awesome - Venom.  I wasn't sure I would like it but Tom Hardy was near perfect in it and I've come to realize I'll pretty much watch anything with him in it right now.  Plus, he does star in one of my all-time faves - The Drop.  If you haven't seen it, you must watch it and if you have, then you'll understand the next line..."It's a boxer."

I'm sure we'll be watching Bird Box on Netflix tonight.  

So here are the four books I need to finish before I can even consider reading anything else.  I'm about 100 pages into both "Seven Days of Us" and "In Dog We Trust."  I haven't even started "The Last Woman in the Forest" yet and I still have to read my buddy read with Stormi for this month. I feel like this picture is like that game "Which one doesn't belong?"

And finally, MARSHALL WON!  It was a great game and not really a blow-out even though Marshall never trailed the entire game.  No one was hurt and Marshall has won their last 6 bowl games.  GO HERD!

Oh and a funny story.  When I went to college, Dad and I were walking through the buiding above.  It's called Old Main and it's where all the business offices are -we were paying tuition.  Well, the floors were old and creaky and Dad commented that he hoped they used some of the money to fix the place up.  That was Dad for ya!

So what plans do you have leading up to Christmas???

Weekly Reads (12/14/18)

So the boozy cupcakes were a success.  I didn't take a picture because by the time I made them, and then made homemade icing, which I've never done before, I was done.  Then Mr. Barb liked them so much he wanted another batch to take to work the following day.  Oh well, at least they were good huh?  If anyone wants the recipe, look up Betty Crocker boozy cupcakes or HERE.  

I ended up having to go to a training for work this week as well which meant 1 hour 45 minutes driving each way and a 4 1/2 hour meeting.  It's just been one of those weeks.  And to top it off Saturday, for my Gpa's Christmas gift, I'm taking him 2 hours away to see his sister.  AND I think it's supposed to rain all day.  The things we do for those we love huh?

So I totally forgot to mention some movies we've watched lately.  We've watched "The Equalizer 2" which I liked a lot.  I do think the first one was better but this was a strong sequel.  We also watched "The Nun" and let me just say, it was kind of terrifying in places.  Now I will also admit I think the Nun actually reminds me of Marilyn Manson.  Look at the visual (plus I never imagined I'd ever have a reason to put Marilyn Manson on my blog!)  Also, I don't know what would be scarier, having the Nun chase you or having Marilyn Manson chase you.  What do you think?  Finally we watched "The Predator"" and I enjoyed it so much more than I thought I would.  I'd recommend all three of these is you like action and horror.

I have almost finished another Christmas book and since this IS a book blog, I better show you what I want to read this coming week.

So how was your week?  Are you ready for the holidays and what good books are you planning on reading?

Weekly Reads (12/07/18) - With Kitchen Pics

So I hope everyone has had a wonderful week.  This might be a long one so make sure you have a favorite beverage of choice.  Things here at The Farm have been good.  Last Sunday I got all the Christmas decorations up except our tree which won't go up until the 16th.  The house is looking pretty festive.  I also got my truck back so things seem more normal. 

So Mr. Barb's birthday is Sunday so I'm planning to make Boozy cupcakes.  I also make him cupcakes and when I asked what kind he wanted, he joked and said "bourbon ones."  Well, I actually found a recipe so he's getting Chocolate Bourbon Cupcakes with Vanilla Vodka icing.  Wish me luck because it might be scary. 

So the kitchen remodel is basically done.  Before I show you the pics, let me just explain that we live in kind of a low-end historical district.  If we both had 6-figure salaries, then it would look awesome. As it is, we don't so I've worked hard to make our 118 year old house look cozy - not extremely elegant.  Mr. and the neighbor basically did the flooring and a new ceiling for an anniversary gift (and jacked the floor up) because people, it's 118 years old :)  I really love it.  I did all the painting, including the cabinets and let's just say, there's A LOT to paint in a kitchen.  Remind me some day to tell you about our haunting and the bones in the wall!

I've accented the kitchen with llamas.  Don't ask why because they basically just popped in my head.  Thank heavens for Etsy.  I still have one more print to frame and one more I'm thinking of ordering.

So on to the reading.  I'm hoping to finish "Fatal Festival Days" tonight and start something new tomorrow.  Look one post back if you want to see my December TBR and what I'm basically choosing from this month.

Also, I've been listening to one of favorite Christmas albums of all week - A Barenaked Holiday by Barenaked Ladies.  Seriously guys, check it out. The best song is "Elf's Lament."

 So hope you all have a great one and what new books are you reading?

Weekly Reads (11/30/18)

So I didn't do a Weekly Reads or Stacking the Shelves post last week so I figured I better split them or they would be rather long.  So we had a great Thanksgiving and I hope you all did too.  Mom and Grandpa came up so it was low-key but delicious.  Mr. Barb smoked the turkey as usual.  It was also Cass' birthday so cue some humiliating pics:

Also, the kitchen is pretty much finished.  I need to do a few paint and paint touch ups and I ordered a few prints from Etsy I'm waiting for but I will have pics soon - I promise.  We did manage to watch a few movies over the past two weeks too.  We saw "Equalizer 2" and while I still think I like the first one better, this one was still pretty good.  We also watched "Slenderman." It was pretty much "meh" but not horrible.  Seems like Slenderman was the IT thing this year huh?  We also started watching "The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina" and man is it dark and awesome.  Mr. Barb didn't want to watch it so I watched the first two episodes without him but he did eventually climb on board and has been watching the rest with me.  We have three episodes left.  

My truck is still in the shop so I'm driving the hell out of the rental.  They are telling me Monday so we'll see.  I didn't go black Friday shopping in the stores but grabbed a few cyber buys so all was good.  I've also been reading some good books and here is what's on tap this weekend and upcoming week:

And now on to my soapbox.  Very soon you may be see me in the headlines (just kidding).  Our city is trying to pass a "vicious dog" law.  Now they say they won't target certain breeds but I've heard of this happening elsewhere and that's always what ends up happening.  So in order to be categorized as "vicious" there has to have been complaints, attacks or no dog license (money making scheme perhaps) and if your dog is labeled a "vicious" you have to prove that you carry $100,000 insurance on them.  I'm no fool.  I know there are irresponsible dog owners out there and they shouldn't be allowed to get away with things.  But come on, let's focus on the laws that already exist which they don't enforce - say drug possession and distributing!  Also, there's already a leash law which makes sense so let's start by enforcing that!  Stepping down...

So what's going on in your world?

Weekly Reads/Stacking the Shelves/Sunday Post (11/16/18)

So is everyone ready for Turkey Day next week (those who are celebrating)?  We are slowly getting there but November has turned out to be uncharacteristically hectic.  So the truck is now in the shop and I'm buzzing around in the rental.  It is unlikely it will be done for another week or more.  I'm feeling better but still feel a few aches and pains when I sit in one position too long.  I have a follow up appointment next week.  And the kitchen is nearing completion.  All the work is done from the guys that were doing the floor and the ceiling.  I spent a lot of time last weekend painting trim, cabinets, etc, and now I need to do the walls this week.  It's amazing how much tedious painting there is to do in a fairly small kitchen. I hope to post pictures soon because I am loving it.

The pups are doing good but we had a lot of cold rainy weather this week and they did not get out as much as they should.  Cass has a birthday next week (on Thanksgiving Day) so we'll be celebrating double and then our Anniversary is Black Friday so we'll be eating more good food and watching football.  We managed to watch a few movies this week.  First up was "MEG" which I loved but which was almost nothing like the book. It was still fun though.  And then we watched a Mark Wahlberg movie called "Mile 22."  It was massively confusing and I feel like the movie started in the middle.  A lot of people died though.

I haven't read a whole lot but as you will see, that hasn't stopped me from acquiring books.  I contribute it to the painting and kitchen work.  After work Monday, I'm on vacation for 6 glorious days so hopefully I can get some books knocked out. Here's what I hope to pick up this weekend and into next week.

Stacking the Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves or TBR piles, may it be physical or virtual.  This means you cans you cam include books you buy in a physical store, online, books you borrow from the library or friends, review books, gifts and of course, ebooks! The original meme was started over at Tynga's Reviews. And it now has a new co-host where individuals can link up as well - Marlene from Reading Reality.  Clicking on the book (or title) should take you to the Goodreads page.  I'm also now linking up with the Sunday Post which is hosted by Kimberly@Caffeinated Book Reviewer. 

So I had a couple of library holds come in this week - you know the law of they all come in at one.  Several of my favorite bloggers have eluded something drastic happens in "Saga Vol. 9" so I'm a tad worried.  "Portents" is a collection of Cainsville tales and since that it one of my favorite series, I can't wait to read them.  And finally I'm super curious about "And the Ocean Was Our Sky."  It will be my first Patrick Ness book.

And finally I received this wonderful book for review.  I can't wait to visit with Stoker again!  "A Dangerous Collaboration" is the 4th in the Veronica Speedwell series.

So what books did you add to your shelves this week? 

Weekly Reads/Stacking the Shelves/Sunday Post (11-09-18)

To say it's been a heck of a week at The Farm is an understatement.  Many of you already know that I was T-boned Monday by a BIG SUV.  I was at stop light and a lady was pulling out of a side street.  She "looked but didn't see me" and whammed right into my driver's door.  5 hours later at the ER room I was given the clear but each day is a lesson in what hurts now.  It could have been worse though because she was fully insured and completely at fault.  I'm waiting for someone to contact me about repairing my truck and finishing up the medical stuff (which will be ongoing for a while).  I have a rental for 15 more days which will help as well.  I want to thank everyone for their kind wishes and messages!  Enough of that mess.....

On to a new one.  This was also the week the kitchen was getting new flooring and ceiling.  The guy told Mr. Barb he could do it in one long day with his "helper."  We we are now on one long day and three long evenings but I hope that by the time you see this, his part is done!  I really just want to sleep people!

So basically TV watching has been limited (we did watch the Steeler game Thursday) and I managed to get two books read but I really hope to have a somewhat relaxing weekend.  Here are the books I'd like to get to in the upcoming week:

Stacking the Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves or TBR piles, may it be physical or virtual.  This means you cans you cam include books you buy in a physical store, online, books you borrow from the library or friends, review books, gifts and of course, ebooks! The original meme was started over at Tynga's Reviews. And it now has a new co-host where individuals can link up as well - Marlene from Reading Reality.  Clicking on the book (or title) should take you to the Goodreads page.  I'm also now linking up with the Sunday Post which is hosted by Kimberly@Caffeinated Book Reviewer. 

I had an epic library haul this week. I had requested these and since my library chose to order them all (they are so great), they all came in at once.  I've seen awesome reviews of "Sawkill Girls" and can't wait to read it.  I am a tad worried over "The Spellbook of Katrina Van Tassel" because La La in the Library said it was too much romance and I trust her judgement.  "Agony House" has such cool formatting and I adore Cherie Priest and I saw "Riddance" somewhere and was pretty curious. It actually has a much longer title so check out Goodreads - oh, and it's horror.

Finally I got three new review books from Netgalley and the publishers.  "Dead as a Door Knocker" and "A Literal Mess" are the first in new cozy series and "Save Me From Dangerous Men" is a new thriller coming out in March.

So what do you have planned this coming week and did you add any new and exciting books???

Weekly Reads/Stacking the Shelves/Sunday Post (11/03/18)

So it's been a good week at The Farm.  Mr. Barb and the pups are doing good even though he had two days of training this week which meant 3 hours on the road each day.  Gpa still has a small cold hanging on but other than that, he's doing well too.

I'm sad that Halloween is over but am still enjoying some spooky books and shows.  We finished "The Haunting of Hill House."  Overall I liked it and it was definitely creepy.  I haven't really dove into "Sabrina" yet but am looking forward to it.  There's only two more "American Horror - Apocalypse" left and it's as crazy as ever.  I wasn't a fan of this week's episode - they killed Black Phillip!  (If you haven't seen "Witch" just ignore the reference.)  Also, there's only one more episode of "The Purge."  I'll miss it as it turned out better than I anticipated.

This weekend will be more TV, movies and football.  Tuesday, while I'm at work, the neighbor and Mr. Barb are putting in a new flooring in the kichen.  Wish them luck!  I do want to read this weekend (as always right?) and here's what's up on the stack.

Stacking the Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves or TBR piles, may it be physical or virtual.  This means you cans you cam include books you buy in a physical store, online, books you borrow from the library or friends, review books, gifts and of course, ebooks! The original meme was started over at Tynga's Reviews. And it now has a new co-host where individuals can link up as well - Marlene from Reading Reality.  Clicking on the book (or title) should take you to the Goodreads page.  I'm also now linking up with the Sunday Post which is hosted by Kimberly@Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

I finally had some holds come in at one of my libraries.  I was first on the list to get these two and they've been "in processing" for 5 weeks.  I just know all the librarians were reading them first! I think everyone who is interested has probably heard about both of these already. 

And I received a few copies for review.  "The Bone Keeper" sounds scary, thrilling and awesome.  Of course I couldn't resist "Hero Dogs" and hope to read it over the Christmas holiday. It talks about the search and rescue dogs used in some of America's greatest disasters like 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. And finally, I got "Apple of My Eye."  

And finally, I spent too much money on this little gem at Wal-Mart.  Seriously, it's the size of a kid's classic picture book - with more pages.  It better be good!

So what did you add to your shelves this week????

Weekly Reads (10-27-18)

So this week I had a few more books, movies and just plain stuff to talk about so I'm giving you a separate post.  I hope you all are having a great week and have lots of fun stuff planned for the weekend.  We are in full blown Halloween mode at The Farm and have been trying to squeeze in as much horror as possible. I've also been cat sitting.  Don't tell the pups.  They aren't quite sure while I've been running across the road every evening and Booker has seen Pepper through a door and did not like him so if he knew, he would not be pleased.  

Mr. Barb has started physical therapy for a slight back injury he thinks happened at the gym.  Score a point for me because I thought you went to the gym to feel better, not worse.  Knew there was a reason I don't go.  It's nothing major (thank heavens) and he seems to like the physical therapist.  Worker has been a tad stressful this week and since we are a remote office of two, when things get stressful, tensions can run high.  All is well now though.

Gpa is feeling better and Cassius goes to the vet Saturday for routine shots.  Booker T will go along so he can see his girlfriend Peggy.  Seriously, this vet tech would take him home if she thought she could get away with it.  

We watched "Hotel Artemis" last weekend and I really really liked it.  I mean, it wasn't deep and meaningful but I didn't need it to be and Sterling K. Brown is awesome.  We're caught up on "American Horror" and I think this season may end up being one of my faves.  I mean, they already had Stevie Nicks on it so they get points for that.  We watched "Apostle" on Netflix and I could have done without it.  I found it to be long and boring.  "The Purge" only has a few episodes left and let's just say, right now all the right people are being purged!  "The Walking Dead" is better than last year and I'm waiting to see how Rick dies (even though I sort of doubt he will because since when has that show warned us of a major death - NEVER.  It could be a smokescreen).  And I almost forgot, "Midnight, Texas" starts back up Friday evening - can't wait!

I want to read more this weekend than I will probably have time to do.  However, here's the books up next on the stack.  Hopefully I can finish "An Easy Death" Friday evening so I can work on "Twisted Tales from Tornado Alley."  I have to get that one finished.  When I do, maybe I'll start "Toil & Trouble."

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend and thanks for stopping by The Farm!

Weekly Reads/Stacking the Shelves/Sunday Post (10-19-18)

First thing first - yes I know that the dog is MUCH bigger than the haunted house.  That's just how my world is.  So I hope everyone has had a great week.  Things at The Farm have been okay.  There have been some family issues regarding people not stepping up and helping out Gpa and now I have a Stupid Uncle to match Stupid Cousin but I called in some reinforcements so just know Gpa is fine.  I've actually been enjoying listening to some tunes this week and realize how much I miss music.  I've kind of gotten away from it the past 6 months ago and I really am in a better mood when I have tunes in my life.

We watched a dumb zombie movie this week.  Yep, even dumber than last week's.  It was a dubbed Vietnamese one and while the effects were good, the dubbing was awful.  For example, there was a 5 year old boy and when he said "I want my Mom"  he sounded like a grown-ass man.  It was WAY off.  Also, I don't think the people that did the dubbing had a clue what the script was actually saying.

I got some reading done but not as much as I wanted.  I also started a new Instagram feature so check yesterday's post if you want more details.  I am planning on visiting Gpa this weekend, reading, watching some scary things and watching football.  Here's what's up next on the stack.  I am almost done with "The Boy at the Keyhole" and while it's not bad, I'm excited to move on.

Stacking the Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves or TBR piles, may it be physical or virtual.  This means you cans you cam include books you buy in a physical store, online, books you borrow from the library or friends, review books, gifts and of course, ebooks! The original meme was started over at Tynga's Reviews. And it now has a new co-host where individuals can link up as well - Marlene from Reading Reality.  Clicking on the book (or title) should take you to the Goodreads page.  I'm also now linking up with the Sunday Post which is hosted by Kimberly@Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

So I had to pick up "Scream and Scream Again" which was on hold at my not-so-local library and of course I couldn't walk out with just one book so "The Mere Wife" and "The Con Artist" came home with me as well.

And then this beauty arrived in the mail Thursday.  It was a preorder and totally worth the wait.  It's gorgeous!  I'm sure I need to provide no further explanation.  I actually received a couple of physical books in the mail for review but I want to take pictures so I'll share those next week.

So what did you guys add to your shelves this week?  Do you have any fun plans?

Weekly Reads/Stacking the Shelves/Sunday Post (10/13/18)

So I've basically decided to combine posts when able and separate them when I want.  In other terms, I'm gonna go with the flow.  So it finally cooled down here toward the end of the week and while I'm in no hurry for winter, I can deal with not sweating to death.  But Weather Gods, if you are listening, I'm in no hurry to shiver all the time either!  I have to admit the boys seem to like the cooler temperatures more plus they are good snugglers.  Well, at least Cass is a good snuggler, T doesn't snuggle much unless there is food involved.

Movie and TV wise there isn't much to report.  We watched the new Netflix film, Benevolent and it was okay.  It was definitely one of those films where I was rooting for some characters to die.  We also watched an older horror film from 1974 called "Let Sleeping Corpses Lie."  I have to admit it was pretty entertaining. 

Also, The Walking Dead started back up and after watching the first episode, I have hopes that this year may be the resurgence it is desperately in need of. I hope to get some reading done this weekend and with the cooler temps, it perfect for books, booze and blankets. Gee, that sounds like a new winter feature. Do I see a renaming of my weekend post in the future??? Here's what I hope to read and at least finish one of them.

Stacking the Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves or TBR piles, may it be physical or virtual.  This means you cans you cam include books you buy in a physical store, online, books you borrow from the library or friends, review books, gifts and of course, ebooks! The original meme was started over at Tynga's Reviews. And it now has a new co-host where individuals can link up as well - Marlene from Reading Reality.  Clicking on the book (or title) should take you to the Goodreads page.  I'm also now linking up with the Sunday Post which is hosted by Kimberly@Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

So of course I added a few books this week.  What else is new?  I picked up "An Easy Death" as it was a new addition to my library and I had requested it.  I bought "In Dog We Trust" after seeing it on Laura's blog.  Thanks Laura!  And "The Fade" and "Slender Man" were received for review.

So what books did you add this week and do you have any fun plans for the upcoming days???

Weekly Read (10-6-18)/Stacking the Shelves (178)/Sunday Post

So I'm running a tad behind this weekend but I'm not stressing about it.  Things have been good here at The Farm. Grandpa has a cold so I ran down to his house this morning, paid his bills and went grocery shopping for him.  My Uncle is in off the boat but he's stupid - enough said.  

We've been watching a lot of TV with new shows out. American Horror is getting more interesting and I actually think I like it more than last year's show.  Also, Mr. Barb found a new video game to play so when we aren't watching football, he's playing Sniper Elite 4 and I'm reading and playing vicariously.  We did watch the new Death Race movie which released on Netflix and it was bloody and loud - just like the previous ones.

The best thing happened last Sunday.  Our local high school, which is within walking distance, has three huge fields in front of it.  The dogs love to go there and play and they are so well trained that they can get off their leashes and fetch or explore with us.  Sometimes other people show up with dogs and then we have to leash them and let's be honest, some people look at them and think they are mean.  Well, Sunday morning a couple showed up and asked if they were friendly because they had their two dogs.  We said yes but then started to put their leashes on them and take then for a walk.  The guy yelled, "Wait, aren't you gonna let them play?"  Cass and Booker had so much fun playing with two golden retrievers  - Beans and Jelly.  They had a blast and it was so fun watching them run and fetch.  I felt like a proud parent on the school playground.

I have been reading but not as much as I want.  I hope to remedy that this weekend and here's what's on the agenda.

Stacking the Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves or TBR piles, may it be physical or virtual.  This means you cans you cam include books you buy in a physical store, online, books you borrow from the library or friends, review books, gifts and of course, ebooks! The original meme was started over at Tynga's Reviews. And it now has a new co-host where individuals can link up as well - Marlene from Reading Reality.  Clicking on the book (or title) should take you to the Goodreads page.  I'm also now linking up with the Sunday Post which is hosted by Kimberly@Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's a small haul this week which is good. I have some books and cds requested from the library so I expect them to all come in at once which means a larger haul soon.  I did pick up "The Boy at the Keyhole" from my library Thursday.  I also received "In the Night Wood" for review.

So what did you add to your shelves this week???