Farm News - May 25, 2025

 

It's been about three weeks since my last life update and a lot has happened.  I went to my work retreat.  It was fine and the usual cluster when we get together.  Upper management is historically horrible about making decisions - great at coming up with ideas, poor on follow through.  I survived until the next one in October.  Apollo hated for me to be gone overnight but Zekey enjoyed Daddy time tremendously.

Finally got a deal done with Stupid Uncle on my grandfather's property.  It finalized on Thursday this past week and we celebrated by buying a second car.  We had been looking for a while and didn't want a new car or a new car payment, so we stumbled on a good used vehicle in good shape with one previous owner, an older couple, and pick it up from the dealer on Tuesday.  I will introduce "Pops" and explain his nickname at the next update.  He is a Silver Nissan Rogue Sport and I love him.

I've been in a bit of a reading slump this month.  I've read some good books, just not as much as I wanted to get done.  I'm going to have to kick it in gear in June.  I'm gonna share a few arcs I received the past few weeks but will do a bigger haul soon.  I've also bought several books I want to share but I'm in a time crunch to get this posted this week.

We Are All Guilty Here: Karin Slaughter

How to Fake a Haunting: Christa Carmen

Howl: Lindy Ryan and Stephanie M. Wytovich

The Ghostwriter: Julie Clark 

Hope everyone is having a great weekend and those with a 3-day one, like me, make the most of it.  Thanks for visiting Booker T's Farm!

Farm News - May 4, 2025

 

Well, it's been three weeks since my last update and quite a bit has been going on.  And why does that sound like the opening of a confession 😂.  We decided to accept Stupid Uncle's offer on Grandpa's house, and wouldn't you know it, we only had 2 weeks to decide but now he is at work in the middle of the Mississippi River until mid to late May.  Typical Stupid Uncle.  

Mr. Barb ended up at the hospital for three days mid-month.  He ended up with an infection he really had very few symptoms for until bam, he did. By that time, he was already septic, so he had to stay in the hospital and get IV antibiotics.  He never did feel as sick as he was and was the perfect patient.  He had a room by himself and by the second day was working out in his hospital room and hanging out watching movies on my tablet.  I am glad he is better and was really worried.  He's had a few follow up appointments which he is getting tired of but so far, everything is good.  

On top of that, Apollo ended up with some allergy issues and is on ear meds now.  It is clearing up, but he was miserable for a few days.  Poor puppy.  My friend came in from out-of-town last weekend.  We work for the same state unit, and we had an event, so she ended up staying all weekend.  We hung out, watched "Sinners," which was awesome by the way, and I can't wait to see again, as well as "Locked" which was much better than I thought it would be.  I highly recommend both of them.

It's been a good couple of weeks for ARCs and as always, I'm extremely excited and appreciative for all of them.

This Is Not a Ghost Story - Amerie

How to Survive a Horror Story - Mallory Arnold

The House of Quiet - Kiersten White

An Amateur Witch's Guide to Murder - K. Valentin

The Autumn Springs Retirement Home Massacre - Philip Fracassi

Blood in the Water - Tiffany D. Jackson

Breathe In, Bleed Out - Brian McAuley

Showstopper - Lily Anderson

Hope everyone is having a great start to May.  I can't believe we are in May already.  I have a work trip Wednesday and Thursday but hope to schedule some posts before I leave.  Until next time!

Thanks for visiting Booker T's Farm.

Farm News - April 13, 2025

 

What a week!  I cannot believe that it is actually Spring because it sure doesn't feel like it.  We even had a freeze warning last night.  On top of that, if you remember at the end of February mt grandfather's home, which I became co-owner of with my Stupid Uncle (SU) when my grandfather passed.  I was finally contacted by him through an attorney Friday.  Apparently, he now wants us to buy him out or him buy us out and has made an offer.  I don't trust him and think he's trying to pull a fast one with the offer, so I spent some time Friday doing my own investigating on the situation and meet with an attorney on the 21st.  I hope it can get resolved because I want to put that behind me.

The pups are doing fine.  Zekey has a tendency to pull when walking so I've cracked down and have been working hard on training him.  I even bought a special harness to assist.  He is the only dog we've had who has done this, so I don't know if we did something wrong or if we've just gotten lucky in the past.  

It was a great two weeks for arcs and I got a some of my most anticipated reads.  Again, thanks to Netgalley and the publishers.  

My Ex, the Antichrist: Craig DiLouie

The Mean Ones: Tatiana Schlote-Bonne

Slayers of Old: Jim Hines

Let's Split Up: Bill Wood

I also have a few books on the go right now.  I should be able to finish Janitors vs The Living Dead today and will then jump into The Lair.  Minneapolis Reign is a non-fiction about Prince and his hometown and I've just been picking it up here and there and reading a chapter or two between things. 

Mr. Barb and I are also watching The Bondsman on Amazon Prime.  I think we have three episodes left and I'm really enjoying it.  Of course, I am a huge Kevin Bacon fan.  This show reminds me a bit of his character in Tremors meets the TV show Supernatural.

Hope you all are having a wonderful weekend and thanks for stopping by Booker T's Farm.

Farm News - March 31, 2025 (A Late Edition)

 

I meant to do an update yesterday but ended up being sick all day, so I became a couch potato, reading and watching TV all day.  I had an earache which I NEVER get and while it is somewhat better today, it's still throwing me off.  I wanted to get one more update in during March so this may be a quick one.

All is good here at the Farm.  We did get storms last night, but they were pretty mild compared to some areas so I'm not complaining.  Apollo was sick last weekend and didn't show much of an interest in food.  I think he had an upset stomach, and it could have been related to allergies because as soon as I made a vet appointment, fed him a bland diet, and provided him Pepto and Benadryl, he snapped out of it.  So we didn't actually have to follow through with the appointment.  Also, last Wednesday was the two-year anniversary of Cassius' death so I think that was making my anxiety high as well.

I'm trying to cram one last book into today so hopefully tonight will provide some quality reading time. I visited a new area bookstore Saturday near my home. It's a cute shop downtown with brick walls and opens spaces and two bearded dragon mascots.  They sell a combination of new and used books and host some clubs and events.  I think the owner must be a romantasy/dark romance fan though because that was the majority of the new book releases she carried.  It's called "First Chapter" and I would definitely visit again.  

I received a few arcs I REALLY REALLY wanted this past week, so I have to share.

13 Months Haunted: Jimmy Juliano

Sister, Butcher, Sister: KD Aldyn

A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping: Sangu Mandanna

Demon Summer: J.J. Buffet

That's about it.  Hope to get a Coming Attraction post and a few reviews up this coming week, as well as catch up on some blog hopping.

Thanks for visiting Booker T's Farm!

Farm News - March 15, 2025

  Hope everyone is doing well this weekend.  I know some areas have had some crazy weather.  It has been pretty warm here, was even 80 on Friday, but a cool down to more March-like temps is headed our way next week.  The boys have enjoyed the sun and the warmer temps this week though.  

Speaking of, I've been promising some followers updated pics of the pups.  Apollo is so patient with Zekey.  Ever since he was small, Zekey loved to "dog pile" on Apollo.  This has not changed as he has gotten older which is evident with these pics.  The top left one was taken just this past Friday.  We have an older chair which is hard to get rid of because the boys love it.  As you can see, they get good use of it while Mom is working during the day.  You can also see how the boys are almost marked identically.  People who meet them in person are shocked that Zekey isn't Apollo's pup.  

Here is a favorite I recently took of Apollo enjoying a peaceful moment by himself.  I have no idea where his brother was, but I am sure he was nearby.  

It's been a very horror-filled book haul the past two weeks.  I'm excited to see what these titles bring when I dive into them.  Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers. 

Ten Sleep: Nicholas Belardes

Death in the Dark: Bryce Moore

Burial Tide: Neil Sharpson

Grin: D.W. Gillespie

The Summer I Ate the Rich: Maika Moulite

The Dead Husband Cookbook: Danielle Valentine

So, there you have it.  Not a lot to report from The Farm but at least you got new books and cute pups!

Thanks for visiting Booker T's Farm!

Farm News - March 1, 2025

 Well, it's been three weeks since the last Farm News and somehow, it feels like months.  I really wish Spring would arrive with fresh starts, better weather and a bit of peace and quiet! 

So, last I wrote, Mom had fallen and fractured her pelvis in several areas.  She was released from the hospital February 6th, and even that was ordeal.  Her boyfriend had to make a quick pitstop to get something he didn't really need and his van wouldn't start back up.  I ended up having to take her home (about a 30-minute trip), but she was in so much pain and couldn't move well so it took about 20 minutes to get her in my vehicle and then about 20 minutes to get her back out and across the railroad tracks to her cabin by the river.  I wanted to kill him, but he has been great helping her out, so I'll give him a pass this time.  She is healing nicely and is able to walk much better and should go back to work around the 18th of March.

And just when I thought things might have calmed down, I got a call from my mom this past Thursday morning saying my grandpa's house was on fire.  Some may recall I inherited half ownership of his house with he passed three years ago with my Stupid Uncle (SU).  It was a long battle, and he eventually let my cousins move in under the guise they would buy it after a year.  That never happened, they never paid rent and now they somehow managed to burn it to a total loss.  I haven't spoken to SU in several years but am waiting to hear from him I am sure because the insurance payout will be in both of our names, and he will need me for something.  I am devastated that my grandfather's house is gone because he built it himself when he moved from Michigan in the early 60s.  However, this may be the chance to get away from SU completely and take my part of the insurance money and sign the property over to him.  I don't know what caused the fire yet but my cousins are idiots, so the possibilities are endless.  None of the family was home when it happened so at least everyone is safe.  I'm not THAT heartless and am glad about that.

Reading this month was just okay.  I feel like I was in a slump even though I read all month long.  Monday I will be posting a "Coming Attractions" for March and Tuesday should be my review of the next Dresden Files book providing I can finish it this weekend. I will close by sharing some of the arcs I've received lately which I am grateful for and can't wait to read.  Click on the title to hop over to Goodreads to learn more if you are interested. 

Spider to the Fly: J.K. Markert
No Rest for the Wicked: Rachel Louise Adams 
The October Film Haunt: Michael Wehunt

You've Awoken Her: Ann Davila Cardinal

Smile for the Cameras: Miranda Smith 

The Feeding: Anthony Ryan

What About the Bodies: Ken Jaworowski

Girl in the Creek: Wendy N. Wagner

Hit Me with Your Best Charm: Lillie Vale

Bad Creek: Peyton June

The Haunting of Room 904: Erika T. Wurth

Darling Beasts: Michelle Gabe

Well, if you've stuck around to the end, thanks for visiting Booker T's Farm.  Hope you all are having a wonderful weekend no matter where you are!

Farm News - February 2, 2025

 

Can I express how happy I am that January is finally over!  We had lots of snow and frigid temps.  The coldness led to frozen pipes because when we had plumbing done over the summer, they didn't replace the heat tape.  We got it unthawed after three days.  

Then my husband's contractor friend needed some money because he had been out of work for three weeks due to the weather and called and asked if we had any projects we wanted done.  Normally we wouldn't have done anything in January, but we wanted to help him out.  He came and insulated our basement ceiling and thus the pipes that had recently unthawed, insulated a wall beneath the chair rail in our dining room, replaced out bathroom floor and put down new laminate, and replaced out toilet.  Then came disaster. He was replacing the sink and vanity and broke the shut off valve.  Our house is 125 years old, and he tried and tried but after three days, couldn't get anything in the bathroom to run without massive leaks.  And because the sink shut off valve was broken, we had to turn off the water to the entire house.  We finally gave up and contacted a plumber, but they were booked until Wednesday.  However, they were able to come over and get us up and running but it ended up being an additional five days without water.  I kept reminding myself how blessed we were compared to some, but it was frustrating to say the least. 

Then to top it off, that same Wednesday, my mom fell and fractured her pelvis in several places.  She is currently in the hospital, but surgery is not needed. They are managing her pain and getting her used to using a walker to get around.  She will need 4-6 weeks to heal but at least she doesn't live alone, and her boyfriend is around to help.

All of this interfered with my desire to read, and I didn't read as much as I wanted in January.  I have to catch up in February somehow.  I did obtain some great arcs the past two weeks though and can't wait to share them here.

The No-End House: Jeremy Bates 
The Good Vampire's Guide to Blood and Boyfriends: Jamie D'Amato
It Was Her House First: Cherie Priest

Dearly Beloved: Prince, Spirituality, and This Thing Called Life: Pamela Ayo Yetunde

Something I Keep Upstairs: J.D. Barker
Mayra: Nicky Gonzalez

I have picked up a few books on sale for my Kindle so I will save them and share the during my next update.  I hope you were able to catch my new feature, Coming Attractions, which I posted Friday.  I hope everyone is staying safe and enjoying lots of good reads.

Thanks for visiting Booker T's Farm!

Farm News - January 19, 2025

 

Well, it's another snowy weekend here at the farm. It seems like it is all we had since the new year began.  I'm always wanting some snow during the winter, and to be honest, the past few years we haven't had much.  Now we are hunkering down for a frigid arctic air snap until at least Wednesday so even though in some ways I'm wishing my life away, please just get to Wednesday.  At least Mr. Barb and I both have holidays tomorrow and we can chill and watch movies and play video games all day.  Oh, and READ!  I can't forget reading.  After all, it's why most of us are here right?

Last Saturday we had a decent snow for once, it wasn't too cold for the pups to play outside so all went outside, played and built snowmen.  Here are a few pics of the snow pups! And I had to include a picture of Sam the Snowman, whom the boys kept knocking down.  Poor Sam!

My reading slowed down a bit this week, but I am committed to getting a lot done on my day of Monday.  Here are the three books which I need to get finished before January is over.  I'd love to squeeze in a fourth as well.  

Winter People - Jennifer McMahon: This is for a book club the last Sunday of the month.

Proven Guilty (Dresden Files #8) - Jim Butcher: I am buddy reading this with Stormi.

A Grin Reaper's Guide to Catching a Killer - Maxie Dara: I am about 75 pages into this one and loving it, but it keeps getting pushed aside for review books.

Finally, I got some real exciting review books this week.  Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers!

When the Wolf Comes Home - Nat Cassidy
Beasts of Carnaval- Rosalia Rodrigo
Whistle - Linwood Barclay

House of Monstrous Women - Daphne Fama
Direct Descendant - Tanya Huff
Deadstream - Mar Romasco-Moore

I hope everyone stays safe this coming week if you are in the path of bad weather and I hope the fires in California finally cease.  

Thanks for visiting Booker T's Farm!

Farm News - January 5, 2025

 

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season.  Things were very laid back and chill at The Farm and we had a lot of fun hanging out with each other and the boys.  We were all spoiled for Christmas, but the most important thing was that we were together.  We went back to work January 2nd and kept asking ourselves why we didn't just take Thursday and Friday off as well.  As I am typing this Saturday night, we are waiting to see how much snow is going to be dumped on us Sunday night into Monday.  Thank heavens I work from home 95% of the time.

Mr. Barb did grab me a few books for the holidays.  The two Prince books were always a bit too pricey for me to justify buying myself and I have always loved Cher. 

I also landed a few Netgalley ARCs I really wanted to get my hands on.  I'm so excited to read these!

Another Fine Mess (Bless Your Heart #2)

: Lindy Ryan

Victorian Psycho: Virginia Feito

The Cut: C.J. Dotson

The Buffalo Hunter Hunter: Stephen Graham Jones

We managed to watch a few movies while we were off and I really recommend the new one called "Werewolves" as well as the newest Venom movie, "The Last Dance." We also watched "Gladiator 2" which was good, but the original is still the best in my opinion. 

Finally, I am trying to reply to comments in 2025 as I really enjoy interacting with you guys and a lot of times when you leave comments, which I really enjoy, I usually have more to say.  Hopefully you'll enjoy hearing back from me.

Stay warm and safe if you are in the path of storms this coming week and I hope you all have a happy and healthy 2025!

Farm News - November 24, 2024

 

Hope everyone is having a great weekend.  Things here at the farm have been going well.  Mr. Barb and I started our vacations on Friday after work and don't return until December 2nd.  I love a good staycation and this is when we usually take the first of our year-ending vacations.  We celebrated our anniversary yesterday.  Mr. Barb spoiled me, and I am blessed to have such a wonderful husband and best friend.  We learned a few years ago we enjoy making a nice dinner at home and chilling much more than going out to eat so we did that again and ended up watching Deadpool and Wolverine while sipping champagne.

Thursday started the Ho-Ho-Ho Readathon and so far, I've finished three books.  I am mixing them in with the two buddy reads I have left for the month so here is what I am reading on for the next few days. If you want to learn more about any of them, clicking on the titles will take you to the Goodreads page.

All By My Elf - Olivia Dade

Blood Rites (Dresden Files #6) - Jim Butcher

Only Santas in the Building - Alexis Daria

I also snagged a couple of review copies from Netgalley.  Many thanks to the publishers.

Cold Eternity - S.A. Barnes

Parents' Weekend - Alex Finlay

Vera Wong's Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) - Jessie Q. Sutanto

Well, that's about all I have.  Just wanted to stop in and do a brief update.  I hope everyone that has plans for Thanksgiving has a good one and stays safe.  It will be just me, Mr. Barb and the boys this year but that's fine with me. Until next time!

Farm News - August 18, 2024

 

It's been a while since I've done a general update, but life has just gotten in the way lately.  I am glad that I am still managing a few posts each week but come the weekends, I tend to slack off.  I also haven't done a book haul in ages so look for a separate post this week spotlighting all of my recent acquisitions. 

First of all and most importantly, today is a very special day here at Booker T's Farm. My dear Ezekiel Kwon (aka - Zekey) turns 1!  I can't believe it.  We will be having him a small party later today so look for pictures soon.  I'm so glad he joined our family and even though he is a tad odd, he's our little oddball and we all love him so very much.

I got the score on Friday at the end of the day for my second project for the year-long training I've been doing.  I got a 91/100 and you had to get an 80 to pass so I was thrilled.  It was a lot of work and I'm glad it paid off.  Now I have six months to study for the final exam and take the test and if I pass it, I will become a certified trainer.  

We have some major repairs coming up at the farm.  A project we knew for several years would need done finally reared its ugly head so sometime in the next few weeks our life will be disrupted for two days.  As much as I dread it, I know we are blessed it came at a time where we had the money put back already.  

As for reading, I finished three books this weekend so I will show you what I recently finished, and what I am looking forward to this coming week.  

You May Now Kill the Bride: Kate Weston - This book was a blast and a great example of how I can totally despise all of the characters and still enjoy the tale.

Corrupt (Devil's Night #1): Penelope Douglas - This was a book where I hate the book as much as I hated all the people in it.  You can find my review HERE.

Notes on a Zombie: A novella with heart, teeth and a little bit of brains...: Daniel Betts - I read this to fulfill a prompt on my Kindle Quarterly Reading Challenge.  I really enjoyed it and hope to review it for you guys soon.

Here is what I am working on this week:

Grave Peril (Dresden Files #3): Jim Butcher

Looking for Love in All the Haunted Places: Claire Kann

Ghost Station: S.A. Barnes

And finally, in case you missed it, Stormi and I are co-hosting a reading challenge the whole month of September called Vamptember.  You can find the announcement and all the information in my previous post HERE.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend and staying safe.  Thanks for stopping by!

Farm News - July 21, 2024

 

Hope everyone is having a great weekend wherever you might be and whatever you are doing.  Things here at The Farm have finally cooled down a bit.  And by cool down, I basically just mean that the heat indexes aren't in the 93-104 range.  This is the hottest summer I've experienced in a long time. The boys have not been happy about missing their long evening walks, but it's just been too hot and boxers with their smooshed noses have breathing problems as it is.  We have been playing in the shade in the backyard and doing things inside to stimulate them though.  

Mr. Barb found out this past Thursday he has to go out of town for 4 days for a conference.  Nothing like last minute planning.  So, this weekend has been a lot of gathering things up and making sure he is packed and ready to go Monday afternoon.  I am worried about how the boys will be because they know when he usually gets home and start watching the door around 3pm every day.  I will do my best and we will be reading and watching movies Mr. Barb usually wouldn't like while he is gone.  Oh, and cooking for one which means less healthy options I am sure.

I have been doing pretty decent with my reading but as always, feels as if I have too many options and am not reading fast enough.  I just need to remind myself it's not a race.  I currently have three books going.

A Fatal Groove (Record Shop Mystery #2): Olivia Blacke

The Drowning House: Cherie Priest

Expiration Dates: Rebecca Serle

I will do a haul next time and in fact, may actually do a separate post.  I've been gathering some books when Kindle has them on sale while also trying to take advantage of the KU I pay for every month.  I think Amazon needs an all-inclusive rate if you ask me - Prime, KU and Kindle Music.  It would be a lot nicer than paying three different fees each month.

Hope you guys have a wonderful week.  Look for a few reviews this week, my norma, Wednesday Feed Your TBR post and perhaps another Buried by Books Library post.

THANKS FOR VISITING BOOKER T'S FARM!

Farm News - June 9, 2024

 

It's been an interesting two weeks culminating in the fact that Thursday was my boss's last day at work.  Things just kept getting more stressful as the week progressed and in fact, were downright weird at times.  However, once Friday arrived, it felt like there was a huge weight lifted off of us.  There will be some change moving forward but I think it will be positive.  I also did the e-learning module on my year-long training project and have an online meeting about it on the 14th.  Then I can start working on my next training project.

The boys are doing really well.  It's been hotter in the evenings, which when Mr. Barb works, is the only time they can walk, so we've been playing a lot in the backyard, and they love it.  We even played out in the rain (guess it was more like sprinkles) one evening and lots of fun was had by all.  Apollo has a vet appointment in two weeks.  He is due for some shots, and he also has a lump on one of his legs we need to have removed so after he is seen, we will plan that.  Mr. Barb and I fully plan on taking time off with him when it happens.

I have been doing a lot of reading so far in June.  I think I'm on my 6th book so far.  I don't know if I can keep up with this pace, but I'd love to try.  Here is what I'm currently reading.

Secrets in the Dark (Blackbird Trilogy #2): Heather Graham

Nosy Neighbors: Freya Sampson

Blood City Rollers: V.P. Anderson

I also acquired some new books from Netgalley and the publishers.  Thanks to everyone for sending them my way and I as always, I'm excited for them all.

All The Best Dogs: Emily Jenkins

The Second-Smartest Dog That Ever Lived: Will Pass

A Sunny Place for Shady People: Mariana Enriquez

The Rumble and the Glory: J.A. Huss

Potions and Proposals: Kate Callaghan

Tricksters: N.L. McLaughlin

I hope everyone is having a great weekend and thanks for visiting Booker T's Farm!

Farm News - May 26, 2024

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!  Hope everyone has something fun planned, even if it's just a bit of peace and quiet.  Mr. Barb works Saturday and Sunday, but we have off together on Monday, but they are calling for storms.  The weather is so weird this spring and I think a lot of the US is tired of storms.  I know I am.

This has to be the strangest work week I've had since I started the job three months ago. On Wednesday, our director quit.  She only gave two weeks' notice and there is no explanation on why she chose to leave.  And she told us in an email!  She pretty much created this unit and always said it was her passion.  Our Deputy Director, who I love, was so blindsided.  She is spending every working hour trying to figure out everything our director was doing.  On Thursday, she was named Interim Acting Director.  A lot of us are hoping it turns into a permanent position for her.  On the plus side, I received notice that I passed my training I went to a few weeks ago.  Now I can participate in the stage 2 of the certification process which is the online portion.

It's been a while since I shared some Netgalley acquisitions.  As always, I'm very grateful for receiving them and am excited for them all.

Good Dogs: Brian Asman

Fang Fiction: Kate Stayman-London

Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng: Kylie Lee Baker

I'll Be Home for Mischief: Jacqueline Frost

Looking for Love in All the Haunted Places: Clair Kann

Mistress of Lies: K.M. Enright

We've continued our spring movie watch with Godzilla and Kong: The New Empire and LOVED it.  Kong always makes me tear up and this one was no different.  We also watched Civil War and honestly, other than the zombie aspect, it was a lot like the book I just finished, Feed by Mira Grant.  It was okay but not at all what I expected. You can tell it's an a24 movie though. There's only one more episode of Under the Bridge which will drop on Wednesday, and I can't wait to see what happens next.  We also watched Sting which was good but if you have a fear of spiders, this might not be the one for you.

That's about all I have.  Thanks for stopping by Booker T's Farm and I hope everyone has a wonderful week!