I've been reading Mrs. Blandings for some time now- and I honestly can't quite imagine anyone else building that house! Our Mrs B. built the house- decorates it, faux finishes it- and then writes about it. You name it. Mrs. Blandings can do it. How could she possibly have time to read?
But, of course She does.
As a reader, and since this is a Summer Reading List-what better time to say:
I Love Reading this Blog, & amazed by all the talents of the blogger.
mrs blandings.
A Scene from the Book
"a soft green, not as blue-green as a robin's egg but not as yellow-green as daffodils...", "if you'll send one of your workmen to the grocer for a pound of their best butter, and match that yellow exactly...", "as you can see, it's practically an apple red, somewhere between a healthy winesap and an unripened Johnny..."
~mrs Blandings
(as applied to the painting of the perfect yellow for her house)
"a soft green, not as blue-green as a robin's egg but not as yellow-green as daffodils...", "if you'll send one of your workmen to the grocer for a pound of their best butter, and match that yellow exactly...", "as you can see, it's practically an apple red, somewhere between a healthy winesap and an unripened Johnny..."
~mrs Blandings
(as applied to the painting of the perfect yellow for her house)
What Books are on your Summer reading list? William Faulkner, The Sound and the Fury
Ian McEwan, Enduring Love
Amsterdam, James Ellroy I am anticipating the fall release of Blood’s a River by going back to some of his earlier books. I’ve read the Black Dahlia and loved it. There is a Kansas City connection as Ellroy lived here for a short time a few years ago. Chances are good I will get to most of them read.
The Sound and the Fury may take more fortitude, but I’m determined to read it. I’m ashamed to say I’ve never read Faulkner
in the stacks at Mrs. Blandings' house 
Where do you read and When? Does the genre you are reading dictate the place you read- in other words, Do you take just any old book to bed? I read in bed, in the office, in the carpool line and I’ll read anything from magazines to books old or new nearly anywhere.
Mrs. Blanding's Rosie resting
What is you all time Favorite Book for its sense of place?
Both Brideshead Revisited and Tender is the Night
What is your Security Blanket Book?
Both the aforementioned. I also have a weakness for Winnie-the-Pooh. I think I actually see a correlation here-golden honey colors, honey, bears, Boys ?
What is your favorite Genre? Why? What is your most recent purchase in this category?
I really don’t have a most favorite, but I definitely have a least favorite. I loathe historical fiction.
What about Books you are reading for a second or third time? Why? Any disappointments on second reading?
There are several books I’ve gone back to re-read. I’m seldom disappointed as it’s usually the language that draws me back in.
Latest Obsession Author, Designer, Photographer?
I do think I’ve nearly exhausted my Mitford sisters obsession, but it had a long run.
I will pick up your Mitford mantle, I have their letters to read- It's on my list.
Are you building a Summer Reading List? or even a Library- the books? the shelves?- or the house to put the Library in? Tell Mrs. Blandings all about it- after you do, You will feel so much better and for something for the shelves- HOW TO HEPBURN: Lessons on Living from Kate the Great- KATHERINE HEPBURN by Karen Karbo- a Mrs. Blandings sort of gal. 
