'English Countryside' by Time Photographic

English Countryside, a photo by Time Photographic on Flickr.

Well that's it for another summer. I know 1st September isn't officially the first day of autumn but to me it always feels like it. This summer - and I use the word summer losely - has gone so quickly. I'm not sure I'm ready for pre-school to start again or to fish all my big jumpers out from the back of the wardrobe. I've hardly even worn sandals at all this summer and I usually live in flip flops. I am now clinging to the hope of a late summer in September like we had last year. Although the only down side of that is that it's dark at 6 o'clock so no long summer nights sitting outside. I usually get quite excited at the thought of gorgeous autumn leaves, brisk walks in the winter sunshine and copious mugs of hot chocolate. Maybe it's the mood I'm in right now but all I can think of is getting colds, getting drenched in the rain and not being able to play outside.

Argh, this post has got a bit depressing so here's a gorgeous summery photo to cheer me up. I love all these vibrant colours. And check out the beautiful blue sky. I could really do with a few days like this before summer is really through.

'Strawberry picking' by Me

Strawberry picking, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

Today has been a really fun and productive day. We repainted a radiator that was in dire need of some TLC and we mended the roof of the shed. By 'we' I of course mean my husband! I wouldn't know how to fix a shed! We also accomplished a lot at the shops when we bought lots of stuff we'd been needing to get for ages and also helped out a friend by getting something for her too. And if that wasn't enough we also managed to squeeze in a trip out strawberry picking which was a great suggestion by my daughter. We finished the day with a sneaky barbecue. Nothing fancy, just a few burgers and sausages, but that's the best bit of a barbecue anyway. And what made the day extra special was the fact that it was actually hot and sunny. Summer is finally here at last. I hope you've had a lovely day too.

And I know I promised you macro flowers tonight. They are on their way honestly but it just made more sense to show you a photograph from today. Here is my daughter in a strawberry field. I think it's a lovely, summery, chilled out picture.

'Fields' by Me

Fields, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

I've always wanted to take a picture in big field of wheat or something but never got around to finding a field in which to do this. It's funny how opportunities present themselves when you least expect it though isn't it? Whilst riding the Thomas the Tank engine train at Drusilla's last week we went past these picture perfect fields. Unfortunately my daughter who I was with at the time lost my attention as I snapped away at this view. Considering I didn't have much time to get to get the picture before I was whisked back to the world of Thomas and his train friends I am really pleased with the image I did manage to get.

'~ summer love ~' by ~Fussel~

~ summer love ~, a photo by ~Fussel~ on Flickr.

Well I spoke too soon about it not blowing a gale yesterday. The wind did indeed get much stronger in the night, so strong in fact that one of our fence panels came down and has squished one of our patio chairs. Serves us right really, we should have put all that away by now!

Because the weather is so cold and miserable outside I really felt the need for a hot and summery photo this evening. This one does the trick! I feel much warmer just looking at it. Those warm tones are wonderful and I really like the creative angle. I don't know if it was really there or added afterwards but I think the balloon finishes it off perfectly - especially as it matches the flowers exactly.

'Hay Bales' by Monster.

Hay Bales, originally uploaded by Monster..

Thank you for all your lovely responses to yesterday's post. I wasn't fishing for compliments but it was so wonderful to hear you say nice things about my own photography. I will make an effort to post more of my own pictures in future. After all if you can't show off your own work on your blog where can you?

And if was great to get some inspiration from you about what photos you'd like to see. Therefore, I have posted this picture tonight especially for Crystal Jigsaw who said she loved countryside views. Hay bales are something I've always wanted to photograph. The trouble is when I do get a good view of some it's when we are driving by in the car and there's never a good place to stop for a photo.

This photo is great. I think it's really interesting how the field is in two parts - the three bales in detail in the foreground and then an assortment of different bales in the background. I also love all the shades of orange and brown. It shows that a photo like this doesn't need blue skies and fluffy clouds to be great.

untitled image by katieohh

, originally uploaded by katieohh.

I think this photo is great and the vintage tones finish it off perfectly. I love the sense of freedom and being care ree you get from it. It looks like the photographer and the subject were having a lot of fun when this was taken. It really looks like a lovely hot summer's day too. Everyone should spend at least a few days every summer being carefree like this.