'I am wishing' by malinamelone

I am wishing, a photo by malinamelone on Flickr.

I don't think there is much rain forecast for the next week so I can post a fabulous rainy day photo and not feel too depressed by it. And this picture really is fun and fabulous. It looks like there must have been a lot rain before this was taken but then rain cleared up, the sun came out and the welly boots went on. What fun jumping in puddles as big as this!

Do you know what I hate about the rain? Being stuck in a downpour when out with the pushair and no way of carrying an umbrella at the same time. And then having to stay stuck in the wet clothes for hours afterwards. Do you know what I love about the rain? Lying in bed listening to the rain hammering it down outside while I'm all tucked up warm and cosy.

What do you think when you see rain forecast?

'Untitled' by lucia and mapp

Untitled, a photo by lucia and mapp on Flickr.

Here is a photo that I am sharing with you tonight for no other reason that it's so pretty. I have lots of things I should be doing right now but am easily distracted. And pretty things are very distracting you know! You can almost breathe the cool summer air in ths photo. Oh to be sat outside on a beautiful summer day like this with a good book and a glass of pimms. Anyway, back to reality. Too much to do and not enough hours in the day!

'I saw a rainbow in the sky' by eleannab

I saw a rainbow in the sky, a photo by eleannab on Flickr.

I think as it's still so hot and sunny I'll post another bright and colourful summer photo. I love all the bright colours in this, not to mention the beautiful blue sky. I am still finding it hard to believe that it's actually been summer this week. I am also finding it rather hard not to utter the words "it's just too hot" because quite frankly I am too hot! I don't know what happened, I used to love the heat and sunbathing. I guess motherhood happened. Things would be much easier if I could just lie on a sun lounger in my garden with a book and a nice ice cold drink but the children have other ideas! I believe next week is meant to be cooler and as long as the sun is shining I'll be happy!

'Happiness is... (II)' by Fabiana Gauto Photography

Happiness is... (II), a photo by Fabiana Gauto Photography on Flickr.

So, what are you up to this weekend? Not sure what we're doing yet as it depends on the weather but I think some kind of family day out is in order. I had hoped that by the middle of May it would be picnic weather but that doesn't seem to be the case sadly.

I've chosen this photo today as I think relaxing on the beach would be a great way to spend the weekend. Also I really love this beach umbrella, it's so pretty. I also love how it matches the sky so well. The final thing to note is the people paddling in the sea. A really cute little detail that brings something special to the picture.

Happy weekend everyone!

'At least she was dry' by Me

At least she was dry, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

Well today was mostly sunny except for one rain shower. Unfortunately we happened to be out when that shower turned up. We didn't have our coats but luckily I had my umbrella in my bag. I didn't actually get to be under it much but, oh well, at least one of us stayed dry! She looked so cute carrying my umbrella that I had to take some photos. I really like this one. Now every time I moan about the rain I'll look at this picture and smile!

'Umbrella in Water' by Denis Hawkins

Umbrella in Water, originally uploaded by Denis Hawkins.

Whilst looking for photos to post I kept going back to this one so I thought I'd share with you tonight and see what you thought of it. I think it is so intriguing. It really feels like there should be some story behind it. If so what is that story? And if not what inspired the photographer to set up a shot like this? Also as I have mentioned before I love little cocktail umbrellas so it's really interesting to see one used in such a different way. So, do tell. What do you think?

'Verano en Hendaya' by SANTI BAÑON

Verano en Hendaya, originally uploaded by SANTI BAÑON.

I love this photo. I think it is a real work of art and can imagine it hanging on someone's wall. It's the bright red against the grey scenery that does it for me. A bit of red in an otherwise colour free photo is always so striking. And I think beaches in bad weather are fascinating. There is something a little romantic about wrapping up really warm and wandering across the deserted sand. The sea is often rough and powerful too which makes you realise the true power of the ocean. Of course saying that I do rather love a beach in the sunshine too! In fact I'm not a huge fan of being cold so please hurry up summer!

'Barbecue in the rain' by Me

Barbecue in the rain, originally uploaded by PhotoPuddle.

I'm getting a little bored of the rain now. It's been really heavy today. I just hope it rains so much tonight it can't rain any more tomorrow. But then again we have a bank holiday weekend coming up here in the UK, and we all know that usually means rain! Although it never usually stops the Brits enjoying themselves.

This weekend we went to see friends who were on holiday at a campsite. The plan was to end the day with a barbecue but unfortunately by then it was pouring with rain. Well did that stop us? Of course not we cracked on and had a fantastic barbecue. Well I say 'we' but really it was the men that braved the rain. The women and children were rather more sensible and stayed in the caravan! Here is a photo of the fellas cooking meat in the rain!

'Blue Umbrella (Slight Return)' by Phil Dillon

Blue Umbrella (Slight Return), originally uploaded by Phil Dillon.

Well it's been rather hot here today so I though I'd post this fanatastic snow picture to cool myself down. It's really hard to imagine being wrapped up in all these clothes and having snow falling on me but it was only few months ago really that this was exactly the case.

I love the way all the huge snowflakes have been captured in this photo. But the blue umbrella is definitely the most striking thing about it and really brightens up what was probably a horrible, grey, snowy day. It makes it look like it wasn't actually that bad! I also rather like the girly pink boots!

Right, I am cooled down now and have realised I'm not ready for the cold weather again yet! Here's hoping the summer weather sticks around for a little bit longer!

'Carnaval Umbrellas' by Jahina

Carnaval Umbrellas, originally uploaded by Jahina.

There are so many pretty pictures! It's getting really hard to decide what one to feature every day. However, today I wanted one that highlighted my love of colour and I think this one does just that.

I love bold, bright colours and simplicity in a photo. This one has the lot. It really is just a photo of some umbrellas but they are so bright and vibrant. They just make you smile even though an umbrella is generally used on a dull and rainy day. I think if everyone was made to have umbrellas like this - rather than black which seems to be the most common colour - then rainy days would be a lot more cheery!