We did so much travelling about last year with many weekends away both on business and pleasure, we decided that this year we’d stay at home a little more. Perhaps it’s just as well considering the awful weather.

You may have been lucky were you are but I think we had one of the wettest summers of all time where I live.

Almost every weekend has been miserable with constant rain-not just summer showers but absolute downpours, usually accompanied by strong winds and even thunderstorms.

So the sleeveless tops and swim suits have certainly remained in the drawer this year and I am already thinking about Ugg Boots! Although wellies would be more appropriate looking out of the window.

Perhaps I could get those bright pink patent ones I bought from Boden (why?) out of their packaging.

                                                                      

I am starting to miss our visits to stately homes and castles though and hope we haven’t left it too late to change our minds and bolt off to the South Coast for a break.

We always insist on a sea-view balcony room so we can see the sunrise and set, but since the sun seems to have forgotten its one and only job I think we’ll opt for a country house hotel, comfortable nestled in a clump of tall trees for protection.

And although the fabulous 1920’s Art Deco Burgh Island Hotel was amazing in last years sunshine, we might give it a miss this summer-I don’t fancy being stuck on a little island in this weather even if it is only a little way out.

Lazing around on the beach at St.Ives or scrambling on the rocks at Meadfoot in Devon doesn’t seem so appealing in the rain. Perhaps we’ll get lucky and have an Indian summer this year, that way I won’t have to return all the floaty maxi-dresses I have been too cold to wear yet.

Well, actually I did cheat one day and wore one over leggings and a thermal t-shirt with a denim jacket and several cotton scarves, but the hem got soaked and clung round my ankles all day and it was quickly consigned to the back of the wardrobe.

Still, at least the colour didn’t run-unlike the pretty flowered bandana that I wore with it. That left a navy blue flowered pattern around my hairline and forehead when I removed it, so it was just as quickly consigned to the dustbin.

                                                                      

I also miss the shopping trips I always manage to squeeze in when were travelling. We have a fabulous AA map that actually shows all the outlet shopping villages (my home from home) all over the country so were ever we are I can always see where the nearest outlet it.

My other half is not a natural born shopper but even he doesn’t mind shopping at these villages. I think because parking is easy, all the shops are close together and he loves the little Italian coffee stands they have. Also, as I am constantly pointing out how much money were saving by shopping this way he’s convinced we cant afford not to shop here!

So I think my chances are quite high for getting the sheepskin boots and black cape that I’m after when we do get around to our holiday. It seems strange to talk about summer holidays and boots and capes in the same breath but we’ve had such a peculiar year weatherwise that I’m convinced Autumn will descend on us at any moment and I just want to be ready.

Well, I’m off to scan the internet for a beautiful location and I then cross everything for some beautiful weather!