Despite the dull grey skies my day has been bright, sunny and very productive. I have been the model housewife, managing to cook, clean, bake and shop all in such a small time.

Despite writing down for my boy the exact times and places of his forthcoming exams, I have remained light, cheerful and full of pride in his calm cool headedness.

Despite realising that whilst we are celebrating my man's big day we will also have a house guest with a birthday too, I have rejoiced in the opportunity to bake a third cake in one weekend and sing by candlelight.

Despite the dampness under knee in the garden I managed to get down to shoot this glorious little ray of sunshine (a flower for the uninitiated), proud to display its colour and happy with the bend and sway of the wind.

Sometimes it feels good to appreciate the day and smile like a slightly demented cheshire cat!