Now the joke's on us. We don't need to wonder whether bank holidays will be a washout anymore because it just rains all the time.

The weather is certainly threatening to put a dampener on the summer and just to remind us that it's almost over, the kids go back to school in just over a week.

Friends with school age kids have relayed just how difficult it has been to keep them occupied this summer.

The weather hasn't helped but the main factor has been the rise in prices.

Everything costs more. Taking them out for the day doesn't leave you much change from £20. Multiply that by five days and again by six weeks and you get the picture.

The credit crunch is hitting everyone and changing the way we live our lives.

It's certainly going to change the way we spend our bank holiday.

With petrol prices still sky high, I can't see a queue of day-trippers snaking along the road to the coast this weekend.

My guess is that the only people heading for Blackpool will be diehard Blades fans who are playing there on Saturday.

When the fixture list computer used to throw up bank holiday ties at seaside towns they used to be met with glee – a great opportunity for a family day out but I'm not sure that's the case any more.

Hard-up fans would probably have preferred a local derby to save on the expense.

The only bright spark that's kept me going this week has been the Olympics.

It's been the perfect tonic for miserable times and according to my pal with two bored teenagers, its been a god-send.

She's plonked the kids in front of the telly and hasn't given a damn about the weather or credit crunch.

The kids have been entertained, they've learned about sports they knew nothing about and they've seen first-hand how teamwork and dedication pays off.

There's lessons to be learned from our splendid Olympians who have quickly become role models for our youngsters.

They've gone through the pain barrier in pursuit of their dreams.

Sometimes they've fallen just short but irrespective of medal placing they've proved what can be achieved with persistence and hard work.

My friend's kids haven't suddenly announced they want to be sprint cyclists or sailors but they've certainly been inspired by what they've seen.

And so have I. Team GB is sending out a message that success comes from within.

It's easy to get side-tracked by bad weather and glum economic conditions but ultimately we're the ones with the power to change things.

For once I'm not bothered if it tips it down all weekend.

I've got a dozen good reasons to stay indoors, keep my purse closed and enjoy Great Britain's epic achievements in China.

Roll on 2012.

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