I'm from Alaska and true Alaskans don't use umbrellas so I've never owned one.
Here in WI EVERYONE has an umbrella.
I picked one up at a thrift sale a few years ago and recently found it again.
Tuesday morning it was pouring rain and a bit blustery when I went to work so I thought I'd try out this dusty umbrella.
Now I don't know much about umbrellas other than it's bad luck to open one up indoors.
So, picture this - I get to work open the van door and get out, I've got my purse and lunch slung over my shoulder while I bump the door shut with my hip, I'm hoisting this umbrella and opening it all at the same time. I was standing into the wind so the umbrella would not get blown backwards - as I opened it a ton of dust/dead bugs are blown into my face so I quick turn and the wind grabs the umbrella and turns it inside out kinda pulling me down the parking lot!
It was just like in the movies where the wind is howling and the rain is pouring and the ditzy gal has her umbrella blown backwards - except for the dead bugs and cobwebs stuck in my hair and face! Real classy.
Happy Birthday to my wonderful Brother! Love ya!