By Popular Demand

Well flattery will get you everywhere around here. There is too much to say and too much that I'm feeling right now to speak of emotions and such. My life has woken up again and I wake up in the morning with a purpose. I end the day on Friday with a purpose. I go out to the theatre, I make dates with friends to do things. It's a wonder how circumstances can change your heart.

So without having to go into all my thoughts I thought I would show you what a proper fondue looks like. These pictures were taken on my Birthday in December... I think it's taken me long enough to get around to doing this!!

Fondue, Rachel-style:

1. First and foremostly, have absolutely nothing to do with the cooking of the fondue. This tends to work better when your dad was taught by an Old Swiss Wiseman how to cook fondue, 'secret' ingredients included.

2. Walk around going on about how hungry you are and how good it smells. Snack on plenty of olives - preferably green, but if you substitute for a black one now and then, you should still get the same effect.

3. Set the table as elaborately as humanly possible. Use the china that your parents received as a wedding gift 35 years ago if you have to. This is essential to the 'mood' of your fondue. The fondue does not appreciate being under-valued.

4. Bully your father into making his garlic mushrooms, even though everyone thinks they are wildly inappopriate for fondue.

5. Make a ridiculously English pot of tea, and enjoy with your pinky extended into the air.

6. Snack on mini little tears of fluffy white bread, filling your tummy before you've even started with the best bit.

7. Most Importantly - Enjoy thoroughly.