This is Jan’s recipe for happiness!

2 maracas
1 Pair of Bare Feet
3-4 Glasses of VERY Expensive Red Wine
1 Brand New Sound System
1 Very Old and Incredibly Diverse Record Collection
2 Crazy Dogs

Method: Mix all ingredients together and dance round like a mad thing to however many fab tunes you can fit in between now and Monday. Leave to rest for 2 hours during the England match, and set the video recorder up for the GP on Sunday. Continue to dance, shake (maracas, that is) and sing for your life (and your country during the game)... after all there won't be anyone there to take embarrassing photos of you... will there?!

You may have seen this recipe posted a couple of days ago by my little sis. Well, I’ve taken her advice, got out the maracas and danced like a good ‘un in the afternoon sunshine. I’ve danced to Motown, Stax and Atlantic, I’ve danced to reggae, punk, rock and roll. I’ve danced till my feet hurt and my legs ache. I’ve danced till I’m out of breath and then some more.

She’s right of course. Dancing is so invigorating you can’t help but feel good. I’ve danced till I dropped and Rosie is still up for more, bless her, I’ve never known a more exuberant dog in my life. No matter how much you think she’ll be tired, she still keeps going. Shame I’ve not got that much stamina. The other crazy dog? He’s still standing over the pond, looking at it and wondering where it came from…..

Colin is sitting on the patio looking on in a bemused fashion. It’s a good job he’s deaf – he can’t hear my appalling singing.

Thanks for the tip Jan – I think this is one of the best recipes I’ve come across for a long time and it gives me an idea…..but more of that later! Oh and what was that about no-one to take photos??? All I can say is I'm really glad I didn't have to do the bath shot - thanks to all who didn't vote for me.

So, here I lie in the late sun, maracas, wine, CDs and dog by my side. What could make it better? DM lying beside me of course.