Australia's 2010 feredal election is tomorrow. So far we think we have been very well-behaved by not commenting upon the election campaigns (even though just occasionally certain campaigners have not been entirely comme il faut in the etiquette department). However today many news outlets have been drawing significant attention to two prominent campaigner tipples that recently occurred, and Blossom is unable to resist a quick comment.

What can two simple refreshing beverages mean in the complex world of electioneering? And why are they drawing such attention?

Charming Friends,

Good manners are eternally charming ... however as times change, so do our ideas of what constitutes desirable etiquette. Long gone are the days when a gentleman would be expected to lay down his coat to allow a lady to avoid a puddle (if indeed such a thing was ever true) - and a very good thing too, as it would be such a pity to ruin a lovely coat in that manner.

Charming friends,

Isn't social networking fabulous? No, we're not being sarcastic: actually we adore having online avenues for enjoying the company of Charming Friends, learning about what people are doing and thinking, and generally staying in touch. And of course, the key word is 'social': as for any other social occasion, manners and good etiquette count on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and all the rest.

• The first sip of a perfect Martini, made by a talented mixologist, in a pretty bar, after a really hard day's work.
• The opportunity to scent-layer at home, for no great reason. You know: slow afternoon. So you take a bubble bath, then add moisturiser, talcum powder, all of the same scent - followed by a quiet night at home wth pasta and a fillum. (The trick, as with all scent-work, is to be lightlightlight and not overdo things.
  

Charming Friends,

I am writing this as I sit at home recuperating from a rather unexpected trip to hospital! Into every life a little ill-health must visit: I truly hope that you never have to experience the need for very strong medical intervention, such as surgery, but alas we cannot control these things and the main thing is to feel fortunate if, like me, you have access to an excellent medical system.