OK, so its not 47 degrees yet - still 42. I'm told it will rise to 47 within a couple of weeks and the humidity level will be 95%. Too hot and clammy to do much.

We've started a family tradition - every Tuesday evening (that's like your Wednesday), we get takeaways and go down to the beach for a picnic. This has been great fun and we'll continue until the heat and humidity stop us. Maybe we'll just sit in the car on the beach then. Yes - you can drive your car right to the water's edge and dive off the bonnet into the ocean if you feel so inclined. We drive to the water but have thus far felt disinclined as far as the diving is concerned.

To make some extra cash, we've rented out our maids room - believe it or not to a young Afrikaans girl. She moved in last night and seems very quiet. In some ways, I feel kind of guilty because we're getting more for the maids room that we were paying on our bond in SA. However, it all comes into perspective when you consider that we are paying AED 180,000 per year (that's around R360,000) for rental.

I'm still looking at buying a National resonator guitar (like the one on the Dire Straights Brothers in Arms Album) - just trying to decide which model because there is a range.

Trivia department: Did you know that Brothers in Arms has been named the 2nd greatest rock album of all time? Do you know what the greatest is? Post your answers here (or email them to me) and the winner will receive a prize - namely an honourable but brief mention in dispatches. I.e. I'll mention you in my next post and you too will be famous.

A friend brought me a copy of last Friday's Star newspaper from JHB. By page 2 I had read 3 nasty crime reports - one about a lady who'd had her car hijacked in her driveway and who had jumped out and fled down the road. The hijackers drove after her and shot her. Even though we're not enjoying the Arab world, at least we're away from that sort of incident.

God has taught me something of late. My job is up in the air, accommodation is uncertain and much of life is currently insecure and temporary. I hate this type of situation and love stability, comfort and permanence. God has pointed out that He is the only permanence, the only stability, the only thing that can be depended upon. He is the rock to whom we can bind ourselves and who provides a firm foundation. For years, I've used the phrases 'fortress", "high tower" and "ever present help" while I'm worshipping Him and all of a sardine, it is real. Here in Dubai, God truly is the only person on which we can trust and rely.

Blessings to all and check back soon.