There are times you know, when you'd find it difficult to believe that you were sitting in one of the worlds hottest countries. Despite it being the middle of April, the last few days have seen some seriously wet weather. Right now, as it's done for the last few days, we're in the middle of a torrential downpour; lighting, thunder, wind and water, all combined with the local speciality, sand. Admittedly very fine sand, but it turns everything brown and scummy, and gets into everything.

On a more positive note, I've sorted out the pick-up selector switch on the Tokai, so I don't get drop outs when the neck humbucker is selected. I've got it tuned in drop-D at the moment whilst I learn the Foo Fighter's 'Everlong' - a good fun song that and well worth the effort. Must be an easy one though as I can play it whilst I'm standing up which is not what I normally do.

Interesting, I now think we have a river outside the front door. Anyone got a paddle?

See what I mean...

It's now Wednesday and I've finally got the little problem with uploaded images sorted out. Good news as that sort of thing can be just a little irritating - damned file permissions!

The next thing to sort is the default disabling of comments when writing new posts. Given the efforts I had to go too to clear out the spam comments I found a few days back, I'd rather not leave things open for people to just do as they please in here - I know there are other ways of approaching this and that I need to look at them, but this is an itch that needs scratching.

The ankle is now improving. The backslab came off today and no need to go back to the hospital next week. A little light exercise and I should be good for the flight back home next weekend. It still aches a fair bit, but it's nice to be shot of the crutches at last.

Here in Riyadh, the weather has been doing its nut a bit today, started the day with clear blue skys, finished it off with a massive thunder storm and torrential rain. The chances are though, that in another weeks time, it will all be over and we won't see a drop of rain until the end of November. The indiginous population are predicting that this summer could be an absolute scorcher.

OK, think that's it for the evening, time for a drink and another chapter of 'Persian Fire' by Tom Holland - it's well worth a read as is his 'Rubicon'

That means we played again today against Crystal Palace and what do you know if we didn't win again. Seems that beyond all expectation, we're getting ourselves into a respectable position to challenge for play-off spot. Better still, Blunderland managed to beat the Saints at St Mary's. Baaardifff to come next Saturday.

Time for some ice on that foot I think...

Did I mention the ankle?

At last, I found the password again for this place. Good day for it, who can knock a 1-3 win away at the Baggies' place. Anyway what else is to tell, one slightly damaged ankle to report - anyone who tells you 45 is too old for playing 5-a-side is just plain wrong, it'll mend I tell you

Right, got to go. Finding that password was today's big deal. More again soon maybe.