Hello everyone,

I would put a smiley in there. But all my smiley icons have disappeared today. Now, isn't that sad?? What's life without some smileys?

Well; still in the land of Arabia and Sand and Camels. And it seems ants do very well here. And what awesomely tough little critters they are. No air-conditioning for them! Here they are in the 40 degree heat, working away at finding a crumb to take down into their nest. I've tried to use vinegar as a deterrent. They're not that deterred really. It keeps them at bay until they mount another assault. And you know, each time they mount a different campaign: from the east to the west, then back again. What an army they are!! And what they ate before we came to live in this house, I just don't know, since the garden was pretty much sand and more sand?

All our cargo arrived safe and sound. So we have a house full of things - wondering why we brought them? As you do! Many boxes are lurking in the spare room, making us look clutter-free for now.

The sparrows here are noticeably thinner than your average fat English sparrow. Do they eat less pie and chips, I hear you ask? No, it's probably just the heat and body fat. I wonder if that works for people as well? I guess heat is a fat deterrent. They pant a lot with their beaks wide open too (that's the birds, not the people)  Hey, look at that! I've found a smiley.........................................

Lots of very nice malls here with lots of GOLD!! It's easy to get sore feet here, from wandering around the malls. And they're just big enough for you to lose shops. And go round and round trying to find them again. We have a 'Boots' pharmacy and a 'Marks and Spencers'. Here's a little photo I took of a jewellers window-display. Hmmmmmm, feel free to have a little drool........

Ooooh, ahhhhhhhh! Very glamourous. And no, not a gold-plating in sight!! Perhaps they are more wedding gifts for Emirate ladies? Lucky lady!

It's a little easy to be swept away by such glamourous retail therapy. Luckily painting seduces me more  Close call though! I bought three of these by the way!  

Just don't get me started on the glamourous gown shops!! Where Indian fabric meets Arabian sparkle and everything in between!

So; we have a little turf in our garden once full of sand. And it saves those tiny sand dunes from building up by the front-door - like true reminders of where you really are. And I can assure you sand really does get everywhere. I even found some in my cooker extractor when I removed the grill?

Anyway; all the birds (mostly anorexic sparrows) have started to come down into the garden, seemingly pleasantly surprised about the coarse new grass. They kind of look around, as if to say 'this is new'!! It must feel nice on their feet compared to hot sand.

Then, two gorgeous Myner Birds came down squawking!! They have yellow beaks and some coloured feathers. And are really quite big for birds. About the size of a crow but more a light brown. Same cockey attitude as the crow though.

 It says in our paper here that 40% of wildlife extinctions are due to invasions by species not native.  And yep, the Myner Bird is also on the 'Most Wanted ' naughty bird list, i.e. it is not a native. Sure is pretty though!!!

White Plumeria Tree

Plumeria, or what used to be callled Frangipani, can be found in many garden areas in Abu Dhabi. Here the Myner Birds like to hang out in gangs! Chewing gum etc and just being rebellious  Not really, but they do seem to make an awful lot of sqawking. I think, I've finally spelt sqawking correctly, maybe........

But these Plumeria seem to love this climate. It's much more steamy/humid than I'd imagined, too. I guess because the close proximity to the sea. But they just continue blossoming for a very long season. As each flower finishes, so another forms. I have a few orange Plumeria seeds pending. I'm sure you'll be on the edge of your seats to know they grow !! Don't worry, I'll keep you informed!!

Just want to thank all those nice Sands Hotel staff who looked after us so well. And look what room-service did to Sikh Mr. Brown with my head wrap......Doesn't he look smart!