I sit in front of this open window next to my desk and it's so hot that it's like having a space heater there with the hot air blowing in from outside.

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Went up to Boulder last night for picture day with the team and after we all went over to go visit Beth and the new baby. Young Samsonite is doing great, but he does seem to like to sleep quite a bit.

Went to play mini golf with Melissa and Mini-me. To which someone pointed out, for me is it really mini golf or just plain golf?

Amy shown here with her permanent peace salute... and that's what you get for tearing around on a mountain bike. Should of stuck to the track where there are no poles to run in to.

Inspired by the Tour going up Alpe d'Huez yesterday we decided to go up our own little Alpe. Actually it's a pretty sweet climb and probably the best climb in Colorado Springs. It's up Crystal Park road and about 7 miles long (depending on where you start the start) with great views and no traffic. The problem is it's a private road and you can only go up if you're BFF with Melissa, which I am of course. Yesterday was actually the first time I've ever ridden to the top.

As an added bonus my old/ new training parter Karen Dunne came out to test her legs. Karen retired from professional riding several years ago and just this summer decided to dust off her bike for a little riding. After all those years of her kicking my ass on training rides when she was still a pro and I was still a cat 3 it's kind of funny to hear her breathing on a climb well before I do. I suppose 10 years from now I'll be riding with some young whipper snapper who'll say the same thing about me.

...And the baby pool is oficially over because little Sammy finally decided to make an appearance. Congrats to Ma and Pa Farkington for the arrival of Sam Douglas Tarkington.

Do you ever get that feeling like you're being watched?

So far the racing at the Tour has been pretty good to watch this year. The final climb yesterday was pretty damn exciting, not just for all the attacks by the major contenders and yellow jersey changing hands, but for us in Colorado Springs it was because our very own Danny Pate was in the winning break with a great chance to win the stage. Danny not only lives in the Springs, but he actually grew up just down the road in Falcon about 15 miles away. So the Springs can really can claim him as a hometown hero. It's great to see him finally get the opportunity to succeed at the world's biggest bike race after so many years of hard work.

(p.s. I pirated this picture from Velonews photographer Casey B. Gibson who is also from Colorado Springs)

So I have become addicted to playing Scrabulous this week. I am pleased to announce for the first time in the history of history I have won a game of Scrabble against my sister Donna. Woot!

Baby T. Baby Pool Update

In case you've been playing, you know by now that Baby T is late, and already annoying Ma and Pa Farkington.... However, what that also means is that by default Sharon, the Hammer, Allpress has officially won the Baby T. Pool by virtue of being the last dated vote. Also to note, several have tried some shifty moves to change their votes, but I kept meticulous records to divert those trying to circumvent the system.

Congrats Sharon, you can look forward to your Baby T Baby Pool awards as soon as the little sucker decides to come out!

Accomodations at the Farkington's house are a little cramped this weekend since Beth's parents are visiting. Good thing Baby T's room is still available.

I am number 1. No, I'm not just trying to psych myself up, I really am number 1. Last year because I won the points series on the track I get to race with number 1 for the the whole season. I've only raced the track a couple times so far this year, but tonight was a good night because I won every race. Eventhough it was just a Thurs night track race, it was kind of good for my ego since my racing been going so crappy lately. I think I might just quit doing stupid road races with miles and miles of climbing and just do track because a) it's WAY more fun 2) there are no hills and 3) I made more money tonight track racing than in any road race I've done this year!

It's Tour time and that means it's time to bring back the Phil and Paul drinking game.

Here are the rules...

Drink anytime Phil misidentifies a rider.

Drink twice anytime Phil misidentifies a team.

Drink three times if Phil misidentifies a town or a climb.

Drink when either of them say "crafty bike rider" - as in "Erik Dekker is such a crafty bike rider."

Finish your drink when (not if) Phil incorrectly calls the winner of the race (preferably 50 yards out from the finish).

Bonus for Major Tours - finish another drink when (not if) Phil incorrectly calls who will be the new overall leader.

More:

Drink every time Paul refers to a rider as "taking risks", "enormous risks", or "incredible risks".

Drink every time either Phil or Paul refers to a riders legs as "pistons"

Group drink whenever Paul nails a race call -- as in predicting Hamilton would crash on the descent...

Drink when either Phil or Paul say "he's hit the wall"

Drink when Paul announces that as a sprinter he was never good at getting over the mountains

Drink twice when Phil announces that Paul was never good at getting over the mountains

Finish your drink if Phil informs everyone that there has not been a true leader in Spanish cycling since Miguel Indurain.

Drink twice for any homoerotic comments by either including "now it's man on man."

Drink three times should Sherwen again use the phrase "sorry sunshine"

If you were playing this today, you are probably already a little tipsy as Phil called Ciolek the winner about 4 times before he realized it was Cavendish.

I think I've been watching too much Family Guy lately because this made me laugh so hard Coors Light almost came out my nose.

I had some folks over for the 4th. We grilled up some burgers and brauts and generally had a great time.

Then we went to watch the fireworks, it was dark out.

Baby Watch Update....

No baby yet, and the pool of potential winners is starting to dwindle. There are a few 4th of July hopefuls still out there. Let's hope they're right so the baby can keep it's already appointed nickname of Cracker (for Firecracker of course). Oh yeah, just to get everyone pumped here is the trophy you could win if you're right.

In parusing the results from all the European nationals last weekend I came across this pic of the Dutch women's podium. I believe I have now discovered the least flattering racing kit for a woman. Far worse than the all white shorts, horizontal black and white stripes really does the job to accentuate those child bearing hips.

Baby watch update. I heard someone is having a baby today!
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Ok, so it's not who we're rooting for, but now the big question is who will have their baby first Brangelina or the Farkingtons!