Here I am, I go off to bed, happy and content. I've got a pair of new cycling knickers, a new helmet, a new Topeak Alien multi-tool, my very own toolbox kit from Park Tool so I don't have to keep borrowing things. Uh, plus other things. I wake up. I'm filled with the joy of the season, but still cranky that now I have to get up and go to work. Oh well, it's a light day, no FedEx dispatch, no PDX to send out.

I get up. I head for the computer. What's this?! BlankCrows has come forward and pierced the veil of mystery...it's another red mixte! Perfect! The Raleigh will be scarlet with GOLD outlining around the lugs. This one is scarlet with SILVER outlining around the lugs...nice...

Those are some excellent helpers you have, BlankCrows. They work cheap, too. Perhaps they are from the same gang that I fed Wheaties to about two weeks ago when we had snow up here . They're actually pretty sharp. In fact, they're smarter than some of the people I with whom I work . However, they are easily distracted by shiny bits. Perhaps the chrome is still too shiny.

Thank you, BlankCrows, now I just have to figure out how to get it up here. I think this is going to call for one of those Great American Road Trips.

East Hill