Hazel F

Ding dong dang! Adorable! As the world’s biggest dilly-dallyer, I’m delighted that I got through it so hastily! Obvi, I’m all lit up!

Fun! I appreciate the range of clues: pop culture, computer terms, movie and music references, even LOTR. Something for everyone! I have a soft spot in my heart for that Tolkien trilogy, which I picked up around the age of 30 while I was going through a rough breakup and living alone for the first time. I read it through all my free time in my tiny studio, staying up until 2 am on weekends on my futon couch/bed, gasping at the surprise spider monster and weeping a little at the sad bits at the end. I read like a voracious book vacuum cleaner as a child but there are few books that I’ve been able to lose myself in the way I did at 13. (Another one is Lev Grossman’s The Magicians trilogy, in case you’re looking for something to read.)

Just here to say that JOSIE brought me some joy and I was très amused to fill in junk (in the trunk!!) but now am feeling a little deflated that the answer is actually JACK. I mean. Wasted opportunity. 😂😂😂

WHERE AM I?! PB with no lookups!! Found it easier than yesterday. Delighted to see Mr. Avedon.

Serves me right for doing the crossword in front of the TV (which drives my partner crazy anyway), but I filled in NUTCAKE so very confidently that it took me way too long to realize what the problem was. Finally saw that I had NAKA and now will put my phone away. (Sorry, sweetheart!) Fun little puzzle! Enjoyed DONEZO, JAZZHANDS, and ZONKED, which I very much am now. G’night!

Just a heads up for all of you who’ve never heard of Tilsit (or Tilsiter, as we say in Cherman), please know that it looks rather plain, maybe like a havarti, and yet will need to be double if not triple wrapped and kept in a container in your fridge, because it is AMAZEBALLS but also stinky as heck. I have a parent who was born in that place when it was still called that and so it is a cheese I have known my whole life. I loved this puzzle, because, while I needed some help, I feel smarter (having learned a few things) AND very entertained. And it rattled a few old pieces of knowledge loose (like GARGANTUA), inspired me to read “Under The Volcano,” and made me laugh. OH SNAP!

Glad I’m not the only one stuck on Ice Capades!! And I was so pleased with myself for a minute, too.

Loved this puzzle! As they said of Clara Bow — it really HAS IT. A little something for everyone, plus some nice controversial entries for those who need to squabble a little or complain about something every time. I, however, HOPE to remain as ZEN as a sleepy TORTOISE— why oh why CAN’T I??

My dad used to talk about his Uncle Wayne, married to his mother’s sister Lottie. We have a picture, a thin farmer in profile, holding a scythe. His real name was Sylvanus! Those wacky PA rural folks. We looked it up when I was younger and found that it means some kind of woodland deity. I’ve loved it and the word SYLVAN ever since.

I don’t usually pay attention to my times but this was my fastest! I’ve been honing my Monday skillz for about four years and so it’s no longer my first rodeo!!! I’m home caring for my sweetie who has Covid for the first time. Pow! It’s been a long week. Stay healthy, puzzlers. If you get sick, don’t panic! Wear a mask in public, use yer hand sanitizer, stay hydrated, and watch some Ted Lasso.

Thank you for a delightful Sunday puzzle! Might be my first Sunday puzzle without hints, lookups, or even a peek at the column. I got many from the crosses. Never heard of CREAM ALE, and I’m not familiar with early Taylor Swift (or any, actually)— but I do know lots of people with SIDE HUSTLEs in this economy, and of course the two bears, and Paul KLEE. And thanks also for reminding me that tomato season is coming and soon I’ll be buying BURRATA for an extra special summer treat. 😋

Nice Monday puzzle! Happy to see the BALD EAGLE entry since I’ve been a little obsessed with the eagles’ nest live cam at Big Bear Valley: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/B4-L2nfGcuE?si=z_hxxnrvDCupiot9" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/live/B4-L2nfGcuE?si=z_hxxnrvDCupiot9</a> We’ve been seeing a few baldies here in Oakland and have hopes that they’re nesting!

Look, I’ve just started this one, but after one little pass I’m delighted to have a small handful of likely-correct guesses, including one that reminds me of my grandmother offering her Sunday afternoon guests a cup of SANKA. (This from the woman who once asked me if I was wearing “paint,” because that’s what they called it way back in the 20s. And I was 15 in 1986!) Anyway, I also got NOOB and MEL and SUN RA — and I HAVE TO BE HONEST, I’m going to bed with a feeling of satisfaction and something to look forward to tomorrow morning. (Now if only I’d thought to drink decaf this afternoon instead of regular, while pushing through the last dregs of the work week. Maybe I will stay up to finish, after all…)

YES CHEF makes me think of The Bear, which makes me think of one of my favorite Emily Flake cartoons: <a href="https://www.newyorker.com/cartoons/daily-cartoon/monday-july-25th-yes-chef" target="_blank">https://www.newyorker.com/cartoons/daily-cartoon/monday-july-25th-yes-chef</a>