RJ

@sotto voce I fully agree with you. I've been solving NYT xwords for 50 years -- and have never seen a bad, or even mediocre, one yet. I especially enjoy it as a form of special communication between the constructor and us.

@Mimi When I started doing them, I would fill in what I could. Then I'd do something else for an hour. When I came back, it was easier.

@Agarre I recognized beastie from William Blake's poety. The Beastie Boys apparently took their name from his poetry from what I've heard (confirmed by Wikipedia).

@Lewis I agree. This is the kind of puzzle I look forward to on a Saturday.

@Bobby Salmon I had to get the answers by the crosses, but I learned 2 new things.

@Tom R That is the commenters nickname for NYT moderators who check whether comments are suitable.

@Laurent Formidable, mon ami!

@KKG Mod = Moderator

@Puzzlemucker Thank you. The poem is just what I needed today. She is one of my favorite poets. BBC's In Our Time podcast has a very informative show about her. Her poetry reflects her lived experiences. Thanks again. "Always be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. "

@Corralnombre Spill the tea is slang for gossiping or spreading rumors.

@Lewis It was a beautiful grid too.

@dutchiris I totally agree. Enjoying the constructor's craft is far more fun.

@Sam Lyons Yes Sam, after 50+ years solving NYT Xwords, this one was "pure bliss" for me. It was exactly what I was looking for.

@Man and 2 dogs I agree. I've been solving NYT xwords for 50 years and appreciate the amazing skills of those far more clever than I who create them for my entertainment.

@Anita. I enjoyed this one greatly and I'm 76 years old. I found it to be a relatively easy, pleasant Saturday. But then I've been solving NYT xwords for over 50 years, and there haven't been any that I didn't like.

@Lewis As usual, I agree with your comments. In 50+ years of solving NYT xwords, there were none that I have not enjoyed.

@Eric Hougland I've been doing these for 50 years, and enjoying every Sunday puzzle. I like taking the time to make sure every answer is correct. It avoids having to find that one mistake in a huge xword. Sundays are for slowing down and enjoying the day.

@KEF I've been solving NYT xwords for 50 years and have enjoyed every one of them.

@john ezra Thanks for the lyrics. Into the Mystic always evokes memories of my late wife.

@Nowah It happens to me sometimes too. I click reveal and find that all my entries were correct. Ends my break, but I don't care.

@Fidelio Kate Smith is one of my favorites. I used to be in a boys choir and I appreciate singers who actually sing on key. It's actually painful when they don't.

@Meg It's Standing Room Only.

@Lewis Agreed. That's why I've learned to take my time and savor every delicious clue and answer. "I taught myself to live simply and wisely." Anna Akhmatova She wrote this after a tragic life under Stalin.

@Puzzlemucker I like to listen to Philip Glass, especially Aguas da Amazonia (Portuguese spelling) or anything else by him. His overall, minimalist sound is much like Einaudi's.

@B I am 76 years old and found this to be a relatively easy, pleasant Saturday xword. YMMV as they say.

@The X-Phile. I liked this one too. In fact, over 50+ years solving NYT xwords, I've liked them all.

@Cherry I've been solving NYT Xwords for 50+ years and I've enjoyed every one of them! Even Mondays (for which I creare special rules for myself to make them more challenging),

@Heidi I've found that people who brag don't always tell the truth.

@Lewis I always appreciate your comments. I've been solving NYT Xwords for so long that i've come to enjoy each one's personality.

@Lewis Another lovely part of this xword, is it's left-right symmetry.

@tess.m if you order a gin and tonic neat, that means no ice.

@Gerry Isaacson I had the same problem. Solved the xword correctly but nothing happened. I clicked reveal and got "Congratulations" and the wheels started spinning.

@Thomas Solomon Check with NYT tech support

@Lewis I needed smooth and relaxing (and fun) today. Hope things are returning to normal where you live.

@HeathieJ I thought the 80's and 90's clue referred to colonoscopies!

@ad absurdum Got it, from one of the olds.

@Barry Ancona I agree. I was hoping for a good one and thoroughly enjoyed it.

@Cool Papa Bell I agree, and I've been doing NYT xwords for 50+ years.

@Rachel R. I'm a 50+ year veteran of NYT xwords too, a d I've enjoyed every one of them.

@inky I agree with you completely. I'm getting close to 60 years of NYT Xwords and I've enjoyed every one of them.

@Dave Listening to the great Cannonball Adderley now.

@Marshall Walthew I met him once when he spoke at the Tucson Festival of Books. I was a volunteer there. A very kind, gracious, and thoughtful man.

@Lewis I agree. I always look forward to a Saturday challenge.,

@Amanda I'm listening to the great Cannoball Adderley now.