Lige
The Ozarks
Hello, I'm not sure if many remember me, but it's been nearly two years since I've worked a puzzle. In Spring of 2023, I was diagnosed and successfully treated for prostate cancer, and I'm afraid I fell into a deep abyss of disinterest regarding hobbies and pastimes. I crawled out of my hole, thanks to my dear wife and immersed myself with activities on campus, where I have been the Director of the University Archives and Ethnic Studies Center since 2007. Life was full and I forgot about the NYT Xword. Today, I received an email with an offer for one year of New York Times games for $20. TWENTY BUCKS? Ok, what the heck. I haven't worked one yet, but just typing this message on this familiar forum makes me feel warm. TL; DR- I'm back.
A wonderful puzzle! I was hoping to see a clue that read “Suggested time to meet at Wimbledon?” Tenish anyone?
In the Ozarks, "yeet" is a question. Yeet? Yup, I'm full.
That was different. I'll stop at that.
Doula and raw bar are now in my vocabulary. A raw bar in the Ozarks is a nekkid grizzly. Y'all.
Are 32A & 34D still true? Just asking...
@dutchiris That's pretty sharp.
@HeathieJ Thank you, and I'm glad your husband is doing well. My wife got me through my stressful times, especially the waiting for the next news/appointment/procedure, etc. That was the roughest part. My concentration was shot. However, I am here! I appreciate your thoughtful message!
@Barry Ancona Hi, Barry! Congrats on the 8 years! I always enjoyed your insightful posts. Same name, but I wasn't much of a poster for the 4 years I was here prior. Usually lurking, with a smart aleck remark on occasion. Funny you mention the "scope"; my 10 year procedure is on the 28th. Bottoms up! So to speak...
@ging Thanks! I'm glad I'm starting on a Monday!
@Francis Thank you for the kind words! Glad you are doing better and you are correct, it's not much fun.
@Jake Agreed! I was lost in so many spots. Nothing connecting for the longest time. Enjoyable challenge.
Found a foothold in the SE and ambled on from there. Saturdays are my favorite. Enjoy the weekend!
@Puzzled Thank you so much! I am having fun!
@Mike Looks like we're booking along, with all of us on the same page. You have my word on it. Period.
@RichardZ It's one stroke and on the scorecard it is marked "1". I know no one that calls it a "one", BTW.
Clobbered my PB for Thursday. I normally dislike rebuseses(!) but this one rocked!
That was breezy! Good evening!
Nice puzzle! Ol' Ernest Tubb gets some props!
@dutchiris Thanks so much! My wife kept me sane and I am very lucky to have her. Life is good!
@KLW Hang in there! With early detection, successful treatment rates of prostate cancer are very high. Recovery takes a bit of time and I learned I was no longer a "patient", but an "impatient". However, the end result was worth the wait! This is a very tight-knit forum and I am glad to be back. Best wishes to you and your husband!
Fun puzzle! Starting to get my rhythm back.
I pulled 4 Across out of my, um, hat. Yeah, hat!
Great quiz! Now, Cyndi Lauper is my new earworm. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pp4suZ4jNXg&ab_channel=CyndiLauperVEVO" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pp4suZ4jNXg&ab_channel=CyndiLauperVEVO</a>
@Steve Thank you! I am having fun!
@Sam Lyons Did the same, Sam.
A slow start, but smashed my PR. Have a great weekend!
@Lucas I read that in Ralph's voice.
@Barry Ancona You said it, BABE!
I kept waiting for something I obviously overlooked to come crashing down. That was refreshingly different Thursday.
@Eric Hougland Thanks so much! I hope all is well with you. I did several puzzles yesterday and was reminded how satisfyingly frustrating they can be.
@HeathieJ I don't know. : )
@Jennifer Thanks for your wonderful thoughts! I went on a crossword tear during COVID. Now, I have some catching up to do!
@Marcia Thanks for the kind words. Congrats to your husband! The waiting, they say, is the hardest part. It was for me, at least. I didn't do radiation, but I did some napping!
@CaptainQuahog Congrats, sir! I am looking into seeing what MUtC is all about.
@Mike So glad to see your posts!
I've never seen it spelled "spiralled", with two "L"s.
FYI There are no halal carts in the Ozarks... and we don't wear sneakers...
Had curleycue way too long, until I recalled the ubiquitous pharmaceutical thingie.
I have a slight tremor in my hand, and when I type I sometimes double tap a key or I hit the wrong one. Unbeknownst to me, on one of the rebuses, I typed I NCH. It took me a good 20 minutes to figure out where I screwed up. Just how many letters can we cram into one box and still call it fun?
@D M Mojo Saturday was a rough one.
@Mike You can do well if you go really slow.
@Mantelli Rebuses seem gimmicky to me. Harrumph!