Aradhana

Deb, I wish all the best for your future endeavors and hope you have a great and fun time everywhere you go. I've loved your columns and more than the clues themselves, I've come back every day because it reads more like a friend telling me about their crossword solving strategy, like my mum used to when I was a child. Thanks for your time and words!

The NYT Crossword drops at 7:30 AM for me (8:30 AM when Daylight Savings Time either began or ended, I don't understand it at all) and I like to first read the puzzle introduction in the Gameplay Column, then begin solving and revisit if I'm stuck at a tricky clue. I remember reading Mr Shortz' introduction to Rena's Sunday debut in January which talked about her originally hearing Mr Shortz speak at an event and sending him her first crossword submission at age 9. Today's introduction, like that one, is very heartening. I'm rooting for Rena!