Rainrunner

I’m so sorry about Isa. They sound amazing; what a loss. And still there is room today to celebrate 10 years old for Kaela! Thank you for the puzzle and the peek into your lives.

This puzzle just delighted me, start to finish. (Especially tickled that all the entries along the lines also worked. Amazing!) It was a joy to do this on a sunny Sunday morning while all the ice fishers are at church or sleeping in.

After 30-plus years living and salmon fishing in Southeast Alaska, today I heard of “samlet” for the first time. Uncommon usage, but hey, it’s a Thursday crossword, so I’m good with that. This was a tough puzzle for me, until suddenly, it wasn’t. I enjoyed it, I think!

When I went to do Sundays puzzle, uncharacteristically at night, I inadvertently opened Monday’s. Was so pleased with how, suddenly, Sunday was REMARKABLY easy. It was this morning when I went to do Mondays that I realized my gaffe. Ha! Onward to Sunday. Don’t know where else to make this comment: No disrespect to others who create the mini, but I sure miss Joel’s.

I loved this puzzle! Thank you! Aaaand … we used to cut trees, (we lived in a national forest where this was allowed) and then had a fake tree for several years. (Harder to put together!) New town, new partner, new-old tradition: For the past decade, we’ve gone to the same tree farm to cut our tree, and then to lunch at a perfect diner called The Fork in the Road. Peace to all my fellow puzzlers on this holiday.

I can’t think of a time when I’ve done a Thursday without a bit of help, so completing this puzzle was great fun for me. Thanks, Daniel! And happy birthday, Daniel’s Dad.

I’m not getting why people seem … is “enraged” too strong? I don’t know anything about the Mario game, but there were some charming entries when I got further along in the puzzle. I was thinking this must be as fun for some folks as other niche puzzles are for me, and that’s great. I enjoy it when it’s in my wheelhouse, and everyone should get a turn at that. Giving delight to whoever can take it is a wonderful puzzle attribute. (My opinion might be unworthy: Apparently I’m duller than “even the dullest silver,” as a snooty respondent to a complainer wrote, because I didn’t see anything in the pipes or question marks. But, um, so what? I had a nice Sunday outing with this puzzle.) Thank you!

Wow! Best ever. Loved this one. Thank you!

Didn’t “get” it until I read Deb’s column, but enjoyed the puzzle greatly, anyway! Thanks for everyone’s comments. Hope your holidays are full of peace and contentment.

This was very difficult for me, with flashes of fun and (with a lot of help …) I did solve it. Mostly not fun, but I think that’s due to my skill level, not the puzzle. I kill Mondays!

This was just tickled me. I might’ve actually giggled. Thanks!

This puzzle was pure delight. Thank you!

Delighted to hear Will is back! Thanks to Joel et Al in Will’s absence. And, oh yeah — today’s puzzle: A lot of fun!

Clever, fun puzzle. I loved it. Another thing I love? Joel’s back doing the mini! I missed him, and thanks to those who filled in.

Loved it! Thank you for the fun.

This puzzle made me smile.

Delightful Sunday puzzle! Loved the constructor notes, as well. Thank you!

The constructors’ notes were the best part! (Yes, this was a very difficult one for me.) I didn’t know of Nick (have heard of, but not seen, Parks and Recreation), but sure like him now. Always have appreciated Christina.

Might be making this comment in the wrong place, but I’m delighted the Midi has finally made it into the daily rotation. Thanks, gamesfolk!

First: Sorry to learn of Will’s stroke, and wishing him the best. Second: Very difficult, satisfying puzzle. The closer I got to finishing, the funnier it became. (No, I would not like it if “funnier” were a crossword answer.)

Delightful! Thanks a for a neat start to Sunday.

I’m among those who found this very difficult for a Tuesday, although parts were fun.

I know about and enjoy Christina’s work, knew nothing of Nick — but that’s nothing to do with the puzzle, which wasn’t much fun for me. Glad most others got a kick out of it, though.

Great puzzle! Makes me want to give a martini another try.

This one tickled me, start to finish. I surprised myself, knowing some of the answers I wouldn’t have suspected me of knowing. (Did have to look up 43D when my guess didn’t work, but otherwise, no help.) This was just fun. Thanks, Mr. Collins!

What a fun puzzle! Thanks, Rich.

This was a blast! Anything that includes Pinky and Brain would get me, anyway, but this was above and beyond. Loved it. Thanks!

Very nice!

I love Monday crosswords and this one was especially fun on a shadow-free Groundhog Day. Also enjoyed the column, and most people’s notes. Thank you all for the sunshine, blessedly lacking outside today.

Really enjoyed today’s Thursday puzzle. Made me smile, numerous times.

I’m confused that there were no constructor notes, but I haven’t read the column for awhile. Maybe I missed a memo. Anyway, I liked the puzzle ok.