Sara

I'll be in the minority and say that I really enjoyed this puzzle. Yes, I solved it without understanding the theme, but once I went to Wordplay, I thought the theme was actually rather clever. Just because my brain didn't work that way (and it wouldn't have worked in the reverse either), doesn't mean it's a bad theme. Actually, it often means it's a very good theme!

Yesterday - almost twice my Friday time, and I needed Check puzzle to finish, which I've only used once or twice this year. Today, half my Saturday time and no help needed at all. But did I like them both? Yep. One was just more on my wavelength than the other. And admittedly, I enjoy the spanners!

Indication that I need more caffeine: Thought process this morning: filled in first California city - OK, the ones in the highlighted areas will be California cities. Next, answered the California Roll question. Then I thought to myself, "Wow, that's kind of neat that different types of California rolls are named after different cities in California". Just as I finished the puzzle, the penny dropped. Cute Tuesday puzzle with a nice visual appeal, even for those who need a cup of coffee to notice that the California cities are actually "rolled" and not named for different types of sushi.

This was a classic Wednesday for me. You can solve it without knowing the theme, but it makes it more fun if you figure it out. Whereas for Thursday, often you can't solve it without knowing the trick. Nice puzzle, Philip!

I'm solidly in the "amazing construction, fun solve" category. I would have been less enthusiastic if the rebus locations hadn't been clear. I like a good rebus, but even more a sense of why rebusus (rebusi?) are being used. This was made completely clear in this puzzle. Looking forward to next December, David!

Loved this puzzle! It should have been easier (knowing the 15 down answers had to be words both with and without a t), but it wasn't for me. I Enjoyed the challenge very much, though.

If I forget one more time that soda could also be cola (especially when the clue lists only colas), just cut me off. I don't deserve the streak. Nice debut, with a 50% longer solve time for a Monday, thanks to my above stupidity. And welcome back, Will Shortz! And thanks to the rest of the team for a pleasant experience while he was out.

Whew! The SW corner tied me in knots, only because I was sure it was refits, not rerigs, and we won instead of men on. And somehow this made 111a and 11a tough to solve - can't imagine why... Loved the theme, and enjoyed the fairly straightforward solve, especially after yesterday, which humbled me (which, TBH, I probably needed).

Loved the puzzle, got the theme fairly quickly. But one question about 41D - Like a doormat = too nice? Don't understand the answer. Clarification would be appreciated. Thanks!

(19a) Qanda? Help, please. I didn't know the meaning. Couldn't even find it when I searched. Fortunately I got it with the crosses, but q's without u's still trip me up.