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This was a workout I really admired and enjoyed. All the complaints about the use of gimmicks and the infamous rebus had me thinking about growing up in Brooklyn during the 1950's & 1960's. My mother was a wonderful cook and baker and each night we'd sit down to dinner - whatever mama made. If we weren't happy with that option, there was always a large bowl of salad and fresh bread & butter. There was a lot of work & love on the table and we knew that. That's what made me think of all the creators of these puzzles. The work is so evident and , dare I say it, (I dare. I dare.) done with love. Maybe the complainers need to reach for the salad if the main course doesn't suit you. The archives are full of other choices. I hope I didn't offend anyone. I was just happy to recall a sweet time growing up. It really helps me get into a better mind-set. Happy & peace-filled week to all.

Oh the joy of finishing a Monday puzzle on Sunday night. That gives me time to wish everyone a happy week solving whatever the puzzlers set before us and be thankful for the people who create these puzzles and the ones whose comments are posted. I so enjoy the comments from across the U.S. and from around the world. You have broadened my view, provided laughs, puns, definitions, music, poetry and a range of opinions. Thank you. Peace and blessings to all - in all ways and for always. :}

I smile when I read about what's right or not right in the crossword clues and answers. It reminds me of a time when I was sitting next to a man on a Brooklyn bus. He was doing the Friday NYT puzzles and filling in the spaces at a rapid pace. I couldn't help but react and told him that was quite impressive. He then told me he was putting letters in the boxes just to fill in the grid, He enjoyed having people think he was a puzzle wizard. I smiled, thinking, "Why would he reveal his secret to me?" My point is, he enjoyed doing the puzzle his way. Not everything is designed to individual tastes. It's a pleasant escape - a challenge to our little gray cells - an opportunity to learn things and recall things or it's just a chance to fill in the grid. Whatever it is, enjoy yourself in the best of health and spirit. May the week ahead provide you with what you need for that to come true.

"Head of a noted animal rescue project" was worth the price of admission. "Let's take it nice and easy" kind of puzzle - just what I needed. Hope the week turns out to e a good one. Happy puzzling!

Yesterday's comment on bringing the puzzles into modern times had me reflecting on a theory I've had. Don't laugh (or please do), but I think the downfall of American education started when The Ed Sullivan Show was cancelled. Here we were, the whole family, different generations watching an hour-long program each Sunday night. The "old folks" were exposed to Elvis and The Beatles and the youngsters heard Ella, Satchmo, The Mills Bros., etc. We got a taste of everything - opera, Broadway musicals and plays, comics of all ages, magicians, acrobats, ballet, tap dancing, sports, classical as well as modern music and so much more. It was a liberal arts education in a 60 minute program. These crosswords provide another means of opening one's mind. I've learned so much through the years, but I also cherish all the knowledge I possess and am so happy to put that to good and fun-filled use. Happy solving and Happy Labor Day Weekend. May the puzzles be with you!

Such a fun, final Sunday puzzle for 2024. Thanks. My favorite clue was Vanishing point. I also have The Pink Panther theme song playing in my head and I don't mind it. Happy week to all and big hopes for the new year. May our fears be unrealized and our good health, good intentions - good everything - prevail. Thanks to all in our special community. You help more than you'll ever know. :)

I really enjoyed this punny puzzle. It brought to mind the old song with lyrics that included: What did Mississip? - a Minnesota. What did Delaware? - a brand New Jersey. Where has Oregon? I don't know, Alaska," I think Perry Como was the singer. Here's a puzzle that made me smile and recalled a song from my youth - who could ask for anything more?

The lyrical beauty of thine, thy, thee and thou in the same puzzle as the modern brodates, hangs, bae and pda - how far we have come! LOL :)

I may be over-thinking this but is there a correlation between the upper left and the lower right? scratch that - case in point are you awake - over a barrel (not very comfortable) and my favorite - no time to die - nearly ready. Just a thought. Happy puzzling. I hope some of you are smiling.

I was "jonesing" for a fun puzzle and got one. I guess we are celebrating the opening of a new baseball season. Batter up and have fun!

I smile when I see all the variants in the spelling of Chanukah, Channukah, Chanukkah, Hannukah, Hanukah, Hanukkah, and so on. I can't think of any other words that have such an assortment of spellings. HAPPY, HEALTHY NEW YEAR TO ALL! MAY 2025 BE WHAT YOU'D LIKE IT TO BE.

What we need is a bottomless brunch in a topless bar. This was a fun puzzle. Thanks.

There are monsters under the bed and I need my daddy to tell me everything will be okay. "What a world! What a world!" The puzzle took a little longer and served as a distraction. I am sending some positive vibes to all who need to receive them, myself included.

"She was afraid to come out of the water. She was so nervous someone would see...." Thanks for a fun flashback and a silly song bouncing around in my head. Thanks for the puzzle and the smile and the memories.

"It had to be you It had to be you I wandered around, and I finally found The somebody who Could make me be true And could make me be blue And even be glad Just to be sad - thinking of you Some others I've seen Might never be mean Might never be cross, or try to be boss But they wouldn't do For nobody else gave me a thrill With all your faults, I love you still It had to be you Wonderful you It had to be you" Thanks for the workout and lovely puzzle. Just learned about sextile. - there's always something new to add to my crossword word collection. Be well & enjoy!

Thanks for a fun puzzle. The rotary dial conjured up memories of Lily Tomlin's wonderful telephone operator, Ernestine - "One ringy-dingy..." - "Is this the party to whom I'm speaking?" Nice to share moments of fun and laughter.

Nice Saturday puzzle. Learned what Ochlocracy meant and "substitute for fudge" brought a smile to my face. Oh, the things we said when we couldn't/shouldn't say the things we wanted to say - :)

What made me smile was the proximity of amo to amo-ebas. Ya just gotta love those one-celled critters. Shades of biology class and loads of special memories are what make these puzzles and community so very special. I can disappear into a world of humor, cleverness, shared experiences and eliminate the awful din outside. Thanks to all who make that happen. Happy Puzzling - :>)

This was a challenging and enjoyable puzzle. I did like "way-out fun" and "angled for attention." It was also nice to see samovar again. It's been a while. Have a wonderful, solution-filled weekend and may the "Madness of March" just be on the basketball courts.

Great puzzle, but as an ironworker's daughter who typed up work contracts, it was always I-beams, never I-rails. But thanks for the memory of a special time for me and my dad.

This was a fun puzzle. Having said that, I would like to thank all you punny scribes for the smiles, the groans, the witticisms and creative spirits that you share and post each day. For me, it's like a version of "Calgon take me away," where I am able to escape from politics and news. Thank you.

It was the summer of 1989 and we were staying at the Nevele Hotel in the Catskills. After dinner, my 11 year old niece got quarters from us and headed off to the claw machine. She was a wiz at manipulating that thing and went home with about 30 stuffed animals. We delighted in her joy. Thanks for the puzzle and the memory of a gentler time shared with people we love. Happy Wednesday to all.

To Shaun Phillips - thank you for the most enjoyable puzzle and constructor notes. I could feel the happiness and playfulness in your interaction with your young daughters. How lucky you all are to have such a fun relationship. Thanks again for allowing us {me} to be part of that experience, What a great way to start the week - hope it's a good one for all!

You had me at "grape nuts." I really needed the smiles today and this entertaining puzzle provided plenty of them. Thank you.

Don't know why, but buttercup brought a smile to my face. Perhaps it's the winter weather, or the Gilbert & Sullivan song or just the beauty of the blossom. Thank you for your fun and fine puzzle.

Always learning something and that's a good thing for these "little grey cells." I first had fez instead of taj. From the photo, it appears that a taj is a fez without a tassel. What's the fun in that? Happy Sunday .

This was a fun puzzle. My favorite clue - "You might go for a spin in it." Where else can you enjoy all the puns while learning that luau actually means "taro leaf?" Thank you.

This was a fun puzzle and had me smiling from 1D - back issues - oy vey! Then there was Jim Croce, a talent gone way too soon. I used to play "Time in a Bottle" for my class. The assignment was to write about what moments you would save in your bottle. Nice memories of a special time. Happy solving!

Spanglish - I really enjoy the combo of another language with English. There was a German lady who owned a small a shop. As a child, I would often go there to buy presents for my family. The German language uses "ge" in front of verbs to denote past tense i.e. sehen - see gesehen - saw. This shopkeeper would put "ge" before English words. "He getook the money and he gewent home." I so enjoyed hearing her speak. Thanks for the memory and the smile.

There must be at least "50 Ways to Clue a Crossword," but hundo was a new one for me. I guess I'll make a new plan, Stan - whoever he is. Wishing you a smiled-filled week and smooth sailing puzzle adventures.

"Oh. you beautiful doll, You great big, beautiful doll." Nice trip down memory lane and nice way to start the week. Thanks for the smiles.

I had to laugh when I saw all the okra comments. It reminded me of a time when I was teaching that some words stay the same - singular or plural. One of those words was salmon. It dawned on me that my students might not know what salmon was so I asked. One boy raised his hand and answered, "Salmon Davis Jr." I had to step into the hallway to suppress my laughter. No one else in the class laughed or made a comment.

My "fearless leader" always will be Boris Badenov. Oh the joys of "Rocky & Bullwinkle!" Thoughts of those wonderful characters & good-humored satire offer an escape from the news. Happy weekend & may the puzzles be with you.

Fun puzzle. The answer to 6-D and the clue for 9-D made me think of "Young Frankenstein." Abby, who? - Abby Normal.