Karin

Call me crazy but I really liked this puzzle. It took me a while but it was different and challenging - hello SE corner! I don’t want a puzzle that’s a cakewalk which is why I love Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Aw, Deb! I think you are kind and wise and funny and after all this time I will greatly miss your columns. You were always so empathetic about our crossword travails - you were right there with us! Happy trails and enjoy every new day!

Oh boy, this puzzle really got to me. I am pretty sure that this took longer than any puzzle I’ve ever worked. I just can’t bring myself to peek or look anything up so this was pure torture. It just didn’t connect at all. Not a fun Saturday.

Pretty impressive background for Ella Dershowitz. I imagine her sitting in her dressing room going over her lines only to stop now and again to construct clever crossword puzzles for the NYT. Meanwhile, I’m in my bathrobe drinking coffee - what a slacker I am!

I went in many different directions before getting it right. I bow to Mr. Donaldson and his 39 NYT crossword puzzles.

I got my gold star with great difficulty. This was one of those times where I just didn’t jibe with the clues - funny how that happens. Maybe I was the klutz but just glad to have finished.

Repine? Really? Bye bye little streak.

Thank you, Aidan, for a most enjoyable Friday morning and best wishes for a wonderful college experience. If my freshman roommate had had a crossword published in the NYT I might be more than a little intimidated, so good luck in that department!