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Good morning friends. Here are today's clues, somewhat hastily put together due to the pressure of trying to keep the house and garden under control. Helen is quite frail now and is unable to do very much. I'm really acting as her carer. BUT! She's happy and so am I. That's what it's all about, eh?

I'm taking a summer break from "5", to recharge my batteries, both mental and physical. I'll pop in from time to time to keep the mind in practice and hope bring back "5" on September 2nd. Have a lovely summer. John

I set clues just for pleasure. I wonder if some of you excellent regulars would like to try a few? Since they're new, no letters!

Please withhold solutions till 5 pm (GMT + 1) to allow others to have a go.


1. Sailors in the crosstrees indicating surrender (5,2)

2. Going down for accessories to cover one person at the table (7)

3. Struggles to catch rocks? (5)

4. Restrictive practices by workers encountered at some Iberian ports? (7,7)

5. Mary Jane’s attached to shy and foolish person (7)

Morning, jolan
Can't see any at first look, but the weather has gone off today, so I may get some more time to look at them later (though cooking this afternoon).

Best wishes to you both, and enjoy your mental break.

Morning Jolan. Got them apart from #2. Enjoy your break and I hope all goes well for you both

I think I have #1, but I'm usually more confident when I have solved your clues, jolan, so I might not be correct.

Got #4

....and #5 (though I might question "foolish"!)

Checked this and there is another defn (british slang) which is "foolish"

Thanks chrisg.
Yes, it's in Chambers, but noted as a probable confusion with another word

Hello, the two Chrises. Thanks for the good wishes. Didn't notice the "confusion" bit in Chambers but just looked and there it is. Happy solving for the remainder. Off to mow the grass. J

Good afternoon jolan
You most certainly deserve a break and my very best wishes to you and your Helen. What a kind caring person you are. I've written down the clues for later as I also have some gardening to be done. x