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Hello, Elle!
I did not put that very well.
Just forget today's puzzle and look forward to Friday's.
I did not know Nat had a statue.
Is it at the ground?
No, I have never heard of an "aloo".
I do not think I have said I do not like spicy food?
I prefer plain food and have only me to think about, so that's what I eat.
I have enough of a struggle understanding the Pine Cone menu without getting involved with aloos and spices!
Cheesy chips are exotic enough for me!

Good morning, Rusty!
Yet another damp day here.....very mild though.
Yes, I think Nat's statue is at the football stadium.
I am drinking coffee and eating an apple and some cheese....
Then I am going to change out of dog-walking gear, and go to Croydon in search of net curtains and venetian blinds (the latter for the kitchen).
Fingers crossed we find what we want!
I hope you have a good morning, and enjoy today's crossword!
Talk later.......

Good morning, Elle!
Lovely day here!
Happy hunting in Croydon, and safe journey!
I have finished my puzzle.
Was a good one today.
My "word of the day" from the OED is "poorwill".
It is a North American bird and is the only bird known to hibernate.
Yes, be in touch later!

Hi, Rusty!
We have had a very successful day's shopping!
I bought some very nice curtains for the two front bedrooms.
And we got a white venetian blind for the kitchen window.
I also got some bits and pieces from here and there......
Oh, and we had lunch out!
So I am well pleased with my day!
Crossword still to do.......I hope I cope better then I did yesterday!
What have you been up to?
You will be having your son arriving later on?

Hello, Elle!
Well done on accomplishing the tasks you set yourself!
I have had a canny day.
Went for a walk in the afternoon.
I think my son will be here soon, yes.
Good luck with your puzzle!

Hi, Rusty!
I may just catch you before your son arrives!
I have nearly finished the 15 x15 crossword puzzle!
I am finding it a much more straightforward puzzle than yesterday's one.
My favourites are "effuse"; "pack it in "; "rigmarole and "in the loop";
I am not enamoured though of the supposed homophone in 3d.....
I do not consider that "shore" sounds like "sure"....?!
What are your thoughts here?
Any way...back to my puzzle...and I'll leave you to chat with your son!
Have a good time together..........

Good evening, Elle!
Son has just gone home.
He brought me two meals!
I agree about 3d, but I have seen/heard worse homophones!
Other than that, the setter has come up with a good puzzle, I think!
24a is a new word to me, and I liked 12a, too.
Have you finished the puzzle?

Hi, Rusty!
Your son is very kind, bringing you two meals !
You will enjoy those.
Yes, I have finished the puzzle
And all parsed!
Just one query ......
For 9a, I have "informer" = "person shopping" ?
infer - reason
O - love
RM - men serving
but why should Royal Marines be "men serving"?
Is there a reason for such a specific answer?
Am I missing something obvious here?
I did not know "oenophile", and although I knew "lenity" in 24a, "ley" was a new word to me.
But all done.......a relief after yesterday's failure !
I have put up my new curtains and they look very smart!

Hi elle
Royal Marines are "men serving" in the armed forces.

Yes, I know that , Chris....I didn't pose my question well.....
I was looking for some indication as to why the answer should be a "specific"?
Was there an indication that it was "Royal Marines" required for the answer ...other than RM being needed in the word?
(This isn't making a lot of sense written down...but it sounds logical in my head!)