Crossword Help Forum
Forum Rules

Hello, Elle!
Yes, very cold here.
I went for a walk, though, a brisk one!
It is not an easy puzzle today, no.
Couple of hints.
1a, is a Shakespearean character.
5a, A very unusual girl's name forms part of the clue, around "mo" for second.
I have only known of one woman who had this name.
Miss Scott, who read the news and did current affairs programs years ago.
Not keen on the definition for 11a.
Can this word mean "direct"?
25A, Nothing to do with football!
Hope they prove to be a help!

Hi, Rusty!
Well done on your stoicism in going for a walk in such a temperature!
We stayed indoors this afternoon, and kept warm!
I had already been out for nearly two hours with the dog, early this morning.
Yes, I knew "Portia", and had done that one.
Selina Scott was a help........and I got "squally" then with the "s".....
I had been searching everywhere for some reference to equate "robust" with "direct" for 11across? It isn't a synonym I would have come up with?
"Weaponry" for 25a.
I have done about three-quarters of the crossword.....and am going to rest on my laurels!
Enough is enough!

Hello, Elle!
Miss Scott is the only Selina that I know.
Yet, setter has "girl". Fair?
I agree regarding "robust/direct".
Yes, put it away for now.
You may get inspiration after your tea!

Hi, Rusty!
Well, dinner was delicious .... roast beef, roast potatoes, parsnips etc........but it didn't inspire me to reach any more crossword solutions!
I have made my "bestest" attempt at this puzzle, but am admitting defeat.......
I have had a good day, though, on the whole.......even if I am not up to crossword strength!
It has been a day for visitors, telephone conversations, and good news.........
Elder daughter rang to say she has been granted an interview, at the beginning of next month, for a university course she wishes to do, as a mature student.
It will be great if she is accepted.
And our son is coming to visit us tomorrow.....after recovering from his flu attack!
And younger daughter is finding her work journey easier since the office premises move......
So good all round!
I've just been out in the garden with the dog....it seems to be getting even colder!

Hello, Elle!
There is always another puzzle tomorrow!
Mind you, with all the good news from the family it would be difficult to concentrate!
Yes, let's hope your daughter has a successful interview.
It is slightly less cold here now.
But it is January after all!

Hi, Rusty!
Well, okay, they are only little incidents....but nice ones!
It is great to have good things happen to family and friends, even if it is not earth-shattering!
Sometimes, I get carried away........
I have just had an email from "MyWimbledon" , offering me a chance to win a tennis racquet signed by my hero, Roger Federer!
( Does life get any more bizarre?)
Anyway, why not.....?
All I had to do was answer one question!
So watch this space........although I guess you probably shouldn't hold your breath!

Hello, Elle!
I agree about family!
Always good to have good news from them!
Are you sure MyWimbledon is not a scam of some kind?
Be good to win a racquet, though.
Specially from Roger!

Hi, Rusty!
No, it's not a scam!
Although I do agree it would be a very long shot were I to win!
The email is the normal one used by The Wimbledon Championships.
I am signed up to receive daily newsletters during the Championships...and it is this that entitles me to take part in the competition.
Nothing to do.......except answer one question......all above board.
I am not, of course, expecting to win....but I am always open to a nice surprise!

Hello, Elle!
It will give you something to look forward to.
When will you know? Wimbledon time?
Let's hope you win!
It is less cold here, now!
Thank goodness.
Had the heating on all day.
And a fleece!

Good morning, Rusty!
It is a tad warmer at 4C.. .....the weather forecast describes it as a dry, chilly and grey day!
Not very enticing!
However, I had a brisk , invigorating walk
I love the early morning outings.
I am just grabbing a quick coffee...and then I am away to get my hair trimmed.
I shall resemble my shaggy dog if I don't deal with my errant locks!
Have you been out yet for your paper?