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Hi, Rusty!
I have just listened to Mark explaining "squid!
It sounds logical the way he puts it.........very well done in finding that!
He said his favourite clue was 19d: dentist.
Now strangely enough, I had seen that answer and parsing straight off this morning!
It is strange how differently minds can work over different clues......
I managed my one remaining unanswered clue...but it wasn't one of Mark's demonstrations.
However, I think I have it right?
25a: More wasted days by athlete half-heartedly covering kilometres (7)
drunker = more wasted (def)
d - days
run (n)er - athlete
k- kilometres.
I don't know why I couldn't see it earlier!
Thank you for your help and patience.

Hello, Elle!
Yes, Mark was good explaining it, better than I did!
You can find everything on YouTube!
Your parse for "more wasted" is bang on. Well done, Elle!
It is a fine evening here!

Hi, Rusty!
I have just received an email re-confirming our afternoon tea on Wednesday!
I am required to email back to say that we shall still be coming!
They are obviously keen not to lose custom.........or fear that their patrons are forgetful!
We are looking forward to it!
I have gotten out of the habit of "dressing up"!
I spend more time in jeans and trainers........or walking boots!

Hello, Elle!
I hope you enjoy your tea!
It is at Claridge's tearooms, did you say?
I own neither jeans or trainers, so you are one up on me!
I think jeans are horrible things!
I had to wear them for work many years ago, but never since I stopped working.
They, and my working boots, went straight into the skip.
Amen!

Hi, Rusty!
I think ladies' jeans are most probably not a bit like your working jeans from years back, Rusty!
( I think we have had this conversation before!)
My "jeans" are stretch denim and are more commonly called "jeggings".
They fit slimly and look very nice!
Now....Claridges Hotel is in Mayfair.
I understand that Afternoon Tea is served in the Foyer and Reading Room
https://www.claridges.co.uk/restaurants-bars/afternoon-tea/
I hope the link works.
It should be good... I am looking forward to Wednesday!

Hello, Elle!
Denim is awful material.
Was first used for making tents, I think, in California during the Gold Rush?
I think denim jeans look awful.
Trousers are far more comfortable.
I have heard of Mayfair.
Wonder why you get your tea in their reading room?

Hi, Rusty!
If this link works properly, it is a video of the hotel
https://www.claridges.co.uk/
It was very kind of our son to organise this treat for us!
He is always doing unusual things...for Christmas, we had a hamper of goodies!
Delicacies on which we would never have spent the money......and yet which proved to be delicious.
We are spoiled!

Hello, Elle!
It is very thoughtful and kind of your son doing this!
The place looks very grand.
I hope you have a nice tea there!
All peaceful at the loch.

Good morning, Rusty!
A damp and miserable day here!
Also much cooler, altho I quite welcome that.
A brisk walk today.
I have an online order of pet food arriving sometime today...I should get an hour's time slot soon.
That is always useful!
Nothing outstanding to do so far....
How about you?

Good morning, Elle!
A pity about your weather.
Great weather here.
Beautiful blue skies!
I have no plans today, though I'll probably watch the cycling later.
It's a major French race.
Criterium du Dauphine.
And I have stuff for the charity shop, but may combine that with another task tomorrow.