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Good morning, Elle!
Looks to be a dry start to the day here, but still dark out.
I recognise the names of le Carre's books but I have not read any.
There are cats on the front covers of several of Deric Longden's books.
I think I'll leave it just now until after the Indianapolis book.
I usually get myself some books for Christmas, maybe get it then.

Update, Elle!
I had a look at today's puzzle earlier, and I've done some of it.
And I was thinking "I really like this setter".
I put it away and then had a look on Twitter to discover a Tweet from Richard Rogan saying that today's setter had died and that today's puzzle was one of his last.
He also set for other papers as "Dac" and "Smokey".
I've enjoyed his puzzles and may he rest in peace.

Elle, I should have said,
the setter's name was Dave Crossland.

Good morning, Rusty!
A lovely morning here, and not feeling quite as cold as yesterday.
Since the change of clocks, it is getting light here now, when I arise at 6 am.
It sounds a good idea to leave some of your books to have as Christmas presents...only don't do what I did and "lose" any!
Remember, it took me six months to "find" Jo's book "This Mum Runs"!
I am about to lend that to my daughter (who also "runs" on a minor scale!)
You did make an early start on your crossword.....
I have yet to print out mine.
That is a shame about the death of the crossword setter.
I do wonder why The Times never divulges the names of the daily setters?
What are you up to today?

Hello, Elle!
It is cold here.
Gritters are out!
I have bought myself books every Christmas for a few years now.
Usually five or six.
I suppose it is a way of ensuring I get something I like on Christmas day!
Finished my puzzle!
Yes, a pity about the setter.
You have probably done several of his puzzles.
I do not know why The Times do not let on about their setters.
I know the Guardian and Independent do.
The Sunday Times used to (maybe still do) publish the setter's name, but their puzzle is completely separate from The Times.
Outwith Mr Rogan's remit, I think.
I have had one wee task today.
I went to my garage with La Bamba's best pal and her Mum, to introduce them to the garage, and get services and MOT's organised.
All went well!

Hi, Rusty!
In all the many years I have lived down south, I have never yet seen a gritter!
Nor evidence that one has even been in the vicinity.
We are left to slip, slide and fall on our pavements...and our cars to get snowed in on our side streets.
Probably the local Council calls it 'progress'?
(I might term it 'neglect'?)
I had not realised that the Sunday Times crossword bore no affiliation to the daily puzzle.
Yes, I have just looked, and the ST does give the name of the compiler ( in very small letters alongside)
I usually prefer the ST to the daily puzzle - possibly because I find it easier to do?
That was very kind of you to take Miss L-B's best friend and her mum to the garage you yourself use, to arrange their services and MOTs etc.
Our mechanic friend is great, and always comes himself to collect our car......and brings it back here when "fixed".
He stays for coffee, cake and a chat!
We are off out in another half hour to take the dog to the Groomer.
She will not like that!
She loves the groomer, but prefers to stay dirty and scruffy!
She will inevitably find something disgusting in which to roll afterwards....

Hello, Elle!
Probably economics that you have not seen a gritter.
The council may feel gritters would rarely be used and they may have other priorities for your cash!
My ASDA carpark has been gritted, too, and that would not be the council's doing.
The setter's name is given on the daily quick cryptic, too.
I have not done the Sunday Times puzzle for yonks but it did always seem a bit easier to me.
You seem to have a good garage man, too.
It's good to have someone that you trust!

Hello Rosalind

Flu jab postponed - nurse has flu! Painting finished - Mrs Jigjag very pleased. Pumpkin carved - ready for tonight's hostilities.

Thanks for the information on Tetbury St. There is one other, in Stroud, which is understandable. I looked yours up yesterday and found it was off Borough Road. I have not been near there for many years. Then in one of life's incredible co-incidences, I was driving to Liverpool when I heard on the radio that the Wallasey tunnel was closed for a "police incident". I headed for Birkenhead tunnel, driving along Borough Rd and passed Tetbury St.! How amazing is that?

Hello Pigale

I hope you are feeling a bit better. I must apologise for my carelessness. My clue should have said (4,4). I hope you did not waste too much time because of this.

Hello Jigjag,

Feeling a little better is easier said than done unfortunately! Lets
say that I 'don't feel too bad' when the morphine and doliprane
are doing their job, but I certainly know when the time to take the
next lot is almost due! I feel like a drug addict desperately waiting
for his/her next fix!

Only time will help, so I have to learn to be patient - which is not
necessarily my strong point!

The 4,5 instead of 4,4 is the very reason why I did not say 'back pain'
straightaway, but rather left the second word in the air. But I got
the gist anyway.

Did not take part in today's clueless - Did you? I was going to
try and do something with 'right' and 'fen' but brain did not go
any further than the idea; again, I blame the drugs!