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Hi, Rusty!
I think I am being a tad optimistic in hoping for Summer......
The local forecast says it will be very cold again next week.
But this is nice while it lasts.
Now, I think I have finally got the last two parses..... just a bit unsure of 16d so will run it by you.....
Vehicle a man used to carry books - or book? (9)
motorbike = vehicle (def)
Mike - man
OT - books
or b - or b (ook)
Does this seem ok to you?
How about your own potentially dodgy ones?
I am glad you are enjoying the golf!



Hello, Chris!
I am glad that you and Alison have had a good week away.
It sounds as though you thought your visit to Dunkeld was well worthwhile.
It is good to get back a personal report!

Good evening, Elle!
I had a look ahead to next week's weather and there is a chance of snow here on Wednesday or Thursday!
I hoped we had left that behind!
Can't see it being much though.
My parse for "motorbike" is the same as yours!
Now, mine!
20d, I can't see how "the writer's" is "I'm"?
28, I can't see how "singer's" is "treble"
5d, I can't see how "making banners" is "hit the headlines".
4d, is no homothingy to me.
What d'ye reckon?

Hello, Chris,
that was quite a bit you took in, in Perthshire.
There are lots of Whooper swans around there just now.
The nest at the loch is an artificial one, and a tattie basket was used as the base for the nest.
Seems to have been a good trip you had!

Yes, thanks rusty and elle.
We had seen some Whoopers in a field near Aberfeldy, but the 32 were in an artificial lochan about half way up Ben Vrackie.
We also saw lots of hares, and Red Squirrels (particularly at Cluny House, but also at the Loch of the Lowes). It was great seeing them lifting the lids of the feeders to get the nuts out.

Hello, Chris, it's a pity the Squirrelcam on the Loch website is not working.
There is normally quite a bit of activity on it.
The webcam has been out of action for weeks.
I emailed them, and they said they were working on it!
That was a couple of weeks ago.

Hi, Rusty!
It's good to know that I have parsed 16d correctly!
It took me quite a while to see it.
I have the same parses as you have for the others........
I have never been able to see how "the writer" can be "I'm", but we get it (and similar) repeatedly in The Times puzzles, so I am (partially) reconciled to it by now.
"Treble" and "singer" were in another crossword that I did the other day.....I cannot remember which puzzle it was ?
I didn't see a problem with 5d: I thought it a double definition?
"Hit the headlines" meaning both "become prominent" and "making banners"?
I don't have a problem with "elicit" and "illicit?
They sound more or less the same to me!
I have made a little progress with "O Tempora!"......
I am about halfway through.
I shall leave it now though until tomorrow.......
I have the first "live" show of "The Voice" to watch at 8 o'clock!



Hello, Chris!
Aberfeldy keeps cropping up!
Dog walking friends moved there recently, having inherited the family home!
They love it there!

Hello, Elle!
"Treble" and "singer" are fine, but the clue has "singer's", that's what is niggling me.
I know "headlines" are "banners", but "hit" does not mean "making" surely?
Yes, have a break from the Latin puzzle.
I'm sure you'll get there.
I can't see me being any help, though.

Hold that result, Elle!
I see "making banners"/"hit the headlines" now!
What a silly I am!

Hi, Rusty!
At least we are agreed in the end!
I am enjoying the live Semi Final of "The Voice"........
But I am puzzled by an advert for BGT that came on screen...…..
Apparently BGT is starting back next week?
Did you know that?
I wonder how?
I was thinking that "The Voice" Final would be next Saturday?
Unless of course "The Voice" is perhaps going to be shown on the Sunday?
Perhaps we shall learn more at the end of this show.......

Hello, Elle!
No, I can't see "singer's" being "treble".
A "singer" can be "treble"
Or does setter mean "singer" has a "treble" voice?
No, I did not know BGT returns next Saturday.
Very good.
I have just checked STV schedule.
BGT 7.15 to 8.40, then, The Voice Final 8.40 to 10.30