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Hi, Rusty!
That is good that all went well with the dentist!
We have six monthly checks, too.
I think our next one is in October.
At present, our dentist is on safari in Tanzania!
I am awaiting my friend coming to collect me.....
We are going out for lunch.
It will be good to catch up in person.......she has spent the last two months in Spain.
Ah, I think that is she just pulling up outside.......
Talk later.......

Good afternoon, Rusty!
I am at home now......
Nothing much to report... a pleasant day out.
I didn't have time to look at the crossword this morning, but am going to do so now...with the aid of a strong coffee to stimulate the brain cells!
What have you been up to?

Hello, Elle!
I finished my puzzle earlier today.
It's a good one!
I had to fill in some paperwork and that was my tasks for the day complete.
Turned into a lovely day now.

Hi, Rusty!
Yes, it has been fine here, too.
I finally managed to dry all my washing that was left out overnight, after getting soaked in yesterday's deluge!
But tomorrow we are forecast a thunderstorm, lasting for most of the day.
I am about halfway through the crossword puzzle......I keep being interrupted.
Is your son coming to visit you this evening?

Hello, Elle!
We are due thunderstorms, too.
I think my son will visit.
Not heard from him today.
He would text me if he was going fishing, I think.

Hi, Rusty!
Has your son arrived?
He will be pleased to have his daughters home again!
I got about two thirds through the crossword...but I am finding it very hard?
There are a number of clues I cannot do.....
I may admit defeat!
I shall make a coffee and read my book......I need some R & R!

Hello, Elle!
Yes, my son was here!
Had a good blether with him, as usual.
I think the girls miss America!
They loved the Grand Canyon.
Best have a break from your crossword puzzle, then come back and I'm sure you will get there.
If you want a dig out, just say.

Hi, Rusty!
Yes, it is nice to chat and catch up in person.
Now the crossword.....
There are too many clues that I have left undone to ask you about them all!
I gave up before reaching the end, as the puzzle was too difficult for me.
I got about three-quarters way through.....
But how about 15a: At first, bear one fruit or another (7)
??NA?A?
and 16d: Complaint received by a miserly sort presenting a threat to workers (3, 4)
??T / ?E?R
And how to parse 23a?
The writer's twice penning papers of merit (10)
I have "impressive" = "of merit" (def) but cannot parse the rest.
It would be nice to have the answers to these, please.

Hello, Elle!
15a, is first "b"ear, plus "ananas" giving "bananas"
Ananas is a pineapple.
16d, The complaint is "TB".
A miserly sort is "a near".
An "ant bear" is a threat to workers/ants.
23, the writer's twice, is "I'm" plus "I've", the papers are "press".
Of merit is "impressive".
I liked 25a, Grant is Cary!

Hi, Rusty!
Thank you for your help.
I would never have got either of those clues.....
I've never heard of "ananas"!
Nor have I heard the term "a near" as meaning "a miserly sort"?
And I'm sorry, but I still don't understand 23a....
I already had "impressive" meaning "of merit", and I can see "press" = "papers".....
But I don't get the "I'm" and "I've"?
Leastways, I can at a pinch see "I'm "as "the writer" but how come "I've"?
This is a contraction of "I have".....however does that fit into it?
My favourites from those clues I managed to do are 11a: epistle; 18a: adduced and 25a: caryatid.