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Elle, thanks for your thanks on the Solti clue. I don't think it's a great clue - not even a good clue - but technically there's nothing wrong with it (I suppose, she added, grudgingly!)

Good afternoon, Rusty!
Yes, Hunters boots are great! Very practical and comfortable.
They are also extremely expensive, but fortunately if one keeps an eye on their website, they do have very good Sales.
I would never wear a different brand ever again.
I seem to have done something to my left knee!
I have no sense of its happening...but now, at times, it is painful when I put weight on that leg.
Maybe I have pulled a muscle?
Anyway, I am restricting the dog to a run in the garden this afternoon, rather than going for a walk.......in the hope that enforced rest ( for me, not her!) will result in my knee being better by tomorrow!
I have yet to start today's crossword!

Good evening, Elle!
Been a fine day here.
Do you still have rain?
Hunters have a very good reputation!
You may have tweaked something in your knee.
I get pains in my knees but it is arthritis.
Does not really bother me, though.

Hi, Rusty!
Yes, it is still raining!
My daughter is due to run in a race tomorrow morning, but I hope, in view of the extreme weather, and her asthma and a bad cough, she will see sense and not take part.
I have been watching (a recording of) Rafa playing Stephanos Tsitsipas.
Some wonderful tennis and Rafa won the match!
The weekend matches should be great.
Rafa has finished the year as World Number One for a fifth time!
And was presented with the trophy on court this afternoon!
Well done, him!
No "Eggheads", as the tennis took precedence.

Hello, Elle!
A pity about your rain!
It is even wetter in Venice!
No, it makes no sense your daughter running if she is a bit poorly, in wet and cold conditions.
Rafa seems to be playing well in this tournament.
I see that Roger Federer is the favourite to win, though.

Hi, Rusty!
I shall be very happy if Roger wins!
But I like Rafa, too.
Novak is out of the tournament.
I have set the recorder for both Saturday's and Sunday's matches, in case I am not able to watch them at the times shown.
The family may be over here on Sunday.......
I found today's crossword to be a stinker!
Some of the clues were well over my head.
Did you finish it all?
Yes, I am sure that you did!

Hello, Elle!
Yes, I know you like Roger!
I liked today's puzzle.
One or two answers I had to go searching dictionary for a meaning.
I liked 1d !
I have the answer to 4a, but the "heavy defeat" is a word unknown to me.
That's fine though, I don't mind a challenge to hunt down a meaning!

Hi, Rusty!
Yes, I, too, am happy to search for answers.
It is part of the learning curve!
This is one of the reasons I enjoy doing the Times Monthly...although that is really hard and, for me, often requires quite a lot of careful research.
But I just wasn't on the same wavelength as today's setter....I have a lot of clues left undone.
And I couldn't do either of the two that you mentioned.
Maybe I shall fare better with tomorrow's puzzle!
I've just been out in the garden with my dog -- very wet and cold!

Good morning, Elle!
Seems like a fine morning outside.
Not been out yet.
I think most of us like the challenge of hunting down answers and solutions to the difficult clues.
I find it satisfactory, anyway, and when I do, I usually think, "well done, setter, that was a great clue that had me delving into Chambers etc trying to nail the answer."
Just off to get my paper now.
Heading to Pine Cone later with my granddaughters!

Good morning, Rusty!
I am only just home from my walk.
It is dull but fine here ...however, very wet and muddy underfoot, once off the paths.
I have had to rub down a very filthy dog!
No special plans for today.....
I have it in mind to do a few chores this morning, have a stab at the crossword, and then watch the tennis this afternoon!
I hope you have a good time at the Pine Cone with the girls!