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Good morning Rusty
It is a huge problem for people who are vulnerable and the situation is seriously out of control at the present time.. I keep an eye on neighbours and friends who I fear may fall prey and those who have family nearby do the same.

Good morning, Rusty!
A wet morning here.....not quite as chilly, though.
A muddy dog...but at least there is less hair to dry, due to her trim!
I do not have specific call to go out again...so may well stay put!
How about you?
Any plans for today?
Are you going to the Pine Cone?



Thank you for the further input on TPS, Cerasus!
These scam calls are indeed a serious problem for the vulnerable.

Good morning, Elle!
Dry and mild here.
I am just getting me ready to head out.
There was a bit in my local paper saying older folk will be taken on trips to the Pine Cone.
Some organisation is running it.
Today's puzzle is the easiest of the week, I think!

Hi, Rusty!
I hope I am in time to catch you......have a good time!
Talk later...…..

Hi, Rusty!
Was the Pine Cone very busy?
I suspect that it would be so, on a Saturday ......and getting closer to Christmas?
I always think that the Saturday prize crossword puzzle is the easiest of the week.
And today's is no exception!
Just one, though, that I cannot do....
15a: Can occupant eat on stairs regularly? (7)
S?R?I?E
I can think of several words that will fit the letters - servile, service, sardine, surmise, survive - but can make no sense of them.
And how is 3d parsed, please?
Boxer Rebellion's central character succeeded after French agreement (5)
I have "Louis", but only because it fits.
I have the feeling I am being a bit dense here.....

Elle, 15 A is one of your listed answers. 'Stairs regularly' gives the start of the answer, then add a four-letter word for 'eat'.

3 D is Oui, French agreement, inside L, 'rebellion's central character' (letter) and S, succeeded.

Sorry, Elle … and for 3 D Joe Louis is the boxer (I think, I don't know many).

Hello, Elle!
Yes, the cafe was very busy today.
Even had to wait a few minutes to get a seat.
15a, A "sardine" is in a can.
s(t)a(i)r(s) plus dine/eat.
3, The boxer is Joe "Louis", heavyweight champion of the world many years ago.
I think the parse is "oui" for French agreement.
With (rebe)"L("lion) and "s" for succeeded.

Good afternoon, Rusty!
Yes, I thought the Pine Cone would be busy.....but at least you got a seat, and a meal, without too much delay.
There would be a lot of trading in Christmas trees, too, I expect?
Or is it still too early?
Thank you for explaining 15a and 3d for me........
I especially liked the latter...but will admit to never having heard of Joe Lewis!
I think my all-out favourite today was 19a; oedipal.
And I also liked 20a: reefer; 10a; Herculean ; 17d: in essence.
A good puzzle I thought!
It is still raining here........I think I shall give up the possible thought of going out for another walk....
And will go and wash my hair!




Thank you, too, Malone!
I'm with you in not knowing of many boxers.....
(although I do know a few canine ones!)

Hello, Elle!
I did not see any Christmas tree buyers today.
They deliver, too.
Joe Louis was a great boxer.
I think he was champion for about 12 years, which may be a record.
It has became a bit wet here, too.
Seems to be the same across the country.
I've been watching the European curling final.
Sweden just beat Scotland.
It was a good puzzle but it was on the easy side, I think.