Crossword Help Forum
Forum Rules

Hello, Elle!
Chambers gives diet as "parliament".
Could a "key" open the way to solving a problem?
It is obvious something about the clue was not right or why change it?
I have not heard of "front end loaded".
Goodness knows where the setter got that one!
Ah, you have Eggheads back!
I like Sloane!

Hi, Rusty!
Yes, "Eggheads" is back, although not at its more usual time.
I record it and watch it later.
Going back a little - I was sidetracked by the change of clue! - I am surprised that your son's dog has never before encountered stairs ?
Did they live in a bungalow before this move, then?
But has the dog never had to go up and down stairs elsewhere?
My dog encounters flights of (stone) steps in the park, going up to, or coming down from, the upper terraces.... on the railway station bridge.......going down subways.... on the Tube.....etcetera.
She learned to negotiate them at a very early age.
(She is now ten years old)
BB had his school Carol Concert this morning!
I expect the schools will be breaking up for the Christmas holidays quite soon?

Schoolboy history students always took great delight in hearing about the "Diet of Worms" - actually a very significant meeting!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diet_of_Worms

Hello, Elle!
He is struggling with these particular stairs.
I am not sure why, as I have not seen him tackle them.
And he is not a young dog.
He is normally fine with steps, so I am sure he will manage with a bit of practice.
The wind has dropped here, but is meant to get stronger during the night.
It was wild most of the day.
I don't know when the schools come off, but I think it may be Monday the 23rd.

Hi, Rusty!
Perhaps the new stairs are just a tad steeper than the dog is used to managing......that may make it difficult for him, especially is he is a bit arthritic?
How old is he?
I've looked up our local schools' holidays...they break up on Thursday, December 19th., and recommence on Monday January 6th (the Twelfth day of Christmas!)
Still pouring down here...but the wind seems to have dropped somewhat.

Good morning, Elle.
It was very windy during the night, but it has eased a bit.
Still raining, though.
I will go out to the shop and that's about it, I think.
Now will I walk or take the car? Decisions!
The dog is blind in one eye, so that does not help.
He may have arthritis, I do not know.
He does not like change, though.

Good morning, Rusty!
It is my turn to have the sunshine!
It is a lovely morning here, cold though.
I have just come back from visiting the Crematorium.
Today is my father's birthday, so I was taking a plant.
Very quiet down there, apart from a funeral procession.
I had the Memorial Gardens to myself.
The poor dog, no wonder he was disorientated, as limited vision cannot have helped.
Hopefully, he will soon feel at home in his new surroundings.
We had a cat who lost sight in both eyes , with about two months between eyes, but he coped very well.
He obviously could no longer go outside, but he found his way around the house.... found his litter tray and his food and water bowls, and still jumped up on the chairs and the bed!
Apart from a slight slowness, you would not have known that he was blind!
I think, with a cat, their whiskers help ?
Right, I'd better get on with some household chores!

Hello, Elle,
It is a fine afternoon, now, but windy.
Puzzle not as difficult today.
Couple of new words for me, though.
Yes, the dog will be fine.
He is very much part of the family!

Hi, Rusty!
I am beginning to panic at the rapid approach of Christmas!
Every year, I promise myself that I will be well organised......
So why does this never happen?
The only thing on my agenda that I have so far dealt with, is the writing and posting of my Christmas cards.
There is little on my "presents" list that I have yet purchased!
Oh dear!
Yes, a much easier puzzle today , although I cannot quite follow one of my supposed parses?
17d: Individual in force runs to get convict (8)
prisoner = convict (def)
prise - force
one - individual
r - runs
This leaves me with an extra "e" ????
I cannot see any alternative , though?
How did you parse this clue?
Strong coffee obviously needed !

Hello, Elle!
I have done my cards!
Only thing to do is the cemetery visit (next week) and maybe buying a steak pie for my Christmas dinner.
17d, I have the same parse as you, Elle, but had not noticed the extra "e".
Well spotted!
Wonder if there is an error in the clue?
It is the same online.
My grandson is coming to see me after work.
That will be fine!