Crossword Help Forum
Forum Rules

Good evening, Elle!
It is fairly chilly here, but it is dry now, at least!
I have "emerald" for 5d?
"me" is in clue, surrounded by beheaded "(G)erald"/man.
Is my parse. Any help?
I had not heard of Alberich before, or "toilsome"!
My problem is with 9a "mea culpa".
"I'm sorry" is my definition in the clue.
Copper is "Cu", secretary is PA (Personal assistant).
Which leaves me with "meal" and the only bit left in the clue is "restaurant rendezvous".
I have looked up the meanings in Chambers of meal, restaurant, and rendezvous and can not get it to work.
Why is "restaurant rendezvous" = "meal"?
What am I not seeing, or knowing?

Hi, Rusty!
Ah, light dawns.....thank you!......"Gerald" of course!
I have "emerald" = "stone" (definition )
me - in clue
I couldn't think of a man's name from which I could take the first letter to get "erald"!
So I thought I was on the wrong lines......
I didn't see a problem with "mea culpa" = "I'm sorry"/ I'm to blame; it's my fault (definition )
cu - copper
meal - restaurant rendezvous
PA- secretary
I took it as 'going for a meal' equated ' meeting up in a restaurant'?
It didn't seem a problem at the time of solving!

Hello, Elle!
I think Gerald is a better fit than herald, which could be a man or woman, too.
I will agree with you that "going for a meal" could take place at a "restaurant rendezvous".
But that is not in the clue?
However it is dressed up, "restaurant rendezvous" is not "meal".
A rendezvous is a meeting, or a place to meet.
I think it is unsatisfactory.
But there have been errors already this week, could this be another one?

Hi, Rusty!
I am confused....what has "herald" got to do with the clue?
That surely does not mean "man " or "woman"?
I cannot find that in either my Thesaurus or Bradford's?
I wasn't worried about "mea culpa"..... but now I'm not so sure.
Oh dear!
My brain is turning to mush!
Never mind...weekend is coming!
Do you have anything nice planned?

Hello, Elle!
A herald can be a person.
"An officer who made public announcements".
But, I thought Gerald more likely.
Herald can be a duck, too, I did not know that.
Don't be worrying about "mea culpa".
It may be OK, just me that can't see it!
Only plan for the weekend is meeting Miss O on Sunday.
Miss L-B is working Sat and Sun, but I will see her during the week.

Hi, Rusty!
It will be nice for you and Miss O to go out together on Sunday.
I expect, though, that the Pine Cone will be especially busy, it being so close to Christmas.
Are you able to reserve a table?
I plan to play catch up over the weekend , doing "Christmassy" things that I should already have ticked off my list by now!
I don't think I have ever been as behind in my organisation as I am this year.
Too much else has been happening......!

Hello, Elle!
The Pine Cone will be busy, yes.
My grandson was there during the week getting a Christmas tree, and was very pleased with what he got.
No booking that I know of.
We are happy to share a table, too, but not everyone is.
There were two ladies joined Miss L-B and me at our table one day.
The waitress asked us if it would be OK, and it was.
A mother and daughter. The mother was 98!
The daughter was about my own age.
And we all had a good chat!
I am ahead of the Christmas game.
Cards are written and stamped, and I just have to post them.

Good morning, Rusty!
It is a bright sunny morning at the moment, but feeling like 2C.
Good brisk walking weather!
I am only just home....I overslept, and was later than usual going out.
I have no plans for today, other than trying to "organise" Christmas!
I shall take your advice and see what bright ideas I can find online, for my granddaughter and youngest grandson.......
We now have an Argos in Sainsburys, which will be useful.
I have the presents for the other four grandkids all sorted!
Right, coffee first, though.......

Good morning, Elle!
Fine frosty morning here.
I had a walk on the nature trail earlier.
Had it all to myself!
I bought Jazz apples today.
I usually buy pears but they are just awful in ASDA.
Like bricks and tasteless.
Which apples do you buy?
I have no plans today.
Willie Mullins has a runner at Cheltenham, but I don't know the jockey.
I'll watch the race, though.

Hi, Rusty!
Yes, good to get out early in the day for a walk!
Morning is much the best time!
I have never heard of Jazz apples?
That is a new brand to me....but then I only ever eat Granny Smith's .......and I only like those when they are at their greenest and tartiest!
But my husband likes red apples...and I think the ones we have at present are Pink Ladies...would that be right?
Now...some good news!
We had a letter today from the Euro Car Parks.......cancelling our fine!!!!
Alleluia!
I wonder how many folk misguidedly paid theirs, though?