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Grunger

Thanks for the updates, and for being prepared to try out a slightly more 'time and motion' way to get a hot beverage. I'm delighted to hear that you didn't have an exhausting walk, you might have needed something stronger after that. I'm disappointed that the drink was awful, but I have high hopes for the tea.

I have varying experiences with the Times puzzle, but never as speedy as having it solved while my tea mashes. No, on days when the setter and I are in complete harmony, I can have the puzzle finished mid-morning. Other times, when the setter is particularly wily or smart, I can be grappling with a puzzle until mid-afternoon.

Grunger, Jigjag

If either of you are looking in....

It's a good job I'm staying alert. I spotted yesterday that the crossword setters are still influenced by your interests and activity. I noticed these in the Jumbo.

Little sleep and some food - what babies need? (7)

Trader in public space coarse in speech (11).


I thought of Tyke, but there were no pikes in sight.

Malone

I`m here anyway - ASSES appeared in the `Skeleton` today along with EEL - they must be two of the most commonly used words in puzzles.

Yes my pike rarely gets a mention - I fear it is about to be cut down to size ( 1 metre ) soon.

Tyke

I don't think of you an Ass ...and not an Eel either. I'd be delighted if your pike got cut down to size as I'd welcome the shorter (social) distance. After all these weeks, we should be experienced enough now not to let anyone get too close for comfort … and safety.

Does anyone else think that 'social distancing' is inaccurate and that 'physical distancing' is the more appropriate phrase? I've found that I'm socially closer to many more people during this period.

Public transport is a major problem I think - I have a car but prefer trains and buses for trips to town or longer journeys - I`m staying close to home until things improve.

Hi, Jamoza

Yes, 'social distancing' is a slightly odd phrase - but I can't come up with an alternative. Your 'physical distancing' doesn't really work for me... in a way, that's basically just 'distancing'. I've got used to SD now, but I found 'lockdown', the word, much harder initially - I wasn't keen on the prison terminology. The connotations of that were even worse - no human contact at all, everyone locked up for an indeterminate period of time … Again, I'm used to it now

Jamoza

Thanks for your post. I am quite happy with social distancing - the phrase and doing it. I am afraid I am the opposite of you. I am socially further apart from everyone. I suppose "social and physical distancing" would have been more accurate, but that would be too long for the "stay home" creators.

Malone

I loved the nappies clue, should the other one have been coarser? I leave that to Jigjag to solve.

malone

I liked the clues and they reminded me that I must ring Ivan Napple. I am sure he will have re-opened but I dont want to go out just yet.

tyke

When you cut your pike in half, I will know it is safe to go out. Glad football is back and enjoyed the Italian masterclass yesterday. As usual the bit of luck is missing. Sorry Rovers did not get the chance of promotion

Grunger,

Glad the (nap)pies satisfied you. Yes, Jigjag's clue should have been 'coarser' - sorry about that!

Maybe we could all be SAPID - Social And Physical In Distancing? I quite like the idea of being 'agreeable' and 'exhilarating'.