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Hello, Elle!
A great amount of starlings whirling and diving over a wee car in Swansea.
Bliss!
Elle, 6a, is the one I struggled with.
Moped is correct.
"m"aterial plus oped.
"oped" meant nothing to me,
Then I used Chambers and found "op-ed".
I read the definition but have no idea what it means.
Have a wee look yourself. "op-ed".
Just a bit over my head.
I think "moped" is correct, though.
My take on the other one is "a way" is "a lane".
The opening is a "pore" (like on your skin)
So, reverse "pore" into "a lane" for "aeroplane".
Are you "visiting" tonight?

Hi, Rusty!
I am confused .......
I thought that the "leader" is an article giving the editor's opinion?
And (according to Chambers) "op-ed" is apparently an article printed opposite the leader, giving the personal opinions of the writer?
Does this mean therefore that these are opinions contrary to those expressed by the editor?
Or are they nothing to do with what the editor is saying?
(And if they are in reply to the editor's blurb, then how come the writer knows in advance what the editor is going to write about?)
Am I making any sense to you here?
My cat is not being operated upon until 4pm., so I do not know what will happen about visiting him this evening.......
By the time the op is over, it will obviously be well past the "visiting hour".
Plus it may not be advisable should he get excited.... however, we shall be guided by what the vet thinks when she telephones.
But I will certainly feel happier if I see him!

Hello, Elle!
Yes, a "leader" is an "editorial".
Yes, you make perfect sense, and feel free to join me in the "op-ed, no idea what that is?", camp!
I do like to have the answers parsed properly (that's part of the fun!),
but "op-ed" is way over my 'ead!
Would a Cockney "op-ed" be an alky?
Roll on tomorrow's Prize puzzle!
No, take the vet's advice regarding visiting, Elle.
Your cat seems to be in very good hands!

Hi rusty and elle (yes I'm fine and as a fellow cat companion, one never owns them, I hope your cat is on the road to recovery) it's not the greatest clue but Chambers gives "a newspaper article printed opposite the editorial column" so "side facing" would be the page opposite/the reverse of the editorial depending on where that appears (traditionally front or inside front page).

Hello, Ginge.
I am afraid that is too complicated for my wee brain to comprehend but thank you for taking the trouble to explain it.

Hi, Rusty!
I love the concept of a hophead alcoholic being an "op-ed alky"!
Good one, Rusty!
I have just spoken to one of the veterinary nurses...... cat and vet are still in theatre.....
I am told she will keep me informed!
(This is putting years on me in the space of an afternoon!)



Hello, Ginge!
I am glad all is well with you!
And thank you for the good wishes about my cat!

Hello, Elle!
Hope things are progressing satisfactorily at the vet's, Elle!
Yes, it must be a worry for you.
All these Cockney clues must have sharpened my brain, Elle!.
An 'op 'ed is an alky!
It is a lovely evening here!

Hi, Rusty!
Mixed news, I am afraid!
I have only just got news from the vets - they and my cat have only just come out of theatre.
Strangely the vet couldn't find the gall stone to remove it...but the gall bladder has been flushed out and so hopefully the stone has gone.
Neither vet liked the look of my cat's liver - either in texture or colour - so have taken a biopsy.
Also samples of the gall bladder for biopsy, cytology and culture.
The pancreas looks healthy.
Until the results are back sometime next week, the diagnosis all remains up in the air....
But obviously we are back to the original idea of there being more to the problem than just gallstones!
I'm told however that there are no obvious signs of cancer.
But there is a number of possible serious hepatic problems that it could be.
It is back to watching and waiting, I'm afraid.
We are to ring midmorning tomorrow, and can go to see him sometime during the day.
Oh dear!

Hello, Elle!
So things are still in the air.
It is a worry for you!
They seem to be very thorough, which is a positive sign.
At least you will be going to see him tomorrow.
Something for you to look forward too!
An early night would maybe do you good!
Kyle Edmund has had to retire from his match in the third set.
He had a neck injury.

Elle, update from the Loch.
Laddie and daughter have not been seen today but could be fishing elsewhere, or... they could have left for Africa.
The Rangers do not know.
And, they have apologised for the webcam being down for a couple of days.
Wee bit late for that!