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I didn't know "ret" either, but see here, for instance:
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ret

Hello, Elle!
I am surprised you do not know "some"?
It is part of my vocabulary.
Could it be a geographical thing?
Used a lot in certain parts of the country, and not others?
Chambers has "remarkable, outstanding, of note", and "very much".
Well, the word "ret" means "soak".
It is that simple.
As you journey through Crossword land, Elle, you will add words like "ret" to your knowledge.
I may be boring you, but I learn something everyday about crossword puzzles.
It is a good hobby (if that's the right word!)

Hi, Rusty,
You could never bore me!
And I totally agree with you that it is indeed interesting to learn new words/ expressions/ gain new insights/ especially if it can happen on a daily basis.
And I like the fact the you are always willing to share your knowledge with me.
I am aware that I do not follow up enough on trying to find the meaning/ derivation of new words.... I tend to be a bit lazy in that respect.......
I think "hobby" for "crosswording" is fine !
And the archaic use of the word "hobby" is a small horse or pony
And "hobby horse" is a preoccupation or favourite topic.
Now I did know that!



Thanks, Chris , for the dictionary definition of "ret".

Hello, Elle!
I can remember wondering "How on Earth is a flower a river?"
That was in my very early days, and I did not know a "priest" could be a "club".
More knowledgeable or more experienced folk kept me right on things like that.
Lots of these things stick, though.
You will be the same.
You have a good memory and will add "ret/t" and other crossword bits of knowledge to it.
I think most of us solvers are like that.
Nowadays, of course, there is this and other forums for crossword help.
Lots of like-minded folk on here!

Hi, Rusty!
Yes, you are right in that these things do "stick", and become second nature with usage.
Now.......tomorrow!
Are you seeing your friends again before they go back to Belfast?
And what of the New York City Marathon - shall you have the time to watch it tomorrow?
I am still unable to access EuroSport Player, so watching the Marathon is not an option for me, as I cannot find any reference to it on "normal" TV?
We shall be out early in the morning (8am) with the dog, so as to be back for the arrival of daughter, BB and YB.
They will come after BB's tennis lesson.
I think our son-in-law (a teacher) has marking to do, so he will remain at home!
It is still noisy outside from the fireworks - I dread to think what it will be like tomorrow night!
Poor dog! (the cat is impervious!)

Hello, Elle!
I saw my friends this evening for a wee while.
I went to their hotel (a ten minute walk) and we sat in the lounge.
There were quite a few there.
They have a fair amount of friends here!
The Marathon is on in the afternoon, so yes, I shall watch it.
I have heard very few fireworks.
I do not like them...dangerous things!
Do you remember Tina Maze, the Alpine skier?
I found her on YouTube....singing!
She was certainly energetic in the video but should maybe stick to the slopes.
Her singing was not the best!

Good morning, Rusty!
We have a beautiful day here......albeit very cold.
The walk was brisk and exhilarating!
I have just made a coffee - I need it to warm me up!
I am expecting the family to arrive about 11am., so just time to take a quick look at the crossword.
Have you been out yet? I know you don't buy a Sunday paper....
but maybe for a walk if the sun is shining?

Good morning, Elle!
Lovely frosty morning here!
Miss La Bamba is not collecting me today, she is getting her "eyelashes done", whatever that is!
No paper or puzzle for me today!
My day of rest.
The OED has tweeted their "word of today".
It is "merrythought". New word for me!
It is the older name of the "wishbone" in a fowl.
Proper name is "furcula".
I think "wishbone" comes from America.
Hope you have a nice time with your family, Elle!

Hi, Rusty!
I think Miss L-B will be having her eyelashes dyed.......and possibly curled as well!
It is an alternative to using mascara...or she may do that, as well?
My younger daughter has her eyebrows "threaded"...but I should draw the line at that....I wouldn't have the courage!
No, I didn't know "merrythought" either......Chambers does though (I looked)!
I have done the Everyman - a good puzzle.
I have started the ST Cryptic now....... but they will be arriving very shortly, so I may not get very far with it.
I hope the NY Marathon is good!
Talk later.......

Hey, Rusty!
Goodness, I am (pleasantly) shattered!
The young one is into everything!
But he's gorgeous!
I do not recall Big Brother being such hard work at that age.......but then perhaps that was because I myself was five years younger then!
One of my friends tells me that "growing old is not for wimps!"
Oh boy, is she right!!
We have actually had a great time though !!
We were sorry when they had to leave for the swimming lessons!
What have you been up to?