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Thanks, Rusty, I like to avoid over-analysing/parsing clues - so long as my answer works, I'm usually happy! I keep well away from things such as anagrinds and double definitions and andlits...

Hello, Malone.
I am not happy until I nail the parse.
There are a lot of terms associated with clues, but I really have no interest in them, nor do I understand them.
I like keeping things simple and understandable!

Rusty, I'm much more cavalier, I'm afraid - sometimes I parse, sometimes I don't! And over 90% of the time, I know my answers work. I occasionally get 'so that's it' moments, but not enough to make me change my habits.

Hi, Rusty!
We are just home again!
The traffic was bad........and the journey there and back took longer than usual.
But the cat was very pleased to see us, and had lots of cuddles before we came home again!
And his family will be home tomorrow!
"Petrichor" is a new word to me , too!
I shall have to try to introduce it into conversation......perhaps throw it into the mix on a dog walk?
Now 19d......I could have parsed it for you , had I been here!
gratin = food, as definition.
(It's a dish with a breadcrumby cheesy topping!)
grain - salt
t - (fas) t
It tastes good, too!
I have yet to take another look at my reluctant to be solved parsings!
I totally agree with you... a crossword remains "unfinished" unless one is able to parse it fully!

That was so mature from Thomas (or the team orders were?) He could probably have won the stage, but took it very cautiously on the damp section near the end, so that he won the Tour instead!

Hello, Elle!
It is a lovely day here but windy!
Very windy at St Andrews at the golf!
"Petrichor" is not in my Chambers, though.
I could just not see the parse for "gratin" until Malone kindly set me on the right path.
I had a vague idea "gratin" was to do with food, but thought Jolly Jack Tar was involved in the parse, but no!
I thought that may be one of your parses that were passing you by.

Hi, Rusty!
It is somewhat breezy here...but very welcome!
I have now parsed one of my problem clues...and learned that a "tinny" is an Australian can of beer!
The other two on which I am stuck are
3d: Sally is on drugs, after whiskey (9)
I have "wisecrack" = sally (def)
crack - drugs
but "wise" ?
How does this fit in? What am I not seeing?
21d: Is one seen in Hampden Park tie? (5)
I have "Ascot" from the crossers.
A Scot?
But Hampden Park is in Eastbourne?

Rusty, thanks for the 'petrichor' word and info. I'll try to drop it into everyday conversation some time soon!

Hello, Elle!
W for whisky in phonetic alphabet.
"Is" in clue, "e" is a drug, and " crack" is a drug.
We have a Hampden Park in Glasgow.
I did not know you had one, too!
An Ascot is a tie.

Hello, Malone!
Is "petrichor" in any dictionary you have?
Yes, a fine word to throw into the conversation!