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Hi, Rusty!
In addition to my doing the daily Times Cryptic, a friend has sent me the Times Monthly Club Special crossword, for the very first time, and I have been toying with this.......
I am finding it extremely difficult, but a definite challenge!
Most probably it will eventually defeat me.....but I am about half way through....and I have solved a few good parses....
I guess Rome wasn't built in a day!
Have you ever done this crossword?
My daughter has just phoned with the latest schools' reports.....I think she and her husband are finding this a very difficult choice to make.

Hello, Elle!
Good luck with your new puzzle!
I can access the Crossword Club through my Times account, and that puzzle is there.
But, I do not do any other puzzle than The Times Cryptic.
That's plenty for me nowadays.
I used to do the Guardian Cryptic quite often, and my local paper puzzle, but not any more.
The school system up here is a lot simpler.
The children go to the nearest school and that's that.
How long do they have to make a choice?

Hi, Rusty!
I am just giving the new puzzle a try!
I do not think I am good enough to tackle it just yet...maybe with more practice?
Now schools....
The time period for making the choice is very short...
I think only this month is available......first for attending Open Days at all the schools, then the children who wish to do so sit the relevant aptitude tests, and then, once the results of those tests are out, the parents have to compile a list of three choices in order of preference.
I think all this has to be done within October, but I am unsure of the closing date.
I do not know why it all so rushed and condensed within so short a space.....
It sounds to be a veritable nightmare!
The system here is much simpler, so our younger daughter and our son will hopefully find it easier, when the time comes for them to make educational decisions for their children.
(I am glad that I am only a grandparent!)

Hello, Elle!
It is very good that you are tackling a tougher puzzle!
You may find other clever folk do it, too.
Possibly Malone?
I have heard of similar school choices/tests in Norn Iron with stressed out parents etc.
So best wishes to your daughters to find the appropriate schools.
Speaking of Norn Iron.
Did you know there is only one crematorium in Norn Iron?
Roselawn, in Belfast.
My Belfast friends are flying from Las Vegas in just over an hour, to London Gatwick, then to Dublin, and I am not sure how they get from Dublin to Belfast.
A long journey!

Hello Elle and Rusty,

Strangely enough, I DO enjoy the Monthly Special - I do indeed
need almost the whole month to do it (sometimes less) but I find
it interesting and very rewarding!

Most words I have never heard of, nor will I remember them enough
to put casually into a conversation! Decrypting the clue is hard enough!
But it is great,

Good morning, Pigale!
How's you?
Not sure of the weather here...still dark outside!
I had a look at the Monthly Special and it looks tough!
Too tough for me, I'd say.
And I doubt if I have the patience required to solve it.
It is good to try something new, though!

Good morning, Rusty!
It is a damp and cold morning here!
Heavier rain is forecast later in the morning......
I hope it is less miserable up your way?
We are just back from our walk......the coffee is already brewing!
I hope your friends got home to Belfast safely last night?
It sounded a tiring journey.
I think we have a quiet day ahead of us ........
But are probably meeting up with family tomorrow
How about you?



Hello, Pigale!
Yes, I must admit I am enjoying the challenge within the Monthly Special...although I do have to search for a lot of information!
Still, that is how we learn......
You are much better though at cryptic clues than I am, judging by your prowess in Peer Review and Clueless!
You are obviously the "go - to" person for anyone on here attempting the Monthly puzzle!
I shall take it easier though...spreading it out over the month...
I did rather go at it like a bull at a gate yesterday!!

Good morning, Elle!
Beautiful day here.
Just home, been a-visiting!
My friends have just landed at London Gatwick.
They will fly from there to Dublin, then drive North to Belfast.
So a fair bit of travelling left for them!
I am home for the day now.

Hi, Rusty!
Ah, sorry, I misunderstood.
I thought your friends were nearing the end of their journey yesterday.
They will be ready for bed when they do get home!
I have completed the grid for today's Cryptic, but have a few left to parse.
It is too early to ask for help...
Inspiration may yet strike!
It is pouring down here now......we have "dancing ladies"!......and looks set for the day.......

Hello, Elle!
It would be a daunting journey for me, anyway!
Not heard from them since they landed at London.
I do not know which flight they should be on for Dublin.
A good puzzle today, Elle!
I "think" I have them all parsed!
What are the "dancing ladies"?