Crossword Help Forum
Forum Rules

Hello, Elle!
It was definitely me who broached the subject of the ladies clothes on the US Tour.
There is an ALDI about two miles from me but I have not been in it, or any ALDI store.
I have an ALDI kagoul though (from their outlet on eBay), and it is very good.
Well made, several pockets with fine strong zips, was cheap, and has proved excellent value.
One of my daughters-in-law does as much of her weekly shopping there, as she can.
My ASDA has objected to ALDI opening, in the same way that TESCO objected to ASDA opening here.
I do not think ASDA will lose out.
But, we shall see!
Hope the restaurant is OK.
We will see what the weather is like before we decide to walk.

Hi, Rusty!
I have been doing today's crossword in stages....
I got off to a good start this morning......then hit a blank spell, so put it aside.........and finally came back to the puzzle later, and have just finished it.
And hey, I managed to do the cricket clue at 22d.
I knew W. G. Grace!
How about that?
But 10a has me stumped?
American author, Tolstoy's hero (5)
L?V?N
Can it be "Levin"? A character in "Anna Karenina"?
But what has "American author" to do with it?
Am I being obtuse here?

Hello, Elle,
Well done on your puzzle!
I do mine in fits and starts, too!
I knew W.G., too!
I do not know the "Anna Karenina" story.
I recognise the title but that's all.
But, a lad called Ira Levin wrote "The Boys From Brazil" and he was American, so I would stick with Levin, if I were you.
You are not being obtuse at all.
We all know different things and what is an easy clue to one person is a toughie to another, and vice versa.
It is quite mild here.

Hi, Rusty!
Ah, thank you, it is good to have that solved!
I did not expect "Levin" to be an American name.
On the contrary, it is feeling a tad chilly here...and still very wet out.....
According to our local forecast - which had today completely wrong! - tomorrow will be cooler, but sunny.
Here's hoping!
My friend is driving up from Benfleet (Essex) tomorrow, and we are going out for lunch!

Hello, Elle!
Yes, it's good to have the puzzle solved!
American surnames come from all over the world, I suppose.
Wonder how many nationalities have passed through Ellis Island in its day?
I hope tomorrow is dry, for I plan to visit the cemetery.
We have a "wind warning", think it's on Friday, though.
I think you have mentioned your Benfleet friend before.

Good morning, Rusty!
We have swung to the other extreme and now have a glorious day here!
Bright blue sky and sunshine....but a tad colder, and with a very boisterous wind!
A very enjoyable brisk and invigorating walk.
Yes, you will have heard of my friend from Essex...she used to live nearby, but moved to be nearer to her elder son and family, because of impending "old age".
(Perish the thought!)
She drives up to London most Thursdays so that we can still go out to lunch!
She will come and pick me up about 11am.
How about you?
Any plans for the day?

Good afternoon, Elle!
Fine day here and mild, too!
Hope you have had a nice lunch.
A busyish day for me.
Been to cemetery, and got door keys cut, and dropped books off at PDSA, among other tasks.
All go, today!

Hi, Rusty!
Yes, I had a very nice lunch, thank you!
I went to the local Toby Carvery with my husband!
My friend had phoned to say that because of the high winds, the Queen Elizabeth Bridge, at Dartford, was closed .
So the Dartford Tunnel was taking one lane of traffic from both directions, both north and south........with resulting tailbacks, and long delays, for miles!
She endeavoured to get to the Blackwall Tunnel , instead, to cross the river....but the roads were jammed......
So she gave up and went back home again........
My husband very kindly rose to the occasion..... and bore me off to lunch, instead!
We had a nice time!
Still a beautiful day here.....and locally the strong winds are abating now.

Hi Elle and Rusty,

Isn't it nice to have lunch with one's husband Elle? Family is extremely
pleasant, but nothing will replace the intimacy of a 'lunch for two'
occasionally, do you agree?

Windy here too, though perhaps not as much in this centre area
of the country as it is up towards Normandy, Brittany and the
North coast - I certainly would not like to be on a ferry or a small
yacht in the middle of the Channel at present! I am a very very poor
sailor, ie I go green the minute I set foot on boat unless it has an
engine. Love speed boats though!

Popped down to the village again this afternoon - apart from the
wind, the day has been bright and not cold, even when gusts were
blowing; I was told by my old GP that a little gentle walk could
help with the back problem, providing I took it easy, so I am following his advice weather permitting.

Anything interesting to report?

Hello, Pigale!
You sound much better in that you are managing to get out and about more, with less discomfort to your back?
That is good to hear.
Yes, I am sure that gentle exercise, provided you do not get carried away and overdo it, will be very beneficial to you.
The wind, thankfully, is dropping now...it has been a very blustery day.
Feeling colder this evening though.
No, nothing much to report...…..
I am about to watch my daily dose of "Eggheads"!