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Hi, Rusty!
Yes, I, too, am happy to search for answers.
It is part of the learning curve!
This is one of the reasons I enjoy doing the Times Monthly...although that is really hard and, for me, often requires quite a lot of careful research.
But I just wasn't on the same wavelength as today's setter....I have a lot of clues left undone.
And I couldn't do either of the two that you mentioned.
Maybe I shall fare better with tomorrow's puzzle!
I've just been out in the garden with my dog -- very wet and cold!

Good morning, Elle!
Seems like a fine morning outside.
Not been out yet.
I think most of us like the challenge of hunting down answers and solutions to the difficult clues.
I find it satisfactory, anyway, and when I do, I usually think, "well done, setter, that was a great clue that had me delving into Chambers etc trying to nail the answer."
Just off to get my paper now.
Heading to Pine Cone later with my granddaughters!

Good morning, Rusty!
I am only just home from my walk.
It is dull but fine here ...however, very wet and muddy underfoot, once off the paths.
I have had to rub down a very filthy dog!
No special plans for today.....
I have it in mind to do a few chores this morning, have a stab at the crossword, and then watch the tennis this afternoon!
I hope you have a good time at the Pine Cone with the girls!

Hello, Elle!
It has been dullish weather here, but milder.
I was at Pine Cone with Miss La Bamba.
It was packed!
Still, we had a good time!
La Bamba is heading to Perth later for switching the Christmas lights on, and I think there is a concert, too.
I'm sure she mentioned Basil Brush and Atomic Kitten?
And a couple of others who I had not heard of.
Hope it's good!

Good evening, Rusty!
That is good that you had a good time with Miss L-B
I hope she enjoys her evening out in Perth.
I noticed that the Christmas lights are up in our High Street, but I have no idea whether or not they have been officially switched on yet!
Usually there is a little ceremony, and a Christmas market, plus a few roundabouts for the children...... and a visit from Santa.
But I have heard no publicity this year......
Well, that is Roger, Rafa and Novak all out of the ATP World Tour Finals!
The 22-year-old Stephanos Tsitsipas - who beat Roger this afternoon - will play either Alexander Zverev or Dominic Thiem, in the Final tomorrow.
( The second Semi is at 8pm tonight but not televised by the BBC)
Tsitsipas came over as a very nice young man in his post match interview.

Good evening, Elle!
Miss L-B will have a good time at Perth, I'm sure!
Our city centre tree was erected last week and was removed the next day as it was awful to look at.
It was very bare looking with brown foliage (is that the right word?) and was replaced by a much better tree the following day.
Good to see a challenge to the old guard at tennis.
Lynsey Sharp has taken a break from athletics.
She had a smear test and they found pre-cancerous lesions and I think she said she had surgery to remove them.
Just as well she had the smear test.

Hi, Rusty!
We usually have a tree , too, in our village.......
I am sorry to hear that about Lynsey Sharp.
Yes, it was fortunate that she had the Smear test.
And lucky, too, the cancer cells were indeed picked up.
A friend of mine died from cervical cancer some years back.... the problem was first missed on examination.
She was only 49......and left a husband and two young children.
Very sad.
I hope Lynsey recovers soon.
My daughter phoned...and yes , they are all coming here tomorrow for lunch!
It will be lovely to see them.

Hello, Elle!
We will have a tree locally, too.
Lynsey Sharp said she had pre-cancerous cells surgically removed, and has had a rough time.
Perfectly understandable.
She is having a break from athletics just now.
You will be chuffed to see your family tomorrow.
I am going to visit my son and Miss O'H, in the morning.

Hi, Rusty!
Yes, it will be great to have everyone over here tomorrow.
It is of course only last Sunday since we saw them.......but it seems ages!
That will be nice to see your elder son and Miss O'Hara.
She must be about 14 now? I cannot keep track of ages.....I may well have that wrong?
Our grandchildren are all growing so tall!
Only the twelve-year-old is as yet taller than I am...but he now tops me by several inches!
I meant to ask you how you found the crossword today?
I did actually manage to finish it!

Hello, Elle!
I am not good at knowing ages in my family.
I have all the birthdays written down, but not how old they are!
I thought it a reasonable puzzle today.
14a, and 18d, are new words to me.
Maybe, overall, it was on the easy side for a prize puzzle?