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Many thanks Brendan

Oscar is tons better, though won't let me look at his paw. The swelling went down quickly after we immersed his rear paws and tail in hibi scrub in tepid water - what a lot of water on the floor!

Just got 1d, 22ac. Very clever.
Just three left now - 8ac, 12ac, and 2d. ....and then they came. So I've finished now. Many thanks for all your help. I'll be back next week.

I'm off to eat my apple and blackberry crumble.

Just finished. Paul always a slow burner for me. Takes me a while to get a foot hold but once I'm up and running it usually comes together.

17a. I understand the stuff part but can't see rest which I assume means staff. Any ideas without giving too much away.

Hi Rocky,

I'm really starting to appreciate Paul's crosswords.

17a 3 letter word for "stuff" (as a verb) inside 4 letter word for "staff" (as a noun)

Is that 4 letter word for stuff? That's the bit I thought I had right. It's the "staff" bit I don't get.

Aah 3 letters got it. If you take the 3 letter word and the letter before it also makes a "stuff" word. That was throwing me off. Thanks Brendan

It's the other way round Rocky - It's a 3 letter word for "stuff"/push/force inside/transported a 4 letter word for "staff"/rod (think Black rod at the opening of parliament)

The whole word means "ornamental work"

I made that mistake at first Rocky. Knock the first letter of your 4 letter word off, and you will still have a word for stuff ;)

Ahh! I see what you mean - I hadn't noticed that.

Just figured out the endgame:)

What a great puzzle.

Ignore that - wrong thread - I was obviously overexcited at actually being able to work it out!