Tuesday, September 4 - Manny Nosowsky

Maybe I was just tired from the long weekend and a house full of company, but this seemed difficult for a Tuesday puzzle. I was able to finish it, but I drew complete blanks several times and had to keep coming back to the same clues. Finally, I got a letter here...which led to a letter there...and so on.

The theme was revealed at 7D: One, two and three...or this puzzle's title (a lot on one's plate). And on the plate...

17A: One... (tenderloin steak).

41A: Two...(eggs sunny side up). Yick...I don't like runny whites.

65A: Three...(peaches and cream).

I frequently have a lot on my plate, literally and figuratively, but I'm pretty certain I've never had that combination.

I had a lot on my plate this weekend...both of the girls (and Mike) home for the weekend, as well as my sister and her husband. The girls (including Mom and Auntie Mary) spent a few hours this morning at a bridal shop that's going out of business (50% off a wedding dress...we weren't passing that up). Elaine found the most gorgeous gown. If you haven't married off a daughter, you absolutely cannot believe what it's like to see your little girl in a wedding gown. I think we're all still in shock. Elaine had a meltdown later in the afternoon. I reserve the right to have one tomorrow...I'm just too busy tonight.

So...back to the puzzle, starting with the things I didn't know.

22A: Brenner Pass locale (Alps). 10D: It has eyes that can't see (potato) gave me the A when I wasn't sure of the answer. It was an easy guess after that, but confirmed by 12D: Bring in the sheaves (reap).

36A: Noted polonaise composer (Chopin). Again, the crosses made it possible. I'd have preferred a clue in relation to Kate. I just loved The Awakening, The Story of an Hour, The Storm, Desiree's Baby...I think I just liked Kate Chopin's writing.

45A: W.W. I German admiral (Spee). I'm not a big history buff.

71A: Athenian lawgiver who introduced trial by jury (Solon). Never heard of the guy. When I have some time, I'll check out this link.

37D: Immigrant from Japan (Issei). Ah...they weren't looking for the name of a person. This is what they meant.

63D: Thomas who wrote "The Magic Mountain" (Mann). Sorry, not familiar with him or it. Herbie...I would have gotten that one.

Clues I liked:

14A: Twist-apart treat (Oreo)...although it seems more a Wednesday or Thursday clue. Anyone else think that?

25A: "i" completer (dot). I like when I get those.

46A: Rafael's wrap (serape). I thought poncho first.

49A: Big atlas section (Asia). Yeah, it's big.

56A: Iolani Palace locale (Oahu). I can't remember if we saw the palace when we were there or if we just read about it. We won't be on Oahu at all this trip, since we're able to fly direct to Kauai.

6D: Start limping (go lame).

24D: Confess (to) (own up).

34D: Brownish gray (taupe). Brownish gray sounds ugly...taupe sounds much more elegant.

48D: Wall plaster (stucco). Stucco is just huge here. All the houses being built have stucco exteriors. Anyone who wants to have it done to an existing house has a wait time of eight months or more. We'll just stick with wood, I guess, and keep painting it every ten or fifteen years.

55D: Mom's skill, briefly (TLC). Boy, I did more than my share this weekend. I'm ready for someone to take care of me for a couple of days.

60D: "You wish" (as if). For some reason, I like this expression. It may sound ridiculous when I use it, but I use it anyway.

Well, tomorrow I start working full time, going in at 8:00 or 8:30. I'm shooting for 8:00, so I'd better head off to bed.

Here's the grid.



See you tomorrow.

Linda G