The theme was revealed at 36A: Members of this can be found in the centers of 17-, 24-, 51- and 60-Across (nuclear family)...a gimme for me because I had the first of four theme answers:
17A: Make tracks (skedaddle).
24A: Sources of ready cash (pawnbrokers). I've never referred to either of my brothers as bro...is that a guy thing? I dated someone a hundred years ago who called his brother Broman...brother/man. I thought that was kind of cool.
51A: Turkey insert (thermometer). Another gimme.
60A: Got by (on) (subsisted). As was this one.
The only difficult answer for me was 42A: __ lion, beast slain by Hercules in his first labor (Nemean). I may have known it at one time...but that time has long since passed.
Yesterday we had bless, clued as [Cross over?]...today we have 3D: "Gesundheit!" (bless you). Similarly, we had Mt. St. on Saturday, clued as [__ Helens]...today we have 46D: Mt. St. (Helens).
Favorite clue/answer today...59A: I, historically (one AD)...very good.
Other noteworthy clues/answers:
20A: Mead study locale (Samoa). Although it wasn't clued as such, this is a timely answer, since our Girl Scout cookies were delivered today. My favorites are Samoas...but I didn't order any of them.
21A: Chips that one might "muncha buncha" (Fritos). I love Fritos and could never have them in the house.
27A: Cassidy portrayer of TV and film (Boyd).6D: Time to crow (at dawn). I love that it's almost light when I get up now...and it's still light when I drive home at five. Come on, spring!
10D: Its symbol is X (strike)...had something similar last Saturday.
11D: Harvey of "The Piano" (Keitel). That has to be one of the strangest movies I've ever seen. At least one person out there will think I'm dead on (33D: Absolutely accurate).
Five hours of sleep last night wasn't anywhere near enough, and I can't believe I'm still awake at 10:30. The engagement is off...bittersweet for Elaine, but a huge relief for her parents. Thank you to those who lent support through your comments and emails.
Here's the grid...
...and I'll see you tomorrow.
Linda G
6 comments:
I don't remember NEMEAN. I do remember are dark and lighter blue Parakeets named Hopalong and Cassidy.
Linda, Glad that things are settled on the home front...family turmoil is always debilitating...I agree today's puzzle was not a typical Wednesday...there were two or three words that were poorly clued, but such is life...I hope that we do not pay for three easy puzzles with three undoable ones!!!
I have to say that while the bulk of the puzzle was easy that west middle part tripped me up. I took forever to get (23D) mown and I didn't know Boyd so I had problems. Wound up figuring out (22D) RBI and it opened up.
I hope you got some sleep last night.
This was on the easy side for a Wednesday. Started off with SKEDADDLE jumping immediately to mind and from there it was easy sailing. The only thing I didn't know was the NEMEAN lion, but the crosses took care of it. I must have learned it in high school, but that was so long ago.
I wonder how many of the younger crowd knew how snafu got it's start and what it stands for?
Linda, glad things are better today.
Annielee
SNAFU=Situation Normal All F****D
Up I believe that the pharse originated in the Army during WWII
Bob, I think the cleaned up version is Situation Normal All Fouled Up. At least that is how my WWII vet father parsed it in mixed company.
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