"From Top to Bottom" - November 20, 2020

[bread-girl]

I think I got it! This would the first Thursday solve for me—I usually do it in Friday’s paper.

[Jeremy Smith]

On shore! Finally got my meta mojo back.

Heidi, it’s amazing how whether the meta is easy or difficult, if we get into a rabbit hole, we can begin to question our ability be able to solve. When I was doing the grid, I saw things that led me to believe I knew what the mechanism was going to be. How wrong I was! All I got was gibberish. I think that the bottom line is each of us are critical thinkers, however sometimes it’s difficult to abandon a strategy that we believe to be the correct one—at least in my experience.

[MajordomoTom]

happily on shore this week, on a Thursday night, so I'll have plenty of time to stare at Matt's Patreon puzzle this weekend.

I'll have a Strong Bow please, make it very cold.

[EmilyW]

On shore enjoying a Boulevard Plaid Habit.

[Trey]

Got it!! Marion and I are on shore - I captained and looked like Washington crossing the Delaware racing for the beach........toes up and relaxing.

Luck to all.

[woozy]

I can't actually be ashore, can I? I mean, is that it? Am I done?

[MatthewB]

Quickly ashore....

[CallMeShane]

On shore. Some shore.

[JoeS]

Ashore. Had a dry few weeks, but this came quickly. Maybe a new streak? It's early morning here, but maybe a little Balsam in the morning coffee.

[JimJim]

Refreshing morning swim to shore. Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Stay safe.

[Bob cruise director]

Ashore after a beautiful day golfing.

Celebrated early with Yuengling Traditional Lager on the 19th hole.

Life can't be better - golf, solved meta and beer

[Joe Ross]

On shore enjoying a Boulevard Plaid Habit.

It's 8 AM & I'm craving a BPH on the name, alone. Interwebbed it &

"Saliva glands... ACTIVATE!"

[Joe Ross]

Ashore after a beautiful day golfing.

Celebrated early with Yuengling Traditional Lager on the 19th hole.

Life can't be better - golf, solved meta and beer

Had a noon tee time & we were able to start early. Two others in foursome took conference calls during the round on mute, peeling off if they had to contribute. Teed off on par 4 18th 3:45-3:50ish & I'm determined to retrieve laptop from car & get into club house wi-fi by 4 PM. Dead straight drive, pulled approach into left rough, 25 yard flop shot to 10 feet that would make Bubba Watson weep, par putt left high about 1", tap-in bogie left laying as I steal cart from partner & lay rubber off to parking lot, all at what felt like 114 miles an hour.

That Yuengling tasted pretty damned good.

[mheberlingx100]

On shore! Yay! I'll have a celebratory coffee, as 8:50 am is a bit too early for an adult beverage.

[MaineMarge]

On shore.

Re: 22a
[edit]...
* Sometimes mistaken for lavender.

And, like lavender, always struggles in this northern garden.

It was making another valiant effort somewhere in here this year.
A July photo.

[DanA]

On shore!

[Dplass]

On shore! Finally got my meta mojo back.

Heidi, it’s amazing how whether the meta is easy or difficult, if we get into a rabbit hole, we can begin to question our ability be able to solve. When I was doing the grid, I saw things that led me to believe I knew what the mechanism was going to be. How wrong I was! All I got was gibberish. I think that the bottom line is each of us are critical thinkers, however sometimes it’s difficult to abandon a strategy that we believe to be the correct one—at least in my experience.

" sometimes it’s difficult to abandon a strategy that we believe to be the correct one" - so so so so true. "It just HAS to be based on X" my brain screams at me most weeks.

[higgysue]

On shore this morning enjoying a mug of Kauai coffee.

[HeadinHome]

You people and your “easy one” comments!

I see the clues to the mechanism, just can’t see what I’m sure is staring me right in the face. Flashbacks to that consternation I used to feel in calculus class.. looking around at all the smug faces around me while I am despairing of ever getting it and wondering if I’m missing an important part of my brain.

That’s okay — I got my revenge in art and poetry classes.

[LadyBird]

I am on the beach and wishing that I had a spotting scope so that I could ID those waterfowl bobbing on the waves. I'll just sip on some hot tea instead.

I was hoping for a quick solve, BUt I was somewhat baFFLEd and not making much HEADway. Then last night, I was literally crawling under the covers when I had an idea. Afraid that I wouldn't remember it in the morning, I headed downstairs. That particular mechanism didn't work, but it quickly led to the one that did. Unfortunately, that little adrenaline spike from the solve kept me from falling asleep for a while. It was worth it

When I was in my rabbit hole phase, I looked at 24a and subconsciously added an "h" in the middle. No, I wasn't there--I was still at 15a.