"One Thing Leads To Another" - February 4, 2022

[Spondulix]

On shore!

This is the third meta I've attempted. The first was "You don't say," which I solved after several days. I had no idea what I was supposed to be looking for or where to start or how to go about solving these kinds of puzzles. But I finally noticed the clue and it was a quick solve from there. I was very pleased with my myself. At least, if I do say so myself, that is! lol

I tried "Just look at yourself" last week. I got far enough to try adding body parts in front of the theme entries but concluded it was irrelevant. I couldn't think of anything that included "thumping" to save my life. I even looked up lists of body-participle adjectives. I didn't see that chest-thumping could be another way to say chest-pounding. I also had written hair-splitting instead of ear-splitting. Didn't think to find entries synonymous with those adjectives though so I didn't solve it but was very satisfied after the answer was published that I was at least along the right lines.

I solved this week's grid fairly quickly yesterday and stared at it for hours trying to see some sort of clue. I put it aside and tried it again today. Immediately I saw something interesting and soon had the solution in hand. Feels great! Also, I don't think my wife has ever been more impressed.

Excited to join this forum and to keep attempting these fun puzzles each week.

[ship4u]

Ashore, thanks to another great zoom session with fellow muggles! Getting together with all of you friendly, happy and helpful folks is the highlight of my week. I would like to set 4:30 on Friday eastern time as a regular gathering time for anyone interested. Thanks also to Wendy and Barbara for your kind and cheerful guidance.
Thanks to everyone who joined in!

[Relic]

We are ashore in search of a warm drink.

Brilliant concept and execution Mr Shenk!

[katnahat]

I'm on the shore, but I got there in the Zoom boat with some very patient Muggles who refused to leave me on the ship. Thank you! I'm in awe of those who solved this without help and said it was easy. It left me dazed and confused. Dizzy even. But the Zoom call was great fun. Happy weekend, everyone!

[livpolfan]

Ashore with Mezcal Old Fashioned!

[turbotron]

Ashore with a huge grin on my face (and soon, a fresh IPA in my hand). This was perhaps the most beautiful meta I've seen.. kudos to Mike Shenk on crafting it!

Thanks much to Wendy et. al. in this afternoon's Zoom session for giving me a delicious breadcrumb.

[Joe Ross]

Is there WSJ's Saturday Crossword and Saturday Variety Puzzle this week?

Saturday, 2-5-22, Crossword PDF

Saturday, 2-5-22, Patrick Berry Variety Puzzle PDF

[hcbirker]

Count me on the ship. I was tempted to join the Zoom call, but I am determined to get this on my own. We'll see when I cave and ask for a nudge! Congrats to all who have solved so far!

[Trey]

Marion and I are home free........made it to the sand - she was the the captain and I rowed furiously!

Luck to all.......

[Richard]

On shore, thanks to a nudge or two.

While I am sure of the answer, little confused by one thing.'

[Hammertime]

Count me on the ship. Haven't even found a promising rabbit hole to fall into at this stage.

[SReh26]

Finished the grid!

[SusieG]

That was fun! I swam ashore while my husband “shoveled” snow with a broom. Will enjoy a hot bowl of chili! I guess we loaned our snow shovel to someone. We use it so rarely we didn’t know it was gone. Good luck all.

[PQ63]

I’m ashore. Very clever.

Going for some Pinot Noir. Have a great weekend everyone.

Can’t wait for tomorrow’s Wordle.

[Dave C]

Didn't start until today, but it was still a long swim to shore for me.

[HunterX]

On shore.

That was brilliant and fun! Love that kind of meta. And pretty easy. Great "A ha!" moment(s).

MMMM - Done
WSJ - Done
MGWCC - Done

Now I guess I have no excuse not to finish the work I need to get done before my vacation. But the wine was poured before starting the metapuzzle.... Oh well!

[jimmyd]

On the shore! Tanqueray martini extra cold with a healthy shot of vermouth and two olives please

[Janet]

One thing leads to another -- not for me. I'm packing for a trip out of the country and don't have time to figure it out. I look forward to the big reveal on Monday! Meanwhile, I'm cruising with the love boat to Costa Rica.

[Susan Goldberg]

I’m still with Isaac. I am in a slump and have psyched myself out. But, I’ll keep at it though the icy weekend here in the NE!

[Susan Goldberg]

I’m SO glad I posted that. It led immediately to post enlightenment and now I can enjoy my weekend on the beach, instead of in the ice!