"Countdown" - July 8, 2022

[Grover]

Washed ashore with an AHA! moment when I wasn't even staring at the grid. Clever meta as usual.

[KaiS]

Stuck on the ship once again. I think I'm getting lost in the potentials and nothing is standing out to me. If anyone could offer just a hint of a nudge, maybe I can grab a raft ashore?

[czeemuggle]

My hands had been clutched to the life preserver for so long that even after I finally let go, the impressions of my fingers continued in the hard plastic. I was grateful, deeply grateful, for the kind soul that had thrown it overboard after I was swept from the ship. Without it, I would never have made it … ashore.

[ship4u]

If anyone could offer just a hint of a nudge, maybe I can grab a raft ashore?

Just about everyone in the group would be more that happy to give a nudge. Pick someone who has solved, PM him/her, introduce yourself, and say what you have done so far. You'll be happily impressed!

[steveb]

Finally onshore, after about 7 previous attempts that went nowhere.

[Joe Ross]

Hanging out with Issac when with a nudge.

I know I am overthinking it but can't figure out how to unoverthink it.

Will keep starting at it.

The word you're seeking, I think, is "anitundisoverthink."

[OliviaL]

On shore! The grid was tough for me, but the meta was a pretty quick solve. We’ve now made it to Colombia where we are spending some time with my husband’s extended family at their farm. Here’s a picture of our dog, Cooper, surrounded by rows of coffee plants and plantain trees!

[Richard]

Ashore !!!!!

Finally.

[FKelly]

On shore and submitted a couple days ago. The MMMM has diverted my attention and has me stumped.
This morning at our Coffeeteria, I tried to some help from members of our boot camp workout group to solve the MMMM. I told them to think of it as a boot camp workout for the mind. No luck though on figuring it out.

Thanks for posting the nice photos of barred owls. A week ago, our boot camp workout was interrupted by a large hawk or eagle catching a very surprised sparrow under the branches of a tree about 15 feet away. For such a large bird, it's surprisingly agile. It happened so fast no one was able to get a photo.

[Cindy N]

Duh, duh, duh, duh, duh. How could I figure out all of that other stuff and miss the one thing?!

Oh shore enjoying a Bomb Pop sour - an awesome summer thirst quencher from the local microbrewery.

[benchen71]

On the beach thanks to a helpful nudge. Grateful just to be here and not staring at what had become a completely meaningless grid of letters.

[Dplass]

I love how we can also talk about owls, birds, grandkids and water balloon fights. This forum is so great.

[Bob cruise director]

On shore and submitted a couple days ago. The MMMM has diverted my attention and has me stumped.
This morning at our Coffeeteria, I tried to some help from members of our boot camp workout group to solve the MMMM. I told them to think of it as a boot camp workout for the mind. No luck though on figuring it out.

Thanks for posting the nice photos of barred owls. A week ago, our boot camp workout was interrupted by a large hawk or eagle catching a very surprised sparrow under the branches of a tree about 15 feet away. For such a large bird, it's surprisingly agile. It happened so fast no one was able to get a photo.

Most likely a Cooper's hawk based on your description. And you are right, how agile and quick they are.

[Thurman8er]

Well, that was quite the (coincidental?) rabbit hole.

I'm on shore though.

[Jackie88]

On shore!

[Tom Shea]

With Isaac at the bar. Watching the Yankees continue their abuse of Bob's Red Sox.

I'll take the occasional upper hand.

Well, except with the meta...

[JRS51]

Ashore.
I finished the grid and quickly solved the meta at MSP airport between flights this morning.
I’m happy to report that our multiple connecting flights over the past week were all on time, no delays, missed connections, lost luggage, and most important, no cancelations!!! I hope all the muggles who have upcoming travel are treated as well as we were by the airlines!

[lacangah]

Ashore! Stealing lyrics from Aaron Neville,

“I don't know much
But I know I love [to overthink these metas]
And that may be
All I need to know”

Good health and good cheer to you all,

[DBMiller]

And we have something more of a challenge from Mr. Shenk. We have 21 on the ship enjoying Isaac's company and 112 on the shore

I was going to say that you missed me, but I went back and couldn't find my post. So count me on shore.

[LadyBird]

My Barred Owl contribution-- from the wildlife hospital that I volunteer at.