XWord Muggles Forum

On shore. Some weirdness seems to have been necessary in the grid to make the theme work, but once I got over that it fell pretty quickly.

Hi all,

I've been doing the puzzle for three years, and I have absolutely never requested a nudge before. But I already messed up an Peloponnesiest puzzle this year (February!) and I just can't stand to fail out this soon in the year! Is anyone willing to offer a nudge? I have in fact been staring at this thing for hours and would be happy to share what I've tried so far.

Last year was the first of the three years when I found the meta (and I actually qualified, with ten puzzles, and no help! Not boasting, just saying, I'm not just a casual fan, I've worked pretty hard at this!). Two years ago, I found the mechanism, but didn't get over the finish line. I've been pretty devoted to this thing! I promise I'm making a real attempt here!

Ashore! I always say it when PB is here but I believe he is the best all-around word-puzzle constructor in the business! If you don't do his variety puzzles (published in WSJ most Saturdays...in the rotation along with Shenk and the Cryptic) you are missing out! Here is a history with all the old ones. Enjoy!

https://www.wsj.com/news/types/variety-puzzle

On shore after an AHA moment upon awakening this morning. (Actually, it's a bit unnerving that this is the first thought of the day.)

Took entirely too long.... but ashore!

4 in a row (or is it 5?)

Rita and George

Ashore!
Maybe the puzzles have been less puzzling lately, but let's pretend I am getting better at this.

boharr wrote: Thu May 08, 2025 4:39 pm On shore. I’ll have a beer to celebrate because I finally filled the grid, long after I sussed what the answer was going to be. Hey, @Bob cruise director when's that next Knicks game?

@boharr As Yogi said "it ain't over 'til it's over"

And the C's are going for a new record - largest leads blown in the fourth quarter. Both for a game and a series.

@boharr As Yogi said "it ain't over 'til it's over"

@Bob cruise director So true. But one has to score points when one can.

tough grid again so didn’t finish but ashore! Having a rough week so definitely opening a bottle of sauvignon blanc tonight (we had a pool put in and the guys ran over our wellhead so we’re out of water).

Wishing a Happy Mother’s Day weekend to all the muggle moms!

Ashore! Just arrived in Modena, Italy and finished the grid with some difficulty. Solved the meta right away, probably the quickest I’ve ever completed one of Patrick Berry’s metas. Now out for some sightseeing and a special dinner!

Trout Almondine wrote: Fri May 09, 2025 7:48 am Hi all,

I've been doing the puzzle for three years, and I have absolutely never requested a nudge before. But I already messed up an easy puzzle this year (February!) and I just can't stand to fail out this soon in the year! Is anyone willing to offer a nudge? I have in fact been staring at this thing for hours and would be happy to share what I've tried so far.

Last year was the first of the three years when I found the meta (and I actually qualified, with ten puzzles, and no help! Not boasting, just saying, I'm not just a casual fan, I've worked pretty hard at this!). Two years ago, I found the mechanism, but didn't get over the finish line. I've been pretty devoted to this thing! I promise I'm making a real attempt here!

Nudge sent.

REMINDER: Please join us for our Friday Muggle Zoom get together at 4:30 pm Eastern Time today, when we will explore this week's meta, have some fun, and everything in between! All are invited!

Click on the Muggle Zoom Room tab at the top of the page. Looking forward to seeing everyone!

After last week's strong performance, I am afraid I am at the other end of the spectrum this week anyone with a nudge would be greatly appreciated

pirates22000 wrote: Fri May 09, 2025 10:31 am After last week's strong performance, I am afraid I am at the other end of the spectrum this week anyone with a nudge would be greatly appreciated

Check your PM.

Well, I guess I need another cup of tea.
I seem to be the opposite of everyone - I had no problem with the grid, but I don't see anything yet for the meta.
Maybe I'll get the aha later since it looks like everyone is solving.

Ashore. My meta solve batting average has been pretty high over the last month or so. Really concerned a slump is right around the corner!!!

late on shore - had plans last night, took a break, stared at it this morning and got it.

Ashore

Solved..thanks muggles for your hints!

Ashore! Short but sweet trip from spotting the metanism to the answer.