"Happy Together" - February 25, 2022

[Al Sisti]

Finally caught up with the muggles

First welcome to twelvetones our newest muggle. As always great to have more muggles

We have those who got this easily and more than a couple getting solace with Isaac. For all of us, some come easily and others make you feel like this is the first meta we have ever seen.

We have 9 on the ship with Isaac and 138 on the shore.

And while I was doing this, I had the Irish Tenors on playing. This is John McDremott and for those of you who are younger, take this to heart.

An absolutely beautiful and heart-wrenching song... I had the great fortune of hearing it by the guy who made it famous -- Finbar Furey -- a few years ago. That's him next to me.

[Al Sisti]

I learn great stuff here!
(And certainly, learning something that gives me an excuse to have a donut is great!)

Ooo... Do I smell the aroma of a Muggle controversy baking? How do you spell fried rings of dough caked in sugar, icing, sprinkles, and other delicious toppings? Is there a "correct" way? (Don't let your eyes glaze over now...)

But isn't National Doughnut Day the first Friday in June in America? Not that you can't eat doughnuts any day. Just because there are only 20 National and International Wine Days in 2022 doesn't mean I'm not drinking wine the other 345 days!

When I lived in Central PA ( Hershey) Fat or Shrove Tuesday was called “ Fasnacht Day” . Fastnachts (pronounced /ˈfastnaxt/ in German) are doughnuts. There are three types of Fasnacht, one made with yeast, one made with baking powder, and one made with potatoes and yeast. All are slightly crispy on the outside and not as sweet as standard doughnuts.

And when I lived in Chicago, Fat Tuesday was “Paczki Day” a day to eat the Polish “doughnuts” or paczki —- round Polish pastry similar to a filled doughnut, usually filled with fruit and topped with sugar.

Now I live in SC and I don’t see any doughnut eating traditions for Shrove Tuesday…. Hmmm, I’m going to eat doughnuts any way!

We have a few good bakeries where I live too, and having been married to two Polish girls, I definitely know about Paczkis. Maybe the second best baked treat to come from here, behind our Half-Moon cookies (invented in Utica in 1925).

[WSJosh]

Not quite ashore yet, I’m guessing over half way there though…

[PhantomPhan]

Ashore, after a wonderful muggle helped clear my brain fog. Won't be submitting this week, but I will celebrate with a seltzer (oOoOO, fancy).

[HunterX]

Ashore.

Grid mostly very easy and quick, though one word was absolutely new to me and my crew (son and daughter). Metanism was also easy (and classic, in its own way). Mostly proud that I found it 1 or 2 seconds before my son, which was 1 or 2 seconds before my daughter. (Always good when the wisdom of age wins out over the speedy brains of the young-uns.)

Celebrated with a Caroll Gardens (well... after a Crossing of 1909 (Beefeater Gin, Dolin Blanc Vermouth, Dolin Genepy, and Orange Peel), a Zweigelt, and a Cab) at our favorite local restaurant in the city, which happens to be right across the street from us. Easy and short stumble home.

[JeanneC]

Grid done but still on the ship. My 7 week solving streak is in serious jeopardy.

All this talk of Lenten doughnuts reminded me that the season starts Wednesday.

Great! Not only am I in the weeds on the meta this week, but I’ll be giving up my favorite food- pickles- for Lent starting next week. AARRGH!!

[SReh26]

One fine day my tooth implored
It had enough of being ignored
Face swelled up like a chipmunk’s cheek
Had to grab an Aleve, the pain made me weak

Was it a cavity, molar or break?
Had I made a big mistake?
Fortunately warm salt water did the trick
A few days of that and I was no longer sick

Tooth is still there, happy as can be
A little attention was all it need
But I am no seventh day Adventist
I will still have to go to the dentist

[sanmilton]

Hard to follow SReh26, but--

Piddly, diddly,
“Easy” is relative.
Solving experience
Makes it a breeze.

So if the solve seems an
Impossibility,
Don’t give up hope, for with
Time will come ease.

[escapeartist]

At sea with Isaac.

*shakes fist at Gaffney*

Safe and sound on the beach after punching a few sharks along the way.

[Lee-Ann]

Phew! I was scared that I wasn't going to solve it this week. Had to take some time away to see the meta. Happily on shore!

[Deb F]

At long last. I was trying to make this much harder than it is. On shore, Captain Bob, happily.

[cbarbee002]

Catching up on metas - - MMM yesterday, WSJ and MGWCC today. Grids were easy - - meta's remain to be "seen". Think I'll grab a Federal donut and chew on it a while.

[DianeA]

Keeping Isaac busy this morning. The Bloody Mary's are NOT helping with this meta. It seems like it should be a quick solve, but not for me.

[ship4u]

As I sit sipping my morning coffee, glancing outside at the newly fallen snow, the sun lighting up the blue sky, and the Erie "lake effect" clouds finally swept away (probably to be short lived), I wanted to take a moment to write how much I enjoy being a part of the muggle community. Every person that I have had the opportunity of interacting with has been pleasant, friendly, helpful, positive and genuine. Each week, I try to get to know a few more of you out there and it is always an enjoyable experience.
In this era of social media, it is difficult, if not impossible to find groups that don't snipe from time to time or make rude and negative comments. I look forward reading the thoughts and comments of everyone in this group. I also credit the work and dedication of the moderators, @Bob cruise director , @Joe Ross, @boharr, @BrianMac,@KayW and @Abide who set an example with their own warmth and kindness and who diligently strive to make this group better.
Thanks everyone!

[Omnibus]

Happy weekend, everybody! I am on shore after a day or so of paddling around. Suddenly the beach came into view, so don’t give up!

[Scott M]

A more sober review in the morning has brought me to shore. Fun puzzle!

[Ben B]

Good morning Muggles. We are on shore. As usual son found the inspiration and I was the perspiration but we made it. Lots of fun! Coffee please!

[JennyByrd]

A quick and easy solve for me. Wishing all of you a relaxing weekend. Take good care.

[Colin]

One and done for me,
Ashore with my G & T.
Quick swim - weekend free!

[Acarl]

Why is it so easy once you see it and so hard before you do? Well I’ll blame it on the cats. Once I took the dogs for their walk this morning in 41° and rain it just came to me. Nice one!