A weekly meta crossword on the forum started by member Josh (aka madhatter5). These puzzles are often very creative with solving mechanisms out of the norm and skewing towards the more challenging. Puzzles are posted every Wednesday, and the solution appears the following Tuesday.
Well hello! It has indeed been a while, and BenChen has filled in more than admirably, but now it's me again. This is another that came to me while walking the neighborhood, but I assure you not stimulated by street signs. It may be a touch more difficult, perhaps a Calico/Persian, simply because it is not immediately evident what to do...but you guys are good, you'll figure it out. Besides it is common knowledge that I cannot rate how difficult my puzzles are.
Kitten
*Calico
*Persian
Puma
Lion
Now while today is the 25th, tomorrow is my birthday so I am hoping for a present in the form of LOTS of solvers!
Hints will be Friday, or earlier if people are struggling.
NUDGES!I am always willing to give nudges where needed; metas should be about fun, not frustration. Send me what you have done so far because often you are closer than you think!
I enjoyed pre-testing this puzzle. Well done, DrTom!
Check out "The MOAT MEOW Mashup Pack" here. US$10 for 14 metas that don't always abide by the "rules" of the game: asymmetry, 2-letter words, uncrossed letters, who knows. And this time there's a mega-meta!
Shannon PS: If you want help with a meta, PM what you have so I can help without spoiling too much. I've received lots of help in the beginning and I love to pay it forward!
benchen71 wrote: ↑Wed Oct 25, 2023 1:04 am
I enjoyed pre-testing this puzzle. Well done, DrTom!
You are hiding your light under a basket (when it obviously should go before you!) with such a modest comment. Your assistance was invaluable and helped me catch what would have been a major "oops"! Thanks for testing AND contributing.
NUDGES!I am always willing to give nudges where needed; metas should be about fun, not frustration. Send me what you have done so far because often you are closer than you think!
Cinny wrote: ↑Wed Oct 25, 2023 9:10 am
The cat is out! Thanks, Dr. Tom.
No Cindy, thank you for your assistance in testing and helping me work out kinks in the puzzle. Without your help people might have said: "Hey Egypt us!" (groan)
NUDGES!I am always willing to give nudges where needed; metas should be about fun, not frustration. Send me what you have done so far because often you are closer than you think!
Darth wrote: ↑Wed Oct 25, 2023 12:58 am
The cat has made its exodus! ...Thanks, DrTom!
images.jpg
Why I almost expected a Sphinx cat..
Last edited by DrTom on Wed Oct 25, 2023 5:52 pm, edited 1 time in total.
NUDGES!I am always willing to give nudges where needed; metas should be about fun, not frustration. Send me what you have done so far because often you are closer than you think!
Contest Crosswords Combating Cancer (CCCC) is a bundle of 16 contest-style (meta) crosswords that we've created to help raise money for cancer-related organizations - get the bundle at http://crosswordsforcancer.com
MatthewL wrote: ↑Wed Oct 25, 2023 2:47 pm
Cat is free and headed to the promised land. Thanks for the puzzle, Tom!
Are you sure the cat is not just headed for the desert? I mean all that sand....
NUDGES!I am always willing to give nudges where needed; metas should be about fun, not frustration. Send me what you have done so far because often you are closer than you think!
This is obviously more the Calico than the Persian, but I know there are parts that are giving people fits. We will see how solving goes tomorrow and whether I need to nudge earlier than I planned.
NUDGES!I am always willing to give nudges where needed; metas should be about fun, not frustration. Send me what you have done so far because often you are closer than you think!
Abide wrote: ↑Thu Oct 26, 2023 1:05 am
Nice aha after 10 minutes of solid thinking
Happy Birthday you old Giza…
Well, you both solved and wished me a Happy Birthday so I don't feel Egypt.
NUDGES!I am always willing to give nudges where needed; metas should be about fun, not frustration. Send me what you have done so far because often you are closer than you think!
(groan)
after 10 minutes of solid thinking 
Thanks, Dr. Tom.