Words: 42 (11×11)
Average Length: 4.81
This puzzle is my entry to the Crosshare monthly midi contest (theme: music; I promise I didn’t pay anyone to choose that, but thanks, Sommersmith!). If you’re not yet familiar with Crosshare (crosshare.org), it’s a wonderful online community for independent crossword constructors, as well as for people who enjoy solving puzzles by independent crossword constructors.
Words: 16
Average Length: 5.00
This one probably plays tougher than usual for a midi – I clued it at roughly the difficulty level of a full-size themeless. Enjoy!
Words: 42 (11×11)
Average Length: 4.86
Having a grandchild has fanned the flames of my already-blazing nostalgia. As I was reading to her last week – “Dear Zoo,” a wonderful book as long as you don’t focus on the fact that a zoo is willy-nilly sending elephants and lions to children upon request – it occurred to me that her elementary school experience will be vastly different from mine. And thinking about mine triggered a wave of visceral recollections about the look and feel of the contents of my desk. Hence this puzzle.
One more note: my 1st and 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Bonder, who is well into her 90s, is friends with me on Facebook and is as smart and admirable as ever. Mrs. Bonder, you’ve been a lifelong inspiration!
Words: 42 (11×11)
Average Length: 4.71
I never saw the movie containing the line that underlies this puzzle, but I know the music and much of the plot through sheer osmosis. I hope you enjoy the puzzle, particularly the handful of “?”-designated clues.
Words: 41 (11×11)
Average Length: 5.02
I’d been toying with the idea for this puzzle for a while and finally decided to construct it during one of those games where the Nats offense apparently has better things to do than hit. After several futile attempts at fitting the theme answers into a symmetrical grid, I decided to embrace asymmetry (though if you don’t peer too closely it kind of looks symmetrical). I hope you enjoy the result!
Words: 42 (11×11)
Average Length: 5.00
Strolling along Penny Lane while on a Beatles-themed tour of Liverpool was a thrill I’ll never forget. Every time I’ve heard the song since, the landmarks in the lyrics leap clearly to mind. Last week, as I was trolling for ideas for a mini/midi, I started humming the wonderful piccolo trumpet solo and the grid fell into place.
Words: 34 (10×10)
Average Length: 5.18
Happy 420 to all who indulge. Please enjoy the puzzle in whatever mental state you wish!
Words: 40 (11×11)
Average Length: 4.65
I interrupt my regular Wednesday and Sunday posting schedule with a special announcement (and crossword): Wednesday night (Feb. 1) at 10:57 pm, Sandy and I welcomed our first grandchild, Eleanor Mikayla Fuhrman. Ella and her Mom are doing great.
I had to mark the occasion with a puzzle, of course. It’s sappy, but you can’t blame me for that. After each clue there’s a bracketed comment (for Ella’s eventual benefit) relating the answer to something in our family.
I hope you enjoy it!
Words: 46 (15×9)
Average Length: 4.87
My day in Singapore was a blur of phenomenal architecture, gorgeous gardens, and delicious food. Capturing all that in a grid is difficult, so take a look at my PuffinlessTravel write-up for some photos and sightseeing tips. This is the last Travel Midi, at least for a while – come back next Wednesday for what I think is a brand-new concept in Minis.
Words: 40 (11×11)
Average Length: 4.45
Looking beyond the esthetics – this is by far the least attractive grid I’ve ever designed – I hope you enjoy today’s tribute to two fascinating spots in south and southeast Asia. I’d love to return to both countries at some point, having barely sampled their visual, historical, and spiritual charms. Click here to see some photos and my write-up.
Jeff's Puzzles