Words: 18 (7×7)
Average Length: 5.00
I’m nearing the end of a wonderful cruise from San Diego to Miami. On a sea day last week, while waiting for trivia to start, I decided to construct a ridiculous puzzle, as one does. This one includes a made-up word (1 Across), an anagram or two, a bunch of puns, and some absurd definitions.
Words: 19 (7×7)
Average Length: 4.63
This puzzle celebrates and honors the FIVE MILLION Americans who took part in rallies across the nation last Saturday opposing the Trump regime. I attended the one in Charlottesville and wrote about it on my travel blog. Here’s a link if you’re interested; in addition to the essay, there are photos of some of the amazingly creative signs.
Words: 12 (6×6)
Average Length: 4.67
This was a mind-wandering-before-falling-asleep puzzle, when the idea for 1, 2, and 3 Down popped into my head. Over breakfast the next morning – after my normal routine of Wordle, Connections, the Atlantic puzzle, the NYT puzzle, and Simply Daily’s Easy Cryptic Crossword – I filled the grid. Since the seed answers may be hard to get, at least at first, I clued this puzzle to play easier than my usual.
Words: 14 (7×7)
Average Length: 5.14
It’s been a while since I posted a Mostly Musical Mini. The last couple, alas, marked the passing of musicians I grew up and grew old(er) listening to (Jimmy Buffett, Robbie Robertson). This one, thankfully, isn’t a memorial, though it definitely skews toward Dad (or Grandpa) Rock.
Words: 18
Average Length: 5.00
This grid started with 1 Across because I’ve been watching the NFL playoffs, but then when I went to clue it, I kept remembering the brilliant opening credit sequence of Airplane!, which you can see here.
Words: 18
Average Length: 5.00
I’ve always loved the print that’s referenced in 8 Across. I used the artist’s name as the seed, and then crossed it with the subject of the artwork and a long-time Japanese emperor. Best solved with a warm glass of sake.
Words: 28 (9×9)
Average Length: 4.79
Here’s the second puzzle inspired by my playlist of songs that lift my spirits. As in the first in this series, songs on the playlist are marked with an asterisk. Once again, email me at JeffsPuzzles@gmail.com if you’d like me to send you the complete playlist. I’m also curious what songs other people rely on to put them in a good mood – you can include your list in comments on the puzzle or just send me an email. Thanks!
Jeff's Puzzles