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: 74
Average Length: 5.16
Think of a dessert menu created by the people who come up with punny names for IPAs. I hope you find it a sweet solve … and just in case you’re solving with your kids (hey, it could happen), look out for 52 Across.
Please check out my new poetry site, It-Could-Be-Verse.com. And read about my recent visit to see the paloelithic art in caves in France and Spain on my travel blog, PuffinlessTravel.com.
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: 15
Average Length: 4.93
This one may be a bit more challenging than most of my minis, but I liked the idea of connecting 7 Across with 5 Down and 7 Down. In fact, 7 Across/7 Down was one of my favorite toys when I was growing up, long before the digital age. Believe it or not, they used to be made out of wood!
Words: 72
Average Length: 5.08
Here’s a puzzle celebrating one of my favorite months (not just because it’s my birth month as well as my daughter’s), May. It’s mid-Spring in the DC area, everything is in bloom, Summer’s triple-Hs haven’s set in yet, and in a normal year the Caps would be in the playoffs (in a highly abnormal year the Wizards would be in the playoffs).
Words: 12 (6×6)
Average Length: 5.00
This mini is brought to you by one of my favorite Donovan songs (there are many, led by “Jennifer Juniper” and “Sunshine Superman,” with the seed for this puzzle close behind; the title of the puzzle refers to a line in the song (“is gonna be a sudden craze”).
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: 10
Average Length: 4.80
[THE CLUE FOR 1 ACROSS SHOULD BE PREFACED BY “FAMILIAR NAME FOR”]
I never know, when I’m constructing a puzzle for which the title or clues reference an old saying or nursery rhyme, whether the reference will be understood by people half my age. This is one such puzzle. Whether or not you get the reference, I hope you enjoy it!
Jeff's Puzzles