April – Jeff’s Puzzles

A Foolproof April

Flyover at Nats Park, Mar. 30, 2023 (see 58 Across)

Words: 76

Average Length: 5.00

Here’s a gently springy puzzle for early April, as well as a poem that I wrote after walking around the neighborhood.

online | puz | pdf | solution

Spring in My Feet

Einstein-haired forsythias wave

To daffodils who bow and brave

The bagpipe drone and wheeze of blowers

Lofting leaves among the flowers

Callow cherries blush with pride,

Their elders slumber on and bide

The time til arthritic limbs

Break out in pinkly glorious hymns

Zoysia steals more Zs before

It grudgingly comes green once more,

For now the onion grass stands guard

While squirrels scrabble ‘cross the yard

Weekday children walk to school

In shorts though temps be cold not cool,

Weekend farmers make their beds

With shredded hardwood, blacks and reds.

I’m glad my verse you did indulge;

My friends I thank you very mulch.

Pieces of April

Words: 76

Average Length: 4.84

Difficulty: Way easier than doing your taxes

Here’s a gentle April-themed puzzle. It’s named after a gorgeous song written by Dave Loggins and performed by Three Dog Night, which you can listen to here.

11 Across: I’ve been to the Blarney Stone and, in pre-COVID days, kissed it. It was an unpleasant experience, what with the rain and the need to lie on your back on hard, wet stone, scoot backwards so you’re dangling many feet above the ground (they’ve since installed guard rails) and then crunch up to reach the B.S.

39 Down: I was thrilled to be able to fit her into the grid – this is perhaps my all-time favorite GEICO commercial, out of so many great ones.

puz | pdf | solution