Tuesday, March 24, 2026 Victoria Fernandez Grande

Until We Meet Again.  Good Bye, Farewell, Adieu, Adiós, Au revoir, Ciao, Zàijiàn, Sayōnara, and Dasvidaniya.

20-Across. Jocular term for some close colleagues: WORK HUSBANDS.  There are Work Wives as well.

33-Across. Achievements tracked by Guinness: WORLD RECORDS.

41-Across. Practice weapons that may be made of hickory: WOODEN SWORDS.

And the unifier:

57-Across. Goodbyes, or what 20-, 33-, and 41-Across are doing?: PARTING WORDS.  The word Word is parted in each of the theme clues.

Here's the grid so you can see the parting of the words.

Across:

1. Many July 4 parties, for short: BBQs.

5. Some protective athletic gear: PADS.

9. Warms (up): HEATS.

14. Extend one's term: RE-UP.

15. Nashville's Grand Ole __: OPRY.  The Grand Ole Opry began on November 28, 1925, as the WSM Barn Dance.  It was originally a designed to showcase country fiddling.  It formally became known the Grand Ole Opry in 1927.

16. Terse denial: AM NOT.

17. Smoothie berry: AÇAI.  This berry has become a crossword staple.

18. Prickly __ cactus: PEAR.  Everything you wanted to know about the Prickly Pear Cactus but didn't know to ask.

19. Like some candy: NUTTY.

23. Cosmetics company that owns CeraVe: L'OREAL.  The CeraVe company focuses on dermatology.

24. Logan Roy's daughter on "Succession," familiarly: SHIV.  Sarah Snook (b. Dec. 1, 1987) portrayed Siobhan Roy, who was know affectionately (?) know as Shiv.  I say affectionately because if you watched Succession, you know that no one showed affection towards each other. 

25. Rustic dwelling: HUT.  //  And 31-Across. Poolside 25-Across: CABANA.

28. Crafty: SLY.

29. Chocolate or yellow pooch: LAB.

36. Prefix meaning "all": OMNI-.  Today's Latin lesson.

39. As well: TOO.

40. In a frenzy: AMOK.

46. Affectionate and familiar way to sign a note: LOVE, ME.

47. Not close by: FAR.  //  And 43-Down. Close by: NEAR.

48. Burst, as a balloon: POP.

51. Mexican Mrs.: SRA.  Today's Spanish lesson

52. Big party: BASH.

55. Interstellar cloud: NEBULA.

59. Apple beverage: CIDER.

62. Sandwich cookie with many limited-edition flavors: OREO.

63. Seeds: PIPS.

64. Scoring 100% on: ACING.

65. Nevada gambling destination: RENO.  I heard Johnny Cash went there once.

66. Memo phrase: IN RE.

67. Japanese lunchbox: BENTO.

68. Genesis garden: EDEN.

69. New Mexico skiing destination: TAOS.

Down:

1. Rumbles: BRAWLS.

2. Desperate whisper to a parent in front of one's crush, maybe: BE COOL.

3. Industrial site that may become a swimming spot: QUARRY.

4. Sharp increase: SPIKE.

5. All the rage: POPULAR.

6. Gorillas, e.g.: APES.  The terms are not interchangeable.

7. Dribs and __: DRABS.

8. Red wine grape: SYRAH.  Syrah, also known as Shiraz, is a dark-skinned grape variety grown throughout the world and used primarily to produce red wine. In the 1990s, Syrah was found to be the offspring of two obscure grapes from southeastern France, Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche.

9. Portable cleaner, for short: HAND VAC.

10. Outback birds: EMUS.

11. Colony insect: ANT.

12. Youngster: TOT.

13. Farm pen: STY.

21. Saintly glow: HALO.

22. "__ to Each Other": Olivia Dean hit: NICE.

25. Cause injury to: HARM.

26. Ctrl+Z, on a PC: UNDO.

27. Chore: TASK.

30. Simple sammies: BLTs.  As a Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Sandwich.

32. Feathery wraps: BOAS.

33. __-angle lens: WIDE.

34. __ Jones: DOW.

35. Skylight spot: ROOF.

36. Birds whose young sometimes face-plant to sleep: OWLS.  Baby owls sometimes sleep on their tummies because their heads are too heavy to sleep in an upright position.  Who knew?

37. Tie up, as a boat: MOOR.

38. __ Scotia, Canada: NOVA.  Today's Latin lesson.  Nova Scotia means New Scotland.  It is on of the four Canadian maritime provinces.  It was named in 1621 when King James VI of Scotland granted the land to Sir William Alexander for a Scottish colony.

42. Trade restriction: EMBARGO.

44. Crab __: fried appetizer filled with cream cheese: RANGOON.  Crab Rangoon deep-fried appetizer made with wonton wrappers filled with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, imitation crab meat, and seasonings.  It is typically served with a spicy sauce.

45. Did some doodling: DREW.

48. "Your Pet, Our Passion" food brand: PURINA.

49. Seasoned expert: OLD PRO.

50. Makes the grade: PASSES.

53. Shop: STORE.

54. Added to the staff: HIRED.

56. Hasbro toy that requires quick reflexes: BOP IT.  I am not familiar with this toy.  It doesn't look like much fun.

57. __-up emotions: PENT.

58. State bird of Hawaii: NENE.  When I first began doing crossword puzzles, the Nene was a crossword staple.  The nene is a species of bird endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.  The nene is exclusively found in the wild on the islands of Maui, Kauai, Molokai, and Hawaii.  Even before Hawaii became a state, the nene it was designated to be the official island bird.  

59. Taxi: CAB.

60. Freezer cubes: ICE.

61. Clamor: DIN.

And my Parting Words:  Until Next Week.

חתולה

Wednesday, October 15, 2025 Victoria Fernandez Grande

Theme:  The POT has me running in circles.  

17. Like some fast planes: JET POWERED.   Refers to a vehicle or device that is propelled by a jet engine, which creates thrust by expelling a fast-moving jet of gas. While most commonly associated with high-speed aircraft, this principle is also used in jet-powered cars, boats, and even drones for various purposes.  

25. Exclusive excursion: VIP TOUR.   A VIP tour provides an elevated experience at an event or attraction, featuring exclusive perks like private guides, skip-the-line access, and behind-the-scenes looks. These

31. Chili dish served in a corn chip bag: FRITO PIE.   A dish consisting of Fritos corn chips topped with chili, cheese, and other optional toppings. It is not a traditional pie but gets its name from using Fritos as a base, and it's often served directly out of a slit-open bag of corn chips, sometimes called a "walking taco" or "taco-in-a-bag". 

45. Toaster pastry brand: POP TARTS.   An American brand of toaster pastries produced and distributed by Kellanova (formerly Kellogg's) since 1964. The pastry consists of a sweet filling sealed inside two layers of thin, rectangular pastry crust. 

50. Had a decent showing on the links: SHOT PAR.   Achieved the expected number of strokes for a hole or course in golf. It signifies completing a hole in the standard number of shots assigned to it, based on its length and difficulty, or finishing a full round at the course's total par score. 

62. Create tension among friends, or a hint to this puzzle's circled letters: STIR THE POT.  Cause controversy or challenge an established position.

In each theme fill the circled letter are an anagram of POT, hence, they are stirred into other letter sequences.

Hi, Gang - JazzBumpa here to unravel all the confusion.  Let's dive in.

Across:

1. Have a trying experience?: TASTE.  "Try some" is an invitation to taste something.  Could be a trying experience in a different way if it tastes awful.

6. Exceedingly: OH SO.  As in "Oh so much."

10. Torah chests: ARKS.  The Torah ark, or Aron Kodesh, is an ornate cabinet in Jewish synagogues that houses the sacred scrolls of the Torah. It is the holiest place in the synagogue, symbolizing the Holy of Holies in the ancient Temple of Jerusalem, and serves as the focal point for prayer and worship, with the scrolls often removed from it for readings.

14. Common font: ARIAL. Arial is a sans-serif typeface in the neo-grotesque style.  This sentence uses ARIAL.  The rest of the post uses Georgia.

15. Wallpaper unit: ROLL.  A wallpaper roll is a decorative covering for walls, with the standard size being either a single roll (often 21" x 16.5' in the U.S.) or a double roll, which is twice the length (33' long) and sold as a single piece. Rolls also vary by manufacturer, with widths often being 20.5" or 27". 

16. Former Iranian leader: SHAH.   Mohammad Reza Pahlavi [1919 - 1980] was the Shah of Iran from 1941 to 1979. He succeeded his father Reza Shah and ruled the Imperial State of Iran until he was overthrown by the 1979 revolution led by Imam Khomeini, which abolished the Iranian monarchy to establish the present-day Islamic Republic of Iran.

19. Link destination: SITE.  On the series of tubes known as the world wide web.

20. 2007 Apple debut: I-PHONE.    A line of smartphones from Apple Inc. that combines a mobile phone, music player, and internet-enabled device with a touchscreen interface and its own mobile operating system called iOS.

21. Sixth __: SENSE.  A supposed intuitive faculty giving awareness not explicable in terms of normal perception.

22. Mono alternative: STEREO.   Mono audio uses a single audio channel to deliver sound, combining all audio elements into one stream for a consistent listening experience, while stereo audio uses two channels (left and right) to separate sounds, creating a wider, more detailed, and spacious soundstage by directing different instruments to different speakers.

27. Clown: OAF.  a person, particularly a man, who is rough or clumsy and unintelligent.  I don't see this as a synonym for clown.

28. Make a home in: MOVE TO.  As I did to Michigan 40 years ago. 

34. Encrypted messaging software: SIGNAL.    "Signal" can refer to several different software products, most notably the Signal Private Messenger, a free and secure messaging app with end-to-end encryption, and other business or scientific software like Signal AI for risk intelligence, Signal Software (UK) for rail rostering, or Revvity Signals Software for scientific research. It's important to specify which "Signal" you are looking for, such as the messaging app or a specific industry software.  

39. Lion of Narnia: ASLAN.   He is a majestic and powerful lion, king of Narnia and an allegorical representation of Jesus Christ.  He has the power to create and recreate Narnia, bring spring to the land, heal, and has abilities related to teleportation and dream walking.

40. Microdosing study subj.: LSD.  An extremely potent illegal street drug that comes as a white powder or clear colorless liquid.  I can be derived from ergot or artificially synthesized.

42. Bubble bath accessory: LOOFA.   In everyday non-technical usage, the luffa, also spelled loofah or less frequently loofa, usually refers to the fruits of the species Luffa aegyptiaca and Luffa acutangula. It is cultivated and eaten as a vegetable, but must be harvested at a young stage of development to be edible.   The fruit section of L. aegyptiaca may be allowed to mature and used as a bath or kitchen sponge after being processed to remove everything except the network of xylem fibers. 

43. Waged a long campaign against: SIEGED.  A siege is a military operation in which enemy forces surround a town or building, cutting off essential supplies, with the aim of compelling the surrender of those inside.  Not sure this fill is a legitimate construction.  The verb form of siege is besiege.

47. Disquieted state: UNEASE.  Anxiety or discontent.

49. Song list: SET.  A list of the songs that a band or singer intends to perform at a particular concert.

54. Spuds: TATERS.  Potatoes, casually.

57. "Obvi!": TOTES.  Obviously and totally.  Are these equivalent?  You decide.

58. Microsoft business applications suite: OFFICE.   A collection of productivity software from Microsoft, including core programs like Word (for documents), Excel (for spreadsheets), and PowerPoint (for presentations). 

61. First name in jazz: ETTA.   Jamesetta Hawkins [1938 - 2012] known professionally as Etta James, was a Grammy-winning American singer and songwriter who performed across multiple genres, including blues, jazz, R&B, and soul.   I think of her more as a blues singer.  Ella would be the first name in Jazz.

66. Some cold drafts: ALES.  Ale is a style of beer, brewed using a warm fermentation method.  As with most beers, ale typically has a bittering agent to balance the malt and act as a preservative.

67. Car freshener scent: PINE.  Pine oil, derived from the needles, twigs, and cones of pine trees, carries a distinctive coniferous scent that many associate with crisp forest air and serene walks through evergreen landscapes. Its fresh, terpenic, green, woody, and sharper aroma makes it a staple in aromatherapy, perfume, and cleaning products.

68. One of the Coen brothers: ETHAN.   Ethan Jesse Coen (b. 1957) is an American filmmaker. Working alongside his brother Joel, the duo have directed, written, edited and produced many feature films.

69. Musical instrument in Orpheus mosaics: LYRE.  A lyre is a stringed musical instrument with a U-shaped frame, often compared to a small harp, known for its use in ancient cultures like Greece.   Orpheus mosaics are found throughout the Roman Empire, normally in large Roman villas. The scene normally shown is Orpheus playing his lyre.

70. Amino __: ACID.  Amino acids are organic compounds that contain both amino and carboxylic acid functional groups. Although over 500 amino acids exist in nature, by far the most important are the 22 α-amino acids incorporated into proteins. Only these 22 appear in the genetic code of life.

71. Low on cash: SHORT.  Lacking funds.

Down:

1. __ Mahal: TAJ.  The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum in Agra, India, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

From Wikipedia

Also this:

2. Equal: ARE.  Are they the same?

3. Basic command at obedience school: SIT.   Here is one way to teach it.

4. Mammal with a flexible snout: TAPIR.  Tapirs are large, herbivorous mammals belonging to the family Tapiridae. They are similar in shape to a pig, with a short, prehensile nose trunk. Tapirs inhabit jungle and forest regions of South and Central America and Southeast Asia.

Source

5. Wed without a guest list: ELOPE.  Runaway bride - and groom.

6. Cookie preserved in a vault as part of a 2020 publicity stunt: OREO.  Standard crossword confection.

7. Bike attachment: HORN.  Tooting device to avoid dangerous cycling situations.

8. Arm: SLEEVE.  Of an artice of clothing.

9. Ancient: OLD.  Having lived a long time; no longer young.  Like me.

10. Useful quality: ASSET.  A useful or valuable thing, person, or quality.

11. Safari herbivore: RHINO.   Rhinoceroses are large, herbivorous mammals from Africa and Asia that are known for their horns, which are made of keratin. There are five living species: the black, white, Indian, Javan, and Sumatran rhinoceros. All but one species are considered endangered, primarily due to poaching for their horns and loss of habitat.  These horns lead to dangerous situations.

12. Panko-breaded fried cutlet: KATSU.   A Japanese dish consisting of a breaded and deep-fried cutlet, typically made from pork (tonkatsu) or chicken (tori katsu). 

13. Like organza and chiffon: SHEER.    Transparently thin; diaphanous, as some fabrics. 

18. Clobber: WHOMP.   

21. Overly indulged, to a Brit: SPOILT.   Spoiled on this side of the pond.

22. Catnap spots: SOFAS.   A long upholstered seat with a back and arms, for two or more people - or cats; if you want to couch it in those terms.

23. Anklebones: TARSI.  A group of small bones between the main part of the hind limb and the metatarsus in terrestrial vertebrates. The seven bones of the human tarsus form the ankle and upper part of the foot. They are the talus, calcaneus, navicular, and cuboid and the three cuneiform bones.

24. Go paperless on April 15: E-FILE.   File a tax return electronically.

26. "__ my pleasure!": IT'S.  Happy to be of service.

29. Part of EVOO: OIL.  Extra virgin olive OIL.

30. "Roman Holiday" scooter: VESPA.   An Italian brand of scooters and mopeds manufactured by Piaggio.   Roman Holiday is a 1953 American romantic comedy film directed and produced by William Wyler. It stars Audrey Hepburn as a princess out to see Rome on her own and Gregory Peck as a reporter. 

32. Identify on social media: TAG.   Tagging on social media involves mentioning a user's account by using "@" followed by their username, which sends them a notification and links their profile to your post. 

33. Bests: ONE UPS.   "One up" is slang that means to surpass or outdo someone to gain an advantage, or to be in a position of advantage over someone. 

35. India's smallest state: GOA.   Goa is a state in western India with coastlines stretching along the Arabian Sea. Its long history as a Portuguese colony prior to 1961 is evident in its preserved 17th-century churches and the area’s tropical spice plantations. 

36. Viking language: NORSE.   "Norse language" most commonly refers to Old Norse, the language spoken in Scandinavia and areas of Viking expansion from about the 8th to the 14th century.

37. In search of: AFTER.   Used to indicate the object of a stated or implied action.

38. Holds up: LASTS.   Endures.

41. "Por qué no los __?": DOS.   "Why not both?"

44. Double helix molecule: DNA.  DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the molecule that contains the genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of most living organisms. 

46. "Le __ Prince": de Saint-ExupÈry novella: PETIT.   The story follows a young prince who visits various planets, including Earth, and addresses themes of loneliness, friendship, love, and loss. Despite its style as a children's book, The Little Prince makes observations about life, adults, and human nature

48. Spicy, in a way: EROTIC.    Refers to something that arouses sexual desire or excitement, is related to sexual love, or is marked by strong sexual desire. 

50. Incredible bargain: STEAL.   "It's a steal" means something is being sold at a very good price, a great bargain, or is a surprisingly low cost. 

51. With anger: HOTLY.   In a passionate, excited, or angry way.

52. Sea animal with "pockets" to store food and tools: OTTER.

53. Poke fun at: TEASE.   Make fun of or attempt to provoke someone in a playful way.

55. Advil targets: ACHES.   Continuous or prolonged dull pains in parts of one's body.

56. Gear components: TEETH.   A gear tooth is an individual, raised element on the circumference of a gear that meshes with the teeth of another gear to transmit rotational motion and torque. 

59. "Doneski!": FINI.  Concluded

60. VanVleet of the NBA: FRED.   Fredderick Edmund VanVleet Sr. [b. 1994] is an American professional basketball player for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association. He is also the current president of the National Basketball Players Association.

62. Venue offering LED light therapy: SPA.   A commercial establishment offering health and beauty treatment through such means as steam baths, exercise equipment, and massage.

63. Vietnam's national dish: PHO.   a type of Vietnamese soup, typically made from beef stock and spices to which noodles and thinly sliced beef or chicken are added.

64. Crew blade: OAR.   A pole with a flat blade, pivoting in an oar lock, used to row or steer a boat through the water.

65. Explosive letters: TNT.  TriNitroToluene, a high explosive formed from toluene by substitution of nitro groups for three hydrogen atoms. It is relatively insensitive to shock and can be conveniently melted. 

So, we have come full circle.  Hope you enjoyed the ride, and didn't get too dizzy.

Looks like this is Victoria's first puzzle publication.  Congratulations!  Hope there are many more.

Cool regards,

JzB