Free Association 23
I’m back! I think this is the longest I have ever ignored you fine people. I could go through the country song lyrics that have described the last month – car stolen, dog hospitalized, blah blah. But it’s all good now. I was driving a 14-year-old Prius with 169,000 miles on it and would have driven it into the ground. Thieves (and 2020) had other plans for me. Ok 2020. You took my car. Well-played. Here is my reply:
The fine folks at BMW of Catonsville were only too happy to provide me with this used beauty and to remind me what it is to have a car payment again. Lemonade out of lemons, I say.
In any case, having regained something of my center, I constructed a puzzle for the first time in a while. I hope you enjoy it, and I wish all of you good health and happiness during this holiday season and my best hopes for a promising new year. I’ll see you back here soon. Take care.
About The Author
Trent H. Evans
I'm a husband, father, psychologist, musician, and crossword constructor living in Catonsville, MD. My puzzles have appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times and its syndicates, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Andrews McMeel Universal Syndicate, the American Values Club Crossword, and crossword apps such as the Redstone Crossword Puzzle App on iOS and Google Play. All of that means I've been published in every newspaper in the United States and many others around the world. And now I've been published here at Grid Therapy, which allows me the freedom to let who I am shine through. I hope you enjoy your time here on the crossword couch! I'd love to hear from you if you have comments or suggestions. If you're interested in having a custom crossword puzzle created for your event or organization, email me at drtrent (at) gmail.com.
Wow. Sorry to hear about the stolen car, dog hospitalization, and other madness that you’re encountering. Enjoy the new wheels, but don’t let them take you away from producing your magic crosswords! The grids that you produce are definitely appealing. This one rocks. Thanks.
I appreciate that very much. Happy Holidays!
Comment
Thank you! Every entry is a gem — even 42 down, since it allowed stuff like 51 across and 28 down. Super enjoyable. Congratulations on the car…it’s so shiny!
While I wish I was preparing for a beach day with a 46 Across, instead I’m planning an exciting outing with a doctor who specializes in 38 Across tomorrow. 🙂
Thanks again for a very nice time!
Thank you Kelly! I’ll keep a good thought for your doctor visit.
I knew you’d be back! Thanks for the puzzle and for the way you shared your experiences. I’m sorry those things happened but I had to laugh at your reply to 2020.
Thanks so much for being a part of this little thing Beverly. It means a lot to me to know my work is being received and appreciated!
I’m sorry about your car. 2020 is really piling on. Please tell me that your dog is okay.
It’s good to remember 53D and 14D. I loved the Monty Python clues too. Thanks for the welcome diversion.
Thanks Lisa. Donut is good as new. He figured out how to open his food container and apparently had a midnight snack of epic proportions. He literally ate himself into the hospital. They pumped his stomach, put some IVs in him, and I forget what else. I do remember what the bill was however. Yeesh. Dumb human has now moved food.
I hope 2021 will be better for us all. As usual loved the puzzle! I feel like it’s Christmas morning when ever I see you’ve given us a new challenge!!
Thanks Ralph. There a few hundred people who solve these puzzles. And I appreciate them all. But there are a smaller number of people who give me feedback here and that’s my reason to keep going. I do this mostly for my own enjoyment but knowing there are folks who enjoy what I do is so gratifying. Thank you for your kind feedback. I’ll try my best to keep it up.
Good to see you back. Thanks for entertaining us with this puzzle. It was a good one.
You are most welcome. Thanks for the feel-good and all my best to you for a new year which is bound to be better!
I always enjoy doing your puzzles, Trent. Happy New Year! Better things to come, I hope!
Thanks Bob! This time next year will be so much better. I’m sure of it!