Bread and Butter

I finally recovered from the weekend with a great workout at the gym. It was tough getting back to work this morning, especially having a touch of spring fever in the air. It's supposed to be even warmer tomorrow.

Today's puzzle is by Gail Grabowski, the Queen of the early-week crosswords. It was a perfect Monday puzzle called "Buttering Up." To me, there's no better comfort food than a hot roll with butter. Anyway, here are the theme answers:

21A: Legendary racehorse (SEABISCUIT). Seabiscuit was one of the most celebrated thoroughbreds in horse-racing history. He had a poor start to his career, but once he was paired with a jockey named Red Pollard, he started winning several major races and was a hope to Americans during the Depression. In 1938, he raced against a horse named War Admiral in what was called "The Match of the Century" and won. As a result, he was named "Horse of the Year." Seabiscuit died on May 17, 1947, but his legend was honored in several movies, books, and art, including the excellent 2003 film starring Tobey Maguire and Jeff Bridges.

37A: About to say "Here's to you" (PROPOSING A TOAST). Cheers!

48A: Child in tattered clothes (RAGAMUFFIN). I Googled "Ragamuffin" and didn't realize it was a cat breed. It is a fairly new breed that first appeared just 10 years ago. Ragamuffins love people and are very affectionate and docile. They sort of look like rag dolls. It is also the name of a movie that came out this year, but I have no idea what it's about.

As a side note, "May I butter your muffin?" is probably the oldest pickup line.

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) is the author of today's cryptoquote: "There was a never a child so lovely but his mother was glad to put him to sleep." Yes, getting an active baby or toddler to sleep is always a challenge, lol. However, it's always fun to watch your child grow up and try new things.

JUMBLE: "The Night Watchman viewing the basketball game on TV, particluarly liked all the. . . . .

Word list:

DEZDA = DAZED
GALEE = EAGLE
DUNROG = GROUND
DIHNED= HIDDEN

Scrambled Answer: ADGGRUIN

Answer: GUARDING

Time for bed. Have a good night!

Signing off,
The Puzzlechick