Eats, Shoots, and Blossoms

Courtesy of Wikipedia

Back to work after a great four-day weekend. You couldn't have asked for better weather. It's hot and humid here in the city today.

Today's Newsday Cryptoquote is by Vivien Leigh (1913-1967): "Dear Lord, I'm so grateful I'm still loved." Although Leigh was English, she won two Academy Awards for playing Southern belles: Scarlett O'Hara (of course!) in Gone With the Wind (1939) and Blanche DuBois in Streetcar Named Desire (1951). She also was known as Mrs. Laurence Olivier from 1940 to 1960. Olivier was hubby #2. I didn't know she suffered from what is now called bipolar disorder, as well as tuberculosis. Leigh was considered one of the most beautiful actresses in her day, and sometimes felt that her beauty hampered her career.

Today's crossword puzzle was called "Growing Concerns" (Billie Truitt). Here are the theme answers:

20A: Flowers on a mah-jongg tile: PLUM BLOSSOMS. Although I have never played the game, mah-jongg was very much a part of my life. My mom and her friends played on Wednesdays, and they were very loud. I would find out all the neighborhood gossip through her games. It also was the only time we were allowed to have candy. . . . we would allowed to take one or two pieces before her friends came. The next day, we were allowed a piece of the Entenmann's coffee ring or chocolate cake.

40A: Small cabbage-like veggies: BRUSSELS SPROUTS. Many people I know don't like these Brussels sprouts. I loved the way my aunt made them every Thanksgiving. She roasted them and added garlic and olive oil. They are also said to high in folic acid, which aids in fertility.

51A: Chinese stir-fry ingredient: BAMBOO SHOOTS. To me, bamboo shoots are mindless filler . They are very bland and they do nothing but take up space. Just give me the protein, rice, and veggies and I'm fine!

Lately, I've been trying my hand at puzzles from constructors' Web sites, mainly Brendan Emmett Quigley's "May I Have a Word With You?" (www.brendanemmettquigley.com) and Trip Payne's "Triple Play Puzzles" (www.tripleplaypuzzles.com) I love BEQ's clues because they are fresh and modern.

On the gossip front:

Snooki was taken into custody again, this time in Italy! She crashed into a cop car. Way to go! (Note: It wasn't a "formal" arrest).

On a sad note, Gary Carter has inoperable Stage 4 brain cancer. One of the all time great players (Expos, Mets), he seemed to be a genuinely nice person.

Almost time to go home. Till tomorrow. . . .

Signing off,
The Puzzlechick.