Free Association 44
Welcome back everyone! Summer is upon us and I’m afraid I might be a little bit slower on the posting for a few weeks. Good things are happening on the puzzle publication front, with two Spyscape crosswords, two Universals, and a New York Times all in the queue and hopefully coming your way by the end of the year. I’ll keep you posted.
Nevertheless I will never forget about you here, and I hope you enjoy today’s Free Association. Puzzle sites have proliferated since I started this one about two years ago, and I’m gratified you’ve chosen to take the time to come play with me. Be well and I’ll see you soon!
About The Author
Trent 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, Spyscape Crossword, The Crosswords Club, 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. Here at Grid Therapy, I can show a bit more of myself than the major publishers can allow. 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.
First things first: “Extension of hostilities.” Best clue I’ve seen anywhere in a long time. And, I fear, something I’ve given my TV many times in the past few years, most recently today. : (
Next things next: I got MISTLETOE instantly. Because “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” has always seemed creepy to me too.
And: 17 and 20A clues–superb! Loved the way 2D and 11D appealed to current and my generations with the same first letter.
Finally: I would never have gotten 54A without the downs. And even when it was filled in, I just stared at it, mouth agape. Googled it and yes, it is a thing. It sounds like a horrible thing! But it’s important that crossword constructors stay on top of whatever is current (I’m still smarting over Kendrick Lamar in #44…), so good on you!
Congrats on your recent successes! I’ll be eagerly awaiting your NYT puzzle!
Your kind words are the fuel I run on. Thank you!
Really enjoyed this one – 54A did stump me as well – I was reluctant to fill in as the last open letter, fearing that it would tell me how wrong I was – but it worked. Look forward to your NYT puzzle!
Dittos on 54 A, but I’m glad to know it…oh, Trent, your puzzles are so good they make me CRY! (With joy, mind you, not sadness!). Every entry sings, every clue is so obviously *cossetted*…what a treat. Thank you for not forgetting about us (but in all truth? More people should see your work, and I’m glad you’re back to publishing it…good decision.)
Thank you Kelly. That means a lot coming from you. When are we going to do a collab and get you back in the paper? 🙂
Another fun puzzle with clues that make laugh out loud. I agree with Inforapenny, extension of hostilities is one of best clues ever. Well done.