Free Association 45
In between multiple calls from Jan at the ‘Dealer Service Center’ about my vehicle’s warranty, I managed to construct you another puzzle. That Jan. She’s persistent. I’ll give her that. She really really wants me to press ‘1’ to be connected with an agent. None of this has anything to do with today’s puzzle. I just needed to vent a little. Lest I hunt down the ‘Dealer Service Center’ and do something to it which the law might not condone. Thanks. I’m good now.
The picture accompanying this post does have something to do with today’s puzzle as I hope you will soon see. Thanks for your continued support of Grid Therapy. Y’all come back now.
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.
Loved it. As usual, your entries are gorgeous and clues are uniquely Trentonian. I didn’t know Cornel 36D, (and shame on me for not…I read up on him before coming here) 17A and 40D, but glad to learn about them…well, maybe not so much 17A, but it *is* a beautiful entry. And, of course, I thank you 55A’s clue…and for the puzzle!
I agree, Kelly. As always, a beautifully constructed puzzle with delicious fill. If I started listing my favorite answers, I’d just reproduce the whole puzzle (OK, but RHODA and BICKLE, SOD, WHYPAYMORE, OHSTOP, CANOFWORMS, BATPOLE… I’ll stop now.) BATPOLE took me forever (and I drink POM juice!), and at first I didn’t get it. And then it hit me. So clever! And the clue for 10D was hilarious!
Trent, one thing I really like about your puzzles is that I often learn new terms. In this case, THIRSTTRAP. A new one on me, and something I’m glad to know. Instead of hitting the OED and going down to the 19th archaic definition of a word–which some of your fellow constructors do on a regular basis–your toughies are always things that enlarge my vocabulary. Wonderful puzz!
Y’all make a fella happy with your nice words and stuff. I made and deleted three puzzles before I felt good about putting one out there. I’m glad you liked it. I was happy with this one, and your kind feedback means a lot. I wish I could submit clues to publishers like the one for DEPP. Being able to do that here is a big part of the fun.
I just found this, after specifically searching for you, Trent. I’ve been playing the Crossword app and found myself seeking out your puzzles. So many buried burns, parental asides, and general fun. I feel like you are a friend. Thank you for sharing your hobby with us!
That’s very sweet Kathleen. Thank you! I’m glad you’re enjoying them. Welcome!