What is everyone up to?

[Val]

Ah that answers the question re names of setters. Thanks Phlebas! I have only worked online and not the print version. I also thoroughly enjoy reading the numerous comments underneath once I have finished. They are as entertaining as the puzzle itself!

[Phlebas]

In the online version the setter's name appears at the top - there may be more than one way to view them but this is the one I see:
https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/28345

There is also, rather wonderfully, a master index by setter:
https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/ ... swords-a-z

[Val]

Ah that answers the question about the setters. I have only ever played online and they don't seem to give their names or pseudonyms. I also thoroughly enjoy the comments from the regular puzzlers all over the world - they are often as entertaining as the crossword itself. I have noticed themes before and will now know it could be Brendan. Thanks Phlebas.

[Val]

We crossed online As I only do the lowly Quick Daily Crossword there does not seem to be any name to the setter.

But, believe me, I have tried to re-engage with the cryptic version. Stopped years ago and do you think I can get back into their way of thinking? I have tried revealing numerous times and then try to decode the clue with the answer given. Get it sometimes but not enough to enjoy cryptics again. Use to do The Times Cryptic every day at work too. Ah well the daily is good enough for me now.

[LadyKestrel]

I'm feeling very sad because my dog Zork died yesterday. He was loosing weight and couldn't keep dry dog food down, so I was cooking for him. That worked nicely for a couple of weeks, but then he was sick again and just stopped eating. The vet told me his liver was failing, and he didn't have much time left, so I decided to let him go. My sister and I both got a chance to say goodbye, but I got teary today when our little Radar kept whining around the house looking for her best buddy.

[draclvr]

Oh, no. I am so, so sorry to hear about Zork. I had hoped your cooking would perk him up. How old was Zork? He was so lucky to have you for his mom.

[LadyKestrel]

He was 12, give or take a month. We adopted him from our local Humane Society in Nov. of 2009, and they figured he was about 10 months old. He was our Houdini dog - a master escape artist - until we had to put a zap wire across the top of our fence to keep him from jumping over. Of course, he then was successful digging under the fence until we shored up several vulnerable spots. After that, he was content to stay in his yard unless, oops!, somebody left the gate open.

[JKEerie]

So sorry for the loss of your beloved pooch, LadyK.

[Ghostlady]

Aw, so sorry Lady K. Such a sad day when we lose our pets!

[Val]

So sorry Lady K -

[LadyKestrel]

Thanks, everyone. I know we've all been through it with our critters, and I appreciate your kind words.

[Jen]

My heart goes out to you and your sis and Radar. Long-distance hugs to all of you

[skeeter]

Sorry to hear about your dog, Lady K.

[LadyKestrel]

Thank you, Jen and Skeeter.

[Phlebas]

So sorry to hear, LadyK. An adventurous and much-loved dog!