Jumble (Stretch) Spoiler – 03/31/12

Flag of Maryland (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Visual Description:  Sitting pretty at the Chateau Oriole.

DRAYT  =  TARDY,  GOEDD  =  DODGE,  KABEST  =  BASKET,  TCANIT  =  INTACT   —   Giving us:  TRDEBSEIAT

Clue/Question:  The oriole bought a manor in Baltimore, Maryland, because he was this.

Answer:  AN ESTATE BIRD

 

Triple Crown (Photo credit: RedDogFever)

(Fortunately, it was fairly obvious that the second answer word was going to be BIRD.  Otherwise, this might have been pretty tough.  Of course, the Oriole is the official state bird of Maryland.  For those of you who follow horse racing – and that might not be that many of you, these days – you probably know that the state flower is the Black-eyed Susan.  For those of you NOT into horse racing, the second leg of the Triple Crown, The Preakness Stakes, is held at Pimlico Racetrack, in Baltimore.  The winning horse is presented with a blanket of Black-eyed Susans.  Furthermore, a “manor” is also known as an “estate”.  The house itself could be referred to as a mansion, or manor house, or manor hall.  ESTATE BIRD is a stretchy play on words.  A true groaner of a pun!

2001 Preakness Stakes (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

Jeff threw in some fun detail.  A bowl of worms on the table next to the chaise lounge, and the state flag of Maryland can be made out, if you squint a bit.  I’m sure in Jeff’s proofs it’s much more defined.  The clue words were all well-jumbled.  “Dodge” is new to the ralis95 clue word database.  Moreover, the answer letter layout was beautifully cryptic.  Nothing given away.  A very nice Jumble.  Especially for a Saturday, when a good number of you are NOT busy at work . . . which is kind of bad for your unclerave.  I get my most visits during the work week.  It’s lonely here on the weekends.

 

Black Eyed Susans (Photo credit: L*Ali)

That’s about it, people.  For those of you who are still following the NCAA tournament, I’m hoping for a little blue on blue in the Finals.  I’d really like to see a Battle of the Ks!  But, may the best teams win, later today!  Be well and do good, friends.)   —   YUR

Related articles

• Horse Racing (showbet.wordpress.com)
• A Uncomplicated Guide to Horse Races (foodstaycation.com)
• Race of the Century – Seabiscuit vs. War Admiral (puresportspr.wordpress.com)
• Animal Aid: Horse Racing (preciousjules1985.wordpress.com)
• Lucky’s Free Horse Racing Picks Best Selections of the Day for Yesterday; March 30th, 2012 (luckycarlsoni.wordpress.com)