Cryptoquote Spoiler – 03/11/17

“All careers go up and down like friendships, like marriages, like anything else, and you can’t bat a thousand all the time.”   —   Julie Andrews

(So, stay in the game.  And, keep swinging!  Don’t let the bastids git you down!  Be well and do good, friends.)   —   YUR

Jumble Spoiler – 03/11/17

Visual Description:  The Mayor’s discretion.

CUPOH  =  POUCH,  NITLF  =  FLINT,  SOOCSM  =  COSMOS,  CURDEE  =  REDUCE   —   Giving us:  UHFLNSSDU

Clue/Question:  He needed to pay someone to shovel the melting snow.  Luckily, he had a – – – 

Answer:  SLUSH FUND

(Very appropriate for this funky beginning to the month of March!  At least here in the Northeast!  We had 70s, and one of the warmest months of February on record, but now we’re in the teens.  On Wednesday, Western New York, and some other places, had some uncharacteristically high winds that blew down many trees and power lines.  Many people are looking at day 4, and likely day 5, without power under these frigid temperatures.  There are serious fears that some shut-ins may freeze to death, along with a good number of pets that many people have had to leave behind in searches for places with power/heat.  At least the snow accumulation has been minimal, but there have been some serious accidents attributed to a slew of traffic lights being out.  They are not expecting “seasonal temps” for a week, or more.  This is March, in like a lion . . . on steroids!

No new clue words today, but three of the jumbles are new again.  The guys – Hoyt, actually – have used “curdee” before.  Another fine answer letter layout!  Sufficiently cryptic.  And, another top-notch cartoon from Mr. Knurek.  Be well, stay warm, and do good, friends.  If you’re in a similarly affected area, please check in on your pets, and all shut-ins you might know!)   —   YUR