Visual Description: Clasping at claws???
TIFHA = FAITH, PHEDT = DEPTH, SCEEUX = EXCUSE, NLODYF = FONDLY — Giving us: FAIEPTECEFOND
Clue/Question: You could tell that the lobsters were in love by their – – –
Answer: DEEP AFFECTION
(A marvelous stinky pun. And, another long answer that wasn’t a gimme! Once again, I had to break down the answer letter layout into consonants and vowels in order to get the answer. This is a rarity for me. Usually, I just look at clue/question and I’m good to go. Either the guys are making these harder, or I’m just slipping.
All of today’s clue words are familiar old friends. I didn’t struggle to get any of them. Three of the jumbles appear to be new, with only “phedt” having definitely been used before. The answer letter layout was an impressive thirteen letter jumble. It hid the final answer from me, very well. Even with breaking down the answer letter layout it took me a little work. FOND was too obvious, but I thought the first word might be NICE. No go. Finally, I saw DEEP and the pun hit me!
The cartoon really should’ve been a huge clue to me as it did have a lot of depth. No complaints about a clue word being a form of one of the answer words! I loved the boat on the surface of the water, the fish below it, and the lobsters on the seabed. And, the bonus was the classic sunken sailboat off in the distance. Nice touch. I wonder if the captain went down with the ship??? Be well and do good, friends.) — YUR
Images courtesy of Google
Unclerave's Wordy Weblog 
Yes, somewhat challenging… not at all obvious from the clue or cartoon. You’re not slipping. I too needed extra time, but when I saw -TION in the letters and placed it correctly, the rest of the answer popped out for me from the remaining letters. Very good puzzle.
Glad I wasn’t alone, David! — YUR
Hey Unc, You ain’t slipping . That was tough I got “affection” before “deep” believe it or not. I also LOVED the sailboat on the ocean floor..Happy Thanksgiving and GO BILLS…The first time since 1994 they play on this holiday, I hope they don’t dissapoint.. BILLIEVE!!!!! Wimpy
Thanks, Wimpy. The Bills are hungry, but supposedly Garrett is playing to keep his job. Should be a game! — YUR