Pun of a Kind

PDF  /  PUZ Hello hello! Now it's just 5 days until spring training! Finally! Spring training has begun, so that means - in my eyes - it's the de facto end of winter! This is the last Winter Solvestice  puzzle today, posted early to adjust for the MGWCC delay. I usually do every other week in March, but I will be planning for three March days on 3/8 , 3/15 , and 3/29  (mark your calendars, haha). --- 1. Puzzle #127 answer, delayed for right now! --- 2. We're finishing with a Level 4 , but you might see what's going on. I'll be adding some nudges to Crosshare to take it down to a Level 3  or so in a few days. Good luck, and may all your solves be beautiful! See you in March! Mikey G The answer to the meta is an 8-letter word.  

PDF  /  PUZ Hello hello! Now it's just 5 days until spring training! Finally! Just two more puzzles on the Winter Solvestice! We then go back to every other week until the summer. Thank you so much for your support thus far! Make sure to subscribe (it makes Ginger Cat happy). --- 1b.  Puzzle #126 answer:  SQUEEZE PLAY Correct entries: 73  - a true Level 1 , indeed! Shortest explanation: The unchecked letters spell SQUEEZE PLAY  ("I can explain that meta in six words!"). --- 2. It wasn't planned this way, but the solstice is finishing with a bit of a respite! At most, this should be a Level 2.5 . Good luck, and may all your solves be beautiful! Mikey G The answer to the meta is what I'm doing on my birthday.  

PDF  /  PUZ Hello hello! Now it's just 12 days until spring training! We have three more posts to finish off this Winter Solvestice! If you've liked these meta crosswords so far, I'd really appreciate spread the word and telling your puzzle-loving friends to sign up! Note the new sidebar and subscription tool. --- 1a.  Puzzle #124 answer: NELLIE BLY Correct entries:  64 Shortest explanation: Nine symmetrical entries have a country with extra letter inserted. These inserted letters spell out our globe-trotting meta answer, NELLIE BLY . --- 1b. Puzzle #125 answer: GROUNDHOG Correct entries: 59 Shortest explanation: Four hidden animals have initial letters that spell out PHIL. Coupled with the symmetric soundalikes to Punxsutawney, our proximity to February 2, and the fact we're looking for a 9-letter creature, it has to be our beloved GROUNDHOG.  Six more weeks of puzzles, please! --- 2. I overestimated the last puzzle - surprise, surprise. Let's hope this pl...