EV 972 Extraction by Oxymoron

[dr b]

Oh no, it's Mr. O! Greetings you Brits, Swiss (honorary) and any Croatians who may be lurking.

A difficult EV, I thought, that would not be out of place as a Listener. Many obscure words for answers; the only saving grace was that the extra letter was usually fairly easy to spot. The instructions revealed themselves at about the 2/3 point; working backwards the rest of the way made things simpler. A straightforward but very nice endgame!

Almost time for the US Open where I will be rooting for Rory to not blow it this time.

[novalis]

Hi again Devadolly!

Should have added earlier very large tawny mogs might be more appropriate. I take pride in writing that.

[devadolly]

Hi Novalis - I thought there was nothing between Oldham and NB's wrinkled stockings but the great bleak Saddleworth Moor, although....there is a wine residue around there is there not?
Ginger...tawny all in the shading. I have them contentedly curled in their basket, but their relevence ...................? I think I shall go and pick the raspberries before it rains again.

[novalis]

Hi Devadolly!

There is plenty between Oldham and N.B's wrinkled stockings! Agree though about the wine residue. Purely as an aside I was taught Maths by Kathy Staff's husband. The little town where I live shares its name with the only person to have won both an Oscar and a Nobel Prize. Certainly a source of pride for him. Hope you can now solve this prickly problem.

[Christiana]

Hi all, and an especial hello to Devadolly - glad to know I am not alone in my struggles, or in my raspberry picking. I always make heavy weather of Oxymoron, it seems and this week's offering is no exception. Have filled in about half of the grid in between picking raspberries, strawberries, and today blackcurrants as well. They didn't all ripen together last year. Also spent time disentangling one of the apple trees from the grip of goose grass which crept up when my back was turned. So less time on EV even than usual, but also less inspiration, I have to admit. Will battle on.

[Christiana]

Anyone else out there? Have now finished apart from a couple of letters in 34a, but should be able to find those okay. Made heavy weather of it, but enjoyed it even so.