EV 867 The Three Rs, by Obtrox

[DocHH]

Hello EV N&C Wine Clubbers,
The grid was fairly quickly populated, although it took a bit longer to sort out the 2 extra letters in some of the across clues. It didn't help that I'd assumed some wrongly or in the wrong order! The superfluous letter in the clue for 37d was puzzilng for a while, then I ignored it, without detriment.

[DocHH]

Devadolly, I can assure you that was not nagging,it was just encouragement to try and ensure you would not give up!
As a hint, which copelander would probably describe as "not subtle", hope you enjoyed the sun, as I did today and that your book didn't rip so much bodice that you overexposed the "DERMIS", NER, I hope you are too modest for that. Look at the title and find 3 aquares in the grid that literally represent that. I initially entered the more well known answer for 42ac, but I suspect U know better!
happy to hint heavily for your last SE light!
BTW I have full permission that if you don't complete this week you are not allowed to paddle, which has now been drained or raid the fridge!! There is a lock on it now!

[DocHH]

Sorry everyone, I meant squares, not aquares, mea culpa!

[devadolly]

Trust me DocHH, no lock is unpickable and Mini would NOT like her pool drained, I will not be dictated to in this way (the eco-warriors mentioned in a previous post are finding this out to their cost, petards and hoisting are coming swiftly to mind) - beware!

[DocHH]

OK, I'm gone, probably never to be seen again. Adios.

[ringer]

Bye DocHH - enjoy
And whilst he's gone shall we smuggle some more comforts into DC? Perhaps a CD player with soothing music - any suggestions?

[novalis]

Hi everybody!

I've just logged out of my spyware ( sorry software ) while I'm waiting for one of my team to finish some Sample marking.

Seems that practicallly everybody has got through this EV so I suggest that all goodies from the DC be moved to the CCC so that we can all enjoy.

Physicsgirl -- We're told that AQA HQ in Harrogate has limited car-parking. Can you please suggest anywhere in the vicinity for when I have to go there on 6th July?

[devadolly]

DocHH - just stop that sulking at once, you are more than welcome (we would love you to join us) in DC but you will have to keep very quiet about having finished the EV in 24 and a half seconds and stop giving us lesser mortals an inferiority complex! Just pretend you are a normal mortal and we will feed you peeled grapes in thanks for 'innocent' hints!
ringer - good idea, shall I bring a wireless for the afternoon play? Have also got a 'left-over' cake from the big wedding cake bake, I'll just give it another feed before I bring it.
There is no point in anybody trying to emulate the DC, we just have it so well fitted out a CCC will never catch up.
Am keeping a low profile today as the last couple of days were so beautiful that Himself was planning to start mowing for big bales (despite the weather reports I have kept bombarding him with) and - whoops, it's pouring down. Think I'll put some chops in for his lunch before I go to my meeting!
No still haven't got it, but as I have not had more than 3 minutes at a time on it..............EV over the shoulder.

[devadolly]

Well, just in case anybody looks.................it was just on the way over the shoulder when finally jumped out and hit me so I did finish it after all! Off back into DC to caryy on with the bidice ripper - Mary Wesley so understated and elegant a writer.

[novalis]

Hi Devadolly!
I've looked and will join you in DC. Can't do anything more at the moment until my team start sending me work for checking.

[devadolly]

Tea & cake novalis? I've got some great spicy black china tea.

[novalis]

Hi Devadolly!

That will be fine thanks.
Am still on the wagon and will be until the end of the marking/reporting/administration period.....but I shall make up for it!!!

[DocHH]

You are both in the wrong corner!!!

[novalis]

Hi DocHH!

Maybe ---- but I'm not qualified enough for the CCC ( especially when wineless!. )
I'm just about to print off the Speccie for a bit of brain fodder for this evening while waiting for any of my team to phone me with problems. They are all very experienced so I shouldn't be disturbed.

[DocHH]

Novalis, I have populated the Speccie grid, except for the unchecked letters of the unclued lights. I'm assuming that the title is indication things related to your subject, don't have Brewers so am struggling from here on. Don't think you'll have too much difficulty get to the stage I am currently at!
Your team probably had a good mentor.

[Physicsgirl]

Hectic week - sorry!
Novalis - will check on location of AQA HQ and let you know. Meanwhile, have made good progress on the grid so far ..... should finish at some point .....
Mini loves people splashing about in her pool so go ahead!

[devadolly]

Thanks Physicsgirl & Mini, can I tempt you to tea and cake too. Am just decanting last year's Elderflower & Lemon cordial (like sloe gin, always drink the year's before) so will bring a bottle, very refreshing when let down with a bit of fizz, will do you good novalis. DocHH - you really will have to come to DC............you know you want to.
PS recipe available for E & L cordial, now is the hour as the Es are very short lived.

[DocHH]

Absolutely not, we are not talking CCC, we are talking CC, Completers Corner! You will never wish to leave there! It is the epitome of luxury!! Absolutely no need for anyone to bring offerings, everything is provided at the mere wave of a hand!!
BTW I'll not be posting on sunday, I have to be at a "family party", but I'll look for you on monday, sometime!!

[devadolly]

DocHH your CC stands for Cloud Cuckoo, nothing happens with a wave of the hand! DC must also stand for Directly Centred - the offerings are all part of the fun, you are tempting us with perfection which as a dedicated occupier of DC I just can't cope with (rather like the Seychelles, fabulous but not real)...........................come on in Doc, Mini's pool is great + the new season's lamb is due back on Monday..chops on the Barbie?

[novalis]

Sounds idyllic Devadolly,I'll join you shortly. I think Mini PG's pool needs to be made somewhat larger!!
Doc HH, thank you for your kind words. You were right about the Speccie. I knew three of them and turned round to grab a very handy little book to confirm waht the fourth had to be. If you need any hints for/help with the idioms let me know please.

[copelander]

hello, all. Just checking in to assure you that each of you was toasted with very fine Riojas during the past few days. And yes, sparkling from Saumur is delightful. Sunday Telegraph quite easy to find in Spain, and most of it completed out there, with only author's name and highlighting to be done today. Great.! Speravi, what is a draw in cricket called.... a tie???, a two way win???, or something quite different?