Thanks

[zita-green]

Just finished Spectator 1922 & 1923. Don't think I'll be doing that again. And have completed Azed, also for the first time. I want to thank those who helped me. You are too numerous to mention by name but BIG thanks to all of you.

[kayakamina]

Zita

You are a very welcome addition to our site.

Don't be put off by the two Spectators you've done, as ,with a litle more experience you'll find they will be a lot easier.

If you have managed Azed you should be in good shape for the Spec. (and EV & Listener)

Good luck K

[DocHH]

Hello zita-green,
Why don't you attempt Speccie 1924 and use the help you received on 1922 and 1923 to the best advantage. I am sure I didn't help you, but followed the threads that did. I am a regular Speccie fan, as well as EV, and was pipped at the post every time you posted, so could not cntribute further. The start of you thread here seems to be "If at first I don't succeed, give up!"
We all had to start somewhere! Try again, most people here are helpful. You just need to train the grey matter to think in different directions, a copy of Chambers Dictionary will also help.

[DocHH]

Hello K,
Our paths have crossed in the past,and I agree entirely with your sentiment, as expressed by my previous "typo proliferated" response to Zita-green's start to the thread.

[zita-green]

Thank you K & doc. Didn't mean to sound like a quitter. I have found that people are most helpful. I don't have Chambers. That's why I was doing the Speccie - to win one. I will persevere. Thanks again

[zita-green]

K, your comments are most kind and welcoming. I did not mean to sound churlish. Doc is right, too.

[DocHH]

Zita,
The hard copy of Chambers only costs about �30.00,at full price and is essential for confirming definitions, particularly with barred crosswords. The chance of winning one is small, you might find discounted Chambers in popular bookshops.
There is an on-line version, but you cannot confirm definitions. For that look at

http://www.chambersharrap.co.uk/chambers/puzzl es/word_wizards/wwizards.py/main

It also does anagrams, but there are other crossword solvers too, for anagrams try,

http://anagram-solver.utsire.com/

or

http://wordsmith.org/anagram/index.html

and

http://www.oneacross.com/

Hopefully I will see you offering advice before long!

[zita-green]

Thank you, doc. I know the chances of winning are miniscule but thought I'd give it a go. Thanks for the links.

[Pentalpha8]

Also Anne Bradfords Crossword Solvers Dictionary is a great help as seen by the last Speccie where all the answers were listed once you got the marginal (seat) !
Don't give up Zita ..we are all happy to help you .

[Rollo]

I hardly ever use the Hard Back copy of Chambers. I prefer to use this:

http://www.chambersharrap.co.uk/chambers/books /dictionaries/tcd_cd.shtml

I know it is an older edition, but it is more than adequate. And searching is easy.

[DocHH]

Hello Zita-green, encore une fois,
Looks like you have to stick with it! You appear to have made a few friends who are willing to help.

[zita-green]

Yes, doc; 'once more with feeling'. It is good to know that like-minded people are out there. I am very grateful but I wonder if you have any idea how long it took me to get those solutions without a good dictionary? I really appreciate all the help that I have been given and your kind words. Sorry if I sound a bit arsy. I do thank you. Kind regards.

[greyfox]

I'd highly recommend you do invest in the latest version of Chambers zita.

Only �22.75 (free p& p) from Amazon:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Chambers-Dictionary/dp /0550102892/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=124 8165384&sr=8-1

And keep perservering!

gf

[zita-green]

Thanks, greyfox.